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Approaching models?
Do models like to be directly approached about a tfp shoot or prefer answering casting calls? Jun 04 14 11:47 am Link jamtrash wrote: Try both. I get better responses through casting calls. IMHO. Jun 04 14 11:52 am Link Thanks.... maybe I need to look at the wording of my casting call as I got no response at all. Jun 04 14 11:55 am Link jamtrash wrote: I never use a casting call. I prefer to send a private message to girls I have a interested in shooting. Jun 04 14 12:00 pm Link Most of the shoots that I've ever done through MM have been from direct contact. Write a brief, but thoughtful message to a model explaining what you want to shoot, what it will be used for, time needed, location, etc. Be sure to write it to THAT model, and not just use a generic letter. One of the most difficult things when you're starting is the catch-22 of getting models to shoot with you when you don't have much of a portfolio. There are really only two solutions. Shoot with whoever is willing to shoot with you and make them look awesome, or pay more established models. I did a little of both, but more of the former...(except for the awesome part). Good luck. Jun 04 14 12:10 pm Link W Hughes Studio wrote: Thanks, I will start trying the more direct approach. Jun 04 14 12:27 pm Link Images by MR wrote: I think it may depend on the area. I personally get better results with Browse-Model-(Female and/or Male)-Detailed Listings-Last Activity (3-10 Days)-100 mile radius consistent with your location-"any" on all criteria. Jun 04 14 12:44 pm Link I rarely, almost never, answer a TFP casting call anytime, anywhere. Mainly because they reek of fishing for free meat, and that cheapens all talent (including photographers too). I only accept TFP if it's a really interesting or meaningful project and neither of us are sure if it will work out or not (and we both have time). A TFP for another pretty dress shoot in the park is just a waste of time in my opinion. So often that is approached through a direct message from someone who actually read my profile. Jun 04 14 02:33 pm Link I agree with Sandra about taking the time to review the model's profile. Remember, in a TF situation, both parties are the clients of the other and the more you know about your prospective client, the more likely you are to get the booking. And if you adopt the professional/client mentality, you'll find it easier to orient yourself toward making the satisfaction of you client as important the satisfaction of yourself. If your present portfolio represents only the kind of work you want for your portfolio, you may want to vary your portfolio somewhat to demonstrate to your potential model/clients that you can actually do work that they will think would add to their ports. Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks is very much the name of the game here, especially when it comes to TF. And since you will also be their client, it might be wise to review their portfolios carefully as well and for the same reason. If either of you doesn't foresee a benefit to the relationship then the relationship won't occur. And it certainly doesn't hurt to be proactive. I make a point of perusing the portfolios everyone who has signed on in the past 30 days in any genre in which I'm interested in working and pointing up the similarities of their interests and mine. Nothing too elaborate but still with enough information to (I hope) make them interested in working with me. And if I can't spark any interest the first time, I try to leave them with a pleasant enough experience that they won't object to hearing from me again in six months or a year. Done right, persistence pays. All IMHO as always. Jun 04 14 05:15 pm Link Also - you probably shouldn't think of it as 'approaching' models.  They're here to work, and you're here to work with them; takes one of each. If you're interested in a model send - as others have said - a direct message describing the objectives of your photosession. You'll get yes, or no thank you, or let's discuss it. And don't be afraid of the better, experienced models. Many, if not most of them, are willing to work with beginning photographers (although - fairly enough - they may expect to be paid). The pay, though, is often negotiable and, if you're just getting started, will be worth it for what you can learn from working with a pro. Jun 04 14 05:31 pm Link I have excellent luck by sending email directly to the model through MM KM Jun 04 14 05:36 pm Link You could use a casting call, and you could try to sort the multitudes of responses that don't fit your casting at all no matter how detailed it is. Best to contact directly models that fit the look you are after, be selective, and produce the image you had in mind. Jun 04 14 05:45 pm Link I too have better luck contacting models directly. I have tried casting calls and had some luck but it's better directly for me. Jun 04 14 05:46 pm Link It's a numbers game. For me, the numbers of direct approach have worked better than the numbers of a casting call. "A casting call" was intentional phrasing. I think I've only tried it once, and that didn't encourage me to try again. However, I'm not in an area crowded with models, and my posting might've been too narrow. Jun 04 14 07:47 pm Link I was to say I'm a big stand-offish when approached for TFP shoots out of the blue, since I've had some bad experiences in the past. I prefer to answer casting calls. At the same time, it really depends on what the photographer approached me with. If I like the idea, or their portfolio enough I will respond and be glad to collaborate. However, most of the random TFP I get are for nude or lingerie, and I do not shoot those for free. With that said, it's really dependent on the model, all you can do is present yourself as professional as possible and have unique shooting ideas! Jun 04 14 08:34 pm Link From my position, it's easier to respond to casting calls, because I find it difficult to (find/select and) approach the photographers directly.. On the other hand, I never get picked! So most of the photos in my portfolio are from photographers who have approached me directly. I can also read through the lines in their messages if they are genuinely interested in working with me, which I think is flattering :p. So, if I like their work and get a good vibe from their message and port, Of course I say yes! And also for the casting calls, you have to be lucky that someone who fits the profile you're looking for, is actually browsing the calls and replies! Because there is a chance that none of the replyers seems fit... (does this topic belong in here the newbie-forum?) Jun 04 14 10:04 pm Link jamtrash wrote: I haven't had luck either way. You have about the same chance to get a model on here as asking the clerk at the grocery to model. Jun 06 14 09:32 am Link jamtrash wrote: k e hayhurst images wrote: Maybe you're doing something wrong cause I haven't had any problems getting girls to shoot TF with me on MM. Jun 07 14 12:19 pm Link I suggest perfecting a slide tackle as the best way to approach a model. A textbook gridiron tackle is far too painful without pads, whereas a slide tackle can be controlled to where the model is unlikely to suffer broken ribs. And having bandaids for any scrapes goes a long way to making friends, too. Jun 07 14 12:46 pm Link I know that many will disagree with me, but I am not a big fan of casting calls: ... You rarely get good response from the best people, ... The best people are often busy with "directly approached" opportunities, ... Casting calls are passive, ... Responding to casting calls can be intimidating, ... Responders often do not feel wanted or appreciated, ... Many responses to casting calls are from folks you'd rather not work with, ... etc. I'm pretty articulate & organized -- I get very good responses from the "direct approach" methodology. Jun 07 14 12:58 pm Link |
