Photographer
cvltblood
Posts: 7
Chicago, Illinois, US
I need some advice on polite ways to turn down working with a model. I'm really unsure of what to say when I think someone doesn't have potential or a good portfolio or is too old or just won't fit the style I shoot in. I want to polite and respectful with my response but I'm really unsure of what to say. Anyone offer some help?
Photographer
EbbysTouch
Posts: 52
Dallas, Texas, US
I usually just thank them for the inquiry and say I do not have any projects that they are a match for at this time.
As time goes they may improve and could actually be someone you work with down the line, you never know.
Photographer
SayCheeZ!
Posts: 20621
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
cvltblood wrote:
I need some advice on polite ways to turn down working with a model. I'm really unsure of what to say when I think someone doesn't have potential or a good portfolio or is too old or just won't fit the style I shoot in. I want to polite and respectful with my response but I'm really unsure of what to say. Anyone offer some help? There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with.
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for".
Photographer
John Horwitz
Posts: 2920
Raleigh, North Carolina, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
[
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. so, you get a lot of 70 year olds tht want to play 25 year olds ?
Photographer
SayCheeZ!
Posts: 20621
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
John Horwitz wrote:
so, you get a lot of 70 year olds tht want to play 25 year olds ? That's not the question, and even if it was my original message covers it.
Photographer
John Horwitz
Posts: 2920
Raleigh, North Carolina, US
no dear, it was my question - did you not understand it?
Photographer
Top Gun Digital
Posts: 1528
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Just tell them that you don't think they are the right person for this particular project. You don't really need to get specific and tell them that they are too old or whatever. Alternatively, you can do what most people will do and that is simply not reply to them. While this might not seem polite, in the world of the Internet, no response, is considered a response.
Photographer
The Grand Artist
Posts: 468
Fort Worth, Texas, US
How old is too old? Like 22.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with.
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". So that is judging them, not sure why you brought out your soap box but it seems uncalled for.
You don't think everyone involved judges potential or age? From a model looking at a photographer to the other way around, it's part of how this all works.
Photographer
Birds of Stones
Posts: 583
Greenville, South Carolina, US
I always feel bad turning a model down, I try not to sound like a form letter, Normally, I say something about not fitting the target market of the ad. or this shoot calls for something different for her look.
Of course if its a model responding to a casting that is nothing like what I asked for I don't respond at all\.
Photographer
SayCheeZ!
Posts: 20621
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with.
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". AJScalzitti wrote:
So that is judging them, not sure why you brought out your soap box but it seems uncalled for. Huh?
Judge if they fit your needs:
Do they fit my needs for the shoot?
yes - no
If yes, then contact them and set up the shoot.
If no, politely decline their offer as mentioned in my original reply.
There's absolutely no reason to tell the person if they have potential or are too this or that, especially if it doesn't involve working with you.
Photographer
Shot By Adam
Posts: 8094
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
"Thanks for contacting me. I really like your portfolio but your look just isn't what I'm going for on this shoot. Best of luck to you on future shoots and thanks again."
Simple.
/thread
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
Huh?
Judge if they fit your needs:
Do they fit my needs for the shoot?
yes - no
If yes, then contact them and set up the shoot.
If no, politely decline their offer as mentioned in my original reply.
There's absolutely no reason to tell the person if they have potential or are too this or that, especially if it doesn't involve working with you. I didn't say anything about sharing your opinion, just that it's going to happen and this is not the business for anyone if they don't have a thick skin.
Photographer
Iktan
Posts: 879
New York, New York, US
before clicking on message click on their name and see models pics. If she/he does not fit your needs just delete the message so it reads unread and done. Do this after your done. ![https://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/154/912/berneydidnotread.gif?1311814950]()
Photographer
GeorgeMann
Posts: 1148
Orange, California, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
SayCheeZ! wrote:
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with.
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". Huh?
Judge if they fit your needs:
Do they fit my needs for the shoot?
yes - no
If yes, then contact them and set up the shoot.
If no, politely decline their offer as mentioned in my original reply.
There's absolutely no reason to tell the person if they have potential or are too this or that, especially if it doesn't involve working with you. I did not see anywhere that he said he was going to tell them they were too old or did not have potential.
