Anton Arlund wrote:
How have you as a model or just a regular person been approached that feels less threatening.

That is how I first started modeling. In 2005, a random guy in a bar approached me and asked if I wanted to participate in his nude photo project. I'd never been photographed before, other than school pictures as a little kid, and have never been any kind of "beauty," so I was totally shocked. He gave me a business card, and had a website, and told me to call him if I decided I wanted to do it. I did. The photos were technically pretty awful, but I had a lot of fun, and he was a very nice person. It was more just about the positive experience than anything else, and pushing myself to do something that I would have not otherwise even thought to consider.

Mostly, it was just in the approach. He was a nice person, came across as sincere, had a business card and a website I could go look at. There was no bullshit, no excessive flattery, the way a man might do if he's handing you a line. It was just, "Hey, you should pose for me. Here's my card. Here's my site..." yada yada yada...

If people feel threatened by you at all, it's a pretty good indicator that they are not a good match for you to shoot with. Just my opinion. People with no balls, and no sense of adventure/daring just aren't going to make very good models.

Anton Arlund wrote:
I feel like I am a victim of idiots with cameras. And I have no self confidence, but I'm working on that.

I'm an observer and often see 10-20 people a day I would love to capture in some way. wether it just be a street portrait of them where I see them or actually set up a session.
I'm so afraid of freaking people out to just approach them.

I feel like I should take a big portfolio book with me and tell them to look, I'm not a GWC (I might be, look at my port and tell me. www.chuckarlund.com)

How have you as a model or just a regular person been approached that feels less threatening.

Sometimes my appearance might get the best of me and I don't realize it rather. I'm tall, crazy hair sometimes, wear guy-liner on occasion. Or should that matter?
Me on Facebook. facebook com/chuckarlund/  follow if you'd like.

I'm being TOTALLY serious about this question. Should I just grow some and stop being afraid to approach people? But what is said. (I have also never asked a girl out) Thank God my wife called me.

Thanks in advance.

Yes take the portfolio if you want to do work with them or at least give them a z card. I think a few snaps there and then can be ok but not if the person is in a hurry. Nothing wrong with asking. However some may feel self conscious so don't make a nuisance of yourself. Respect peoples reactions ...many will decline and then that may have an impact on your,self confidence.

You are certainly an accomplished photographer so I would ask whether you want subjects or models. A beautiful or interesting subject doesn't make them a model; as many find to their cost. Not everyone will be flattered you ask and often if they are beautiful they will think you are either hitting on them or they may think you are going to pay them money.

So generally I'd advise against approaching people in the street. It's a weird thing to do in many peoples eyes. Unless of course you don't mind the knockbacks and awkward moments and the camera shy. I get asked at least once a month sometimes more. It has been the same since I wad 18. Took me until 25 and then it was a photographer I met through working at the RGS so I knew he was kosher. Every other I declined and didn't hang around  as just assumed it was a chat up and in most cases probably was. So that is what you are up against: the gwc who does that and they are legion. Nowadays I give them my card. Unless its an event of course in which case it's my job to be photographed to get in the press.

Mark C Smith wrote:
Bringing a portfolio book to proposition girls on the street with will come off very strangely.

Even if it isn't the case, it should seem like you saw them just by chance, not that you were walking around looking for models off the street. (Yes, scouts do this I know)

If you don't have business cards, get some. Even before I had some I would approach girls I wanted to photograph and ask them to e-mail me if they were interested. Easy to remember e-mail address, but business cards make it so much easier and make you look so much more professional.

Having no self confidence will be a problem so just try to fake it. You're not asking them out, you're saying they are attractive (I assume) and you'd like to photograph them. That's where a business card comes in handy, let your portfolio do the talking. It's a very simple interaction "Excuse me, do you have a second? I'm sorry to bother you but have you ever done any modelling?" And then just take the conversation from there and end it with "I'd love to work with you, take my card and check out my work when you get a chance."

30 seconds tops. Worst they can do is say no or never contact you, luckily business cards are cheap. You never know, they might like your work and just not be interested in shooting. I've booked most of my engagement shoots through models telling their friends about me.

Thats the problem right there: 'attractive'. That blows it every time. Better to say 'you have poise, or have great style or a great look. That suggests objectivity and a belief they may actually make a good model. Most intelligent women know being a model is more than being attractive so will automatically be suspicious. I certainly am. Of course there are the other kind who will likely be plaguing anyone with a camera on a night out to take their photos as they think they should be models.

Anton Arlund wrote:
I feel like I am a victim of idiots with cameras. And I have no self confidence, but I'm working on that.

I'm an observer and often see 10-20 people a day I would love to capture in some way. wether it just be a street portrait of them where I see them or actually set up a session.
I'm so afraid of freaking people out to just approach them.

I feel like I should take a big portfolio book with me and tell them to look, I'm not a GWC (I might be, look at my port and tell me. www.chuckarlund.com)

How have you as a model or just a regular person been approached that feels less threatening.

Sometimes my appearance might get the best of me and I don't realize it rather. I'm tall, crazy hair sometimes, wear guy-liner on occasion. Or should that matter?
Me on Facebook. facebook com/chuckarlund/  follow if you'd like.

