Post your best FLAKE excuses =)

[M Powered]

Aside from the stomach flu, car accident, or father past away. I think the best flake excuse came from an MUA.

I called her the night before the shoot to confirm and she told me she can't make it because her mother is buying her a condo. ROFL...

Sometimes I'll go out of my way to attempt to book someone that I know will flake just to hear what they will say and ultimately get a good laugh :D

[Kagemaru]

My most recent excuse:

"Can we reschedule? I don't like driving in the rain!"

[XpLoiT]

1st flake: make up artist forgot to come home work the night before apparently.
2nd flake: bought a puppy and they need attention at the moment
3rd flake: car accident that went on for ages for comedy sake i will post it.

Im going to have to cancel tomorrow as someone has hit into the front of my car while it was parked on the street in alexandria.It looks like a jeep or a big car has reversed too far back and hit into my car with a bull bar or something coz i have a dent and scratches right in the middle of my car,at the front


Ive parked in the same street before and about 2 months ago they broke into my car and smashed my windows and ended up stealing nothing but damaged my car,there was glass everywhere and i had to get it fixed the following day and because it was a saturday they charged me extra so it cost me a fortune to get it fixed


I need my car during the week so i have to go find a place tomorrow to get it repaired and im going to need them to start on my car straight away otherwise i wont have a car during the week for work:(((

Ive only ever had this problem in alexandria,i think its a bad area to park your car coz there's heaps of thugs everywhere and coz of school holidays its worse...

Im soo sorry!Im really pissed off about it but what can i do now...ill never find out who did it so now i just gotta make sure i get it fixed as quickly as possible :(

surely if it was true, u could just call or write a seriously shorter message with the ability of rescheduling.

[M Powered]

LOL.... I've always wondered. Why do models try SO HARD? So hard to come up with a convincing flake story thinking were going to buy it? Spending 10 minutes writing a car accident story when instead a simple, "I have to cancel because I got in a car accident, thanks." Will suffice.

If the photographer is addiment on pursuing the story he will ask for details, but damn, give us some credit, were not morons. I personally don't know anyone dumb enough to believe that 99% of car accidents, family member passing away, got sick, all occur the day right before the shoot. ROFL.

[Toblerone]

most recent one:
I'm sooooooo sorry, I hit some ice and blew a tire, had to have my fiance come tow me, cause its sunday it took forever to get the right tire, I didnt have your number in my phone, so I just got home and am shooting you a message to seriously apologize... I'd call, but outta fear of anger I'm writing this... Again I'm sorry and let me know what we should do, or if you wanna do something from here.

This is so "precious" for so many reasons:
1. I told her to make sure to program my # into her phone.
2. I kicked another girl out that day because I was expecting her ( the second girl for the day) and didn't want to start late. Just trying to be fair.
3. There was no ice on the ground that weekend!! :lol:

what a ........ yeah!!!!!!
and what's with the "fear of anger"...ohhh poor little girl, she can't behave like an adult and face the music. boo-hooooo.

[inthedeck]

I've only had one flake, and it's cause her sister was having a baby. Of course, I waited for an hour, beyond the time alloted...my mistake...and then she had the gall to get mad at me, for callin' her a flake. ??? :lol:

Then, she goes and works with perhaps the weirdest photog. in history...who calls himself...and here's the kicker....'photochicorico' hahaha. Now, if he ain't a GWC, I don't know who is. ;)

[doidinho]

Well, I'm new to MM, so I also new to flakey models. I knew something was up a few days before the shoot, so I sent her a post and left it wide open for her to back out; she said it was still on. The shoot was Sunday and I got a text at 12:AM Saturday night/Sunday morning saying that everything was a go. Needless to say she didn't show. Luckily for me the shoot was at my house and I didn't bust out one light because I still had a feeling that something wasn't right.

I got this message the next day

"I'm so sorry.. I ran into some family issues.. I do apologize sincerely.

But I'm hoping this isn't going to affect us being able to shoot in the near future."

I said "no worries, hope everything is fine with the family" and left it at that. No sense burning any bridges.

