Forums > Model Colloquy > Nude shoot payment

Photographer

AJ_In_Atlanta

Posts: 13053

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Alabaster Crowley wrote:

OKAY GOOD TO KNOW!

AWESOME big_smile

Jul 26 14 08:13 pm Link

Photographer

Marcio Faustino

Posts: 2811

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

donald ransburg wrote:
I'VE ALWAYS SEEN BETTER RESULTS WHEN YOU PAY. NUDE OR NOT!

To be honnest, the chances to get better results when paying are higher because it often means the model has much more experience and skills than those who doesn't charge. But it is not a 100% rule.

Some of my best nude or no nude shots since from I started until now a days I got from TFP sessions.


About Op's question. I have paid from ZERO up to 250 for nude models. What I can tell is that it was never worth paying more than 80/h or more than 120 for 2 hours. Unless the model have something really unique that you really want and no other models you have access can provide. It can be a skill or a look. But a part from that, must models who charges 60/h or 80/h don't differ much from most models who charges more, based on my short and small experience.

Jul 27 14 03:44 am Link

Photographer

Hajon Photografix

Posts: 22

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

I hired a someone  for an hour shoot. She spent 45 mins getting ready, and talking. At the end of one hour, her ride showed up and she was ready to go.  I ate this one, as a "teachable moment". Now, I ALWAYS specify the length of "shooting time" I'm hiring for, up front. Hair and makeup are not included. I generally request that you show up camera ready, with minimal touch up needed. I pay a decent rate for "camera time", so don't try to burn me.  All of this is negotiated up front, so there are no surprises. Sometimes when I work with someone that likes to talk, I book the shoot "by the job", and not by the hour. Talk all you want. Everybody is still happy.  Once burned....

Jul 28 14 07:07 pm Link

Model

Agatha D

Posts: 117

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

I think 75 - 100/hr is a good pay standard for nudes. This would not include the model getting ready though. (Shoots like this I would personally show up ready and not want to waste time that could be spent shooting. Also I would not expect any images)

I too love clear offers. It is really nice when someone says, 'here is my budget for you and I ant this and this..'. And negotiation is always acceptable. smile

Jul 28 14 07:42 pm Link

Photographer

Risen Phoenix Photo

Posts: 3779

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

Many times when models want the photographer to make the offer it is because they know the photographer will state an hourly rate that  exceeds the ones they will quote.

Remember that each of these paid models work TF for certain photographers just not you. That never sits well with me. I am not even certain that 80% of the models who charge rates are better than the TF models I work with.

Many of the models on this site say they pose nude with no evidence they do. Those should settle for the $35 to $50 per hour range.  For models that display no ability to pose or just go thru rote poses I offer $25 per hour if not TF.

For models who have amazing bodies great skin, better than average poses I would pay $50 to $75 per hour.

If a traveling model wants to work with me I insist that I am the first photographer that day to shoot them if they want their rate.

If you are the third person to shoot them they are too fatigued to shoot well.

I will never pay over $100 an hour for a model and I will never pay for a half or full day.

Jul 28 14 09:37 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Lohr

Posts: 510

Los Angeles, California, US

James Jackson Fashion wrote:

I am interested in what law you are citing because this is not standard practice in the catalog or fashion industry, particularly with agency models. Typically this only comes into the conversation on lingerie or editorial shoots where the model rate is per hour and really high or the budget is really low, however the pay in those cases is based on time on set. Similarly in the case of actors in film, advertising, and even theatre, even with conrtacts from SAG and AFTRA the pay and working hours are not inclusive of prep (the practical reason being that special effect makeup can take many hours).

Since when?
I have been doing this for years with the biggest agencies in Los Angeles. Most fees are negotiated just like a photographers fee. I do not charge by the hour, but by the assignment. The same with most legit agencies. The fee is usually determined by usage. For example if the picture is  national ad, then one would get a higher fee then a local ad that may run only a month. Hours usually only come into play when there is over time. Usually after 8 or ten hours.
So if I am shooting a Look Book and the Hair and make up are taking to much time, I will have to make them work a bit faster.
Now this is different for a portfolio shoot. This can be by the hour. But one would have to be  a douche bag to say I can keep you as long as I want to and I only will pay you once I pick up a camera.

Jul 28 14 09:57 pm Link

Photographer

Michael Lohr

Posts: 510

Los Angeles, California, US

To answer the OP question. Find a budget that works for you. Since you are the creator you can set the terms. Be fair and outline your expectations.  Give them a window of time from start to finish and how long they can expect to be there. It is good practice to pad the time one hour for any unforeseen circumstances. Then when you get done early you are a hero.
Base your fee on some of the post here. Everything is negotiable. If you have someone your really want and they aren't happy with your total fee then try to meet them half way.
I am never n favor of throwing money away, but at the same time don't be cheap. You get what you pay for. Many Models are trying to make end meet and they will be more inspired if they are being treated fairly.

Jul 28 14 10:06 pm Link

Photographer

Rudyography

Posts: 12

Los Angeles, California, US

Most models should properly be classified as employees, very few will qualify as independent contractors. Since they are employees, they will fall under both federal and state fair labor laws.

The federal law is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), http://www.dol.gov/whd/flsa/

Hours worked ordinarily include all the time during which an employee is required to be on the employer’s premises, on duty, or at a prescribed workplace.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs22.pdf

Aug 06 14 12:44 pm Link

Photographer

La Toppa Cucu

Posts: 103

Anoka, Minnesota, US

Well I got it figured out and we had an awesome shoot

Aug 06 14 01:24 pm Link