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What You Look for in a Model
What in an avatar makes you click on a model's portfolio? What aspects of a model's look excites you creatively? I understand this is a subjective and personal opinion. Feel free to share images. I'm genuinely curious what types of faces capture your interest  What do you look for in his/her book overall? Any specific genres? Does versatility in look and/or genre matter? Does the model's credentials and past accomplishments matter to you? Jul 23 14 02:11 am Link IDiivil wrote: Hopefully to identify the photographer and see if that photographers work is consistent in possessing that French Idiom "je ne sais quoi "translated as "a certain something." which to me indicates qualities that are intangible, and hard to put into words yet something distinctive and attractive and I know right off that ... I very much like what I see . Jul 23 14 02:54 am Link IDiivil wrote: I don't pay all that much attention to the avatar. I read the bio to look for indications of attitude, both good and poor, then I look at the portfolio. IDiivil wrote: Within limits, body awareness is more important than look. IDiivil wrote: These depend a lot on experience or lack of it. The longer a model has been on MM, the more weight I put on demonstrated versatility and accomplishments. Jul 23 14 06:39 am Link That's interesting question For me the best attractive model avatars are clean(not too many elements), with beautiful face/body and/or interesting style. Avatars are too small for something else, but this can make me see the full portfolio to get better idea. I'm looking at the pictures, not credits/accomplishments. Jul 23 14 06:55 am Link IDiivil wrote: Absolutely! I look for tearsheets which can be a strong indicator that the talent has industry tenure, understands set etiquette, knows how to collaborate with a full team... Jul 23 14 06:56 am Link I like an Avi where I can see the models eyes. The eyes are the window to the soul. Past work is not a big thing for me, but it does indicate if I need to coach them on every pose or not. I also look at the type of images in the portfolio. If its nothing but bloody graveyard images then I move on. If it has a variety of images then I'll take a much closer look. Jul 23 14 06:57 am Link IDiivil wrote: Eyes, connection with the camera, and how hot she looks of course! Jul 23 14 07:19 am Link Versatility in look and genre definitely matters as to me it indicates that the model probably has a creative personality. I like to work with a model that I can give a basic idea of what I want and then they can put their own spin on it. I frequently come across portfolios where the model has the same facial expression in each image and is basically doing the same pose. When I see this I immediately skip to someone else. Jul 23 14 07:19 am Link A great face is what inspires me most of all. It works some of the time!  Then stats, limits and talents. The bio is last hopefully I don't find something that makes me think you are rude, arrogant or demanding. No TF banners I find disrespectful all day. No one is so great that they can't trade with someone else of equal or better talent. I like free spirited models who can jump in with ideas too so long as it's not expensive, nor does it have to be. Divas - can take a hike!  This works for me!  definitely gets a look and a second look, then a third!  Jul 23 14 07:31 am Link I like your avatar and I clicked on it. Jul 23 14 07:49 am Link Thomas Van Dyke wrote: I have to an extent Marin Photography NYC wrote: Went with your advice Jul 23 14 08:19 am Link preferably the avatar is work-safe. now that i have a day job i definitely appreciate those who respect the work-safe thing. for TF i look for a model that i think i can please and one where hopefully we will get on well together. and one who is able to do the things i want to do with the shoot. when i'm paying traveling models i look for interesting/versatile ones. models that have something special that you won't necessarily find locally. but if they seem mean or harsh or diva'ish then i'll probably pass. likewise if they seem like "my type" and thus would have too much power over me i might pass as well. after all this isn't a dating site. Jul 23 14 08:24 am Link IDiivil wrote: Honestly, if someone asks this question, I would suggestion her to look at your port. Yes, you are the dream of every photographer, just in case you didn't know. Jul 23 14 09:31 am Link IDiivil wrote: While this is likely backwards for most people, even when I’m looking at a model’s portfolio, I’m looking at the photography primarily. Is the light interesting, and in tandem, does the model choose photographers and/or display images that show interesting lighting? Does the posing complement the light? Are the angles graceful/awkward/interesting? Can the model emote in a way that makes me feel or think? The type of face is very far down the list; while I do shoot a lot of portraiture, being pretty alone doesn’t do enough for me. IDiivil wrote: Is there a sense of self in the model’s images? Is there creativity or a new spin, or just a set of standard poses? IDiivil wrote: Credits and images with photographers whose work I admire is nice, and longevity suggests professionalism (yes, a loaded word, I know), but tearsheets and the like are unimportant for my needs. Jul 23 14 09:33 am Link Depends... depends on what I'm looking for depending on what I'm shooting. I look for an attractive face (very subjective) and if I'm doing something involving the entire figure than I look for a proportional figure. More importantly, I eliminate what I don't want. In my case it's over processed (bleached out hair), unnaturally colored hair, tattoo's, or obvious