As I just mentioned above, I found two more model-candidates tonight. One, at the first party we went to cover, the second, at the second party we had to cover (if you don't already know, I work in television as a camera operator).

Girl #1:

I saw girl #1 at the arrivals area of the first party. I watched her for a few minutes from about 15 feet away, and then finally got up my nerve, and walked right over to her. As I was leaving my crew friends to approach her, I said to them, "Here I go . . . to crash and burn again!"

I first asked if she was with the event (e.g., a publicist). "No," she replied, "I'm with _______ [a TV outlet]." Then, I just blurted it out . . . "I was wondering if you'd be interested in shooting some new head shots?" Her face lit up, and I was "in." When I got home, I immediately Googled her. Apparently, she's been on TV quite a bit. Her personal site has a lot of pictures. Some are amazing. Some are just so-so. But, remember, the more successful her career, the less she needs someone of my caliber. I just sent her an e-mail with a mini-resume and some sample images.

Unlike girl #0 (the one I think is dissing me now), this girl was much friendlier. She was even playful in the interchange as I oohh'ed and ahh'ed over her varied selection of four-color photo business cards. I think I have a shot with her.

Girl #2:

We arrive at the second party. There's a sponsor there with models. The one I like the most is standing right next to me (because that's where the heater lamp was). I was so confident from the earlier approach, I just used the same exact line . . . "Excuse me, (blah, blah, blah) . . . need any headshots?" Girl #2 was a bit more standoff-ish, but not unfriendly. I went home and then Googled her as well. Almost NOTHING. She was in a network sitcom for one episode, and two other shows I'd never heard of. Perfect. She NEEDS me. Also, she has no personal site. Google images returns one result . . . a network promotional photo--she's in a wedding dress with a veil and you can't even really see her face. Girl #1 already has tons of professionally shot photos on her personal site (she needs me LESS). Just sent girl #2 the same e-mail.

Rx4Photo said:
My wife keeps saying no!

Yes, that is a problem! I'm planning to shoot a bikini catalog this summer. Lemme tell you what hard sell THAT was to the GF!

Rx4Photo said:
Seriously, I work with a couple of girls who clean up really well...hair, eyes, nails...yet it's amazing how quickly they shy away from a legitimate request for posing. Even though I ask somewhat jokingly I'd best not ruin my working relationship. I too, would not want to be that perv with a camera.

I have a few ideas I'd like to give a go at - like "coffee cup up to her lips (with different shades of lipstick)", "fancy painted fingernails around a coffee cup", and soft feminine black and white poses where the face is obscure.

Those sound like really neat visuals, Rx! I also especially like photos of beautiful women where their face is obscured. Even if their face is very pretty, that hidden-face shot always gets me.

I think the first girl is blowing me off. But, tonight, I met two more. The first, very nice, and seems to really want photos. The second, very model-ey (i.e., very tall, very thin). Will e-mail some work samples to them tonight and see how it goes.

Thankfully, I won't need the other one now . . .

I've never shot nudes unless it was with a current girlfriend. It's so much easier to take intimate photos of a girl you're actually intimate with. I just wish I had taken better photographs of girlfriends past. Of the gigabytes of images I took of my last GF, they're nowhere near the caliber of images I'm planning for my next model.

It's good to know Model Mayhem actually works for some--thanks for posting that report. Many of the models there seem like "pros," appearing to be trolling mainly for amateur photographers' wallets. Glad to know that's not (always) the case. It's also good to know about the MeetUp site, too. Many of the "group photographer" meetings charge a fee, but do provide shooting space and lighting equipment. Some of the models, however, aren't always the most model-looking. I haven't tried either of these sites myself--this is just what I gleaned from a quick scan of the websites.

Walking up to girls you meet in everyday life seems to work pretty well. Getting them to show up is always the issue. I've used online casting sites for short films, and that's worked out fairly well, and everyone I booked actually showed up. But trying to get really beautiful women to show up for your still shoot is always a challenge. The trick is to find someone beautiful enough, yet still green enough that they haven't yet made any pro photographer friends (i.e., they still need you).

A couple of tips, learned from experience:

1. During your initial discussions with a model-candidate, try to shoot a couple test shots right then and there. A lot of women are stunning in person, but just don't photograph that well. Some women are very pretty, but don't have an angular-enough bone structure in their face for close-up portrait work.

2. Also, try to take at least one full-body shot. Again, many women who look perfect in real life (and, who actually are), can still look a bit out of proportion for glamour or fashion photography. The most photogenic people are always a bit skinnier in real life than most would prefer. That's why real fashion models are so thin and tall.

3. Make-up, hair, and manicures: make-up is extremely important in glamour or fashion photography, and can sometimes take hours to apply. Try to get a student, and offer them a "kit fee" as compensation (about $50). Hair is another big issue. Some stylists will offer their services for prints--check local salons. Shooters on a budget usually try to get one person to do both hair and make-up. Hands: if the model's hands will be featured in a shot, I always offer to pay for a manicure. This way I can specify the type and color (a French manicure is always a safe bet).