His question is "When he doesn't think they have potential or to old, what should he tell them"?
Obviously he is referring to when they want to work with him and not model in general.
Photographer
Gregory Thelen
Posts: 145
Concord, California, US
cvltblood wrote:
I'm really unsure of what to say when I think someone doesn't have potential or a good portfolio or is too old or just won't fit the style I shoot in. You don't have to tell them what you think. You just have to tell them, in some form, that they don't fit what you are looking for.
You answered your own question.
Model
Gelsen Aripia
Posts: 1407
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tell them that you are interested in working with them at some point, and then never contact them again. This is what I've experienced.
Photographer
The Grand Artist
Posts: 468
Fort Worth, Texas, US
Orestes wrote:
before clicking on message click on their name and see models pics. If she/he does not fit your needs just delete the message so it reads unread and done. Do this after your done.
![https://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/154/912/berneydidnotread.gif?1311814950]() Remember we are suppose to respond to every single message we receive. It is the professional thing to do after all. [was told this in a similar thread]
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
...if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". This and the other replies that give examples similarly are all perfect.
You asked how to be polite and to be polite all you need to do is keep it honest to the project and not about judging the model. Yes, even if she is 70 there is no need to judge her or say anything other than the simple truth is she does not fit this project.
If you are concerned that you are going to snap and unleash some unkindness like, "I wouldn't shoot you if you were the last model on earth and paying me," then you'd probably be better just not replying. 
Jen
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
The Grand Artist wrote:
Remember we are suppose to respond to every single message we receive. It is the professional thing to do after all. [was told this in a similar thread] While it would be nice, sometimes it isn't realistic or desirable. I've gotten into some unpleasant streams of replying back to reply back to defend why I would not be available or interested to model for someone. [when I first joined, not so much now.] Not everyone who messages has the same intent in messaging.
Jen
Photographer
Brooklyn Bridge Images
Posts: 13200
Brooklyn, New York, US
Why bother with drama telling them why they dont fit the bill ?
"The position has been filled thanks for your time"
Model
Alabaster Crowley
Posts: 8283
Tucson, Arizona, US
"Thanks for your interest but I don't think you're right for this project."
Just be simple. If she's dramatic, she'll take offense no matter how you say it. If she's rational, she'll understand.
Model
Alabaster Crowley
Posts: 8283
Tucson, Arizona, US
Brooklyn Bridge Images wrote:
Why bother with drama telling them why they dont fit the bill ?
"The position has been filled thanks for your time" Because some people don't like to lie.
Model
Morgan_Rose
Posts: 407
Brooklyn, New York, US
Orestes wrote:
before clicking on message click on their name and see models pics. If she/he does not fit your needs just delete the message so it reads unread and done. Do this after your done.
![https://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/154/912/berneydidnotread.gif?1311814950]() 
Photographer
mophotoart
Posts: 2118
Wichita, Kansas, US
tell them your rates, expectations..what you expect from them when they show up for the shoot.....simple....Mo
Photographer
eybdoog
Posts: 2647
New York, New York, US
Easy, it is the same as models who do not want to work with photographers. "Hi, Thank you for your interest in shooting with me, at this time I am accepting paid work only. If you are interested in working together, my rates are $$$$$."
Most of the time this is a polite way of saying no. Sometimes, you may get paid work from it if they want to work with you bad enough. Most of the time though you will never hear from them again. Good luck!
Photographer
Lovely Day Media
Posts: 5885
Vineland, New Jersey, US
I can understand how you might feel (I can't know for sure as I'm not you) because reputation is everything. If the model contacted you, why don't you want to shoot with them? If it's because you feel they won't add to or will take away from your portfolio, you can tell them that you'll shoot with them for $X. That will usually send them away with the quickness.
If it's some other issue, you can tell them you are busy with other projects and won't have the time to shoot with them for at least X amount of time.
I personally think the best thing to do is just be honest and upfront. You don't have to (and probably don't want to) be mean about it, but you don't think their look will add to your portfolio as you shoot in a style that probably won't flatter them. If you want to turn it around, you could even say that shooting with you would be a disservice to their portfolio.
