Model assignments, photo shoots and help in becoming a successful model.
From time to time we are in need of models for advertising work. There are several places we look when trying to find models. Model agencies are one place we look, but we often find new faces in web sites on the Internet. There are quite a few web sites that will list you and your work, for free and these are the ones we often search, for new faces. Below are some of them and they are listed in the order in which we use the most.
Models.com - Here's a web site, which is recommended by famed model and now television talk show host Tyra Banks. The web site allows you to list yourself free with three photos. You can upgrade your membership for a subscription fee to access more features of the web site. The site lists quality agencies, has a discussion forum, news feeds and conducts member spotlights. The site also has a Modeling Industry news section and has a top 50 male and female models listing.
PaidModels.com - This is our current favorite website, not only do they list models, agencies, photographers, hair and makeup artists and stylists, but they also list wardrobe stylists as well. When we listed ourselves with them, we had to actually be approved by the administration. There is a certain amount of professional criteria, which must be meet before being listed there. We applaud this professional effort by PaidModels.com to only list those who exhibit the ability to work in a professional manner.
Model Mayhem - is another website that will list you for free. Model Mayhem will list you and give you the opportunity to grow. If you are just starting out and want to pursue modeling, simple snap shots are allowed and you will be able to accept assignments with aspiring or professional photographers which may be able to help you grow.
Currently these are the only three sites we visit on a regular basis to locate male and female models. If you decide to get yourself listed at one of these sites, there are quite a few things you should be aware of and of these, you need to know how to protect yourself before placing a listing at any site and always before meeting up with anyone for a photo shoot. Do your homework on how to make a listing safely and how to make contact safely. Never go it alone and never meet someone, you have never met in person before, at a private location, like their home!
Always make sure there are plenty of other people around, like at a restaurant! Demand references and follow up by calling them, to check them out. Arrange a check-in! Have someone watch your back, if you don't contact them within a specified amount of time, this means you are in trouble and need help. This may not work for you if you are irresponsible though, but the bottom line is to have a method of protecting yourself, whatever plan you go with. just be safe!
Modeling scams
Do not fall victim to modeling scams! Here is a must read website!
TFP or TFCD
From time to time I will work with a model on a TFP or TFCD basis when we are not busy with paying assignments. It is often enjoyable to work with new folks and to help them along the way. It gives the model and a photographer the opportunity to obtain shots for their portfolio without the expense of time. TFP stands for time in exchange for prints ("Time For Prints") and TFCD is time in exchange for a CD of images. It is an arrangement in which everyone contributes their time and skills and everyone gets images, but no cash payments are made.
TFP or TFCD work can also produce images that can be considered "test" shots. Generally a photographer will stock test shots on a model for future advertising or print assignments and will use these shots to show the talent of the model in combination with their skills as a photographer.
At some point in time a model will consider themselves professional and find no need to lend time to TFP or TFCD work and will require payment for everything they do. That's OK! We are happy they have reached that point of success in their careers! For those that are just starting out in the modeling world, it is necessary to promote yourself and one way to do that and without major expense, is to do TFP or TFCD work with people who involve themselves in the modeling arena, whenever possible.
Remember this!
The results of TFP or TFCD work is often showed off more by all involved with the image's creation, but often paid work will not because of copyright or ownership issues. Ever heard the story about the cutting room floor? TFP or TFCD work is often more relaxed and creative, where paid shots are demanding and must produce a specific image for a client. If you want to capture a specific image, which you want to add to your portfolio of photos, you may find a photographer that will work with you to obtain the look you seek, but don't be surprised if there are some unscrupulous photographers that will send you a bill for this request, without you knowing that you would be charged. Before you work with anyone on a TFP or TFCD basis make sure no one will submit any bills for anything done during the time you work together and that the images are owned by all those involved with the creation of the images and that everyone has a right to use the photos to promote themselves. Selling the photos without everyone's consent is generally a "No No" though and can be a sure end to a growing professional relationship.
It is recommended that a basic agreement outlining the issues, be signed by all individuals involved with image creation during a TFP or TFCD session. Never sign an agreement that gives away any rights!
Be suspicious of those that say you cannot have a chaperon accompany you to a shoot. Use your common sense and stay safe! Any photographer that says you cannot have a chaperon accompany you, is up to no good! If he cannot capture images with other people around, he is not worthy of working with you.
There may be times that a chaperon will get in the way and cause problems on the set. This is generally not tolerated! Choose your chaperon carefully! Don't let your choice in chaperone's become the reason you get asked to leave a set and have no photos to show for your efforts. A good example of a bad chaperon would be a jealous boyfriend or husband, if this is your last resort, you may want to settle for shots done in a public place with people around or ask a police officer, you never know, they may say yes. If a photographer says you cannot have someone accompany you to a photo shoot, find another photographer!
Posing
If you are just starting out or even if you are not, start yourself a pose book! If you see a shot somewhere that is really outstanding, save it! Get yourself a three ringed notebook and some clear sheet protectors to slide your saved pose pages into. This book will become a great tool for you to master poses that will take you to the top of the modeling scene! It will help you from forgetting poses you would like to try and help a photographer see what you are trying to accomplish. Over time the pose book will help you through repetition, nail that great pose when the photographer is ready to release the shutter. A really good model has the ability to snap into poses through a well rehearsed routine and will get into a certain rhythm when a photographer starts to shoot. It is very important to keep this rhythm with the photographer, because there is only so long a photographer can look through a lens before his or her eyes get burnt-out.
So, start yourself a pose book. You will be thought more of as a professional by bringing one into a studio, than a loser needing a crutch and if the later turns out to be, then you are really not working with a professional and you should head for the door. A pose book will help you master the skills necessary to be a great model and anyone that tells you different is really not helping you to succeed if you are just starting out! There will come a time with experience, when to pull it out and when to leave it in the car. You'll know!
