Francisco Castro wrote:
The other 67 are examples of NON-NUDE creative, different, funky.

You shouldn't have said that... post this in the critique forum so people can tell you what THEY think about your idea of creative, different, funky images.

But for the record, you might consider not telling other people what to shoot.

Francisco Castro wrote:
I get all these requests from shoots from newbie models, asking for "something different". I look at their port and all they have are senior photo style images, with some glamor gown thrown into the mix.

I suggest a few ideas that are more creative/funky/edgy and they are met with hesitation and trepidation, and a counter idea is proposed that is back to senior photos style.

Models-- if you're not willing or able to explore other styles other than what you would like to have displayed on your grandmother's piano, you're not modeling. It's not a bad thing to have standards, but if you're limiting yourself, then you're the one killing your supposed dream of being a model.

In the end, photographers can only capture what's in front of the lens.

If you aren't getting what you need from the models you are selecting, you are selecting the wrong models.

Francisco Castro wrote:
In the end, photographers can only capture what's in front of the lens.

I have neither the experience nor portfolio to support my participation in this thread. However, there is an odd irony in the OP and in particular the statement above. I am of the opinion that those endowed with a creative mind are able to find ways to distinguish themselves in spite of limitations.

Jakov Markovic wrote:

Exactly.

For starters, all models should look like models, and then comes the personality and the expression. And those are the things that really make the difference.

Anyone who doesn't listen to what they are instructed are never going to be a good model.

Anyone who doesn't know their body will never be a good model.

Anyone who has a distorted body image will never be a good model.

Anyone who is boring and dumb will never be a good model.

Great look, great attitude, great timing never fails.

God, I'm gonna have cramps for a week from all this laughter.

Antediluvian Design wrote:
As a novice hobbyist photographer, often I am so stoked to have someone that wants to work wit me, I am very apprehensive to suggest edgy concepts. I have hundreds of edgy original concepts in my head. I just don't have the huevos to spit them out. And no, they don't have to be nude.

I steer clear of the verbals as much as possible and SHOW people the type of image I am trying to create. With all the confusion between "lingerie", "art" and whatnot, I keep things unequivocal and show people what I am talking about.

One thing that has models ready to jump off a cliff, is if they know there will be an aesthetic, the focus will be on beauty or portraying the person in a positive way and if there is some attached PR value, some reason other than love or money. Also in the industry, consistency is a major deciding factor when bookers are considering throwing models at a photographer, if he or she are consistent in their portfolio and production, they know it's not going to be a waste of time. Consistency is important too in getting models to take a plunge in any direction, people don't want to make extra effort or work if there is no guarantee of result.