I have a shoot set up this weekend with a model I'm getting a really good vibe from; she seems really dedicated. She has been asking for shots of the location so she can coordinate her wardrobe and been messaging me just to touch base. Perhaps she has had some experience with some flakey photographers.

[charger912]

3. There was no ice on the ground that weekend!!

Oh, busted! Hangovers are the only excuse I've ever received. She knew we were supposed to go shoot the next day but still chose to get smashed at the bar the night before.

[M Powered]

Heres my gift for you guys..

If a model tells you, "I'll have to see if I can get that day off from work." = 99% flake.

[hawk911]

I've had the "called into work" an hr before the shooting start time, and another 1/2 hr before the shoot claim "her back window on the CRV was smashed and she had to find a replacement" she still had to find the replacement 3 days later.

[XpLoiT]

flakes are fun, silly do they know that every tog shoots with each other and we all talk, its grand so someone flakes on you, u let your togs know and they pass on the message good models get so much work cause they are good flakes just get used and abused and ran up for rubbish shots.

alteast the list gets shorter and shorter all the time for us knowing who is good models who isnt

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Explosive diarrhea? Anyone?

[M Powered]

flakes are fun, silly do they know that every tog shoots with each other and we all talk, its grand so someone flakes on you, u let your togs know and they pass on the message good models get so much work cause they are good flakes just get used and abused and ran up for rubbish shots.

alteast the list gets shorter and shorter all the time for us knowing who is good models who isnt

Seriously... most models are dumb and not really serious about modeling. I favor the agency ones because they are dedicated and punctual.

I had a model that I shot a while back, several times actually. I guess it came to a point where she didn't value shooting with me anymore so she flaked on me... 3 times. Then she went on crying to friends of mine who are also photographers saying I won't talk to her no more.. boo hooo..

Just this past weekend my friends model was a no show. I warned him, but he insisted. What killed it I think was the fact that he told her to come alone, no BF or anything the night before. Her reaction was...."Oooookkaayyy... why?"

[Kagemaru]

I had a model that I shot a while back, several times actually. I guess it came to a point where she didn't value shooting with me anymore so she flaked on me... 3 times. Then she went on crying to friends of mine who are also photographers saying I won't talk to her no more.. boo hooo..

"

I wonder who that might be...

[flipstyle72]

I've only ran into a few...

1. I have to study for my finals
2. I had a long weekend and tired
3. I got a new job, but i'll be there 6 hours after our original time!
4. My butt is bleeding profusely!!!

ok, #4 is made up, the others were too boring.

[Just Be]

My favorite..."I have a family emergency." :rolleyes:

[cskn0125]

Four weeks planned ahead. One week to the shoot date - "oh sorry, I forgot that I was already booked"

bah!

[hawk911]

Seriously... most models are dumb and not really serious about modeling. I favor the agency ones because they are dedicated and punctual.

I had a model that I shot a while back, several times actually. I guess it came to a point where she didn't value shooting with me anymore so she flaked on me... 3 times. Then she went on crying to friends of mine who are also photographers saying I won't talk to her no more.. boo hooo..

goes back to my rule- you can cancel on me twice. If you've cancelled on me that frequently, you've proven it's just not that important for you and I to work together.

[tiler65]

My first flake................

Model - 'I have a big zit on my ass/arse/bum/bottom'

Me - 'We were doing headshots as discussed'

[inthedeck]

My first flake................

Model - 'I have a big zit on my ass/arse/bum/bottom'

Me - 'We were doing headshots as discussed'

Now that's funny. :lol:

[M Powered]

goes back to my rule- you can cancel on me twice. If you've cancelled on me that frequently, you've proven it's just not that important for you and I to work together.

