Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
I have really had zero luck with MM, as far as Casting Calls, or direct PM's of "Models" for TF, portfolio building shoots. I look at their portfolio here on MM, if I've scouted them, and many have IPhone Portfolio images, or worse. Essentially, all my shoots have been from personal contacts, or FB. Nothing here generates any leads? Maybe it's my area. In my experience, a model will sometimes reply, and then either break communication w/o a trace, or no-show. Is this where the industry is at right now?
Model
Payton Hailey
Posts: 939
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
I have really had zero luck with MM, as far as Casting Calls, or direct PM's of "Models" for TF, portfolio building shoots. I look at their portfolio here on MM, if I've scouted them, and many have IPhone Portfolio images, or worse. Essentially, all my shoots have been from personal contacts, or FB. Nothing here generates any leads? Maybe it's my area. Oh, this is great too: A model will sometimes reply, and then either break communication w/o a trace, or no-show. Is this where the industry is at right now? It could be they don't like your work.
It would be they don't fit/have interest in the casting.
Really, it could be any number of things. But not everyone is experiencing this so either something you are doing is not right for the models you are contacting, or you aren't contacting the right girls.
Model
Payton Hailey
Posts: 939
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
You are shooting, as you said. So it's not as if your work is so terrible no one wants to shoot with you.
I think it's more a matter of contacting the right models, and how you are approaching them.
Photographer
Mantographer
Posts: 174
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Cayleigh Chaos wrote:
It could be they don't like your work.
It would be they don't fit/have interest in the casting.
Really, it could be any number of things. But not everyone is experiencing this so either something you are doing is not right for the models you are contacting, or you aren't contacting the right girls. +1
The only thing you can control is your own behavior. So if you aren't getting the results you want, then change your behavior.
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Well they might not like my work, but I would suspect not (Take a look). Not everyone likes the same things though. Some like rock-n-roll, and some like country, although I do show a lot of diversity. If I've scouted them, through the filters on the search form, I've narrowed them down by genre, location, compensation, etc. and looked at their IPhone portfolio, so the offer should be on target. Maybe, just maybe they cannot tell a great image from an Instagram one?
Photographer
mark frice
Posts: 11
San Luis Obispo, California, US
I have the same problem! We talk, and they say that want to set something up, but that's as far as it goes. I think "is it me" or just they don't care enough to respond. Either way it sucks!
Model
Sarah Lynn Modeling
Posts: 161
Asheville, North Carolina, US
For models, when responding to a casting or a photographer, the profile photo is your first impression.
Just a suggestion--but I would change your profile image. The profile image you have is so-so. Based on your profile photo, I was surprised that when I clicked on your portfolio I saw some stunning, well-done shots. And if the models you're contacting are younger, female models, you may want to change your profile pic to one of your photos that is of a young, female model. Then models would be more likely to think, "Wow, that's a great photo, I want to look like that. I'm going to learn more about this photographer."
Model
Koryn
Posts: 39496
Boston, Massachusetts, US
I quit posting casting calls for trade work, because the vast majority of the people who responded had portfolios so terrible that working with them would have been like donating my time to charity or something. Good only if you have a LOT of free time on your hands, and a gazillion dollars to spend on commuting hours and hours across a variety of states.
Lots of people don't have much success with casting calls. It's not just you.
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
PhantomShots wrote:
Cayleigh Chaos wrote:
The only thing you can control is your own behavior. So if you aren't getting the results you want, then change your behavior. Well that's why I'm asking here, what could I be doing wrong?
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Sarah Lynn Modeling wrote:
For models, when responding to a casting or a photographer, the profile photo is your first impression.
Just a suggestion--but I would change your profile image. The profile image you have is so-so. Based on your profile photo, I was surprised that when I clicked on your portfolio I saw some stunning, well-done shots. And if the models you're contacting are younger, female models, you may want to change your profile pic to one of your photos that is of a young, female model. Then models would be more likely to think, "Wow, that's a great photo, I want to look like that. I'm going to learn more about this photographer." Thanks Sarah, that is an interesting perspective that I had not though of. I always thought people who had their latest portrait as their profile image, as kind of hiding behind the image. I try to be totally transparent, plus they will recognize me from my profile. I try to validate the fact that I am not just another GWC, or creeper.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
Rick Sieminski wrote:
Well that's why I'm asking here, what could I be doing wrong? No one will be able to critique you here, so it might be hard to get the answers you want.
My suggestion is to go one step up. Thinking you can help those with cell phone photos is nice, bit maybe finding those who are doing shoots, even though not amazing ones, is the way to go. If the girls have never done a shoot, it means they've never shown up to a shoot. Maybe they looked the idea of modeling, but freaked out when it came to setting up shoots.
