MODEL MAYHEM ADVISE?

[mkohman]

Hello Guys,

Just need some advise on Model Mayhem Website. I just recently joined the site and need advise on how to approach models in the London area UK?

My aim is to find female models who are willing to do a photo shoot for (TFCD) Time for CD photo shoot type as you know it means giving them a CD of the photo shoot for their time..

Is this a good approach? How does it work? I am a little nervous as I have never done a photo shoot with a stranger.. I am new to all this and want to get into doing this professionally one day.. please help and advise..

Do people on here do this for money I mean with Model Mayhem how do you do it? Do you pay the models or shoot (TFCD) , if so how much do you pay or do you get paid? etc.. whats the best approach..

Sorry for so many questions but really need your advise guys..

Many Thanks :)

[SaraEmily]

Most newer models will shoot TFP/CD. The more experienced ones generally want to get paid. I, however, am a very experienced model and I never ask for payment. I used to do it because it was something I enjoyed. I don't model much these days. I prefer to focus on my photography.

Best bet is to try working with female friends who are comfortable with you. It helps you work on your art, and you can even do a bit of role playing so that you can get used to being a professional while shooting. Hope this helps. :)

[savone]

I use model mayhem and do alot of TFP/TFCD shoots. Everyone I have ever met through that website has been very nice and it was always a pleasure to work with them.

Just be yourself, dont misrepresent yourself as something your not. The models profile SHOULD tell you if they are accepting TFP shoots or not. Just find some models you are interested in shooting with and send them a message. Be clear about what you need/expect from them and be clear on what you can deliver to them.

So if this would be your first photoshoot, dont be shy in expressing that. Maybe you can find a model close to your home that is willing to pose for you. I am almost sure you can.

Add me as a friend: http://www.modelmayhem.com/184190

Good luck!

[mkohman]

Most newer models will shoot TFP/CD. The more experienced ones generally want to get paid. I, however, am a very experienced model and I never ask for payment. I used to do it because it was something I enjoyed. I don't model much these days. I prefer to focus on my photography.

Best bet is to try working with female friends who are comfortable with you. It helps you work on your art, and you can even do a bit of role playing so that you can get used to being a professional while shooting. Hope this helps. :)

Thank you for your response sarah.. I will look for the "newer, in experienced models" in that case and hope they will do a photo shoot for TFCD. I really have no means to pay for their service and just want to build up a good portfolio for myself.. ;)

[SaraEmily]

Thank you for your response sarah.. I will look for the "newer, in experienced models" in that case and hope they will do a photo shoot for TFCD. I really have no means to pay for their service and just want to build up a good portfolio for myself.. ;)

Well all it takes is time, practice, and skill. :) Most people that I know who are photographers on MM don't really make money out of it. Most do it because they enjoy it.

I, on the other hand, would never turn my photography into my job. It would ruin it for me. :) I prefer to shoot what I want, when I want to, and how I want to. Good luck in your MM hunting. :)

[mkohman]

Savone, thank you so much for your advise ;)

[JoYork]

Just be friendly and communicate well and you should be fine.

My experiences so far are that men are slightly more reliable than female models at turning up and the reliability factor goes way up if you pay.

BTW it's spelt "advice" not advise... just had to mention that as it bugs me lol :)

[Pete]

Please don't post the same question across different sections. It's usually a lot better to keep all the answers in the same place.

[mkohman]

Thanks again Sara, do you do it as a hobby then ? Also you said you do TFP/TFCD, quick question.. when you do TFP, whats in it for you? how much do you pay the model? when you do TFCD how many images do you put on the cd and is it after some editing .. also do you send the cd via post to the model or do you like have a laptop at the shoot and just burn images there and then.. ? thanks ;)

[mkohman]

Please don't post the same question across different sections. It's usually a lot better to keep all the answers in the same place.

sorry it won't happen again.. was not sure where this is suited best.. thanks :)

[Kiddo]

I signed up to MM last year and I have met some great models on there... And I've already started working with some of them and have been working on getting to work with more of them... What I usually do is comment on a photo in their port, send them a message telling them who I am and where I'm from.. And I just ask them if they would like to get together sometime for a shoot... Most all of them do TFCD shoots and I have a few that are paying models.. Which I don't mind.. But I find everyone every friendly and if you're just yourself then you'll be fine....