The model that flaked 3 times was considered a "friend." If it was someone I never shot before I rarely give them a 2nd booking if the first one is canceled or re-scheduled less than 1 week notice.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Getting deposits before scheduling helps quite a bit. :)

[TooManyHobbies]

1. Had a large shoot with rented studio one of the models said "I will try to make it" Try? "Oh my grandmoter has cancer and I can't commit. I think I need to stop modeling and pick it up later" Yet her schedule had lots of shoots I know she did soon after mine? She was a pre-madonna in the planning anyway. After weeks of planning this shoot this comes up 4 days before.
2. MUA, grandmother has cancer.
3. Model/MUA, grandmother has cancer.
4. Model ,grandmother has cancer.
5. MUA, lost my cell phone
6. Model, grandmother has cancer
7. I sent an email 1.5 hours before the shoot canceling
8. I had a stalker
9. Model, no show no reponse, but received a 2nd request to work with her on MM after a no-show and no response to why she didn't
10. Model, no show no response, but again received a request to work with her on antoher project

I'm now going to ask for an address to send flowers for all unwell or deceased.

I allow one cancelation with notice otherwise I don't bother. I unschedule anyone who doesn't respond quickly to planning efforts. I don't schedule people who have canceled without notice unless I know it is unavoidable.

[wagonwheel]

About an hour before the shoot time, I got an e-mail that simply said “My babysitter just canceled on me.”

So I asked: what does that mean? Are you not coming, are you bringing your child along, what? I did not show up for the shot as I did not hear from her again.

[kenwood33]

MUA: I forgot where I put my makeup kit.

[SonicYan]

Yeah, I've had the usual car accidents, mother wants them to do something else for that day etc etc. Also had the cut her knee up bad so she didn't want it to show up in the pictures.

[SonicYan]

Heres my gift for you guys..

If a model tells you, "I'll have to see if I can get that day off from work." = 99% flake.

So true.

[charlesu]

I have heard many, many of them over the years. Sometimes several are stacked on top of one another.

Family emergency--it is amazing how many family emergencies all these models have.
I had a wreck.
I had to buy a major appliance (insert choice).
I had to buy a major appliance (two weeks later).
I had to buy a major appliance (again, just make one up because I am sure she did--several weeks later--though by this point I was only booking her for the fun of seeing which major appliance would blow up).
My husband's unit got called back to base because someone got a DUI.
Two weeks later, husband calls saying same model could not make it because his unit was called back to base because someone in his unit bounced a check.
I have to get married in a few weeks and suddenly realized how much I have to do just to get married (she actually ended up shooting with another photog that weekend who molested her).
My grandma got sick so I went to the hospital to see her and had a wreck on the way and someone stole my purse while I was in the hospital.
My cousin (who I never gave a **** about before) is coming home from Iraq (oh, and there's a big party with free booze and food).
I am only doing paid shoots now. The (unpublished) "pro" photographer I worked with yesterday told me I am worth $150 per hour and only to work with him unless someone is paying me. (Heard this one several times. Sometimes the second part is mentioned, sometimes it is not.)
I can't come to your shoot because my previous shoot ran over 30 mins.
My boyfriend won't let me (well, no one has actually said this one but I figured it was true many times).
My mom took my car and told me to drive hers to the shoot but didn't leave me any keys.
There is a traffic jam and I can't get out of town. (In a city of like 80,000).
I forgot my makeup so have to go home (a model who was supposedly in town but decided she had to drive 2.5 hours home to get her makeup rather than come on to a shoot). She then called from home to add that there was a family emergency requiring her to stay there.

How many more would you like?

[TooManyHobbies]

I have heard many, many of them over the years. Sometimes several are stacked on top of one another.

