Filed under: modeling, new models, photography | Tags: emotions, expressions, modeling, money, new model, new models, pay, photo shoot, photographer, photoshoot
Models, if you’re struggling with posing and expressions, and can’t get through a shoot without “freezing up” because you’re so nervous, then chances are you shouldn’t be asking to get paid. It might also be wise to
Typically*, photographers pay models that have something to offer them (when they’re hiring models for things like private projects and portfolio building–when it’s a client that pays, this may be a different story). Chances are, if they hire a model who’s nervous and constantly gets stuck posing/emoting, and ultimately has one look and a handful of stiff poses, they’re going to feel a bit short-changed at the end of the day.
Just some food for thought.
*Note: I did say typically. Some photographers do hire based on things like looks and measurements before they hire based on experience. But many feel that a model needs to have something worth paying for in order to be, well, paid.
On one of the modeling sites, a new model posted up that she has been modeling for “about a month” and is looking for paid jobs. She asked for advice on getting paid jobs, wanted to know what she should do about her wardrobe (admitting to being a college student who owns nothing but jeans and flip-flops), and mentioned that she won’t do nudes. Here’s the advice I gave her.
Being ‘a model’ doesn’t automatically entitle you to getting paid lots of money. Just like spending 4+ years in college doesn’t entitle you to getting a decent paying job (let alone one in the field you studied) right out the door.
In fact, if you’re not signed (and especially if you’re just modeling as a hobby), chances are you’re going to end up spending more than you make on things for shoots (like wardrobe, shoes, traveling to shoots, stylists and MUAs, etc.). And let’s not forget the hours spent networking to make sure people know who you are and have a desire to hire you.
If you’re looking to make money, get a job at the grocery store close to your college campus. That’s a sure thing. Modeling for a month and then looking to get paid? Not so much.
Chances are, at your height and measurements, you’re going to have a hard time getting signed to an agency (unless you find a commercial one that can place someone with your look). And if you’re not signed, and not willing to do nudes, the market that will pay you (especially with only one month’s experience under your stilettos flip-flops) will be quite limited.
What will “guarantee” you money from modeling? Nudes and fetish work. There are fetishes that don’t require nudity, but you have to be comfortable with the idea of someone getting off to images of you. If you’re not comfortable with either of those things, chances are, you’re not going to make money modeling. Hell, you’ll be lucky to break even.
Now, as far as your current wardrobe goes, you’re 20 years old, and will soon be out in the professional world. You might as well start investing in some quality, classic pieces that will last you: black pumps, a dark suit, a couple modest dresses. The holidays are coming up. When people ask what you want as gifts, explain that you would like to start building your professional wardrobe, and ask for giftcards to places like The Limited, Ann Taylor, or Banana Republic. You don’t need to buy frumpy pieces, just make sure they’re not too tight or too trendy. Well-made pieces with classic lines will last you quite some time, and it’s worth spending the money on pieces like that.
For shoots, you can find a wardrobe stylist to hire, or you can try finding stuff at places like TJ Maxx, Goodwill, Nordstrom Rack, or even H&M. And always hit up the sale racks. Hell, borrow from your friends if you can’t go out and buy stuff. Figuring out where you want to go with modeling, as well as planning shoots with photographers in advance, will also help you find wardrobe pieces.
I built the basics of my professional wardrobe on holiday gifts. I use the holidays as a time to re-evaluate what I have and update it if necessary.
I rarely, if ever, buy something for a shoot that I can’t wear either to work, out, or just in general.
Oh, and I worked my ass off in college taking unpaid internships, freelancing for family friends at reduced rates, and taking on projects for my sorority and other groups I was involved in to get experience. All that hard work paid off, and I landed a job 2 weeks after graduating.
As a model (a hobbyist mind you), I worked purely on a trade basis for over a year before I felt comfortable quoting rates to photographers who asked. If I didn’t see a value in working with someone, I simply said no. I’ve worked my rear off to get people to recognize my name, my face, and want to work with me. It’s paid off, but it was a long, frustrating, tiring road, and one that needs constant maintenance.
My advice? Get a ‘real job’ if you need money, and model as a hobby if you find it enjoyable.
Filed under: modeling, photography | Tags: modeling, money, pay, photography
I am tired of working trade.
I’m tired of being asked to work trade by photographers who’s work isn’t on the same level as what I have in my portfolio, and either not hearing back when I respond with rates, or being told off when I respond with rates.
The economy is bad and money is tight for everyone. I get it. Starving students can’t afford to pay models. Believe me, I get it.
I have a dayjob that pays my bills, so I don’t need the money. I’m not a “real” model, just a mere hobbyist. I’m too short to “go anywhere”. A new model will do the shoot “for free”. I get it. All of it.
But my time, efforts and energy are all worth something. The hard work I put into a shoot, before and during, is worth something. Doesn’t seem like many hobbyist photographers get it.
But there’s a big benefit when it comes to paying an experienced model. And it doesn’t seem like many hobbyist photographers get that either.
The biggest benefit you get when you hire a model with experience is that you get someone who is comfortable in front of the camera, knows how to move, how to work with various lighting scenarios, how to emote in front of the camera, and how to follow direction. You don’t have to deal with nerves, stiffness, “deer in headlights”, or inability to follow directions. And having someone in front of your camera who knows what she’s doing?
Some experienced models, like myself, make an extra effort to make sure they’re on the same page with the photographer. Before the shoot. I personally make sure that our ideas jive, that we are both in agreement about what kind of shoot it is, if it’s trade or paid, who is taking care of what expenses (studio, makeup artist, etc.), and whatever else. I also make sure that I know where I’m going, when I need to be there, and that the photographer and I have exchanged contact info (cell phone numbers, most importantly). Most experienced models can also provide you with a ton of references, lessening the likelihood of the dreaded “flake”.
Bottom line is, if you hire an experienced model, you’ll end up with better images the vast majority of the time. Of course, it should go without saying that hiring an experienced model won’t automatically improve your lighting, shot composition, and all the other things that make a shot great. But it will get you some better stuff for your portfolio. And better shots mean more people will want to work with you, which will give you more chances to learn and improve your craft.
So the next time you’re looking to work with someone, pause for a minute and consider the value of hiring an experienced model. There are many of us floating around the Internet. Some of us are even going-nowhere, day-job-having, not-agency-represented, not-real-models hobbyists 
