Photographer
erics_Toronto_GTA
Posts: 5176
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why?
Photographer
Jeff Fiore
Posts: 9225
Brooklyn, New York, US
I would imagine it's because they want to get paid?? 
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
If they have the look and experience this is OK. If not check out another model.
Photographer
Mark Salo
Posts: 11732
Olney, Maryland, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why? Jeff Fiore wrote:
I would imagine it's because they want to get paid?? For anything more specific, you would have to ask the individuals in question.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why? For the most part...
It's none of your business!!!
Pay them, or pass -- if you are brave, make a counteroffer. But "why" is not your concern.
Photographer
Virtual Studio
Posts: 6725
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Looknsee Photography wrote:
For the most part...
It's none of your business!!!
Pay them, or pass -- if you are brave, make a counteroffer. But "why" is not your concern. No.
Trying to work out some of the underlying drivers of the industry you are in is a healthy and constructive way to spend your time. Speculating about the drivers for both your competition and potential suppliers is entirely relevant and on topic.
Photographer
GER Photography
Posts: 8463
Imperial, California, US
Looknsee Photography wrote:
For the most part...
It's none of your business!!!
Pay them, or pass -- if you are brave, make a counteroffer. But "why" is not your concern. Harsh much!! Play nice or go away.
Model
JadeDRed
Posts: 5620
London, England, United Kingdom
Because I get paid to work.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Maybe they are overbooked. That doesn't mean they may not take an amazing offer, do charity for local causes they support, or have personal projects mind you.
Granted I am speaking about my expiernce with professionals, I am sure there are some who just look at this all a side job to capitalize on while they can.
To be successful as a freelancer or small business person there are a lot of things you do that don't result in direct compensation
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
Looknsee Photography wrote:
For the most part...
It's none of your business!!!
Pay them, or pass -- if you are brave, make a counteroffer. But "why" is not your concern. Virtual Studio wrote:
No.
Trying to work out some of the underlying drivers of the industry you are in is a healthy and constructive way to spend your time. Speculating about the drivers for both your competition and potential suppliers is entirely relevant and on topic. and
AJScalzitti wrote:
Maybe they are overbooked. That doesn't mean they may not take an amazing offer, do charity for local causes they support, or have personal projects mind you.
Granted I am speaking about my expiernce with professionals, I am sure there are some who just look at this all a side job to capitalize on while they can.
To be successful as a freelancer or small business person there are a lot of things you do that don't result in direct compensation And asking the question might even prove helpful to those who read these answers.
It's my observation that a lot of newbies (and not just models, by any means) simply don't have a clue as to what model photography and their place in it are all about. This (i.e. the forums in general) is often a much better place to learn than the harsh realities of an agent's office or discovering when you have a model in front of you that neither she nor you have the slightest notion of how to proceed with negotiations.
It's been my observation that the Paid Only box is selected as often as not because the model doesn't know what else to say. When asked, I personally recommend either "Any" or "Depends on Assignment" and negotiate directly based on the needs and goals of both the model and the photographer. Not only does this assure that they both will get the best deal possible under the specific circumstances, but because the negotiation itself is an important part of the due diligence of any canny businessperson.
All IMHO as always, of course.
Photographer
Hugh Alison
Posts: 2125
Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom
Because some people do it for a living - and they have to eat.
I'd rather pay an amazing model than shoot someone ordinary for free or TF.
Mind you, "paid assignments only" is like "no nudes" - sometimes it really means "...unless you're amazing".
Photographer
Stephen Fletcher
Posts: 7501
Norman, Oklahoma, US
They don't want to show their Bewbs for free?
Photographer
Cherrystone
Posts: 37171
Columbus, Ohio, US
Jeff Fiore wrote:
I would imagine it's because they want to get paid?? You might be on to something here...... 
Photographer
erics_Toronto_GTA
Posts: 5176
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sometimes I'd rather skip a "Paid only" model and pay a "Any" or "Depends on Assignment" model.
Photographer
Don Garrett
Posts: 4984
Escondido, California, US
I imagine that nearly everyone who has joined this site has the idea that it would be a good way to make money. If both the photographer, and the model have this idea, neither gets paid. This is the basis for the shit storm over why do models want to get paid, and why do photographers want to get paid also. It will be a permanent issue here, and neither side will move an inch. It becomes a waste of time to even discuss it at this point.
-Don
Model
Ella Rose Muse
Posts: 170
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Because their time is worth paying for and they realise it?
Photographer
Don Garrett
Posts: 4984
Escondido, California, US
Oops, I meant to hit the "edit" button, NOT the "quote" button.
