How do you hobbyists get your models?

Rob.Marsh

Rob.Marsh

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Hi all,

I have been reacding as mush as I can about lighting and portrait/model/people photography over the last few months, and I have slowly been building up my kit (strobist style lighting - I'm on a budget!) ready to give it a go.

I am at a point know where I really need to get out there and spend hours playing and getting it right, and I am certain that it will take me a long time before I start getting consistant, usable shots from each shoot.

My problem is, my fiance/family/friends are either busy or unwilling to spend time posing for me - which I can understand, I hate having my picture taken!!

It leaves me with a bit of a dead end though, as, whilst I would love to do TFCD shoots through places like model mayhem, I am far from being able to promise a model usable shots. Not only that I don't have a huge amount of confidence when it comes to model direction, simply due to lack or experience/practice.
It simply wouldn't be fair to offer TFCD to anyone at the moment.

I know I will eventually gain confidence, and I am looking at this purely from an amateur perspective. I want to build up my portfolio of shots and follow. Im not looking to go pro, just improve and practice.

So, how did you build to being confident/good enought to use agencies/site to get models for your projects? Were you lucky and have lots of willing friends and family or did you just bite the bullet and jump in offering TFCD?


Sorry for the essay,

Rob
 
Hire them...
Google studios near you and they usually have a 'stable' of models who have signed to them amongst other places...
That way you can play with lights that you couldn't afford to buy and most studios will be able to offer advice on achieving the results you are after - explain that you are a complete noob; they'll sit you down and let you go through the whole shoot beforehand and plan everything in detail...
It takes the worry out of a first-time glam/nude shoot...
 
I force them. Busy or not.

But they are my friends and I live with them.
 
Budget doesn't really allow me tohire at the moment. I'm not too worried about the equipment side of things, I have a strobist set up.
I appreciate that hiring models would mean that the end product wouldn't matter, but its an expensive option that I can't afford right now.

Nude/Glamour isn't something I am considering shooting, certainly not until I am happy with my ability.

I need to be more persuasive with friends and family i guess LOL!!
 
i jumped straight in with TFCD but i know what you mean about being confident the model will get good shots so why not stick with model mayhen, purestorm, net model etc but pay the model, that way you should get a reasonable model who knows how to pose leaving you to consentrate on the camera & lights & she wont be expecting shots for her time. good luck. :thumbs:


AH, just seen that you're skint ( like me ) so ignor the above.

P.S have you got an art college near you, performance art students love to pose.
 
Cheers pal, looks like i need to save to hire models.
 
Sign up to Model Mayhem, there are some models that will be quite happy to co-operate with TFCD and similar.
You can also find stylists and MUA's through MM.

The cost to hire some of the more experienced folk is well worth it, I really recommend giving it all a good go.

:thumbs:
 
How understanding and willing have you found those on TFCD, and even hired are when it comes to amateurs/hobbyists learning the ropes?
 
Rob.Marsh said:
How understanding and willing have you found those on TFCD, and even hired are when it comes to amateurs/hobbyists learning the ropes?
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if you look at their profiles & they have only got camera phone shots they may well be happy to have anything better to put on there profile BUT if they only have camera phone shots, chances are they are new & may be unreliable.

Your best bet could be- go on purestorm - photographers offering TFP/CD & explain your situation, you may well find someone in a similar situation but on the modeling side who is happy to spend the time needed.

pro models should be as understanding as you need them to be ( there getting paid to be ):thumbs:
 
Could always get involved with your local strobist group (there's ones up and down the country) that organise group meets with a number of photographers and tfcd models in a location pretty regularly. Great, low pressure way to get experience and meet new people :)
 
If you are on facebook......advertise what you want to do. friends of friends of friends....you might have more willing people than you want ha ha.
 
Rob.Marsh said:
How understanding and willing have you found those on TFCD, and even hired are when it comes to amateurs/hobbyists learning the ropes?
Click to expand...

I'm still quite fresh to TFCD myself Rob, I've learned from all the shoots so far, no matter the skill levels.

My initial concerns when arranging a shoot are the themes, concept, direction, lighting, location and trying to find a face or 'look' to fit the 'story line', all without being too concerned with the experience level of the model.
Having a stylist and MUA are vital but when finding your feet and getting a feel for directing, you can worry about getting these guys on board later.