[mkohman]

I signed up to MM last year and I have met some great models on there... And I've already started working with some of them and have been working on getting to work with more of them... What I usually do is comment on a photo in their port, send them a message telling them who I am and where I'm from.. And I just ask them if they would like to get together sometime for a shoot... Most all of them do TFCD shoots and I have a few that are paying models.. Which I don't mind.. But I find everyone every friendly and if you're just yourself then you'll be fine....

Thanks kiddo, much appreciated.. what do you do with your images.. i mean do you catalouge them or use for your website etc.. whats in it for you? Do you earn anything out of this or is it like me just for the hobby ;) thanks ..

[jacuff]

Thanks again Sara, do you do it as a hobby then ? Also you said you do TFP/TFCD, quick question.. when you do TFP, whats in it for you? how much do you pay the model? when you do TFCD how many images do you put on the cd and is it after some editing .. also do you send the cd via post to the model or do you like have a laptop at the shoot and just burn images there and then.. ? thanks ;)

TFP = Time for Prints. Whenever I've done a TFP shoot, I let them select their favorite 5 or 6 if they want an 8x10 or favorite 20 if they want 4x6. Those numbers are negotiable, but generally that's about how many I'll give. It costs me more out of pocket to do it that way, but I lose a lot less than if I give away a CD with images... especially if she/he wants a very large print. I can sale them the print.

What's in it for me. I have model releases that say I can use them for promotional and commercial purposes. Also they can refer me to their friends.

[mkohman]

TFP = Time for Prints. Whenever I've done a TFP shoot, I let them select their favorite 5 or 6 if they want an 8x10 or favorite 20 if they want 4x6. Those numbers are negotiable, but generally that's about how many I'll give. It costs me more out of pocket to do it that way, but I lose a lot less than if I give away a CD with images... especially if she/he wants a very large print. I can sale them the print.

What's in it for me. I have model releases that say I can use them for promotional and commercial purposes. Also they can refer me to their friends.


Jacuff, thanks for response.. I thougt TFP meant (Time for pay) but now I know its time for print.. thats cool.. Well I guess I could do that too I guess.. In respect to the "model releases" how do you mean..? Please can you explain this a little more.. thanks..

[jacuff]

Jacuff, thanks for response.. I thougt TFP meant (Time for pay) but now I know its time for print.. thats cool.. Well I guess I could do that too I guess.. In respect to the "model releases" how do you mean..? Please can you explain this a little more.. thanks..

Model release is a brief (though it could be a lengthy) contract between you and the model that states exactly how the images can be used. It helps to protect you. When shooting people your safest bet is to always get a model release. This is especially true when the photos are more of a portrait style though it could also apply to candids.

[Kiddo]

Thanks kiddo, much appreciated.. what do you do with your images.. i mean do you catalouge them or use for your website etc.. whats in it for you? Do you earn anything out of this or is it like me just for the hobby ;) thanks ..

I use them on my site and blog.... And so do the models... 98% of who I work with from MM is mostly TFCD and we agree that the images I take can be posted on FB or on other sites as long as they 1-have my log on them and 2-aren't changed in anyway!! The other 2% yes I do get paid for and again they get images on a disk, with my logo on them and not to be changed in anyway... If the model needs prints then they can order them through me with an extra charge ;)... And yes this is my hobby, but it wil some day be my full time job... :D;) I'm working in that direction anyway...

[SaraEmily]

Thanks again Sara, do you do it as a hobby then ? Also you said you do TFP/TFCD, quick question.. when you do TFP, whats in it for you? how much do you pay the model? when you do TFCD how many images do you put on the cd and is it after some editing .. also do you send the cd via post to the model or do you like have a laptop at the shoot and just burn images there and then.. ? thanks ;)

Ha! You must have misunderstood. I don't shoot models, I am a model. I did it as a hobby, because it made me feel better about myself and my body image issues. I've always had a problem with lack of self esteem.

In my experience with photographers, the whole reason for shooting TFP/CD is to build up their portfolio, and mine. We each retain the rights to the work, so neither of us can sell it without the other's permission, and without each of us making a profit. These are things to discuss and draft up in a Model Release form.

As for how many images to include, your best bet is to go through the shots on the camera with your model as you work. Everytime you take a break, let her (or him) review the images captured, so they have an idea of how it's going. At the end of the shoot, have them write down their favourite shots. Sometimes it can be hard to pick, especially if you've taken LOTS of shots, but they'll generally have an idea of a few absolute must-haves. These are the ones you'll want to concentrate on giving to the model. I prefer when my photographers give me copies of both their edited versions, as well as the unedited ones. This is simply because I'm also a photographer and an avid photoshop fan. It may not be necessary for most models, unless they ask for the unedited versions.