Family emergency--it is amazing how many family emergencies all these models have.
I had a wreck.
I had to buy a major appliance (insert choice).
I had to buy a major appliance (two weeks later).
I had to buy a major appliance (again, just make one up because I am sure she did--several weeks later--though by this point I was only booking her for the fun of seeing which major appliance would blow up).
My husband's unit got called back to base because someone got a DUI.
Two weeks later, husband calls saying same model could not make it because his unit was called back to base because someone in his unit bounced a check.
I have to get married in a few weeks and suddenly realized how much I have to do just to get married (she actually ended up shooting with another photog that weekend who molested her).
My grandma got sick so I went to the hospital to see her and had a wreck on the way and someone stole my purse while I was in the hospital.
My cousin (who I never gave a **** about before) is coming home from Iraq (oh, and there's a big party with free booze and food).
I am only doing paid shoots now. The (unpublished) "pro" photographer I worked with yesterday told me I am worth $150 per hour and only to work with him unless someone is paying me. (Heard this one several times. Sometimes the second part is mentioned, sometimes it is not.)
I can't come to your shoot because my previous shoot ran over 30 mins.
My boyfriend won't let me (well, no one has actually said this one but I figured it was true many times).
My mom took my car and told me to drive hers to the shoot but didn't leave me any keys.
There is a traffic jam and I can't get out of town. (In a city of like 80,000).
I forgot my makeup so have to go home (a model who was supposedly in town but decided she had to drive 2.5 hours home to get her makeup rather than come on to a shoot). She then called from home to add that there was a family emergency requiring her to stay there.

How many more would you like?

We should swap names neighbor. We probably got flaked by some of the same.

[charlesu]

We should swap names neighbor. We probably got flaked by some of the same.

Probably so. And I left out a major excuse for not showing up. I will place it in quotes below.

".............."

[HSK]

some of these make me lol very much.

honesty is the best policy me thinks.

[derky82]

haha these are awesome, give us more!!!

lol

[TooManyHobbies]

Probably so. And I left out a major excuse for not showing up. I will place it in quotes below.

".............."

I just got flaked again! 2 more in just the last week. Their MM port talked about how serious they were and professional!

We should setup a thread listing MM#s and what happened. Then people could search the thread for model feedback.

[TooManyHobbies]

Got flaked by a MUA but her excuse was real. Her furnace was leaking carbon monoxide, she fell asleep feeling sick. I called her no answer. She called me 20 minutes after the shoot was to start cancelling stating she planned on calling or coming but fell asleep and was too sick. Later she found out she had carbon monoxide poisoning and almost died.

If she would have come to the shoot she would have been fine.

[4honor]

Oh boy, these are very funny, because I have personally experienced them myself... :(

Here is one that hasn't got listed here, 3 days before the shoot:

"Oh, I forgot I have to go to NYC this weekend (to see a friend), can't make it"

First of all, we live in Missouri, so she had to travel by plane. For me, traveling to NY or buying a plane ticket is pretty important, and I would plan them way ahead of time, how does one FORGET something like that?!

Oh, I think we should trade names/MM numbers to save everyone's time...

[TooManyHobbies]

Ok, I don't mean to hog the show, but I got flaked again yesturday. I should have know better because it happened before but she used an excuse and sob story so I re-booked her. It was going to be a 12 bodypaint before we shoot. She contacted me about doing this, but a week before the shoot she didn't want to be topless. She wanted pasties. My bodypainter wouldn't spend 12 hours for someone with pasties. I said I could edit her nipples out in PS but putting pasties on would prevent me from editing and it looking real. She was ok with that, but then never responded to any communications after that and we needed to lock down the time and confirm some other preparations.

[hawk911]

had one over the weekend; we'd been communicating at least a month before, up until 1 week prior. Then she dropped off. Heard from her at 10:30 am, the morning of the shoot that should have started at 9:30 for makeup. She was in the hospital. She's very apologetic, and has been sincere all the way, so I told her she gets one more shot.

[Karl Johnston]

How about an arctic tale?
-18C today, and that's at 9 am this morning

model: "It's too cold"
me:'We're inside a building though...'
model:"I know but do you have heat? It's really cold out"
'me:It's got heat....'
model:"Okay...well...I don't want to start my car, and it's really cold out, how about you come here?"
me:'...'
model:"Can we reschedule?"
'me:Erm okay, when is good for you?'
model:"In the spring?"
me:'This is spring'
model:"Summer?"
me:'Er..Right...okay then....'
model: "Thanks!"

This isn't so much a flake excuse ...well kind of actually. Girl who had a bit of modeling experience described herself as very experienced (10 shoots) and accustomed to paid sessions. Agreed to do TFCD to build up my port and liked my idea for the shoot, would like to try it out. Called recently and said she "just can't afford time for" and her rate is 250$ an hour.

