Recruiting

[thekid24]

Im curious as to how/where/when you look for someone to do a photo session.

You can post some of your experiences and also some of your techniques.

Would you approach someone that was working? Example: A waitress,hospital secretary etc etc.
Lets say they are extremely busy, do you still try to recruit?
Is there a place that is off limits as far as approaching someone?

Id like to hear your experiences.

[txduggan]

For me....anytime, anywhere.....

I always have business cards with me, and if someone strikes my fancy, I'll wait until they're not busy and then approach them.

Sometimes the moment never arrives, so I may write a note on the back of my card and leave it where it may be found by them....cash register,
windshield wiper...you name it....

As far as when not to approach someone?

Funerals.....

;)

Tom D

[Skippy29]

As far as when not to approach someone?

Funerals.....

;)

Tom D

Nice! :lol:

[thekid24]

For me....anytime, anywhere.....

I always have business cards with me, and if someone strikes my fancy, I'll wait until they're not busy and then approach them.

Sometimes the moment never arrives, so I may write a note on the back of my card and leave it where it may be found by them....cash register,
windshield wiper...you name it....

As far as when not to approach someone?

Funerals.....

;)

Tom D
Good idea about the note on back of the card.

[MikeMcL]

You have to be careful about how you approach someone in public, and if they are working. I dont know what you look like/how you dress/how you carry yourself so this advice may be unneeded, but never let their first impression of you be "goony" or "creepy". I am a people watcher, and have been one since i was very young... people and their individuality interest me very much.

I could sit at a park or convention or an amusement park and watch people go by for hours.

if you find one you like, dont gawk/stare/stalk them... Just smile, get their attention and go directly to them. give them a card with your website info, tell them you are a photographer, and ask them to check out your work. Let them know they have a great look, and excuse yourself.

I have had great results just being direct and friendly, no matter if they are at work or not.
I have also found that it works better if they are with someone. Spouse, friend, grandma, coworker, whatever. After you wal away, they will laugh about it and think it was funny... but a few days later that companion person will ask "did you look at that website that guy gave you in the mall" and it will be a reminder for the recruit to get with you.

[liza]

I advertise, and they hire me. :)

[MikeMcL]

I advertise, and they hire me. :)

For most work this is of course the best way, but i think the OP was referring to YOU choosing a specific, interesting person to shoot... because you want to... Not just selling your services to whomever shall ring your phone.

[thekid24]

It wasnt so much advice I needed as it was me just wanting to know how you all do. IF I had the money to place an ad or something I certainly would but since I dont I will make do.

[fuel123]

It wasnt so much advice I needed as it was me just wanting to know how you all do. IF I had the money to place an ad or something I certainly would but since I dont I will make do.

Post on Craig's list my ex found here photog on CL did a time for cd. She got 2 pictures for her portfolio and most of the agents tell her they are some of her best. ( shes was and is still signed with ford modeling then)

[liza]

For most work this is of course the best way, but i think the OP was referring to YOU choosing a specific, interesting person to shoot... because you want to... Not just selling your services to whomever shall ring your phone.

Sorry, I must have misunderstood the intent of the post. I never shoot for fun anymore.