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Hello I'm a new photographer, how do I get started
Hello dear MM community, I have just joined MM. I'm compleeeetly new to this so I will ask some ignorant questions on how to get started. I want to photograph models in my area, I will charge nothing and I will offer the pictures to the model on CD. Do I just message available models in my area? Should I do a casting call? Is there a model release form I should be using? If yes, where can I get it? Do I need to be incorporated as a company? What are other considerations I should be aware of, like who owns the rights to the photos etc, liabilities etc? Is there a Photograher 101 guide I can read (the FAQ did not seem to have these answers). thank you for any answers and pointers you can provide Aug 31 14 10:01 pm Link Welcome to MM! I don't use any official model release but its a good ideal to have models sign something that spells out how many images they receive and what the photos will be used for. A release may save you headaches later. http://www.alamy.com/contributors/Alamy … e-form.pdf Use the browse feature to look for models and try a general casting call. TF is good but you may find that models respond and show if you offer some money. How much is up to you of course but consider a flat fee starting at $50.00 for three hours or so. Always get a phone number and confirm a few hours before a session if the model is still coming. Flakes can be a problem. I ask for confirmation calls. Others rely on references. Don't take it personally if models stop replying or cancel last minute. Some photographers don't allow escorts. Whatever you decide your policy is state it up front. Many photographers let models do their own make-up and that isn't a bad thing but I would suggest finding a local MUA or have them go to a make-up counter. Good make-up can save you hours of retouching. A good ideal is to go to thrift and vintage stores to buy some dresses and accessories. Many young and new models have few outfits to shoot in. You can always find cool and unusual things and use them with other models. Since you seem to be doing location grab a reflector or two. Before 9:00AM or after 2:00PM are good times to shoot because of the position of the sun. Shoot RAW rather then JPEG. I used to shoot just JPEG but started using RAW. Its more work but tends to be better. Look for models here, Onemodelplace.com, Craigslist and other sites. Check out local fashion shows also. Lots of great models who love to be shot go to them. If I want to start a session at 1:00PM. I tell models come at noon. Models tend to be late. That's not a criticism of every model but is a general truth. Last and something to remember is this site is a fun place filled with nice models but is largely NOT with professionals. Unless you are paying and sometimes even if you are models won't show or will come late or come unprepared to shoot. It is what it is. Aug 31 14 11:03 pm Link Welcome to the Mayhem, best of luck. Aug 31 14 11:16 pm Link Tony Lawrence wrote: I disagree... I shoot a lot of natural light around 11:00 - 3:00 because the position of the sun....... Aug 31 14 11:24 pm Link I second Tony's suggestion to hire a model. Experienced models who know how to pose can make a night-and-day difference, but it will be very difficult for a photographer to get them to agree to shoot on a TF basis unless the photographer can offer something that they don't already have in their port. Aug 31 14 11:30 pm Link Brajesh wrote: with what you have so far, you be lucky to get someone willing to Brajesh wrote: People want to "trade UP" for TFCD trades. Brajesh wrote: Google search for a standard model release form. Brajesh wrote: No. Aug 31 14 11:41 pm Link 1-Do I just message available models in my area? That's one way to do it. 2-Should I do a casting call? It could help. But it might not. 3-Is there a model release form I should be using? YES 4-If yes, where can I get it? a good lawyer 5-Do I need to be incorporated as a company? TALK to a lawyer that handles this type of thing in your area. Around here, if I break something or someone gets hurt under my employ THE Corporation is liable and is what's sued for damages. IF I aint INC. , I am liable and I am sued for damages. This means, they can go after all my nifty stuff, cars, house, cameras, lenses, clothing, first born... 6-What are other considerations I should be aware of, like who owns the rights to the photos etc, liabilities etc? Copyright and business LAWYER is your best friend Remember; PHOTOGRAPHY - IT'S SO EASY A CAVEMAN COULD DO IT! Aug 31 14 11:44 pm Link Tony Lawrence wrote: Hey Tony, you do realize the OP is in SOUTH FLORIDA Aug 31 14 11:47 pm Link If you are planning any beach shoots on government property and you consider yourself a professional photographer, you will likely need to purchase a permit. On the other hand, if you don't consider yourself a professional, and you are doing a beach shoot without a permit, and are approached by law enforcement, best tell them you are doing a class project or you are likely to get some kind of citation. Aug 31 14 11:51 pm Link AaronPawlak wrote: Good point. Where you live is important. I've had models show up at the crack of dawn for TFCD. Not Sep 01 14 12:04 am Link Brajesh wrote: Good ways to network are: Brajesh wrote: Yes, Tutorials & Forms | American Society of Media Photographers Brajesh wrote: If you don't know the answer to this question, then you are going to be an epic fail. Take an introductory business course at a local community college. The few hundred bucks will be money well spent. No, you don't have to incorporate, but you should understand the liability implications of not being incorporated. Brajesh wrote: The Law (in Plain English) for Photographers (Third Edition) Brajesh wrote: Not that I am aware of. Brajesh wrote: Your welcome. Sep 02 14 09:19 am Link Welcome, you'll find volumes of good, useful, practical information here, bottom line is, treat others how you want to be treated; thank you & please will never go out of style. With that said, have fun, happy creating! Sep 02 14 09:37 am Link I would not recommend a casting call. You do not need to be incorporated by you should have liability insurance. I recommend at least 1 mil, runs about $300/yr. I also recommend you go to meetup.com and meet with some other photo bugs in your area. Several times I have done shoots I needed an assistant. I have used other photographers as assistants as well as assisted them when needed. Just keep shooting, as far as meeting the ladies here I suggest you look for the new to Model Mayhem ones, they are usually looking for photos (for free) email them but have a concept in mind. Tell them they are welcome to bring a friend, and you should too. Never shoot alone with a female model. If you promise them their photos in 1 week be sure you send them by then! Be honest, be witty, have fun. In your area there are a boatload of beautiful young ladies, lucky you! Sep 02 14 04:03 pm Link Grateful to everyone for their detailed and informative responses  Sep 02 14 10:14 pm Link |
over GWC's, flakes, escorts, ..., etc. Make positive constructive comments. Whenever you get published, add some new photos, or accomplish anything in general, post an announcement in the 