Also, while you are very confident in your work, if people aren't lining up down the street to work with you, maybe they aren't as impressed.
Or maybe your wording is off. You could post a sample casting call and maybe we could help.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
 Moderator Note! Sarah Lynn Modeling wrote:
For models, when responding to a casting or a photographer, the profile photo is your first impression.
Just a suggestion--but I would change your profile image. The profile image you have is so-so. Based on your profile photo, I was surprised that when I clicked on your portfolio I saw some stunning, well-done shots. And if the models you're contacting are younger, female models, you may want to change your profile pic to one of your photos that is of a young, female model. Then models would be more likely to think, "Wow, that's a great photo, I want to look like that. I'm going to learn more about this photographer." Just noting that the comments about the profile photo are technically an unsolicited critique, which is only allowed in the feedback forum.
I will leave it because he appreciated the input, but wanted to let you know for the future as you are still relatively new to the forums. 
Model
Miss Ginger Alt
Posts: 1
STUDIO CITY, California, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
No one will be able to critique you here, so it might be hard to get the answers you want.
My suggestion is to go one step up. Thinking you can help those with cell phone photos is nice, bit maybe finding those who are doing shoots, even though not amazing ones, is the way to go. If the girls have never done a shoot, it means they've never shown up to a shoot. Maybe they looked the idea of modeling, but freaked out when it came to setting up shoots.
Also, while you are very confident in your work, if people aren't lining up down the street to work with you, maybe they aren't as impressed.
Or maybe your wording is off. You could post a sample casting call and maybe we could help. +1
I'd also be more proactive and browse people in your area and contact those directly that you would like to work with.
As has been previously stated; there could be a number of reasons why you're not getting the response you want. The biggest, most likely being they just don't feel the type of photos in your portfolio will benefit them (the style they want & your style don't jive). But it could also be location or wording of your casting, etc.
I've had much more luck when I just look for models I want to work with and contact them instead of waiting for a bunch of people I don't even want to shoot to respond to a casting post.
Model
NothingnesssEver
Posts: 194
New York, New York, US
Koryn wrote:
I quit posting casting calls for trade work, because the vast majority of the people who responded had portfolios so terrible that working with them would have been like donating my time to charity or something. Good only if you have a LOT of free time on your hands, and a gazillion dollars to spend on commuting hours and hours across a variety of states.
Lots of people don't have much success with casting calls. It's not just you. I guess I have been a little more lucky. When I post casting call I have very specific idea and details about how it can be done, so the responds I get is not over whelming but everyone who respond is very strong I have a hard time choosing. Sometimes i ended up shooting with two photographers of the same concept, and the results turn out different. Both awesome, but different! 
Also Roy, don't contact girl with iPhone picture, a model who have done some shoots are more likely to show up than one who only has iPhone pictures in their ports.
K I C K H A M wrote:
My suggestion is to go one step up. Thinking you can help those with cell phone photos is nice, bit maybe finding those who are doing shoots, even though not amazing ones, is the way to go. If the girls have never done a shoot, it means they've never shown up to a shoot. Maybe they looked the idea of modeling, but freaked out when it came to setting up shoots. +1
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
K I C K H A M wrote:
Also, while you are very confident in your work, if people aren't lining up down the street to work with you, maybe they aren't as impressed.
Or maybe your wording is off. You could post a sample casting call and maybe we could help. Sorry, I din't mean to seem overly confident, or cocky. Everyone can use improvement, and I am the 1st to admit, I am far from perfect. I just meant, I think my images are way better than the IPhone images, and I think everyone would agree.
Here is my latest casting:
Sexy Country Girl Portfolio Shoot
We are looking for Daisy Duke, to do a Sexy Southern Country Girl shoot in and around a barn, and beautiful ranch. Hair length, and color is not important, but you must have the body for this type of look. We are not looking for perfection, just be realistic. If you look good in a swimsuit, you'll rock this look. Being able to do your own basic hair and makeup is a big plus. Wardrobe will not be provided, so get creative here, boots, hat, plaid shirt, short shorts, pig tails, etc. This is a TF shoot for some really rockin' images, adding diversity to your portfolio. The shoot should take a couple of hrs, so bring plenty of looks, and we'll get as much as we can in that time frame. So if your Daisy Duke, send me a message, and we'll get the time and date down, and get er done!
Let me know what you think.
