Model
WaNisha
Posts: 1
Longview, Texas, US
I am looking to gain experience in model and fashion world but i'm having a hard time finding a photographer (with experience) who is willing to help me because I refuse to do sexual, nudity, any exposing type shoots due to my relationship with Christ and my son. Why is this? Any feedback will be nice' thanks
Photographer
ThomasBlanchardFineArt
Posts: 231
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Show what kind of work YOU want to work in. You may need to pay a photographer for a portfolio and not count on TF to get exactly what you want because then you are in control.
Photographer
Ralph Easy
Posts: 6426
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
WaNisha wrote:
I am looking to gain experience in model and fashion world but i'm having a hard time finding a photographer (with experience) who is willing to help me because I refuse to do sexual, nudity, any exposing type shoots due to my relationship with Christ and my son. Why is this? Any feedback will be nice' thanks I'm pretty sure there will be at least one or two photographers with experience in the church you are going to.
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Photographer
Virtual Studio
Posts: 6725
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WaNisha wrote:
I am looking to gain experience in model and fashion world but i'm having a hard time finding a photographer (with experience) who is willing to help me because I refuse to do sexual, nudity, any exposing type shoots due to my relationship with Christ and my son. Why is this? Any feedback will be nice' thanks Throw your religion out there - some people will react well, some will react badly.
The poster suggesting that you try networking through your church actually had a great idea.
ps - you have an implied nude in your portfolio. This sort of shot can look very classy and non sexual if taken professionally. So maybe pull in on the being forthright about what you wont do and look for common ground more?
Photographer
Loki Studio
Posts: 3523
Royal Oak, Michigan, US
The real answer is that short models only find commercial success doing sexier model styles like glamour, lingerie, swimwear, and nudes. You have to be taller-usually 5'8" or higher-to find success in fashion or modeling that is focused on clothing.
Good photographers and other industry people will only invest their talents in trade with people who will likely be successful in the industry. There are simply thousands of other tall and beautiful models who will get paid work over shorter models.
I want to play in the NBA, but at 5'8" I am far too short too.
Photographer
B R U N E S C I
Posts: 25319
Bath, England, United Kingdom
WaNisha wrote:
I refuse to do sexual, nudity, any exposing type shoots due to my relationship with Christ a) Don't mention Christ on MM ever again.
b) State your limits in a non-confrontational way and say what you WILL shoot rather than what you will not.
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com
Photographer
David Kirk
Posts: 4852
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
WaNisha wrote:
I am looking to gain experience in model and fashion world but i'm having a hard time finding a photographer (with experience) who is willing to help me because I refuse to do sexual, nudity, any exposing type shoots due to my relationship with Christ and my son. Why is this? Any feedback will be nice' thanks I am a 5'1" white male with average athletic talent and I can't seem to get a basketball coach to help me out. I can't even get invited to tryouts! What's up with that?
You mention fashion, but you're 5'2". How many fashion models do you know that are anywhere near that height?
Just because somebody chooses to offer a product or service doesn't mean others will buy it (or trade for it). In your case, you wish to offer modeling services for assignments which do not contain nudity and are not sexual in nature. You have very little modeling experience (in your own words).
Be realistic about your expectations. What is the market in Longview (or perhaps Dallas) Texas, for an inexperienced, 25 year old model who is 5'2" and is not interested in doing photos which are nude or sexual in nature?
I have no idea what the market is for this, but I am guessing it isn't very big. I am not saying that you should compromise your values or personal limits, but you do need to be realistic about what opportunity remains for you as a model with them in place.
Photographer
Thomas Van Dyke
Posts: 3233
Washington, District of Columbia, US
WaNisha wrote:
I am looking to gain experience in model and fashion world but i'm having a hard time finding a photographer (with experience) who is willing to help me... Why is this? Any feedback will be nice' thanks WaNisha I understand your frustration albeit the issue may be due primarily to the brutal reality that the fashion industry is pretty much locked into a rather narrow criteria for talent used to showcase product/design etc.
The first question designers I collaborate with ask when I suggest a talent is "How tall is he/she" followed by what is there suit/dress size a.k.a. how much do they weight?
WaNisha it's time for a reality check... It is a rare instance indeed that a fashion designer would collaborate with a talent under 5'8" Yes Kate Moss was 5' 7" however she is better known for her waifish figure, and her pivotal role in size zero fashion... and she was shooting in the nude at age 15... The most common request is for a 5'9" 115lb dress size zero or two... that is oft found on the runways also...
In all honesty I've never had a designer or boutique request that I showcase their product on a nude model so if photographers are requesting this they are unlikely commercial photographers who make their living shooting catalog fashion... I have however had jewelry designers request their product line be showcased via implied nudes... this is indeed common for jewelry narratives...
BC Photo offered excellent guidance by suggesting your "hire" a lens person to develop your book... As the client you will indeed have control over the narrative, albeit you would be well advised to bring in a full team if you are interested in commercial quality... that would be a hair stylist, makeup artist, wardrobe stylist etc.
And while I totally understand and deeply respect your religious convictions to work on a commercial set you simply have to leave those at the door... same with politics etc. The job of capturing fashion narratives is complex and rather demanding... the entire team needs to be focused on the client's mission, there is little room for drama of any form on a production set... hope this makes sense...
And sincerely hope this helps...
All the best on your journey...
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
there are models i would love to work with on trade but they won't work with me. just how it goes. you have to go through the doors that are open. you may have to work with less experienced photographers (we all have to start somewhere and if someone has talent that will often show even at the beginning) or pay an experienced one.
sometimes people have more luck on craig's list or OMP or finding people in-person (i've worked with a lady who sold me my cellphone and am planning a shoot with my hair stylist).
i think for many people mayhem is just a fun hobby, not something that can pay the bills.
Photographer
GM Photography
Posts: 6322
Olympia, Washington, US
I would suggest posting in the critique forum to get some feedback on whether you have what it takes to be a fashion model, or even if you have a look that most photographers would want to trade for. If that's not the case, then realize that when people who aren't "models" want photos done the way they want them, they hire a photographer to bring their vision(s) to life. You need to have something to offer that is valuable to the photographer in terms of your looks and modeling skills if you expect to book trade shoots.
Photographer
Kent Art Photography
Posts: 3588
Ashford, England, United Kingdom
Don't bring your religion to a photoshoot, it will get in the way, I'm afraid.
Photographer
Kool Koncepts
Posts: 965
Saint Louis, Michigan, US
Just looking quickly at your port. Primary reasons why I would not contact you to shoot:
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 112 lbs
Bust: 0"
Waist: 0"
Hips: 0"
Cup: C
Dress: 0
Shoe: 7.5
Hair color: Black
Hair length: Medium
Eye color: Brown
Ethnicity: Black
Skin color: Brown
Shoot nudes: No
Experience: Some Experience
Compensation: Depends on Assignment
Genres: n/a
The bold indicates information I would need before considering you.
Even if your height was not an issue, for fashion. If I had a client providing clothing in specific sizes, I want to know at a glance if you will fit that size.
I understand what you do not want to shoot, but I also need to know what genres you are interested in.
Probably like many photographers, I look quickly for the information I do need before considering reading any further.
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