4. Wardrobe: if your model has enough fashion sense of her own, then she can style her own shoot. While professional stylists are typically beyond the reach of most amateur photographers, you can always try to make a trade-out deal with a local merchant or designer. Or, you can also shop your local outlets, keep the tags on everything, and return everything at the end of the shoot. For shoes, be sure to tape the bottoms, or else they'll be unreturnable.

I work with several professional stylists. Yes, we've talked about shooting--they get the models and the clothes, and I give them the files. But it's always time and money. No one has time because they're all busy making money instead of trying to produce art. We talk, but nothing ever materializes.

I know this has been said but... For specific shoots modelmayhem is really a great resource. I have done tfp from this site with really good results. There have been a few flakes but for the most part everyone shows up. Now for paid shoots Im looking at 95% show up time with models. Always seem like they are there when their getting paid.

For nude shoots you can find model from this site that are going to do it for free. You need to have a portfolio that is strong to get them in most locations though. Paying will give you more people to choose from.

Hope this helps and make sure to stay professional. When you do and keep a nice relaxing setting with the model they will tell their friends who will in turn shoot with you easier.

I just saw how old this post was.
~Cheers

Model mayhem anybody?

Hi,

I think I originally started getting interested in photography _because_ of the girls, dude.

Ah, really, even now, when my grandson rubs the back of my head, where my bald spot is and says, 'Grandpa, what's wrong with your head?', there's no dearth of beautiful (and not so beautiful) women needing composites for their portfolios.

I shoot theatrical promotion shots every month (nearly every week) for actors, dancers, choreographers, scene designers, lighting designers, and directors. Any of those types where you are? Likely so. They will certainly need work done.

The nude comments from Niko are right. While teaching this came up every semester and had to be addressed :-) The real problem is comfort for everyone and knowledge of what everyone is doing.

Keep in mind that your rights will likely be for the 'class', if that's what you've said you're going to use them for, so plan that accordingly.

My best,

Mike

My wife keeps saying no!

Seriously, I work with a couple of girls who clean up really well...hair, eyes, nails...yet it's amazing how quickly they shy away from a legitimate request for posing. Even though I ask somewhat jokingly I'd best not ruin my working relationship. I too, would not want to be that perv with a camera.

I have a few ideas I'd like to give a go at - like "coffee cup up to her lips (with different shades of lipstick)", "fancy painted fingernails around a coffee cup", and soft feminine black and white poses where the face is obscure.

I may have just found my next model . . .

"Just don't do like Poster and go around asking the "soccer moms" in your class to pose nude for you!"

wait...what?

There are some very good suggestions here so far, however I would like to recommend not immediately dismissing Craigslist. I have found a few good models via CL and in fact one of them I have become friends with and I work with her regularly.

Now the signal to noise ratio is rather poor when it comes to the quality of responses you get there, but if you construct the right ad, you will get better results.

Make sure you are clear and concise about what your looking for. And be upfront about your skill level. This of course remains true no matter where you put an ad. It also helps if you provide a link to examples of your work. Make sure that the language of your ad copy is professional. This will help separate you from all the GWC's (guy with camera) that post there.

I have the perfect source for models; surprise! Actually, it is a terrific website source for all kinds of activities, including photography and models. The source is a site called http://www.meetup.com When you click on it, you enter your zipcode and then a topic, like "photography", "nude modeling", bicycling, whatever you are interested in. And then, all the different meetup groups that are in your geographic area show up. For the majority of the meetup groups, it is free to join. Then, some of them charge and some not. For example, I live in San Diego, CA and belong to several photo oriented meetup groups. One main one, that is free and the meetups are free, focuses on going around to different locations and shooting as a group. We go to the zoo, the wild animal park, the harbor area, downtown, botanical gardens, and some special events when they are held. There are beginner and expert photogs; it is just terrific. they also hold, every once in a while a training session for a fee of about $15, where you get instruction in how to do: night lighting, fireworks shooting (with a camera), using a flash, portrait photog, and so on. Also, I belong to one that charges a $20/year fee to join, then they charge various fees for different kind of shoots. They will have nude shoots with a few photogs shooting with one model, maybe spaced out like two photogs for an hour for $65, studio, lighting, and backdrops provided. Other meetups will be only $10 with clothed models meeting at some prescribed location for a "theme" shoot. These meetup groups have really helped me improve my photography and introduced me to a very nice group of fellow photogs. Incidentally, about half are Nikonians, and about half are over on the .... dark side....
Check it out for your neighborhood. I know there are lots of these groups in the San Diego and LA and San Francisco areas; don't know about yours.

Also, if you are into yoga or line dancing or fitness groups, or whatever, there will be meetup groups for you. In fact, I joined a "fashion" group and have wound up attending some of their meetups with my camera and getting some nice shots at fashion shows, runway shows, fashion networking events. Great way to meet folks that have a common interest whatever it is.

