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Why aren't I getting any responses for TF shoots?
I'm a new model looking to update my portfolio. I live in Jamaica, NY so I'm really close to Manhattan and I check the casting calls everyday. I reply to about 5-10 castings a day on MM and get no responses. I've also tried looking on Craigslist but a lot of the castings seem creepy/fake. Can someone either help me figure out why I'm getting no responses or direct me to other websites that are similar to MM when it comes to castings? Thank you! Apr 29 13 04:10 pm Link Perhaps post your own casting looking for TF. And contact photographers directly. Since you're very new to modeling, you will get a lot of negative responses, or none at all. You are the right height and a close weight for runway modeling, so maybe pursue that more? Apr 29 13 04:20 pm Link Stacey Omar wrote: My strong suggestion to you is that you post a casting call of your own and see if there are any takers. Unfortunately when you're responding to castings you're just one of many and in NY especially there are numerous other models who are responding and many of them likely have stronger portfolios than you do based on the fact that they've been modelling longer. Apr 29 13 04:20 pm Link Reach out directly to a few photographers who have work you like. That is the best way, IMO. Otherwise, posta casting call yourself. Apr 29 13 04:25 pm Link Yes to all of the above. Also, you may consider posing this question in the Critique question, where people can give you some really good tips about rewriting your profile and so on. Apr 29 13 04:26 pm Link Digitoxin wrote: This. Ask photographers if they currently have any projects they'd like to shoot you for. Check their references, ask models in their portfolio what they are like to work with and whether they'd work with them again. Apr 29 13 04:39 pm Link Approach and pay a local photographer, any one whose work you like, to get you some model style images where you are wearing make up and showing a few poses You will get a better response if you have some portfolio up that better shows what you have to offer Good Luck! Apr 29 13 04:44 pm Link Come to the Bronx, I would work with you. I might need to borrow a wider lens because you are 5'11 and with heels about 6'2 wowzer!  Apr 29 13 04:50 pm Link I'd shoot you if I were a photographer. You know, I'd shoot you even though I'm not if I were anywhere close to you Apr 29 13 04:52 pm Link OP, there are hundreds of castings in NY on Craigslist. If you feel some are suspect ask can you bring a friend. Look at their work but get shooting. Not getting how anyone can really critique what you have when its apparent you've just started. If you do some test shoots and there is no MUA involved go to a store and have them do your face. You usually have to buy something but its helpful. If you don't have a lot of clothes go to some of the thrift stores and find some. I found some cool stuff at one the other day and local designers may also help you out. While doing all this also go to some of the NY agencies. Many have a open call day when new models can just come in. You don't need a professional book. Have a friend take some casual shots of you in front of a plain background or building. OP, a good photographer has offered a shoot. He's in the Bronx. Take advantage. Apr 29 13 04:54 pm Link 
Photographer Posts: 4288 Amundsen-Scott - permanent station of the US, Unclaimed Sector, Antarctica Holy shit, if you ever drive through the middle of Pennsylvania, stop in State College and we'll do a session. You have a fab look; best of luck. As others have said - take the bull by the horns and put up your own CC and contact some shooters. Apr 29 13 04:54 pm Link I would be delighted to help you with some portfolio photos. When someone nice tells me they are having a hard time getting a photo shoot, I put them at the top of the list. Apr 29 13 05:08 pm Link Stan Schutze wrote: Amongst kindred spirits, it's what we should do. Apr 29 13 05:10 pm Link Since you specifically asked... Your port's not doing you justice. It screams Facebook amateur regardless if that's what your intentions were or not. But also take heart, the greater NYC area can be a brutal market even for the most stout-hearted. If people aren't replying to your TF* requests... 1. Try posting a casting here on MM. 2. Do a search for photographers that "do something for you" (however that's defined) & inquire them about their shooting rates & hire them & get "better" pictures (however that's defined) that way. Apr 29 13 05:28 pm Link salvatori. wrote: Haha thanks! I was literally just there a couple of months ago for State Patty's Apr 29 13 05:35 pm Link Send me a PM, I always work with noobs. Hell, I'm still a noob.  