I made up an excuse for that one. 250 $ an hour?...This isn't the south, her portfolio sucked, and I'm no Dave Contreas :lol:

[MD Steelerfan]

I had a nice one last week. Model messaged me on MM 5 hours after the shoot was supposed to happen and asked why I wasn't there. She said she was a half hour late and I had already left. When I responded that I had waited for over an hour at the meeting location she back tracked and said she turned around and when home when I didn't answer her text message (that she never sent). She must think I am stupid because she tells this elaborate lie and keeps changing the story, but won't talk on the phone. Only on MM. They need a system in place to report flakes so you can save others from the same fate.

[TooManyHobbies]

I had a nice one last week. Model messaged me on MM 5 hours after the shoot was supposed to happen and asked why I wasn't there. She said she was a half hour late and I had already left. When I responded that I had waited for over an hour at the meeting location she back tracked and said she turned around and when home when I didn't answer her text message (that she never sent). She must think I am stupid because she tells this elaborate lie and keeps changing the story, but won't talk on the phone. Only on MM. They need a system in place to report flakes so you can save others from the same fate.

I talked about making a thread here listing number and facts only. Then you could search the thread for the number before booking. The liability may be too great though. There would have to be a lot of rules for that thread and no side talk or emotions. Just professional comments.

I never started it, thinking the moderators would just shut it down.

[MD Steelerfan]

I agree. It would never fly. I have thought about putting notes right on my MM page but even if you just put the model or MUAs name and MM number and that they were a no show, you would probably get flamed. They would probably try to turn it around and blame you and in the end it is just a mess. It would be good if there was a list off of MM that they had no control of and that the models probably would never know of either that would tip off fellow photogs to stear clear of certain people.

[canonnoob]

mine went as follows: (I was meeting her for lunch because this was going to be a big shoot and so i put another shoot down for this meeting)

I'm really sorry but I had to cancel my MM account. I decided to quit because I have been scammed and need to change everything now. I'm sorry but I can not do lunch wednesday. I won't be doing any kind of modeling for a long time. I'll let you know if I ever change my mind.


I responded:

Im sorry to hear that. If you ever change your mind feel free to contact me. That sucks that you have been scammed. But none the less, It does happen to some of us. Feel free to get ahold of me if you ever want anything.

Then Got this:

Yea. It's ok though. Everything's so complicated now. I had to close my MM account, my email, my checking account, change my phone number. The only thing he still knows is my house address which really scares me. He kept calling me under a private number this morning so I finally answered it and it was an Iraqi guy asking me where his money was. My heart has never beat that fast in my life lol. But hopefully he leaves me alone now. I will definitely call you if I change my mind about modeling though. You really do have some great work.


*** Now here is what is funny about this.. her MM account still exists and she is still active.. also, you would think she would change/remove her Facebook/ etc... :lol: they must think we are stupid... lol

[TooManyHobbies]

I agree. It would never fly. I have thought about putting notes right on my MM page but even if you just put the model or MUAs name and MM number and that they were a no show, you would probably get flamed. They would probably try to turn it around and blame you and in the end it is just a mess. It would be good if there was a list off of MM that they had no control of and that the models probably would never know of either that would tip off fellow photogs to stear clear of certain people.

You should read the MM rules. They list all the things they will kick you off or suspend you for. No negativity allowed. No code words or coded list names, etc.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Simple solution is getting a deposit every single time before putting someone in your calendar. I was bit by a paying model that didn't pay and won't go that route again. Even on the rare TF* job I do, I'll get a deposit that will be returned when we shoot.

The only time from here on out I'll get my camera out without a deposit is with a model I've worked with before and know very well.

And screening up front really helps. I've yet to have a no-show (knock on wood).

[TooManyHobbies]

Simple solution is getting a deposit every single time before putting someone in your calendar. I was bit by a paying model that didn't pay and won't go that route again. Even on the rare TF* job I do, I'll get a deposit that will be returned when we shoot.

The only time from here on out I'll get my camera out without a deposit is with a model I've worked with before and know very well.

And screening up front really helps. I've yet to have a no-show (knock on wood).