Oh, I just thought. Most of those shoots with models are what is called TFP or TFCD. You make arrangements with the model to send them a cd or email them the photo files, or less frequently now, actual prints. Many of these models are pretty new so getting photos to help build up their portfolio is what they want. The models are typically NOT charged. Also, in the shoots that I have been involved with, you get the model to sign a model release, BUT you are NOT allowed to sell any photos of them without negotiating a fee for the exact photo; you can post them on your website and use them in YOUR portfolio.
Nick

Yes student lounges on campus are great spots to post any work you may have for finding aspiring or even established talent.

Drab said:
It's gotta depend on your school, but the studios at my college had more sex-drugs-rock and roll than most frat parties.

At my college, when I took photogrpahy classes, doing nudes was a required project, and models were supplied.

If your school has an art department or photography professor, check with someone there to see if they have a list of available models.

smarterchild said:
Anyone know if there's any rule with nudity In the studio at colleges?

It's gotta depend on your school, but the studios at my college had more sex-drugs-rock and roll than most frat parties.

A freshman that's not interested in photographing boobies? YEAH RIGHT! ;^)
Just don't do like Poster and go around asking the "soccer moms" in your class to pose nude for you!

Another place on campus you might find volunteers is at the fitness center or gym. See if your school has a body building club or something like that. Those "models" are always great subjects and a lot of the time they are very willing to trade for prints/cds.

Don't ask them to do "Human Form" (aka Nudes) though until you've done lots of sessions. The better your portfolio of clothed models, the easier it'll be for you to find nude models. If you're lucky you might get someone who's very comfortable with posing nude right away. However you should do some "fitness" type shots first and work up to doing a "swimsuit" session. Then when you are ready and when you find the right model you can do boudoir/lingerie shots and then human form.

Also be sure to get a model release from ANYONE you photograph. Even your girlfriend! Seriously.

thats how i imagined Craigslist. i signed up for a photo club through the school. and also the film/video club even though i dont shoot video, but thought i could help shoot. There seemed to be about 20-30 photo students that signed up for it

But then again... Im going to a community college this year, and there are soccer moms coming to study photography because they are tired of "paying for pictures to be taken when they can learn and do them RIGHT" i lol'ed in class.

and no i am not interested to see naked girls, i have seen many pictures on flickr recently that i just love. and has inspired me to do that type of shooting and some of the stuff that i like isnt full on naked playgirl stuff. its actually artstic style and hiding most of the nudeness, If it was for just seeing boobies, Then my girlfriend of 2 years would be livid :). I am going to be doing some 120 film and 4x5 shooting in the class. Also using liquid light. i was shocked when i asked if i could expand out of the course and expierament with that stuff. Tomorrow im taking my fathers 5x7 camera in and make it into a penhole camera for one of our projects.

It really seems like you just want to see some naked girls. Yes there are rules for using nude models on campus. Usually the models can not be students of the school. If a classmate volunteers to show you their birthday suit then you are not allowed to use the school's studios or shoot on campus. It might be something that could get you kicked out of school. So be very careful with using classmates!

I seriously don't think you should do a nude photo shoot until you have more experience though because you'll just come off as an 18/19 yr old freshman looking to take pics of boobs!

Here's my previous "how to" on nude shoots.
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=559#post-7572

Stay away from listing on craigslist. You'll get lots of "weirdos". MM is OK but it really depends on your area. Most of the "good" models won't do a shoot unless you are willing to pay and even then often models don't show up.

The best thing to do is to look for "volunteers" on campus. Ask around or post a message on a board in the Theatre Arts department. If your school has one that is. If not then join a local photo club. My group does a photo shoot with a different model almost every month. But your best bet is probably going to be the Theatre Arts people. They are always willing to trade prints/CD for their comp cards

Rofl I won't. I will do that, I've been really wanting to do some nude b+w photos as well and I don't believe I should do students or friends. Better a stranger, but besides that I want nomal fashion shoots. Right now, my girlfriend is in cosmetology school and can do make up and hair for the shoot. She also has her friends there wanting mr to take "cool" photos for them and she tells all the clients she has. Some want photos.

That model mayhem site looked awesome there was like 200 models near me that was willing to pose nude.

Anyone know if there's any rule with nudity In the studio at colleges?

Edit: off subject I admit, but back on.. Anyone know of any websites besides that or has had experience o. That site? What is the normal fee for a mid- range model

Post on bulletin boards in your student center and whatever buildings are frequented by art/theater/music majors, for starters. Arrange initial meetings someplace public, and if you're photographing women, have a female friend on hand.

Otherwise, get out there with your camera and get noticed. Join something that seems interesting and volunteer your services as photographer. Get photos of campus events. Sooner or later, someone's going to notice you and a conversation will start, which would hopefully make it easier than just being the vaguely creepy guy with the camera that goes around asking random people to pose for them. :)

Just don't go the Terry Richardson route. :P

I just started college and. I will need models for projects in the future. What websites or ways would be good to Find local models that are willing to trade their service for the pictures?

I looked around and found model mayhem which seems really good. Iknow I could try craigslist but would like to stay away from sites like that. Anyone have the same delimia or know the proper way to ge models?b

I would use classmates and friends but I have taken photos of my friends already and would like to use different faces.