As you and your subject/model will be new to 'the set' you'll both have beginners jitters, it's cool to work them out as a duo. Have fun!

I've found that even some of the more in-experienced models can be made more comfortable and much more motivated as you build solid rapport, you need to develop this skill anyway so shooting with someone who can be a little 'stiff' can really help you learn.

It's easy to get side tracked with lights etc, don't stop communicating with your subject, y'hafta direct and influence! :thumbs:

If your concerned about 'wasting' someone's time or if you simply want to build a portfolio before mailing a few MM members, try a local hair and beauty college, these guys always need free portfolio shots frequently and it would be beneficial for both parties if you could co-operate.
 
Thanks peeps, some really useful info you have posted.

It seems to me that its def a case of plan it and bite the bullet. I will probably have to wait until after my wedding/honeymoon before I can concentrate on it properly.

You may be hearing more from me as I Start doing more, Ill need all the help I can get lol!

Thanks again!

Rob
 
Rob,

I am in the same perdicament as you. I am now at the stage where i want to get my hands on and get some practice in but finding willing models is hard.

I have decided to just bite the bullet and do a shoot on a TF* basis and hope that I get at least 1 good shot from it.

Good luck.
 
billandben said:
Rob,

I am in the same perdicament as you. I am now at the stage where i want to get my hands on and get some practice in but finding willing models is hard.

I have decided to just bite the bullet and do a shoot on a TF* basis and hope that I get at least 1 good shot from it.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

bear in mind that if a model is giving her time for images, she will expect more that 1 good image otherwise it isn't a fair trade.
 
Model Mayhem and sites like it are going to be full of models with little or no experience just like yourself. I'm they'll be more than happy to model for inexperienced models as long as you make it clear from the outset that you can't guarantee portolio standard images. Just promise to do your best and I'm sure you'll get on fine.
 
I agree that hiring a studio then asking for Tf models is your best bet from what I read on modelling forums models can be fickle when doing TF shoots and are more likely to show up if you hire a proper studio rather than say having a lighting set up in your spare bedroom..just go on purestorm or netmodel or model mayhem and look for group shoots near you, they are great fun and you can meet other photographers and models.
 
Rob.Marsh said:
Thanks peeps, some really useful info you have posted.

It seems to me that its def a case of plan it and bite the bullet. I will probably have to wait until after my wedding/honeymoon before I can concentrate on it properly.

You may be hearing more from me as I Start doing more, Ill need all the help I can get lol!

Thanks again!

Rob
Click to expand...

Hi Rob,

If it helps, I'd be interested in catching up with you to some strobist stuff and maybe chip in the for the hire of a model. I'm in worthing about 30-40 mins from you. PM me if you're interested. :thumbs:
 
Hi all,

I have been away for the weekend but thanks for your help and info.

I think I will bite the bullet, seems the best way. Watch this sapce, however it won't be until after my wedding and honeymoon so end of sept I would imagine.

Cheers peeps!
 
I'm in the a similar situation...

I have done 2 time for CD shoots with models who I just happened to know anyway, in their own homes, but I wasnt that pleased with the reults.

I am looking for more opportunities to work with models and in studio but like the OP I am on a very tight budget.

I have a few new models willing to model for me, but have never hired a studio before, so am nervous about hiring it and getting results which arent great. Would like a practice session in a studio just to build up my confidence etc.

Anyone know of anyone with a studio who might give me an hour or 2 tuition which doesnt cost the earth?
 
I'm concentrating on the strobist stuff more recently but iv got all the studio gear also (heads, rigging, modifiers, backdrops etc). Not sure where you're based MM but I'd be more than happy to take you through everything if you're this end of the country.
 
Just read this thread. I Live in Sussex and would take you up on your offer. I am just starting out and have done a few shoots at local nurserys but have no equipment ( backdrops,lighting etc). Want to learn more.
 
PM'd. Always happy to help out. Of course it would help if you happened to be a 6 foot tall model that could double up as the subject of the shoot! lol
 
Using three sites already mentioned net-models, model mayhem and tfp models.

I do have a purestorm account also, but the admin won't activate my account for some reason.
 
