Longwatcher
25th of March 2004 (Thu), 18:05
Thanks Tim [Smile] great advice but I think I can resists it all [Smile] Happy that I am covered from 24-200 right now and with the 2X extender 24-400.
By the way, how do you go about getting your first model from One Model Place to start a portfolio? Did you have to hire one or were you lucky enough to get a TFP/TFCD deal?
Regards,
Ferdinand
Ferdinand,
First off I started on OMP with some pictures already taken, that said here is how you could do it.
1. Register on OMP, this will get you the bronze level.
2. do a search for models in your area. The search will be limited, but will provide some models and is more likely to get you TFP sets. Until Gold level the searchs have some restriction on them.
3. As you look through the results pay attention to their photographic potential, age, experience level stated (versus avail photos) and how long they have been on the site.
3A. Even though some of the models may have bad pictures sometimes this is a good thing for you as they are likely to desire better pictures. It is also more challenging to work with not so good looking models as it will teach you better then good looking ones. On the opposing side, a model with really good pictures from different photographers is not likely to need or really want a TFP session even if her page says so. Sure they will do TFP, if you are a photographer working for Vogue. On the other hand if they only have one photographer listed, then they still may want some TFP, you will just have to work a bit harder.
3B. Age - this is just a matter of if they are over 18 they can show up with out permission of their parent and you won't have to worry about wrong impressions. Mostly you won't have to deal with said parent directing YOUR photo shoot.
3C. Experience level - treat what is says like a Nikon user saying their camera is better. It could be right, but I doubt it. On the other hand if it seems to match up with the number and quality of pictures it is probably accurate. Some experience is realisticly the highest you can expect to get a TFP shoot for.
3D. How long they have been on the site - The longer they have existed on the site the less likely they will want a TFP shoot or that they are still modeling.
4. If you find one you like send her (or him) an e-mail (or if they have a manager you should always send the first message to the manager). Say high and then ask them if they would be interested in a TFP shoot with you.
5. Things you should include in the e-mail.
- If you have an on-line portfolio (at OMP or other location) let them know the URL.
- include contact info. e-mail and or phone number
- be honest as to your experience (although you may lose a few to honesty, it is way better then getting a bad rep in the long run - the models do talk to each other in the chat rooms)
- Let them know you don't mind an escort being present. It is up to you whether or not to say the escort should stay out of the way or you might be able to use their help. I always like escorts for outdoor/location shoots, however, they can sometimes be a nuisance in the studio, but Itake them anyway if it makes the model feel safer. [especially important in light of evil photographer in Canada? who killed model recently]
- Suggest some date/times for the shoot.
6. If they reply with interest, lock down a date/time as soon as possible and make sure you both know your expectations.
7. Provide any additional information she may need after the date is locked in.
On expectations:
expect you will only get one reply per 10 emails and expect that 1 out 2 of those will turn into a set date and that 1 out 3 of those will et canceled at the last minute. If paying the model this drops to 1 out of 3, 1 out of 6, and 1 out 5. based on my limited sampling. (except I have a pretty good sample for initial contact attempts).
I have noted that shorter e-mails do better then longer e-mails. Anybody having known me on this site for while will recognize the extreme difficulty keeping it short causes me.
So hopefully the above will help in your attempts to get models from sites such as www.onemodelplace.com
Remember humans are greedy and money works much better then friendship.
Have fun,
By the way, how do you go about getting your first model from One Model Place to start a portfolio? Did you have to hire one or were you lucky enough to get a TFP/TFCD deal?
Regards,
Ferdinand
Ferdinand,
First off I started on OMP with some pictures already taken, that said here is how you could do it.
1. Register on OMP, this will get you the bronze level.
2. do a search for models in your area. The search will be limited, but will provide some models and is more likely to get you TFP sets. Until Gold level the searchs have some restriction on them.
3. As you look through the results pay attention to their photographic potential, age, experience level stated (versus avail photos) and how long they have been on the site.
3A. Even though some of the models may have bad pictures sometimes this is a good thing for you as they are likely to desire better pictures. It is also more challenging to work with not so good looking models as it will teach you better then good looking ones. On the opposing side, a model with really good pictures from different photographers is not likely to need or really want a TFP session even if her page says so. Sure they will do TFP, if you are a photographer working for Vogue. On the other hand if they only have one photographer listed, then they still may want some TFP, you will just have to work a bit harder.
3B. Age - this is just a matter of if they are over 18 they can show up with out permission of their parent and you won't have to worry about wrong impressions. Mostly you won't have to deal with said parent directing YOUR photo shoot.
3C. Experience level - treat what is says like a Nikon user saying their camera is better. It could be right, but I doubt it. On the other hand if it seems to match up with the number and quality of pictures it is probably accurate. Some experience is realisticly the highest you can expect to get a TFP shoot for.
3D. How long they have been on the site - The longer they have existed on the site the less likely they will want a TFP shoot or that they are still modeling.
4. If you find one you like send her (or him) an e-mail (or if they have a manager you should always send the first message to the manager). Say high and then ask them if they would be interested in a TFP shoot with you.
5. Things you should include in the e-mail.
- If you have an on-line portfolio (at OMP or other location) let them know the URL.
- include contact info. e-mail and or phone number
- be honest as to your experience (although you may lose a few to honesty, it is way better then getting a bad rep in the long run - the models do talk to each other in the chat rooms)
- Let them know you don't mind an escort being present. It is up to you whether or not to say the escort should stay out of the way or you might be able to use their help. I always like escorts for outdoor/location shoots, however, they can sometimes be a nuisance in the studio, but Itake them anyway if it makes the model feel safer. [especially important in light of evil photographer in Canada? who killed model recently]
- Suggest some date/times for the shoot.
6. If they reply with interest, lock down a date/time as soon as possible and make sure you both know your expectations.
7. Provide any additional information she may need after the date is locked in.
On expectations:
expect you will only get one reply per 10 emails and expect that 1 out 2 of those will turn into a set date and that 1 out 3 of those will et canceled at the last minute. If paying the model this drops to 1 out of 3, 1 out of 6, and 1 out 5. based on my limited sampling. (except I have a pretty good sample for initial contact attempts).
I have noted that shorter e-mails do better then longer e-mails. Anybody having known me on this site for while will recognize the extreme difficulty keeping it short causes me.
So hopefully the above will help in your attempts to get models from sites such as www.onemodelplace.com
Remember humans are greedy and money works much better then friendship.
Have fun,