-Don
Artist/Painter
Art Hermetic
Posts: 302
Leeds, England, United Kingdom
Rays Fine Art wrote:
It's my observation that a lot of newbies (and not just models, by any means) simply don't have a clue as to what model photography and their place in it are all about. Hard to believe? Put I think you are right. I am constantly explaining possible "models" of shoots for models. Many young models just think "money is better than nothing" so put Paid Assignments Only. What they don't realise is they then get little response from people. They come to build portfolios, but put off those who might help.
Off course models, like everyone, want to be paid, but Paid Assignments Only isn't always the best way to success.
Photographer
Fotografica Gregor
Posts: 4126
Alexandria, Virginia, US
because they are in it for the money -
I have no problems with wanting to be paid -
but regardless of how accomplished you are, there are *always* people out there you should want to trade with, who can make a shoot more valuable for you than a typical paid booking.
in my experience many models say "paid only" just to discourage tire kickers but do in fact trade with photographers of their selection -
however if they state paid only I leave them alone - I figure that if they want to work with me they will find me.
I just wish that they would stop cold contacting me looking for paid work especially since it says right at the top of my profile that I generally do not have paying work for models and that if I do I will be doing the choosing....
Photographer
GeorgeMann
Posts: 1148
Orange, California, US
Well, as I see it, most "paid assignments only" are either traveling models or models that live 2-3 hours away from me and all have to get something for their time, gas, motels, and air or car fare.
I see absolutely no reason a model should work TFP unless she/he is doing it with a spectacular photographer.
We often see posts from new or mediocre photographers asking for models to shoot free to help them, the photographer, build his/her portfolio when it would be in that photographers best interest to pay a qualified professional, thus getting useable images that will definitely improve his/her portfolio.
Another reason models say "paid assignments only" is, they already have a gazillion quality images and just do not need any more.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
GeorgeMann wrote:
Another reason models say "paid assignments only" is, they already have a gazillion quality images and just do not need any more. And that is one of the biggest mistakes, sometimes its not about the images or money but the project or people involved. Granted the smart ones realize that and succeed, only to be asked by the others later "how did you do it"
Photographer
WIP
Posts: 15973
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
Ella Rose Muse wrote:
Because their time is worth paying for and they realise it? How about the photographers time ?
Photographer
Red Sky Photography
Posts: 3898
Germantown, Maryland, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Sometimes I'd rather skip a "Paid only" model and pay a "Any" or "Depends on Assignment" model. I'm quite curious as to what would cause you to make that decision.
Photographer
erics_Toronto_GTA
Posts: 5176
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WIP wrote:
How about the photographers time ? And cameras, lenses, cards, flashes, computers, software ....
Photographer
David Shinobi
Posts: 5746
Daytona Beach, Florida, US
Photographer
udor
Posts: 25255
New York, New York, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why? Maybe they have living expenses, pay rent and eat food?
Photographer
GeorgeMann
Posts: 1148
Orange, California, US
Eric SUN wrote:
And cameras, lenses, cards, flashes, computers, software .... So you spent all this money on gear and actually think the model should work free just because you did.
Most of us have a small fortune in gear and would buy it anyway if we never shot another model.
What we spend has no bearing on whether a model should be paid or not.
Model
D A N I
Posts: 4627
Little Rock, Arkansas, US
Eric SUN wrote:
And cameras, lenses, cards, flashes, computers, software .... No one told you to buy all that stuff.
And I know people with most of that stuff who don't even work with models (or humans for that matter).
Photographer
ECG IMAGES
Posts: 33
Fresno, California, US
If I can add my 2 cents, what makes me chuckle is when a model puts "paid assignments only" and under experience, they write "none".
Photographer
The Average Jim
Posts: 170
Palm Springs, California, US
Some people only want to get paid to do what they do.
Some want to get paid for only some of what they do.
Some are in high demand and can choose to only take paid jobs.
Some wish they were in high demand and choose to only take paid jobs.
Some like to pretend they are in high demand but still take TF shoots all the f'n time.
Some think it is a status thing.
Some just want to make art and have fun.
Model
JadeDRed
Posts: 5620
London, England, United Kingdom
The Average Jim wrote:
Some people only want to get paid to do what they do.
Some want to get paid for only some of what they do.
Some are in high demand and can choose to only take paid jobs.
Some wish they were in high demand and choose to only take paid jobs.
Some like to pretend they are in high demand but still take TF shoots all the f'n time.
Some think it is a status thing.
Some just want to make art and have fun. Not mention some people can't afford to pay to work.
