where to find models?

jovialjester

jovialjester

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Chris
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Hi, I am keen to learn portrait photography but need models to learn with, I've used my girlfriend and my kids but need to practice with people I don't know, how to direct etc, I've read a couple of articles about model agencies being a source of cheap or free inexperienced models, in return for images for their portfolio, is this practical and realistic or a wives tale? Where else could I look?
 
Agree Purestorm is a good place to try...also ask around friends they may have teens who are keen to strut their stuff
 
Model Mayhem - some say the models on there tend to be more reliable?
 
I had a quick look on purestorm, seems more for glamour, but I didn't have a proper look, and I felt it was for photographers with more experience than I have rather than people like me looking to gain experience, but as I said, only had a quick look.
 
jovialjester said:
Reliable?
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As in more likely to actually turn up when booked. More related to those who work TFCD or TFP.
 
jovialjester said:
Ah, I see, thanks.
Is it suitable for newbies like me?
(New to portrait, not new to photography)
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Lots of new hopefuls on there looking to get into modelling. You're best (if you can afford it) to book one who is experienced as you'll not have to keep directing them and be able to spend more time on your technique.
 
Chris are you on Facebook? Could post a message offering free shoots, I am sure you would get plenty of people willing to be your subject or want some images of their kids.

Worth a try.
 
Adam_K said:
Chris are you on Facebook? Could post a message offering free shoots, I am sure you would get plenty of people willing to be your subject or want some images of their kids.

Worth a try.
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Now that's a damn fine idea, thanks :-)
 
I have shot some stuff for my local Toni and Guy hairdressers, they are always keen to get pics of styles etc and supply the willing models, worth giving them a call.
 
Find a model you like. Pay them.

Really this will improve your portfolio and skills faster than a new camera/lens/bit of s/w or practically anything else you can spend your money on.

Better still, pay a MUA and hairstylist too.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Find a model you like. Pay them.

Really this will improve your portfolio and skills faster than a new camera/lens/bit of s/w or practically anything else you can spend your money on.

Better still, pay a MUA and hairstylist too.
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The problem there is that this is a hobby and not a business and I don't have the funds for that. I'm just interested in practicing
 
jovialjester said:
The problem there is that this is a hobby and not a business and I don't have the funds for that. I'm just interested in practicing
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Fair enough. And if you're happy with that I have no argument.

But photographers spend hundreds or thousands on kit, days practising exposure composition and other dull stuff and then weeks on post processing on an expensive computer.

Lots of them think the best way to get pictures of models is approach the first pretty girl they see - and it can work. But a small outlay on somebody who knows what they are doing can give big rewards.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Fair enough. And if you're happy with that I have no argument.

But photographers spend hundreds or thousands on kit, days practising exposure composition and other dull stuff and then weeks on post processing on an expensive computer.

Lots of them think the best way to get pictures of models is approach the first pretty girl they see - and it can work. But a small outlay on somebody who knows what they are doing can give big rewards.
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I appreciate what you are saying, and I will get to that point, I guess I just need to learn to walk before I can run. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm about at a 2, I think I need to get to about 5 before I start paying for models etc, or does that just show a lack of confidence?
 
jovialjester said:
I appreciate what you are saying, and I will get to that point, I guess I just need to learn to walk before I can run. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm about at a 2, I think I need to get to about 5 before I start paying for models etc, or does that just show a lack of confidence?
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I kind of think it's the other way round. If you don't know how to walk then surround yourself with talented people who can help you find your balance.

If neither of you know what you are doing then the chances of it going really well are slim. And if you're not providing decent images then the model isn't getting a great deal.

Some excellent models shoot TF with absolute beginners. But not for very long ;)

Hmmm, if only somebody ran training courses....... :D
 
Adam_K said:
Chris are you on Facebook? Could post a message offering free shoots, I am sure you would get plenty of people willing to be your subject or want some images of their kids.

Worth a try.
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I'll be trying this soon.

Also, try other interest websites. Once I've got the right kit, I'll be going to a few dance music sites offering PR pics for DJs and producers... I know there are loads of them who will want half decent pics for their online profiles but don't want to spend money on it. At the end of the day, I'm inexperienced with it, but there could be some gems that I take that they can use.

I'd imagine the trick would be to ask on any online community that isn't full of other photographers.

:)
 
Gordon D said:
I'll be trying this soon.

Also, try other interest websites. Once I've got the right kit, I'll be going to a few dance music sites offering PR pics for DJs and producers... I know there are loads of them who will want half decent pics for their online profiles but don't want to spend money on it. At the end of the day, I'm inexperienced with it, but there could be some gems that I take that they can use.

I'd imagine the trick would be to ask on any online community that isn't full of other photographers.

:)
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Investing in paying an experienced model will allow you to "focus" on your technique while the model Moves effortlessly from one pose to another. Use their experience in posing while you grow yours.
 