Lol! Im 5'8 and a bit. Is that good enough?

I prefer to be on the other side of the Lens to be honest :)
 
To be fair to what's been said, yes hiring a studio does go down well, but also the models on those sites do get bored of studios and often like to do outdoor and other location shoots. Everyone uses the same studios (figuratively speaking) so you get the same setting regurgitated.

I did hire a studio for my first shoot, but other models have suggested a beach shoot, a dance shoot etc, something different for them and their portfolio.
 
ianm79 said:
To be fair to what's been said, yes hiring a studio does go down well, but also the models on those sites do get bored of studios and often like to do outdoor and other location shoots. Everyone uses the same studios (figuratively speaking) so you get the same setting regurgitated.

I did hire a studio for my first shoot, but other models have suggested a beach shoot, a dance shoot etc, something different for them and their portfolio.
Click to expand...

Yeah totally agree, I' much prefer the look of a location shoot, hence the strobist approach because it's much less hassle (and expense) than a battery powered studio head setup.
 
I prefer the idea of location shoots too, the whole concept seems far less uniform and casual.

My main problem is the lack of confidence I currently have, but time and practice will solve that I'm sure.

I have started a profile now on purestorm, but didn't realise you have to upload a min of 4 shots to be approved by admin nfirst. I don't have any that tick all the boxes yet so will have to persuade family and friends more first! Lol!
 
judging by thier lack of activating my account rob, i'm guessing the policy is pretty strict on what images they want - which i think is stupid as it uts newbies in a catch 22 situation in not having model shots to upload you can't contact models to do shoots.

the studio i chose wasn't your usual studio like - some shots here http://www.flickr.com/photos/middigit/sets/72157619756421455/ and made for a variation of shots. For the confidence thing, considering i have only met one model and done one shoot is to meet with the model before hand see what they want or explain what you are after then on the shoot work with them letting them do some posing and ideas as well as a little directing.
 
I agree about the catch 22 situation. I'll save the account until I have some more shots for it think.
Ihave just signed up for TFPmodels, which doesn't require you to tick the right critera boxes before your allowed to continue. There seem to be less models but thats not a problem.

I guess from a Models perspective purestorms vetting type procedure is good as I suppose it filters out the time wasters and guy with cam pervy kinda people.

Well, hopefully towards the end of the year, when I have more spare time, you'll see some model shoots from me. I have seen a few from sussex way have commented on this thread so maybe I'll even get round to organising a sussex meet sometime.

Thanks for all your help and comments so far peeps, I really appreciate it! :thumbs:
 
ianm79 said:
...Everyone uses the same studios (figuratively speaking) so you get the same setting regurgitated...
Click to expand...

Only if you're daft enough to leave the lights where they are - a studio is just an empty space - it's up to you to light it to your requirements...
 
Rob.Marsh said:
I agree about the catch 22 situation. I'll save the account until I have some more shots for it think.
Ihave just signed up for TFPmodels, which doesn't require you to tick the right critera boxes before your allowed to continue. There seem to be less models but thats not a problem.

I guess from a Models perspective purestorms vetting type procedure is good as I suppose it filters out the time wasters and guy with cam pervy kinda people.

Well, hopefully towards the end of the year, when I have more spare time, you'll see some model shoots from me. I have seen a few from sussex way have commented on this thread so maybe I'll even get round to organising a sussex meet sometime.

Thanks for all your help and comments so far peeps, I really appreciate it! :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I managed to get an account on purestorm by uploading some band type promo and portrait pictures and after two weeks sent an email to a moderator asking about my account and they okayed it..It seems like a catch22 situation but I think that if the pictures are reasonable and not off a camera phone etc you would be ok.
 
I'm somewhere in the same bracket as you lot too. I don't quite have the money to afford paying for a model. A while back I was thinking that if you had 2 photographers that were willing to pose for each other you would get the best of both worlds, and for free. Unfortunately, I've yet to meet:

a. Another photographer willing to be the other side of the lens :D
b. A photographer who would like a 5'5 male model :thinking: :lol:

But at least if you had 2 willing and able you could practice lighting, setup etc. Once I have the proper gear (probably next year at this stage) I'll definitely be considering something like this.
 
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