I wish I could do that. I try not to get paid and only do TF*. It made my life much better. I have very little time so make the most of it. I have only had 7 studio sessions, 1 fashion show, and 5 let's take some pics real quick while at a location. 18 years from now I'll retire and become a tru pro. It gives me a lot of time for portfolio developement. I think I have a great portfolio for so few shooting opportunities and I've got a long list of models who want to work with me so I can be selective. I went fashion last year, got hurt and took a break for 9 months, then started up in late December. I started doing studio for the first time last year too. I have had an SLR since I was 8 and did darkroom work when I was younger so no stranger to photography.

I try to screen and meet beforehand but too many photographers around me, really guys with cameras, will do anything to shoot with models and new models have a hard time telling who's good, who's lucky, and who's portfolio looks good from quantity of shoots.

I do tell models I don't pay them nor do I expect them to pay me. Clients pay models and photographers. I would pay a model if I had to have her and it wouldn't benefit her portfolio, or if I give her nothing because I'm just playing around with lighting to figure out a new complicated setup prior to a real shoot -- as I would expect models to pay a photographer to work if not really benefiting his portfolio.

I think I would be laughed at asking for a deposit for TF*.

Screening use to be a must for me. Others in the area say I get more no-shows becuase I go after new faces a lot and required them to meet me if they are not referred by others I know in the biz. I like to plan and get things perfect and will work with a model, MUA, etc. to make the shoot the best it can be with the resources available. I'm starting to relax that a little for ones that are out of town or are known by my friends. The out of towners I screen over the phone, but that's not the same.

[garyeaton]

I've had a few, but one canceled on me the morning of the shoot (it was a 10:00am shoot). She canceled by posting a message on MM. I posted a message back "thanks for not canceling at the last moment" and she wrote back "I detect a hint of sarcasm" and I replied "bingo"

[TooManyHobbies]

I think I'm a glutton for punishment. I'm giving one a second chance. Her grandfather went in for surgery and her and her sister had their hands full taking care of him accoring to an MM message. I'm too nice.

She didn't not show up for a shoot, just stopped communicating when we were in the midst of picking some dates I gave her and was holding for her until she never got back with me. When the don't get back with me after a long while I send my typical....

"I guess you are no longer interested in working together. Best of Luck."

[LCF]

Oh my god, those are hilarious/so sad, hahaha
Great thread, that's basically a "best of dumped photographers"

[bikoe2]

Here is the latest excuse I've received. I tried contacting her before the date and the day of, and heard nothing from her, no email response, no call backs, no texts... absolutely NOTHING. I received this email ONE WEEK after posting her under "models I DONT recommend" list in Model Mayhem. lol.

"I am so sorry, I had the worst weekend of my life. I didn't get paid that weekend, my job almost went under and my boyfriend almost broke up with me.
I apologize for the unprofessionalism I have displayed but I have never been so depressed, and withdrawled to most of my friends too. I am so embarrassed. And on your page. You're Right I deserve it."

lol

[bikoe2]

I've had a few, but one canceled on me the morning of the shoot (it was a 10:00am shoot). She canceled by posting a message on MM. I posted a message back "thanks for not canceling at the last moment" and she wrote back "I detect a hint of sarcasm" and I replied "bingo"

too funny... lol

[TooManyHobbies]

Here is the latest excuse I've received. I tried contacting her before the date and the day of, and heard nothing from her, no email response, no call backs, no texts... absolutely NOTHING. I received this email ONE WEEK after posting her under "models I DONT recommend" list in Model Mayhem. lol.

"I am so sorry, I had the worst weekend of my life. I didn't get paid that weekend, my job almost went under and my boyfriend almost broke up with me.
I apologize for the unprofessionalism I have displayed but I have never been so depressed, and withdrawled to most of my friends too. I am so embarrassed. And on your page. You're Right I deserve it."

lol

MM will kick you off for a list with that name. Be careful no one tattles.

[bikoe2]

MM will kick you off for a list with that name. Be careful no one tattles.