Model
D A N I
Posts: 4627
Little Rock, Arkansas, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
Well they might not like my work, but I would suspect not (Take a look). Not everyone likes the same things though. Some like rock-n-roll, and some like country, although I do show a lot of diversity. If I've scouted them, through the filters on the search form, I've narrowed them down by genre, location, compensation, etc. and looked at their IPhone portfolio, so the offer should be on target. Maybe, just maybe they cannot tell a great image from an Instagram one? Wow...or maybe it's the way YOU approach them.
Or it could be that models are so blinded by social media that they cannot see the greatness in your work.
Photographer
Images by MR
Posts: 8908
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Photographer
Archived_Account
Posts: 23
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Your work is very good, especially the boudoir work with Krystal (who appears to be a fantastic model, by the way). I'd love to see a diagram of that lighting setup if you'd humour me. I'm guessing two softboxes on either side, one offset behind, and two strobes in the desklamps? Indulge me OK, so for advice: Immediately coming to mind is to replace your current avatar with your best work: ![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/avatars/2/1/4/6/7/7/9/500ac67bcfcbf_m.jpg]() 1) I don't think it's a good representation of your work; you're so much better than that; and, 2) I mean this in the most helpful of ways, but the image looks very...intense. Google "crazy eyes" (ignore the images of Steve Buscemi) Also, your profile is pretty long-winded. Maybe cut it down a tiny bit... you may be overwhelming some of the models. Especially: retouching, professional policy, mission. I don't know what your approach is like in PMs, but be mindful of the fact that world of an 18-year-old girl that is new to modeling is very different from that of a man in his 40s. Not better, or worse, just totally different. Good luck, and again, please share the lighting info. It's top notch work, and I'd love to work with you next time I'm down in Florida.
Model
Isis22
Posts: 3557
Muncie, Indiana, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
Sorry, I din't mean to seem overly confident, or cocky. Everyone can use improvement, and I am the 1st to admit, I am far from perfect. I just meant, I think my images are way better than the IPhone images, and I think everyone would agree.
Here is my latest casting:
Sexy Country Girl Portfolio Shoot
We are looking for Daisy Duke, to do a Sexy Southern Country Girl shoot in and around a barn, and beautiful ranch. Hair length, and color is not important, but you must have the body for this type of look. We are not looking for perfection, just be realistic. If you look good in a swimsuit, you'll rock this look. Being able to do your own basic hair and makeup is a big plus. Wardrobe will not be provided, so get creative here, boots, hat, plaid shirt, short shorts, pig tails, etc. This is a TF shoot for some really rockin' images, adding diversity to your portfolio. The shoot should take a couple of hrs, so bring plenty of looks, and we'll get as much as we can in that time frame. So if your Daisy Duke, send me a message, and we'll get the time and date down, and get er done!
Let me know what you think. You are asking a lot for a TF shoot. You want her to provide the wardrobe and do her own hair and makeup. A couple of hours for the shoot plus how long it takes to get there. It's totally your concept so unless that is exactly what she is looking for it's not going to be something she wants. You need to be flexible and maybe provide her with something she wants in exchange.
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Ha HA HA, Adam you made me chuckle. "Crazy Eyes" LOL. I'll change it. It could be the lighting. I used 2 parallel strips cam rt, and lt to do that headshot. I assure you though, I don't have crazy eyes. LOL
I don't have a diagram, but here's the info:
3' Gridded octa camera left, lit with an E640, 1 56" x 18" gridded strip box, boomed where needed, camera rt, triggered with Cyber Syncs, shot with a Canon 6D, and a 24-70mm f/2.8L MKII, metered with the Sekonic L-758, softboxes are from FotoDiox.
The lighting on Krystal was different for each setup. More can be seen here:
flickrock.com/RSieminski/date
I have yet to post my last 2 sets, but will in the next few days. Krystal and I rocked that shoot! Magazine quality, for sure. That's what I mean, it can't be the quality of my work. I can light it, shoot it and deliberately get the look I want, or the model wants.
Photographer
Abbitt Photography
Posts: 13564
Washington, Utah, US
I think there can be a number of reasons including:
1. Many who fill out a profile, loose interest in modeling soon after.
2. Many don't read casting calls.
3. Many models, even inexperienced models hope to make money and are not interested in TF.
4. Many who are interested in TF will be very, very selective.
5. Location - Some places simply have fewer active models than others. (In my case, most models must travel 120 miles or more - that can be a tough TF sell)
I get a much better response with castings on Craigslist than I do here. Not sure why, but I do.