Also, OP, Purestorm and modelmayhem are a bit fussy about who they let join. If you don't have a model portfolio already try http://net-model.com
 
punkuate said:
I have the biggest girl crush on her ever. Jealous of you! :(
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Haha thanks, I'm sure she appreciate this to :)

Jester, what you need to do is find girls just getting in to the model business. They will be asking the same questions on there forums " I want a photo shoot but don't want to pay"

Get in contact and say u will do the shoot TFP ( time for prints ) this is how every model on the forums builds there portfolio at first. Same with photographers. They give there time for your prints. Which is often just your edited pics on a disk and they can choose the ones they want themselves :)
 
AdamsCanon said:
Haha thanks, I'm sure she appreciate this to :)

Jester, what you need to do is find girls just getting in to the model business. They will be asking the same questions on there forums " I want a photo shoot but don't want to pay"

Get in contact and say u will do the shoot TFP ( time for prints ) this is how every model on the forums builds there portfolio at first. Same with photographers. They give there time for your prints. Which is often just your edited pics on a disk and they can choose the ones they want themselves :)
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That's what I'm after, it never occurred to me that they'd have their own forums... doh!!!

Thanks for the tip :)

Found a couple of websites for tfp, plus expanded on ideas people have given me. Should find a couple of volunteers soon :)
 
JonathanRyan said:
Find a model you like. Pay them.

Really this will improve your portfolio and skills faster than a new camera/lens/bit of s/w or practically anything else you can spend your money on.

Better still, pay a MUA and hairstylist too.
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:plusone:
Nobody likes paying when what appears to be the same is available for free - but unless you're a known name with a good portfolio, you're very unlikely to get a model who can actually model unless you pay - the 'models' who do TFP usually either have no experience or only have experience of being photographed by beginner photographers, so anything they've learned is wrong.

And as for providing your services free to free models, will your model actually get any shots that will help her to get paid work? I'm sure that sounds harsh, but my view is that TFP only works when both model and photographer gain from it.
 
Garry Edwards said:
:plusone:
Nobody likes paying when what appears to be the same is available for free - but unless you're a known name with a good portfolio, you're very unlikely to get a model who can actually model unless you pay - the 'models' who do TFP usually either have no experience or only have experience of being photographed by beginner photographers, so anything they've learned is wrong.

And as for providing your services free to free models, will your model actually get any shots that will help her to get paid work? I'm sure that sounds harsh, but my view is that TFP only works when both model and photographer gain from it.
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It's a very good point, but I'm not a pro or looking to be one, this is just a hobby and couldn't afford to pay for models frequently. But I do admit, I'd probably learn more using a skilled model occasionally
 
jovialjester said:
It's a very good point, but I'm not a pro or looking to be one, this is just a hobby and couldn't afford to pay for models frequently. But I do admit, I'd probably learn more using a skilled model occasionally
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I understand that, I'm just suggesting that it would be very helpful to you to hire a model until you have the experience/skills to direct inexperienced models - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes, and how quickly you can learn the basics with the right model.
 
Garry Edwards said:
I understand that, I'm just suggesting that it would be very helpful to you to hire a model until you have the experience/skills to direct inexperienced models - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes, and how quickly you can learn the basics with the right model.
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How much should I expect to pay?
 
Budget anywhere between £10 and £50 per hour depending on experience and style of shoot.

Vogue standard fashion models can be hired for £600 a day.
 
You should be able to hire a local model for about £10 - £20 an hour unless you want to do nudes.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Budget anywhere between £10 and £50 per hour depending on experience and style of shoot.

Vogue standard fashion models can be hired for £600 a day.
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Actually, I am surprised how low the prices are. I know theoretically they just stand there, but as agencies take a cut and they are freelance, I get now how hard must be being a working model that is not in demand.
 
haggis said:
You should be able to hire a local model for about £10 - £20 an hour unless you want to do nudes.
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So it is worth it! I though it would be more about the £100 mark, which for a beginner or a hobbyist would be rather much. I think £10/£20 is fair for both parties for a bit of training.
 
haggis said:
You should be able to hire a local model for about £10 - £20 an hour unless you want to do nudes.
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Not interested in nudes, and £10 to £20 per hour would be very reasonable. I'll have to look hotel it further I think :-)
 
Most models who only do fashion on sites like purestorm etc will not charge more than £15ph, and if you can strike a part paid/part images deal you can lower this price too. :)
 
paula said:
Actually, I am surprised how low the prices are. I know theoretically they just stand there, but as agencies take a cut and they are freelance, I get now how hard must be being a working model that is not in demand.
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Yeah I know plenty of models who would actually want to stab you for the "just stand there" bit ;) I believe it's slightly more complicated....

But yeah, pay is rubbish and working life relatively short. On the plus side you get to hang out with photographers :)
 
paula said:
Actually, I am surprised how low the prices are. I know theoretically they just stand there, but as agencies take a cut and they are freelance, I get now how hard must be being a working model that is not in demand.
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Most models on places like Purestorm, TFPmodel, Modelmayhem and such are not working through agencies so are able to keep rates low. Many only do this as a hobby so again they're not looking to earn a living from it.

You do need to look at their portfolio to see if they can do the type of poses you are looking for.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Yeah I know plenty of models who would actually want to stab you for the "just stand there" bit ;) I believe it's slightly more complicated....

But yeah, pay is rubbish and working life relatively short. On the plus side you get to hang out with photographers :)
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I know they are not just standing there ;). I should have rephrased my first post, what I meant it is that I expected them to get more money precisely for the fact that even though it looks like they are standing there, it is a hard job and it requires both talent and dedication.
 
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