I checked with a MOD on Model Mayhem before doing so, as long as you dont call the model a "flake" or give details on your page (you can give details in a private message), this is allowed.

Another thing, this list is only displayed on my page and is NOT a "photo list."

[TooManyHobbies]

I checked with a MOD on Model Mayhem before doing so, as long as you dont call the model a "flake" or give details on your page (you can give details in a private message), this is allowed.

Another thing, this list is only displayed on my page and is NOT a "photo list."

Very good to know. I need to start a list like that too.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

I just think it's "bad business" to have lists like that on your page. Do you think new models that visit your page get the "warm-n-fuzzies" seeing that?

Yes, I have some models I won't work with because I know they're flakes, are usually high as a kite, etc. But I just tell the local photographers about that - not blast it publicly. Everything you do on your page reflects on you.

[harroz]

yip.
I just think it's "bad business" to have lists like that on your page. Do you think new models that visit your page get the "warm-n-fuzzies" seeing that?

Yes, I have some models I won't work with because I know they're flakes, are usually high as a kite, etc. But I just tell the local photographers about that - not blast it publicly. Everything you do on your page reflects on you.

[TooManyHobbies]

I just think it's "bad business" to have lists like that on your page. Do you think new models that visit your page get the "warm-n-fuzzies" seeing that?

Yes, I have some models I won't work with because I know they're flakes, are usually high as a kite, etc. But I just tell the local photographers about that - not blast it publicly. Everything you do on your page reflects on you.

Your right. I just get frustrated every one in a while.

I just got messaged by a model who was intereted in one of my casting calls. She's was a non-show for a rented studio shoot and I never got a reply back from her afterwards until this one a year later. I told her she must not have realized who she was replying too and that we would never work together. She denided ever planning with me or committing to a shoot and said if I didn't want to work with her I should have been honest. I sent her her phone number and email address that she gave me previously. plus an email she sent me.

She still denide committing to the shoot.

[bikoe2]

I just think it's "bad business" to have lists like that on your page. Do you think new models that visit your page get the "warm-n-fuzzies" seeing that?

Yes, I have some models I won't work with because I know they're flakes, are usually high as a kite, etc. But I just tell the local photographers about that - not blast it publicly. Everything you do on your page reflects on you.

you are right. time to reconsider my plan of action. :) thanks.

[DavidPhoto]

One model PM'ed me the day before and said she had just been in a car accident. SHe was Ok but now she had no ride becuase her car wouldnt be fixed until the next day.

I also had one model cancel at 10:30pm the night before in response to my confirmation. SHe said that the guy that was supposed to drive her can't make it. The shoot was booked for weeks and I made sure that she had a ride. My response was "You've got to be kidding?" Then sometime during the night she responds back saying that she missed her flight and now she has to shoot with someone else but she can still make the 1pm shoot with me if I pay her $50/hr (might have been more) that way she can buy the driver gas etc. So in the morning when I read it, I politely declined and said that I had already cancelled the studio "so forget about today." She then responded by telling me I was rude and I sucked as a photog so I would be easy to forget! I responded by thanking her. I'm pretty sure I bit through my tongue!
A few days later I spoke with some of the guys at the studio where she was shooting. They told me that it was most likely the guy that was going to drive her that was writing the messages. Classy people.

[TooManyHobbies]

OK someone had to go there! "My brother just went to the hospital and may have swine flu".

She left during the shoot before we got to the whole point of the shoot. I think the real reason she left is that her boyfried with child showed up at the shoot. I knew he was coming but the child was an extra and this was a risque shoot. I let her play with my kids but they had to go to bed. Shortly tafter I told him we couldn't babysit his girl any longer the boyfriend went outside and she got a call from her brother (you mean boyfriend outside).

They showed up hours late for the shoot becuase her car broke down and then they got lost. We had talked earlier how this shoot would be a late one before they showed up late.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

You gotta screen these lunatics up front, I swear you find the craziest clients. :)

[TooManyHobbies]

You gotta screen these lunatics up front, I swear you find the craziest clients. :)

I'm a glutton for punishment and I like to shoot new faces.