implants. As far as the portfolio goes, I don't give a damn about the words up front if they extoll the history, accomplishments, likes and dislikes of the model. And especially hate it when they tell me their dreams or goals... "I want to cure hunger and obtain world peace." This isn't the Miss America pageant. I just want to see things that pertain me to hiring them. I do look for someone who can pose, change their look, change their expression, can work the camera, who picks good pictures to display, who picks a smart avatar to use. In general someone that shows ability, knows what a good photograph is, and is professional (not to be confused with "is a professional"). Jul 23 14 09:33 am Link For me the number one thing I look for is awareness of body. Do you know where to place your hands? Do you keep your fingers relaxed? Toes pointed? etc. Secondly I look to facial expression. I like to see an instant connection. That old "come hither" look haha. Thirdly I look at your features and what you offer, height, hair, eyes, etc. Sometimes I look for versatility, but it's not always that important, especially if I need to fit you in for a certain role. That's basically it. Jul 23 14 09:34 am Link Something like this https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32163035 I prefer great expressions, a great pose and those eyes. All these three are what I strongly feel make an amazing pic. Jul 23 14 09:40 am Link IDiivil wrote: A beautiful & emotive face is huge. Great body & skin are very important as well. Jul 23 14 10:17 am Link More than anything else, I look for her arrival at the shoot. I just had a model stand me up yesterday (no call, no excuse, nothing) after I'd put in time and money preparing for the shoot. Models, when you do this, you hurt the reputation of all models, not just yourself. And as for yourself, remember that word does get around. Jul 23 14 11:39 am Link BarryH wrote: Of course. Showing up, doing the work, having terms all agreed upon and maintained throughout and after the shoot, etc... all super important Jul 23 14 11:52 am Link I must be in the minority lol. What I look for is usually in the about me section of their profile. I look for red flags, ie drama, demanding, wanting every little detail of the shoot, etc. If I cant work well with you I dont care what your port looks like. Jul 23 14 11:59 am Link It's hard to explain. If an avatar catches my eye I click on it. Jul 23 14 12:04 pm Link Good evening, IDiivil! IDiivil wrote: Drama. When an avatar grabs my attention, I'll click on the portfolio. What aspects of a model's look excites you creatively? I understand this is a subjective and personal opinion. Feel free to share images. I'm genuinely curious what types of faces capture your interest I want to experience the model in the photo. What do you look for in his/her book overall? Any specific genres? Does versatility in look and/or genre matter? I want to see variety. Mostly at the moment I'm interested in fashion and editorial so I'm looking for that, but no matter the genre, I want to see variety within the genre(s). I'm not interested in seeing 20 photos that are a variation on the same theme. I want to know the model has a range of capabilities. Does the model's credentials and past accomplishments matter to you? Yes. Jul 23 14 09:02 pm Link IDiivil wrote: I like eye contact and things that make me look at the photo and go wow, I want to see more. Jul 23 14 09:12 pm Link Pose, facial expression and character. Not in that order, I have to be attracted or notice the pose, also the facial expression has to be very interesting and interesting. Last but not least the character and overall look of the photo is also important because it shows how versatile the model is. Jul 23 14 09:24 pm Link The avatar means very little to me. However, the bio content and ability to communicate well - is the most important thing. I like smart models - and smart models usually communicate well. Examples - I just have to look at the text of the OP - Koryn - or Laura Unbound's profiles and I know that I will be working with a smart and capable model. People with good communication skills understand directions and have ideas of their own to bring to the table. Some of my most well received images, started with a model's idea. If they are graceful and show they have a good body awareness - that is a huge plus. If they have acting experience and ability - that's huge - bravo! And since I shoot nudes - it kind of goes without saying that some of their images need to show that they are comfortable working nude. Size? - race? - age? doesn't mean a damn - Give me a smart model that can express her ideas and mine - and I'm a happy camper. Jul 23 14 09:27 pm Link A model's face is ultimately what inspires me to photograph them or not. An accurate and good headshot is best for me and what will usually get a closer look. Jul 23 14 09:31 pm Link first the face, then the form...and diversity of looks....after that like any photographer, reliability, attention to detail...Mo Jul 23 14 09:40 pm Link IDiivil wrote: As a nude art photographer, I look for composition and how the model portrays herself and the concept in the posing. The Avatar should reflect that. Jul 23 14 09:50 pm Link The model's face is always the first thing I'm drawn to. When I look at a model's portfolio the first thing I look for are images that show a clear image of the model's face with very little makeup so I can get a sense for what she really looks like. Jul 23 14 09:56 pm Link I don't much care about the avatar. I need to see full-length photos. I look at stats before that, and when I browse I put in a height requirement, a minimum. My interest is driven by agency stats. In beauty I am looking for a face that can sell