Photographer
Orca Bay Images
Posts: 33877
Arcata, California, US
WIP wrote:
How about the photographers time ? Eric SUN wrote:
And cameras, lenses, cards, flashes, computers, software .... If you're pissed about models charging for their time and you're expecting some kind of karmic Care Bear love because you spent money on your gear, just specify Paid Assignments Only on your own profile and everybody'll be happy.
Model
Model MoRina
Posts: 6640
MacMurdo - permanent station of the US, Sector claimed by New Zealand, Antarctica
Because on the 8th day, God said "the photographer owns the copyright."
Model
D A N I
Posts: 4627
Little Rock, Arkansas, US
MoRina wrote:
Because on the 8th day, God said "the photographer owns the copyright." /thread
Model
Elizabeta Rosandic
Posts: 953
Santa Fe, New Mexico, US
Fotografica Gregor wrote:
in my experience many models say "paid only" just to discourage tire kickers but do in fact trade with photographers of their selection. Truth. Picking "depends on assignment" means that you get bombarded day in and day out with TF offers from a lot of random schmucks.
I've found in my time on here that putting "paid assignments only" doesn't stop TF offers, but it makes it so that most of the TF offers are coming from high-end photographers who know that a lot of skilled models would be willing to trade with them already.
I however have "depends on assignment" even though I do about 90% paid work, just because I tend to make friends with a lot of random schmucks  and I'm sometimes willing to work for food.
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why? I think they do it for 3 reasons.
1. they want money
2. they do not want to be pestered to shoot with everyone and anyone
3. they are tired of having to defend why they do not want to shoot with someone
Model
Jen B
Posts: 4474
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Sometimes I'd rather skip a "Paid only" ------PHOTOGRAPHER and pay a "Any" or "Depends on Assignment" -----PHOTOGRAPHER. Red Sky Photography wrote:
I'm quite curious as to what would cause you to make that decision. Because it lets me know we are here for the same reason.
I feel the same way, (granted all my answers are in regards to photographers who say paid only.)
Jen
David Shinobi wrote:
![https://i62.tinypic.com/25qzs60.jpg]()
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
Eric SUN wrote:
Lots of people claimed paid assignments only. Why? Looknsee Photography wrote:
For the most part...
It's none of your business!!!
Pay them, or pass -- if you are brave, make a counteroffer. But "why" is not your concern. Virtual Studio wrote:
No.
Trying to work out some of the underlying drivers of the industry you are in is a healthy and constructive way to spend your time. Speculating about the drivers for both your competition and potential suppliers is entirely relevant and on topic. I disagree. Why an individual posts "Paid Assignments Only" is not a true indication of a "driver of the industry". Rather, what is significant is whether that individual actually gets only (or sufficient) paid assignments. Just because Susie wants to get paid, that doesn't mean that she's getting paid.
I'm betting that there are tons of folks who post "Paid Assignments Only" and who get very few to no job offers. I'm also betting that there are tons of talented individuals who post "Paid Assignments Only" and get all the work they can handle.
Asking "why" someone posts "Paid Assignments Only" is a waste of time. Do you want to work with that individual? Good, hire them. Do you not want to hire them, pass & move on. Middle ground -- make a counteroffer.
To me, hiring a model is little different from hiring a plumber -- respect their professionalism and either meet their price or do without (and keep looking).
No one of us is "the industry", and the industry's hiring inclinations varies greatly from location to location. I say, hire or don't hire -- everything else eventually works itself out.
When I see a photographer questioning why a model would post "Paid Assignments Only", it sounds like to me that that photographer feels that all models should work for trade and that the photographer is offended by the concept of models getting paid. If that is a true "driver" of the "industry", then I (for one) feel ashamed.
Model
Isis22
Posts: 3557
Muncie, Indiana, US
I haven't the foggiest. I really don't care either. I don't worry about it because those kinds of profiles don't interest me. If they don't interest you then do a search that doesn't include those. It's really that simple.
Photographer
Looknsee Photography
Posts: 26342
Portland, Oregon, US
WIP wrote:
How about the photographers time ? Eric SUN wrote:
And cameras, lenses, cards, flashes, computers, software .... Not a fan of this logic. Here's how it looks to me...
So, you are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on the stuff the points at the model, the stuff that lights the model, the stuff that the model wears, the makeup on the model, the stuff to process the images of the model, the stuff the model sits on, and so forth, and you are not willing to spend 0.1% of your expenses (using pre-tax & tax deductible dollars) on the person you are photographing?
See also the previously mentioned argument: the photographer gets the copyright.
So, many of these photographers work hard to find trade models, who are often newbies or not serious or not reliable, and they work hard to avoid paying models. Then they get frustrated when a model flakes.
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and I'm sometimes willing to work for food.