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Isis22 wrote:
You are asking a lot for a TF shoot. You want her to provide the wardrobe and do her own hair and makeup. A couple of hours for the shoot plus how long it takes to get there. It's totally your concept so unless that is exactly what she is looking for it's not going to be something she wants. You need to be flexible and maybe provide her with something she wants in exchange. The models I see in this area, with the exception of a few, don't have anything close to the imagery I can give them. She is getting me, about $20K worth of lighting, and photog gear, an amazing location, and images that totally rock. If this were a client shoot, I would charge $200 for the shoot, and $900-$2000 for the sale of the images, but that would include hair and makeup. I have one like this at the end of the month.
Maybe they are not seeing the value in it?
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Abbitt, there's this guy, I assume he's a fellow photographer, that flags all my photography posts on craigs list. So the're all deleted within a day or so.
Photographer
ChadAlan
Posts: 4254
Los Angeles, California, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
Here is my latest casting:
Sexy Country Girl Portfolio Shoot
We are looking for Daisy Duke, to do a Sexy Southern Country Girl shoot in and around a barn, and beautiful ranch. Hair length, and color is not important, but you must have the body for this type of look. We are not looking for perfection, just be realistic. If you look good in a swimsuit, you'll rock this look. Being able to do your own basic hair and makeup is a big plus. Wardrobe will not be provided, so get creative here, boots, hat, plaid shirt, short shorts, pig tails, etc. This is a TF shoot for some really rockin' images, adding diversity to your portfolio. The shoot should take a couple of hrs, so bring plenty of looks, and we'll get as much as we can in that time frame. So if your Daisy Duke, send me a message, and we'll get the time and date down, and get er done!
Let me know what you think. This is not a critique but just a suggestion on formatting and tone. Bulleted items are easier to follow and the tone of your casting can make or break your response. Models won't look at anyone's work if you don't get their interest right off.
-----------------------------------------------
I need some Daisy Dukes!
I'm looking for a model with a great girl-next-door country glam look. I have a great rustic barn location surrounded by a beautiful ranch.
Looking for:
- Fit, curvy girls
- Ages: 18-30
- Down to earth charm
- Brunette, blonde or other
- Small selection of wardrobe (jeans, flannel/plaid shirt, boots) for the cowgirl look thing.
- Weekday or weekend daytime availability
- Makeup and hair skills are a definite plus
- No prominent ink or piercings for this one please
See this link for inspirational images: www.linkto_PinterestBoardofConceptIdeas.com
PM me with contact info to be considered. Thank you!
-----------------------------------------------
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Thanks Chad, that's a great help!
Model
wrongsideofthirty
Posts: 543
Boston, Massachusetts, US
Abbitt Photography wrote:
I get a much better response with castings on Craigslist than I do here. Not sure why, but I do. there you go OP, problem solved
Model
Nicole Nu
Posts: 3981
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
The models I see in this area, with the exception of a few, don't have anything close to the imagery I can give them. She is getting me, about $20K worth of lighting, and photog gear, an amazing location, and images that totally rock. If this were a client shoot, I would charge $200 for the shoot, and $900-$2000 for the sale of the images, but that would include hair and makeup. I have one like this at the end of the month.
Maybe they are not seeing the value in it? Let me really real and honest with you here. RE: I have big expensive equipment. Models DON'T CARE.
I honestly don't give a rat's ass if the camera you're using is $100 or $10,000. That's NOT important. It's what you can actually do with said camera.
You're coming off in this thread as very arrogant. At least that was my first impression.
Like others have said before me: Maybe you think your stuff rocks - other people might not.
Obviously the models who had selfies in their portfolios didn't think that your work was better than their selfies or else they would have responded.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
Well they might not like my work, but I would suspect not (Take a look). Not everyone likes the same things though. Some like rock-n-roll, and some like country, although I do show a lot of diversity. If I've scouted them, through the filters on the search form, I've narrowed them down by genre, location, compensation, etc. and looked at their IPhone portfolio, so the offer should be on target. Maybe, just maybe they cannot tell a great image from an Instagram one? I suspect you are incorrect as you are here saying you are not getting responses, obviously something isn't working. Not everyone judges an image the same way and I have refrained from looking at your work as we can not allowed to offer feedback in this forum.
Perhaps you should post in feedback so people can give you an opinion on your work, profile, and castings.
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Nicole,
That was taken out of context. The poster was asking that I should offer them something in return, since I was asking for a model to come with hair and makeup, and fitting attire. I was trying to assure them that the model was getting what is customary in a TF photoshoot, with the exception that they would be getting images that were made using professional equipment, in an amazing site, which is more than what I can say for the "selfie's that I have seen in many portfolios.
My bad. I really had no intention of coming off arrogant, or cocky. I am a competent photographer, that's all. Not trying to be anything more. So sorry for the impression.