Will trade for beer! Apr 29 13 05:38 pm Link If you are not getting response to TFP castings it is because 1 They do not see how you will add to their port. 2 You are living too far away. 3 Your port is off putting in demands 4 you indicate that you are not interested in the type of work requested 5 Better suited models already were selected. In your case 1,4,5 are mostlikely the reason. Look up local photographers whose work reflects what you want to do and approach them that you want to help them with any new ideas they may want to try and specifically the photos that attracted you to their work. When you make the approach about them and not your needs you are more likely to get positive results. Apr 29 13 05:40 pm Link Farenell Photography wrote: I appreciate your honesty and I do agree, all the pictures on my port are on my Facebook as well. Lol. And you're saying I should post a casting call for photographers? Sounds good. Thanks Apr 29 13 05:44 pm Link OP just keep kicking over rocks. Sooner or later a trade shoot will gel. But until that does at least consider higher a photographer for a great head shot. Apr 29 13 05:45 pm Link Expression Unlimited wrote: This! Apr 29 13 05:52 pm Link I like that you have clean, make up free, unfussy head and full length images, that is a good start you also need to show how good your make up/hair skills are, the better skilled you are, the more likely you will get work (hiring MUA/H is a pain in the bum for photographers and is costly for someone who has never done a shoot, and so they will wonder if it is worth it) sadly because you are new, you wont have pro images just yet, so instead of this, fill up your info, do you have skills that you can bring to llamaling? can you dance? do gymnastics? all i can see at the moment is a pretty face, a trim body, your stats, but not much else. the more effort you put in, the more you get out. Good Luck and cant wait to see you get some shoots in. Apr 29 13 05:54 pm Link The Original Sin wrote: But be aware that the critiques in the Critiques Forums can sometimes be unduly harsh and of little use to beginning models, so if you go there, I'd suggest that you make sure that you do so with a thick skin. You might be better served by going to https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=812235 and asking for both a portfolio evaluation and a mentor willing to work with you in developing your portfolio. Apr 29 13 07:39 pm Link Stacey Omar wrote: I'm saying it can't hurt. The worst that can happen is that nobody responds &/or is interested &/or you don't have a look a person can use &/or are willing to take a chance on...which is what's already appears to be happening. Apr 29 13 08:12 pm Link I got it covered folks! Apr 29 13 08:21 pm Link Expression Unlimited wrote: Yes, this. Apr 29 13 08:32 pm Link You should be asking this question in the critique forum, not here. Apr 29 13 09:52 pm Link It can take 6 months to get traction in this game. Slowly and first then suddenly you'll be in the middle of chaos and shoots everywhere wondering what you did different to get that way. Persevere and be patient (in an energetic way) Apr 30 13 04:03 am Link Check out my profile. Im in NYC every 3-5 months. If you are going to be in Va Beach area contact me. Apr 30 13 04:27 am Link Stan Schutze wrote: T is the sweetest thing I've read in a forum all night.. Apr 30 13 04:37 am Link Stacey Omar wrote: Network, network, network. There's also nothing wrong with Facebook either, it's a good source for local groups, you just have to find them. Apr 30 13 07:40 am Link Stacey Omar wrote: I see a reasonable starter port and profile and great potential, and am surprised photographers aren't taking advantage. Apr 30 13 07:44 am Link The Original Sin wrote: Technically correct, but I would consider this a "Newbie Mulligan". Apr 30 13 07:48 am Link Get an avatar that shows your face. Rays Fine Art wrote: Just don't argue. Apr 30 13 08:29 am Link Hi, I think you should take some model style photos, even if it's with your iPhone. Play dress up and makeup and have fun with the poses. Head over to Macy's and try on all the sexy dresses (throw a wig on) and have a friend take pics. Then upload to to your MM page. Create a fan page for your modeling and start to network as well with Facebook photographers and groups. Stay positive. Apr 30 13 08:48 am Link The Original Sin wrote: +1 Apr 30 13 10:43 am Link If you ever find yourself in the Carolinas hit me up. Apr 30 13 06:50 pm Link Like acting go in, apply and forget about it. You can drive yourself crazy wondering why?. However here are some reasons. 1. don't have the look the photographer wants 2. Photographer has cancelled shoot, and has told no-one 3. Applying to wrong casting call. 4. in films, director loves you, but producer has cousin to promote. 5. perfect for shoot, but shoot gets cancelled, postponed, lost in the abyss 6. fate has saved you from making a big mistake 7. I'm sure Dave Letterman can come up with 3 more. Nathine. May 02 13 05:44 pm Link Stacey Omar wrote: I'd shoot ya, but I realize that's not exactly helpful advice. May 05 13 05:16 pm Link Don't just look at Manhattan, try other areas. Try seeing what is out in "smaller" areas around you. Posting your own casting is great also, and probably the best advice to do. May 05 13 09:56 pm Link |