I'm being TOTALLY serious about this question. Should I just grow some and stop being afraid to approach people? But what is said. (I have also never asked a girl out) Thank God my wife called me.

Thanks in advance.

First of all, the internet model photography world is the only place anyone ever heard of a "GWC" so don't bother telling them you're not something they've never heard of.

Secondly, it's not that difficult.  Don't make it a formal thing, just say, with a camera in your hand, "could I take your picture?" Some will say no.  Many will say yes.  Take a picture on the spot of those who say yes, then hand them one of the business cards in your pocket (you do have a pocket full of business cards ... yes, you do) and tell them that if they contact you in a week or so you'll give them a print.  Some will not contact you, but many will.  Tell those who do that the shot turned out great and you'd love to get them into the studio for a proper portrait session.  Some will say no, but many will say yes.  When they get to the studio, that's when they see your portfolio.

Anton Arlund wrote:
I feel like I am a victim of idiots with cameras. And I have no self confidence, but I'm working on that.

I'm an observer and often see 10-20 people a day I would love to capture in some way. wether it just be a street portrait of them where I see them or actually set up a session.
I'm so afraid of freaking people out to just approach them.

I feel like I should take a big portfolio book with me and tell them to look, I'm not a GWC (I might be, look at my port and tell me. www.chuckarlund.com)

How have you as a model or just a regular person been approached that feels less threatening.

Sometimes my appearance might get the best of me and I don't realize it rather. I'm tall, crazy hair sometimes, wear guy-liner on occasion. Or should that matter?
Me on Facebook. facebook com/chuckarlund/  follow if you'd like.

I'm being TOTALLY serious about this question. Should I just grow some and stop being afraid to approach people? But what is said. (I have also never asked a girl out) Thank God my wife called me.

Thanks in advance.

1. Get a business card to hand out

2. Refer them to your fb page so they can also see your work, you can remind yourself about them and you can communicate with them via FB instant messenger

3. Add photos to your smart phone, so you can show your work when yo approach them.

The rest is confidence, chemistry and how you approach people.

BTHPhoto wrote:

First of all, the internet model photography world is the only place anyone ever heard of a "GWC" so don't bother telling them you're not something they've never heard of.

Secondly, it's not that difficult.  Don't make it a formal thing, just say, with a camera in your hand, "could I take your picture?" Some will say no.  Many will say yes.  Take a picture on the spot of those who say yes, then hand them one of the business cards in your pocket (you do have a pocket full of business cards ... yes, you do) and tell them that if they contact you in a week or so you'll give them a print.  Some will not contact you, but many will.  Tell those who do that the shot turned out great and you'd love to get them into the studio for a proper portrait session.  Some will say no, but many will say yes.  When they get to the studio, that's when they see your portfolio.

This is advice is good, however, it needs to be tailored to your situation. You're a fashion photographer. "So, excuse me. I'm (say name) the fashion photographer (you can be more modest and declare that you are a fashion photographer). Here is my card. (tell them if they have great style but so sound low key and relaxed). Oh, I forgot to ask your name.  . .

You can roll into a conversation if she is open to it. If you use a small portfolio. "I am doing a project. I'm the fashion photographer (if you want to be more modest "a fashion photographer) and here is my card. I have some photos so you can see if you would like what I have done. (You open to the best image) If she takes the portfolio and looks it, you're fine.

Lot's of good fashion photographers have done this. You might only have to say "Hey."

I'm going to be doing this soon.

Glamour by Glenn wrote:
Anton, I'd suggest having some business cards made with a QR code that directs a smartphone to your website. Just give them a business card and tell them you'd like to hire them to shoot. This isn't the critique forum so I can't say more, but I think you will find some success with this method. It's worked for me before.

Heck, I live just outside Murfreesboro. I'd be glad to show you how it works sometime. I'm told I look like Jerry Garcia on a bad day but somehow I don't freak them out too often.

LOL
Thanks, one reason I want to make small port books from Magcloud

Koryn Locke wrote:

That is how I first started modeling. In 2005, a random guy in a bar approached me and asked if I wanted to participate in his nude photo project. I'd never been photographed before, other than school pictures as a little kid, and have never been any kind of "beauty," so I was totally shocked. He gave me a business card, and had a website, and told me to call him if I decided I wanted to do it. I did. The photos were technically pretty awful, but I had a lot of fun, and he was a very nice person. It was more just about the positive experience than anything else, and pushing myself to do something that I would have not otherwise even thought to consider.

Mostly, it was just in the approach. He was a nice person, came across as sincere, had a business card and a website I could go look at. There was no bullshit, no excessive flattery, the way a man might do if he's handing you a line. It was just, "Hey, you should pose for me. Here's my card. Here's my site..." yada yada yada...

If people feel threatened by you at all, it's a pretty good indicator that they are not a good match for you to shoot with. Just my opinion. People with no balls, and no sense of adventure/daring just aren't going to make very good models.