I don't know how long you've been on here, but this gets easier with time. It about killed me to turn a shoot down (I'll shoot with anyone who is breathing and within budget ... gas is expensive). This model just didn't have a look that I felt confident I could flatter. She wanted to shoot on a particular day and time. I told her that I was already shooting that day and had 2 shoots to do (it was true at the time but one of the models flaked on me). It would've been nice to shoot another model in another area but I was already booked for the day.
Photographer
Yani S
Posts: 1101
Los Angeles, California, US
The Grand Artist wrote:
Remember we are suppose to respond to every single message we receive. It is the professional thing to do after all. [was told this in a similar thread] Professional means your getting paid!
Are you saying your getting paid for responding? If so sign me up!!! lol ;p
Model
Elisa 1
Posts: 3344
Monmouth, Wales, United Kingdom
SayCheeZ! wrote:
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with.
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". This.
Photographer
IllustrativeArts
Posts: 60
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
SayCheeZ! wrote:
There's absolutely NO reason that YOU should judge if they have potential or are too old. You only have reason to judge if they fit your needs for a shoot that you're involved with. Wow!! That escalated quickly.
Photographer
Yani S
Posts: 1101
Los Angeles, California, US
well its a business so charged them for your work. or if its someone you can't charge for what ever reason just tell them your extremely busy and don't have the time.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
It's been said already -- I'll summarize:
1) Be terse.
2) Do not give them an unsolicited critique in any form.
3) You don't have to explain yourself.
4) Be clear.
I'm fine with the "I don't have any projects that will match you" type excuses.
Photographer
A K - Fine Art Images
Posts: 336
Charleston, South Carolina, US
cvltblood wrote:
I need some advice on polite ways to turn down working with a model. I'm really unsure of what to say when I think someone doesn't have potential or a good portfolio or is too old or just won't fit the style I shoot in. I want to polite and respectful with my response but I'm really unsure of what to say. Anyone offer some help? "Sorry, not what I am looking for on this project."
or, if true: "Sorry this project has already been booked."
Photographer
J Haggerty
Posts: 1315
Augusta, Georgia, US
"I will not be casting you at this time. Thank you for your inquiry." -if responding to casting call.
"Thank you for your interest but I do not have any projects that fit your look at this time." -if receiving a message to tf or work on something you're not interested in.
Keep it short and civil.
Photographer
RKD Photographic
Posts: 3265
Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
cvltblood wrote:
I need some advice on polite ways to turn down working with a model. I'm really unsure of what to say when I think someone doesn't have potential or a good portfolio or is too old or just won't fit the style I shoot in. I want to polite and respectful with my response but I'm really unsure of what to say. Anyone offer some help? "No thanks, you don't have the look I'm seeking at present for any of my personal projects."
Followed by:
"However, here are my rates for portfolio building shoots..."
Model
FallenEcho
Posts: 1203
Escondido, California, US
SayCheeZ! wrote:
With that said, if they don't fit your needs all that's really need to be said is "thank you for applying, unfortunately I can't use you at this time" with an optional "I'll be happy to keep your info on file and will contact you when I have a project that you'd be great for". +1
If you are turning down models because they answered your casting call I suggest you not mention your rates to them like others have suggested that can be considered bait and switch. If you are rejecting them because they contacted you out of the blue quoting rates would be fine.
Photographer
The Grand Artist
Posts: 468
Fort Worth, Texas, US
Yani S wrote:
Professional means your getting paid!
Are you saying your getting paid for responding? If so sign me up!!! lol ;p That's what I thought professional meant but apparently it means something different on MM.
Anyone else notice there appears to be a different standard for models and photographers when it comes to these things?
Photographer
Brooklyn Bridge Images
Posts: 13200
Brooklyn, New York, US
Alabaster Crowley wrote:
Because some people don't like to lie. ![https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3526/3249460142_4400867cf1_z.jpg]()
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
"thank you for your interest. I will keep you in mind for future projects you might be right for". "thank you for your interest. My schedule currently does not allow for heifers or old bags at the moment, I will get back to you should that ever change, but don't hold your breath." "thank you for your interest. Unfortunately I do not have anything lined up you may be the right candidate for as I am going for a particular look. " 
|