It's really your choice as to how many you want to edit and give to the model. I've had photographers who do NO editing, and give me every image they've taken. In my opinion, this is a bit of a waste. You don't need every image, only the best ones. Also, if a shot that the model likes when they see it on the camera, turns out to be crap when blown up on the computer, let them know. And try to find similar, better shot.

One of the things I HATE the most about one of the photographers I worked with, was his editing style. This is why I asked for unedited versions. He would go completely overboard in his post-processing, including strange selective colour edits, and inserting other images on top of/in with mine. Try to keep it simple. People appreciate that far more. If you want to use more advanced and funky stuff, make sure to give them a more toned-down version. Oh, and don't brand the photos either. Nothing is more irritating than wanting to print off a photo that has "SO-AND-SO-PHOTOGRAPHY" written across it. Make sure you give them files that are large enough so they can print 8x10s if they want to.

Phew! Ok, so that's my experiences in a nutshell. I have lots more to talk about I'm sure, but it's late and I have to get to bed. :)

[SaraEmily]

Model release is a brief (though it could be a lengthy) contract between you and the model that states exactly how the images can be used. It helps to protect you. When shooting people your safest bet is to always get a model release. This is especially true when the photos are more of a portrait style though it could also apply to candids.

Model Release forms are not just to protect the photographer. They are also to protect the model. I'd never sign a form that gave full right to the photographer to use my photographs solely for their own personal gain. If I pose for a photographer for nothing, I would expect that if they were to sell the prints, I should see profit from it as well, since it's an image of myself.

Now also in saying that, the other main reason that model releases are important is when you do nude modelling, as I do. Those forms can protect my photos from ending up on adult websites. Not to mention, if I'm going to work with a photographer, I make sure they put a clause in the contract specifically to prevent this from happening... as well as a clause mentioning which parts of my body are NOT allowed to be photographed, and that at no time will I ever pose in a lewd, sexually suggestive, or pornographic way. This covers my ass too.

[mkohman]

SaraEmily, thank you so much for your time and effort passing on all these dets.. really appreciate the info you have given me :) I would like to see some of your work if possible just out of curiosity .. Thanks again.. Best Regards...

[SaraEmily]

SaraEmily, thank you so much for your time and effort passing on all these dets.. really appreciate the info you have given me :) I would like to see some of your work if possible just out of curiosity .. Thanks again.. Best Regards...

I would love to show you, but I've deleted my MM account. I no longer have a profile on there, and don't have the shots saved anywhere. I'll see if I can find some links to my modelling shots elsewhere... *goes off to check*

Well, it turns out all my photos are still accessible to me, but not to anyone else. I'll save some of my best ones and post em up for you.

Here's one of my most recent shots, before I decided to call it quits:
http://darrenphillips.deviantart.com/art/Out-there-in-the-fields-109110029
This is on my photographer's dA account. I can't seem to find any of my own on my newest account. I'll go see what I have in other accounts.

Here are some of my older modelling shots (as well as my own photographs, taken of my boyfriend):
http://tornandbruised.deviantart.com/gallery/#_browse
The "Life In Chains" shot is by a photographer I did most of my work with. He was also the one who tended to go over board with his editing.

Ok, well it seems that since I cancelled my account, I can't see the large sizes of my photos, so I can't even save them and upload them elsewhere. Damn.

One of my first nude shoots:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v40/TornAndBruised/?action=view&current=ShyLegs.jpg
This shot has actually been used as a poster for a local theatre show here in Adelaide. :) Everyone now knows me from the poster, lol.

That's all I can find at the moment. Hope you enjoy. :) Glad I could help.

[slimninj4]

I was nervous the first time I had a shoot. I first signed up for a few meet and greets. That helped. My first session was a mess. I forgot some gear, some batteries died and so did the backups. Got through it and the pictures were pretty good. The model was experienced and nice enough to work with me.

After a while it gets easier. Sometimes I have the model go half on a studio. Other times I pay all the studio and she gets the MUA.

I try to get only serious models and leave the GWC for the ones that just want to have pictures taken and attention.

[SaraEmily]

I try to get only serious models and leave the GWC for the ones that just want to have pictures taken and attention.

