Just not sure what the going rate is. I don't want to low ball myself and I don't want to sound ridiculously over priced either. Help!

You have the right to charge what ever you want...

You have a pretty good look....
The problem is amateur, if you don't have much experience and do not know how to take direction... Photographer are hesitant to hire with someone with little experience..
The good news is, you look to be photogenic..

Give me a reason why you should get hired.
What do you have to offer when it is given for free here by many models here on MM.
What makes you unique? What can you bring to the table?
These questions are valid and reasons why many models get hired and why some don't.....
Also, are photographers asking for your rates?
Are you demand?

As far as charging, you can charge what ever you want.
I know that does not answer your question..
I guess charge what ever you feel comfortable with...

I would start of modestly and then build up..
Try a 100.00.........Not per hour just a flat 100.00

Just to add something as a casting director, one of the things serious productions are weary about are immature employees.

If you ever do or want to seriously work in the entertainment world, you need to be absolutely mature, serious, patient, detailed, and of course, well educated and trained whenever you are hired (paid) to work for anyone. No flaking, being late, being distracted, chatty on set, etc.

Because one bad employee can railroad an entire day's worth of work and cause everyone else to not get things done or paid.

With that said, even if you lack of experience but are willing to be devoted to any project, then anywhere from $100 to $300 for a half day's worth of work. I do not suggest charging by the hour to anyone when it comes to performing in front of a camera, simply because I never been to a shoot where we ever ended on time.

Well can ask for whatever you like, but as with anything it's really the clients who decide what you are worth - to them.

How much do you need to earn to be worth your time?  I would suggest to see what is offered first, if it's too low you can give your minimums or move on.  It's really that simple and will constantly change with the market.

It depends on your look and experience.

What exactly are you defining as "amateur"?

Do you mean you're just starting out or haven't shot with anyone yet?

Do you mean hobbyist?

Do you mean non-agency?

And are you making it your goal, at some point, to be a full-time professional?

These things make a difference.

OP: You charge the rate that your market will bear. For example, the going rate is going to depend on the style of modeling that you are doing, the location that you are doing it in, and what the market will bear for it. If you are in MA for example, you will often make less than say for example if you are here in NY. However, there is also a greater competition here in NY, so you have to hustle harder to earn a living at your craft.

For starters though, you should decide on what type of modeling that you are interested in. You have to be realistic with your stats as well. For example, no offense, but most likely you will not be doing runway/fashion.

Once you know what you want to do, start to research the area that you want to do it in, and find out what others are getting paid. Then you can set your rates competitively. It is business 101 to the letter.

One other thing to note, most likely you will not make money off of MM unless you are doing nudes. There are way too many people here that are not serious about anything, and way too many male photographers that simply pay to shoot nudes. You do however have a solid look to consider commercial modeling I would say though, or perhaps promo. Again though, it depends on what you want to do, and what the market will withstand.

good luck!

If she works for pay then she is not an "amateur".

Random Thoughts:

Nothing determines rates more than the local supply & demand of similar talent.  Modeling and photography are competitive businesses; you will be forced to charge a rate that is similar to similar models in your area.

Not all models are created equal -- some are a better match for a project than others.  The models who are the best match can charge more than the models who are not good matches.

Not all budgets are created equal.  I might think you are worth $10,000 an hour, but if I have only $20 in my pocket, it really doesn't matter much I think you are worth (and it doesn't matter how much you think you are worth, either).  The budget limits everything.

A modeling business is 10% modeling and 90% business (similarly for a photography business).  One key business skill that we all should have is Negotiation.  Fortunately, there are several good self-help books on the topic. 

It is likely that each opportunity will require its own negotiation.  Projects differ by a lot of factors, like how well the model fits the requirements and what the budget is.


Good luck.

Depends. If there isn't a client and the photographer is talented it might be in your best interest to shoot for free if it's an exciting shoot.

I mean, if your "clients" are photographers with no clients, then it's going to be tough to get paid consistently if you're limiting yourself to this site and you're not doing nudes.

Oh geeze.....search the forums..this has been discussed at least 2k times in the last two years...

If you're amateur how and why charge?

If you want to be professional, it may be worth shooting with a few really good photographers for images to supplement your portfolio.

If you don't think a photographer will add to your book, it's not worth shooting with them except for pay of course.

But you get paid as a model genrally for what you can do, and the references and credits you have behind you. So this isn't just about your look - which is very strong nonetheless.

So learn the craft. Study books old and new fashion magazines and works of art of the human form. Look at the importance of pose and gesture. Study mime and ballet. Look at emoting in an actor's expressions in movies.

These,will all aid you as well as experience you gain working with photographers and indeed other models.


Start charging when you feel confident enough to. In my case this was swiftly because I had a good training with some of the best life models and artists in London over a few months before entering other modelling. So I was ready to start charging after a few months and git the work no problem.

You have to consider whether you want to do it just as a paying hobby or more professionally. If the latter be aware that the best model employers are not photographers. Except when they have third parties. And then you will be up against professional competition for castings . So you have to strike a balance between making it worthy your while, and being much more reasonable than agency models.

So ask yourself questions like if you are happy to do promo modelling , or life modelling for artists, or whether you want to shoot exclusively photography? If the latter, then be aware what other models in your locale charge. Your rate is governed by the market..and if it's only photographers, they tend not to like to pay much. That's fine if you have demand from other model employers so models just work with those who will pay the market rate.

$20 an hour sounds wicked cheep, even in Woostah.

I think $20 an hour is probably a good starting point. However I wouldn't be totally firm on that. If someone can only afford $50 for a 3 hour gig and your rate is $20 chances are you'll probably still consider it. If you want to make a notation about rates in your port I'd say something to the effect of 'my rates are relatively affordable with some flexibility.'

Be willing to negotiate.

I would say negotiable ...  I think 20 bucks is too low though .. I would start a 35/hr and 50/hr for nudes ...

most new girls here , I see asking 100/hr and I think your reasonable wage would stand out ..

Here in Sacramento I pay $100 for a half-day (4-5 hrs.) clothed and $200 half-day art nudes.  I have no shortage of talent.

In my market, TF for clothed; maybe $30-$40 for up to 2 hours nude (total pay, not per hour).