Model
Alabaster Crowley
Posts: 8283
Tucson, Arizona, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
I was trying to assure them that the model was getting what is customary in a TF photoshoot And perhaps that's not enough.
Photographer
Gamecock Photography
Posts: 75
Sumter, South Carolina, US
I didn't read through all the post and maybe it's been said (I'm at work  ) but instead of posting a casting, why don't you e-mail the models directly? I've found that to be better for me.
Photographer
Mark Reeder
Posts: 627
Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
It might work better to contact mm models directly. Personally I just don't have much faith in casting calls.
Photographer
Steve Arebalo
Posts: 2280
Orange, California, US
Rick, I have come to the conclusion that sometimes it is the proverbial "it's their loss." I have worked with celebrities and women who have qualified for "America's Next Top Model." When a model stops contact, I just assume that their plans have changed. Because I travel to sites, I send out a confirmation notice. I inform them that if I do not hear back from them by a specific day and time, I will assume that their plans have changed and cancel the photo shoot. Currently, I have very few cancellations.
Mark Frice, I have never seen an area, like San Luis Obispo, where the models over estimate their photogenic value. I just received a response from a San Luis Obispo model indicating that she only works "Paid Assignments." Her portfolio does not compare to the SoCal models I have worked with TF. I do not think that she even took the time to review my port. I guess it is "supply and demand."
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Apparently this has ruffled someone's feathers, and offended someone, and was this was considered a "Rant". I was just looking for honest opinions. I am sorry, I didn't mean it to come across as a "Rant", and anyone who knows me, or has ever worked with me, knows that I'm always super polite, and a nice guy. I have learned that this is a pretty sensitive area of discussion, and will probably avoid such topics in the future.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
What better way to express non-interest than with a non-response?
Frankly, I'm not a fan of casting calls. I prefer to browse for local models & to check on traveling models, and then I proactively contact those that a) qualify and b) interest me.
... With a casting call, the models feel that the photographer is sitting back in
judgment.
... With proactive casting, the initial contact feels like a pre-approval.
But different strokes...
Photographer
delete me
Posts: 17
Ambriz, Bengo, Angola
Thanks for everyone's input, and advice. Agree, disagree, good, bad, etc. it all helps.
Model
Ana Lancova
Posts: 68
Powder Springs, Georgia, US
I love what you said Looknsee Photography. As a new model i often feel intimidated thinking about attending castings; especially considering i am so short and new to modeling. I love it when people contact me. It means that i do not have to feel as though i have to be better than all the other models there. If they contact me that means that they are interested in my look.
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
Rick Sieminski Photo wrote:
I have really had zero luck with MM, as far as Casting Calls, or direct PM's of "Models" for TF, portfolio building shoots. I look at their portfolio here on MM, if I've scouted them, and many have IPhone Portfolio images, or worse. Essentially, all my shoots have been from personal contacts, or FB. Nothing here generates any leads? Maybe it's my area. In my experience, a model will sometimes reply, and then either break communication w/o a trace, or no-show. Is this where the industry is at right now? I have a couple of observations that probably fall short of critiques, but just to be sure, if you want to hear them, please PM me.
Model
Elizabeta Rosandic
Posts: 953
Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
The critique forum can be a wonderful place to get these sorts of questions answered, OP.
Model
Lanna_
Posts: 831
Seattle, Washington, US
NicoleNudes wrote:
Let me really real and honest with you here. RE: I have big expensive equipment. Models DON'T CARE.
I honestly don't give a rat's ass if the camera you're using is $100 or $10,000. That's NOT important. It's what you can actually do with said camera.
You're coming off in this thread as very arrogant. At least that was my first impression.
Like others have said before me: Maybe you think your stuff rocks - other people might not.
Obviously the models who had selfies in their portfolios didn't think that your work was better than their selfies or else they would have responded. +1 My observation as well. You might be a really humble guy but it's not coming across in print.
As another poster mentioned the casting is kind of asking for a lot. You're looking for several hours with a swimsuit-body model who will do her own MU/H and styling in a specific genre. A girl who really can rock a swimsuit, is open to TF, and is proficient at MU/H is probably going to have a lot of offers coming her way.
You may need to be a bit more proactive in finding the right girl. This may be in the form of increased incentive (providing payment, MU/H or a wardrobe connection) or directly asking models you think are a good fit. You can also try casting a wider net and posting on Craigslist, FB, Twitter if you have it, etc
Or just be patient and see what happens - it may take a while to get a response. Chad also had good suggestions for wording the casting more effectively.
You can also post a "would you respond to my casting?" thread in Critiques and see what happens.
|
Moderator Note!
) but instead of posting a casting, why don't you e-mail the models directly? I've found that to be better for me.