What exactly do you mean by this statement? Do you even know what a GWC is? Because if you do, then this sentence makes no sense.

[TerryDay]

Hello Guys,

Just need some advise on Model Mayhem Website. I just recently joined the site and need advise on how to approach models in the London area UK?

My aim is to find female models who are willing to do a photo shoot for (TFCD) Time for CD photo shoot type as you know it means giving them a CD of the photo shoot for their time..

Is this a good approach? How does it work? I am a little nervous as I have never done a photo shoot with a stranger.. I am new to all this and want to get into doing this professionally one day.. please help and advise..

Do people on here do this for money I mean with Model Mayhem how do you do it? Do you pay the models or shoot (TFCD) , if so how much do you pay or do you get paid? etc.. whats the best approach..

Sorry for so many questions but really need your advise guys..

Many Thanks :)

I use Model Mayhem as well. I've gotten several bookings for TFCD and the only thing holding me back is time.

I just approach them with something like "I'd like to work with you if you have time" line. Since my first model, I am now getting several responses to TFCD casting calls from higher end models.

I think it's a great place to make contacts. But from what I understand there are a lot of flakes on that site who book and then never show. I haven't had that experience yet.

[SaraEmily]

SaraEmily, thank you so much for your time and effort passing on all these dets.. really appreciate the info you have given me :) I would like to see some of your work if possible just out of curiosity .. Thanks again.. Best Regards...

Hey again! :) I got the mods to reopen my profile. I think I'll keep it active, just for such occasions. Here's the link to my MM:

MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/lainamurray

Lemme know what you think. Cheers!

[jdouglas003]

Hey again! :) I got the mods to reopen my profile. I think I'll keep it active, just for such occasions. Here's the link to my MM:

MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/lainamurray

Lemme know what you think. Cheers!


Might want to put a NSFW tag on this link.

[jacuff]

Might want to put a NSFW tag on this link.

Um... It's Model Mayhem, what did you expect? :) If it's not safe for work, than you probably shouldn't even be checking POTN while at work.

[Compact Diss]

Um... It's Model Mayhem, what did you expect? :) If it's not safe for work, than you probably shouldn't even be checking POTN while at work.

:lol:

[thebishopp]

I would love to show you, but I've deleted my MM account. I no longer have a profile on there, and don't have the shots saved anywhere. I'll see if I can find some links to my modelling shots elsewhere... *goes off to check*

Well, it turns out all my photos are still accessible to me, but not to anyone else. I'll save some of my best ones and post em up for you.

Here's one of my most recent shots, before I decided to call it quits:
http://darrenphillips.deviantart.com/art/Out-there-in-the-fields-109110029
This is on my photographer's dA account. I can't seem to find any of my own on my newest account. I'll go see what I have in other accounts.

Here are some of my older modelling shots (as well as my own photographs, taken of my boyfriend):
http://tornandbruised.deviantart.com/gallery/#_browse
The "Life In Chains" shot is by a photographer I did most of my work with. He was also the one who tended to go over board with his editing.

Ok, well it seems that since I cancelled my account, I can't see the large sizes of my photos, so I can't even save them and upload them elsewhere. Damn.

One of my first nude shoots:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v40/TornAndBruised/?action=view&current=ShyLegs.jpg
This shot has actually been used as a poster for a local theatre show here in Adelaide. :) Everyone now knows me from the poster, lol.

That's all I can find at the moment. Hope you enjoy. :) Glad I could help.


These are nice. You need to put a couple on your flickr.

[jdouglas003]

Um... It's Model Mayhem, what did you expect? :) If it's not safe for work, than you probably shouldn't even be checking POTN while at work.


Excuse me but not everyone knows what MM is or what it's about.

[canonnoob]

Im on MM. I usually post a casting call when Im looking for particular things. I try and find new members in my area and give them a shout out to let them know what is going on. Feel free to contact me, my name on there Is David Welker Photography.

[jdouglas003]

Um... It's Model Mayhem, what did you expect? :) If it's not safe for work, than you probably shouldn't even be checking POTN while at work.

Glamour & Nude forum should always be used for glamour, nude and erotic photos which are not family safe (i.e. do not post them to People). Nude/erotic photos posted to People will be removed.

I love a smart a$$ who is actually in reality a dumb a$$. Not saying that you are, but I love these guys.

[jacuff]

Glamour & Nude forum should always be used for glamour, nude and erotic photos which are not family safe (i.e. do not post them to People). Nude/erotic photos posted to People will be removed.