I should just try that. Actually Most people think Im the nice guy. It's just that initial contact that I suck at

Eliza C  new portfolio wrote:
Should be a z card ideally. This works for models and I'd be more inclined if I could see some quality images. You'd be surprised how many guys who hit on women just because they have a camera. Some of them even have cards printed out. You can usually tell when it's a badly cut one with 'international glamour photogroper' (spelling mistake intentional based on one I was given)
on it. Or  you have actually noticed them following you for fifteen minutes enjoying
shooting pictures of your heels (amazing how many 'photographers' appear from the woodwork when you have 6 inch patent boots on. Or then the initial interest in shooting turns to being asked for a drink. Women get all this so that's what you are up against. So making your pitch sound professional with some legit proof will help.

Great suggestions, thank you all.
I'm googling Z card.

Anton Arlund wrote:
And I have no self confidence, but I'm working on that.

this is the most important thing^^^

Approaching people on the street to make a photo of them is a numbers game, not unlike sales. You'll have to get used to a good amount of rejection.

Take a cue from this fellow. He approaches interesting people all day, every day in NYC and asks if he can make a photo of them and, from what I understand, 2 out of 3 say yes.

Nice, professional looking business cards will help.

Kudos to you for taking constructive action at following your craft.

Best of luck. :-)

Glamour by Glenn wrote:
Anton, I'd suggest having some business cards made with a QR code that directs a smartphone to your website. Just give them a business card and tell them you'd like to hire them to shoot. This isn't the critique forum so I can't say more, but I think you will find some success with this method. It's worked for me before.

Heck, I live just outside Murfreesboro. I'd be glad to show you how it works sometime. I'm told I look like Jerry Garcia on a bad day but somehow I don't freak them out too often.

beat me to it, have a card made up, with your photography samples on it, email addy and phone number, all the legit jazz and try to be somewhat confident, although i realize its a struggle for a lot of people, if you approach people less than sure of yourself, they are going to pick up on your "bad vibes"

Eliza C  new portfolio wrote:
Thats the problem right there: 'attractive'. That blows it every time. Better to say 'you have poise, or have great style or a great look. That suggests objectivity and a belief they may actually make a good model. Most intelligent women know being a model is more than being attractive so will automatically be suspicious. I certainly am. Of course there are the other kind who will likely be plaguing anyone with a camera on a night out to take their photos as they think they should be models.

Good point. I didn't mean it as literally saying to them "you are attractive". More that there is nothing to be nervous about in the interaction. There are much better compliments more conducive to approaching a female to model for you. "Great look" being my personal favorite.

That's where the business card comes in more than handy, almost vital. You simply leave it at "Check out my work and if it interests you, maybe we can work together". You aren't forcing her to commit to anything then and there, so it takes a lot of the pressure off.

And also to add, don't take it personally if you never hear from them. And don't be discouraged. Some will take your card to be polite (and possibly just to end the interaction so they can be on their way) Some will not like what they see on your portfolio. Some will like it so much that they are intimidated by it. Much like MM, you need to take a shotgun approach and fire off invitations/contacts to everybody you are interested in working with.

Anton Arlund wrote:
......Should I just grow some and stop being afraid to approach people? But what is said. .....Thanks in advance.

You can try this Song and Dance routine it may just work ?

On a more serious note ..your work speaks for you

Greg Holt Photography wrote:
Be professional.

"Hi, My name is Greg Holt, I do a lot of portrait photography and I would love to take a portrait of you."

If they are not at all interested, move on. If they are, I usually have a tablet on me, show them my portfolio or have good business cards.

Just talk to them, don't be creepy or pushy. If they are busy don't bug them.

It is amazing what you can accomplish by just talking to people.

^^ +1 and people will read confidence like a book. If you are at ease and confident in your work, they will be too. If not, then practice.

Funny story also, there was a time that I was driving through an Outback Steakhouse drive through to pick up dinner. The girl that came out to deliver my order was exactly what I was casting for on an upcoming project. I simply asked her straight up if she had ever modeled before (she said no, but seemed interested when I told her what I do). I gave her my card, and told her to check out my portfolio and to give me a call or drop me an e-mail if she was interested in shooting. 2 days later she called me. Simple.

The more that you get out there and talk to people of all sorts too, the more comfortable you get talking to people in general. I talk to random people on the street, subway, or wherever I am all the time. It is amazing how fast one can make a valuable contact for a shoot, and I have even made a couple friends along the way by simply talking to people too. good luck

nudeXposed wrote:
and be a gentleman too. if you don't have these qualities you won't get far photographing people.

Terrys no gentleman, he got pretty far
Anne L is not either

BlueMoonPics wrote:
When I was younger I used to literally sweat bullets when trying to talk to a girl.

I had to quickly outgrow that if was to ever date anyone.

People will sense fear and nervousness from you if you approach them that way.  All I can say is to keep it short and sweet.  Have a business card if possible pointing to a nice website.  Think of keeping it purely professional and end the conversation first and walk away.  Have a nice smile on your face too.

I've done this a couple of times on the NY City subways.  One time it turned out that the girl was an actual agency model and she showed me back some interest.

Practice makes perfect and good luck to you.

This.

When women say they like confidence, they're not kidding.  And that's not just with dating, but really with anything.  Acting nervous makes them nervous, simply put.