makeup to a woman. I will be doing my beauty book next. I think that is a good question that you ask as you do hire yourself out to photographers. Jul 23 14 10:24 pm Link IDiivil wrote: As I say in my bio "Tall, thin with a unique look and bone structure. The more alien like the better." IDiivil wrote: Sorta because I am here strictly to test. If the model has a long list of published credits, then I might not be the guy that can shoot something she could really use as I'm not working at that level. Also, if I get even the inkling of the mercenary type, I pass immediately. Jul 23 14 11:03 pm Link IDiivil wrote: A good all around photo, could be beauty, could be fashion, glamour, art, etc. Just something eye-catching. Of course, being pretty helps tremendously. IDiivil wrote: Depends on what I'm shooting. Generally I prefer the total package: ie. great body and gorgeous face with healthy hair and clean skin. For beauty the body part is more lax, but the skin/hair/face is more strict, for nudes body and face are equally important, for fashion a quirky "different" look might be best. All depends... IDiivil wrote: A model's book can help me see what they've done but it's hardly necessary, and I'd say 9x out of 10 that it's irrelevant. I'm more concerned with a model's look, so if all they have is polaroids I'm more than pleased. What you've done with "photographer x" has no bearing on my decision to work with you. IDiivil wrote: At this level...not at all. Pretty much every model in LA has done the cover of Vogue or the likes, or shot for Guess!, or walked in Milan...only noobs are impressed by that. I wager that I'd have to shoot someone like Cara Delevigne or Gisele before it'll really matter to anyone that I'd like to impress. Jul 23 14 11:20 pm Link IDiivil wrote: When I'm in curious mode, I'll view for view sake, which can throw up all manner of beast n beauts. Jul 24 14 02:58 am Link With me it all boils down to questioning, bewilderment, wondering, enchanting, triggering new worlds, visions..anything new.. and sometimes just purity, purity of a face, touching my soul.. I see so many images passing by and i have seen most of it before...so metaphorically speaking, i want to see new visual "words" and "sentences" My task as a professional photographer is to create something substantial different (although roughly 99.99& has been done before)..to give people something new..or even a re-discovery best avatars trigger something that invites you in.....most people think it's something you are, but here on MM, it's an invitation "come here and look" it's not about the beauty, it's about what possibilities do you offer and how inspirational.... that's what i'm looking for...a muze Does the model's credentials and past accomplishments matter to you? no, images should do the talking...doesn't need to be the best, i can see through the qualities of the images, to see how strong involvement was regarding talent... Jul 24 14 03:34 am Link I look for references that the model is reliable and shows up on time. Jul 24 14 04:01 am Link Other than my own opinion of beauty, which is different for each person, It's unfortunately looking for red flags to see if it's worth my time that I look for most when selecting models to work with. I work with most models while I am traveling so I don't have time to waste on anyone who is not going to show. I try to get a feeling on their commitment early on through messages, texts, email etc. Secondly, I also look to see how recent their photos are and if they have some kind of credits. No new picture in the last year? Red Flag. No credits to photographers? Red Flag. Third, I want drama but only in the photos. I read profiles carefully and look for red flags that would indicate they are going to act like a diva. Usually though I get a better sense of this through the messages, email and texts with the model. Forth, the NO TF tags are dumb. Doesn't mean we won't shoot but if your a new model with little to no experience.... Sorry it's probably not going to happen. Adam [email protected] Jul 25 14 09:48 am Link IDiivil wrote: Readable emoting. Adventurism. A complete lack of skin grafitti and dermally-anchored body armor. At least somewhat physically fit. Hair color which looks to be a natural color and an elegant style. Jul 25 14 10:03 am Link First, I am a hobbyist and as such my recruitment process is different from a photographer working for a client or in pursuit of another comercial endeavour. Having said that, here are my impressions: IDiivil wrote: A clean, clear picture that I can figure out in thumbnail mode. A good headshot or any picture that showcases the model's strongest asset or skill. IDiivil wrote: I always am attracted towards models with special talents or skills, acting, dancing, fitness, that sort of thing. I like deviant body types and parts. If the model has a "normal" body shape then it has to be athletic to catch my interest. I also look for a certain attitude and personality that distinguishes the model from others of similar look. A sense of a natural honesty and elegance is a big plus for me. IDiivil wrote: Versatility is not important for me. If the model has a look I want to photograph then it will not matter if she has work within one genre only. Pictures of the same genre I do will show me that the model is willing to do that kind of work and she already has experience doing it. IDiivil wrote: They matter to me only if the model pretends to be paid with money. If she wants that then she needs to have a portfolio and list of publications that justify whatever rate she has. Jul 25 14 11:52 am Link Strong eye connection, good body harmony/composition skill and convincing expression ability. ---- http://www.marciofaustino.com/ Jul 27 14 03:33 am Link |