I love a smart a$$ who is actually in reality a dumb a$$. Not saying that you are, but I love these guys.

It's alright. Truth is, this whole thread is about Model Mayhem. Maybe it would have been better off in the G&N forum since it looks like the OP has enough posts to qualify. Certainly there is a lot of portrait/family safe pictures on MM, but there is also a lot of G&N photos as well. Lots of photographers here know about it. She also just simply posted a link, which was requested, not actual photos. Many people have their MM account linked in their signatures which contain G&N content.

I just assume all MM links are NSFW (in the non-photographer's sense).

[jdouglas003]

It's alright. Truth is, this whole thread is about Model Mayhem. Maybe it would have been better off in the G&N forum since it looks like the OP has enough posts to qualify. Certainly there is a lot of portrait/family safe pictures on MM, but there is also a lot of G&N photos as well. Lots of photographers here know about it. She also just simply posted a link, which was requested, not actual photos. Many people have their MM account linked in their signatures which contain G&N content.

I just assume all MM links are NSFW (in the non-photographer's sense).

Dumb A$$ kids are funny, not to say you are one but they are funny. They often assume that since something is OK for them it's OK for everyone.

[BasherXt]

I also have a question about releases.
I do have a release for the models to sign, giving me permission to use the images for marketing, ect.
If doing a TFCD shoot, and the model you are shooting is going to use the images for comp cards, portfolio, self promotion to get into modeling a little more, what kind of release form would they need from me? A copyright release or print release or anything at all since it is a TFCD?

[jacuff]

I also have a question about releases.
I do have a release for the models to sign, giving me permission to use the images for marketing, ect.
If doing a TFCD shoot, and the model you are shooting is going to use the images for comp cards, portfolio, self promotion to get into modeling a little more, what kind of release form would they need from me? A copyright release or print release or anything at all since it is a TFCD?

For a TFCD, you both need to grant the model a license to use them. Add something like this to your release. You can grant more or less full resolution pictures. You don't even need two sets such as this example I pulled from http://tfcdphoto.com/forum/tfcd-talk/18-my-standard-model-release-tfcd-agreement.html#post23. The main thing is that you spell out everything you want to grant and deny.


In consideration of _________________________ (hereinafter referred to as “Model”) being engaged as a model, ____________________ (hereinafter referred to as “Photographer”) agrees to provide the Model with a CD containing certain photographs taken during the modeling session. These photographs will include the following:

Image Set A - From each set photographed, 5 full camera resolution images without any visible watermarks will be provided to the Model. The images will not be re-touched. Any necessary alterations to the images will be performed solely at the Photographer’s discretion.

The Model is authorized to use the full resolution images (Image Set A) for self promotion in the Model’s printed portfolio only. The Model is prohibited from using the full resolution (Image Set A) images in any other media or print including but not limited to On-Line usage. Under no circumstance may the full resolution images (Image Set A) be used for any commercial purpose.

Image Set B - From each set photographed, 20 to 25 reduced resolution images, in approximately 800 x 600 image resolution, containing the Photographer’s watermark identifying the photographer or the Photographer’s company will be provided to the Model. The images will not be re-touched. Any necessary alterations to the images will be performed solely at the Photographer’s discretion.

The Model is authorized to use the reduced resolution images (Image Set B) for self promotion in any media and print, including but not limited to the Model’s On-Line portfolio. Under no circumstance may the reduced resolution images (Image Set B) be used for any commercial purpose.

The Photographer agrees to provide the Model with the above mentioned CD within 14 days from the date of the execution of this agreement.

Both parties affirm that they are over the age of majority and have the right to contract in their own names. Both parties have read the above agreement, prior to its execution. Both parties fully understand the contents thereof.

Photographer:

Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: ____________

Model:

Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: ____________

[colormaniac]

Just found this thread and would like to ask two questions.

1. If I am just interested in having more people to shoot with, but I am not going to make money or develop a career, is that acceptable in Model Mayhem?

2. How specific should the request from the photographer be? For example, is the photographer supposed to give a very detailed outline of the shoot when contacting the model? Also, who would have the props, clothes, and makeup ready? The photographer or the model, or to be determined by the two?

[canonnoob]

1. Yup that is fine..MM is like facebook for photographers and models and people in the visual industry.

2. you need to be very detailed in what is going to happen at the shoot and such. But If you want to leave it open to the model say that also.