Wraparizona wrote:
As an event photographer I have been un-able to transition into shooting models or any other type of photography as no one will respond to my request... what am I doing wrong?

Some of my pictures:
http://500px.com/wraparizona

You will notice a few non-event photos. Those were just the friends I could convince to let me shoot them.

Thanks for the help.

**EDIT- I'm based out of Scottsdale Arizona BTW

What concepts have you developed that would interest a model?
Are you offering the models paid work or trade?
What exactly do you normally say when contacting a potential model?

Locutus wrote:

What concepts have you developed that would interest a model?
Are you offering the models paid work or trade?
What exactly do you normally say when contacting a potential model?

Thanks for the reply.

Here is my standard message so far:

"Hello,

I love your work and look. I would really like to set-up a time to shoot with you when you have a chance.

I have not done many shoots that require direction and posing. Currently I am a full-time event photographer but I'm looking to expand into additional photography types as the summer is very slow for events here in the desert due to the head, as I'm sure you are aware.

You can see some more of my work here:

500px:
http://500px.com/wraparizona

I hope to hear from you and best of luck to you!

Thanks,"

Alabaster Crowley wrote:
You need to post in the critique section.

I understand that this will help me understand how others view my work, but does this also help with getting models to shoot with me?

Thanks for the input!

KMP wrote:
Get rid of the car shot.. get rid of the event shots... show people... If you really want to shoot with models you will likely have to do what has been suggested to many models who have had the same problem getting the chance to shoot. Pay for the service.   I like your work.  You just need to show people (models) what you can do and you'll find that some will respond...

People are looking for what you can do for them. 

Follow the old saying.. "You get what you show."

If you show cars, and event photos,  you're not going to get models interested..   

Being in a small town probably makes it tougher.

OK, I'm pulling down the car shot right after this message. It makes sense.

I guess I haven't really considered a concept. I like darker edgier shots so I have messaged models with that kind of work. Do you think that is the wrong thing? Maybe they don't want more of the same?

Wraparizona wrote:

OK, I'm pulling down the car shot right after this message. It makes sense.

I guess I haven't really considered a concept. I like darker edgier shots so I have messaged models with that kind of work. Do you think that is the wrong thing? Maybe they don't want more of the same?

Ya know.. they probably do want what you show..but do what you want.  Most people play it safe..shooting the same thing over and over.. and people ask photographers to shoot stuff they've done a million times.... 

Unless they pay you for shooting, shoot the concepts that inspire you.  The work will be better and eventually, you'll find models that relate to your work and want to work with you.

AJScalzitti wrote:
The quickest solution is to hire an experienced model (or several) to build some basic portfolio images for yourself.  As you are not experienced in directing etc its best to start with someone who can show you.

Perhaps consider some higher quality workshops where you can actually learn and shoot, best of both worlds but not free mind you.

Yep!  Hire a few models and shoot what you like.  That's the best way to start. This way you have images that reflect the kind of work you want to produce as opposed to trying to explain it......

Toto Photo wrote:
I suggest these changes:

"Hello,

I love your work and look. I would really like to set-up a time to TF shoot with you. (If you have a concept in mind it would go here)

You can see some more of my work here:

500px:
http://500px.com/wraparizona

I hope to hear from you soon. Please let me know either way.


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Thanks for the input here.

I searched for Arizona Shootout and found this Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaShootOut

Is that what you are talking about?



Thanks,"

Also I suggest you look into joining the next Arizona Shootout.

Lovely Day Media wrote:
Bear in mind that YMMV, but this is how I started:

I was a stone newby (no real experience anywhere ... at least you're an event photographer). I had taken some pictures (of course) and the gatekeepers let me on the site. I still didn't have a real (or real strong) portfolio and didn't know anyone on the site, either.  So ... I looked for local models that weren't "standard".

By this, I mean they were a little on the short side, perhaps a little heavier than some would like, etc etc ... and especially those who had pictures that looked like they had been taken with a disposable camera, cell phone or by someone who had no idea what they were doing (not that I did, but I had a chance with them). After 50 or so PMs, casting calls and other methods, I finally got someone to shoot with me."


She was local and short but a fantastic person, decent model and had a winning smile (in my opinion). Soon after I shot with her, another came along and then another.

A lot of people on here will tell a model to check references before shooting with anyone. As a new person to the site, one has no references on the site, so one either finds someone who doesn't check references for whatever reason or provides some outside MM and hopes the model thinks they're credible. As you build a good reputation, it'll get easier and easier... at least it has for me.

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I'm hoping the same happens to me around the end of the month as I have one person that has agreed to shoot with me.

Thanks