[woodsters]

OK someone had to go there! "My brother just went to the hospital and may have swine flu".


Was wondering when that one was going to pop up....

[Bilsen]

I have a story which netted me not one, not two but three distinct model-dentials".

I contact a model on Mayhem for an outdoor fashion/catalogue TFP. She's "very excited" about my stuff and wants to do it. We exchange messages for 3 weeks and set a date and location for a Sunday AM.

On Saturday morning she contracts a case of model flu which is apparently a real epidemic and not some fake like H1N1. She called in sick to work and everything. However, on Sunday (our scheduled day) she posts five new frames in her port and the EXIF amazingly says they were shot in a studio at around 5:00 PM on Saturday night. Truly amazing recuperative powers this lady has.

We set up again for the next Saturday but - OOPS on Friday, the boss decides she needs to work that day. But listen, the boss is leaving on Friday in two weeks and can I do the shoot that weekend? Sure - no problem. We set up for that Sunday because she'll DEFINITELY be free. Like totally.

Until Thursday before "Sunday in two weeks" when, after 3 messages from me to confirm, she writes that she may have to drive her boss to the airport only two days after the boss was supposed to be gone.

Being exceptionally quick on the uptake as I am, I got the impression she might not be that "very excited" to work with me. I told her if we couldn't confirm by Friday night, I'd assume we were cancelled. That was two weeks ago and I haven't heard back yet.

What do you think this all means?? Should I try to reschedule her again??:lol:

[dsmPhotoCompany]

I have a story which netted me not one, not two but three distinct model-dentials".

I contact a model on Mayhem for an outdoor fashion/catalogue TFP. She's "very excited" about my stuff and wants to do it. We exchange messages for 3 weeks and set a date and location for a Sunday AM.

On Saturday morning she contracts a case of model flu which is apparently a real epidemic and not some fake like H1N1. She called in sick to work and everything. However, on Sunday (our scheduled day) she posts five new frames in her port and the EXIF amazingly says they were shot in a studio at around 5:00 PM on Saturday night. Truly amazing recuperative powers this lady has.

We set up again for the next Saturday but - OOPS on Friday, the boss decides she needs to work that day. But listen, the boss is leaving on Friday in two weeks and can I do the shoot that weekend? Sure - no problem. We set up for that Sunday because she'll DEFINITELY be free. Like totally.

Until Thursday before "Sunday in two weeks" when, after 3 messages from me to confirm, she writes that she may have to drive her boss to the airport only two days after the boss was supposed to be gone.

Being exceptionally quick on the uptake as I am, I got the impression she might not be that "very excited" to work with me. I told her if we couldn't confirm by Friday night, I'd assume we were cancelled. That was two weeks ago and I haven't heard back yet.

What do you think this all means?? Should I try to reschedule her again??:lol:

Yeah, being done with her after the first occurrence would've been a good idea. Especially after you caught her in a blatant lie.

[TooManyHobbies]

I confront models when I'm 100% sure they are lieing and let them know they are not just canceling with me but also MUAs, photographer assistants, hair stylists, etc. and word get's passed around. We have a once a month networking social for people in the fashion world around here so we all talk.

[DavidPhoto]

Jeff I know it is frustrating but theres no sense dragging it on...just drop it and be done with her. I wouldn't feel compelled to send her anything though.

I shot a model last week and she told me that she had to cancel on a photographer the morning of their shoot because when she came out to her car there were police all around and they told her that her car was a crime scene. She could not take it. Apparently over night there was a shooting and her car got shot! So she called the photog and told him she couldnt make it because her car got shot! I'm surprised that one isnt posted on here. But after our shoot I walked her out and she showed me her car. It had a pretty good size bullet hole and it still had some police tape next to it. Ha!

[TooManyHobbies]

Jeff I know it is frustrating but theres no sense dragging it on...just drop it and be done with her. I wouldn't feel compelled to send her anything though.

I shot a model last week and she told me that she had to cancel on a photographer the morning of their shoot because when she came out to her car there were police all around and they told her that her car was a crime scene. She could not take it. Apparently over night there was a shooting and her car got shot! So she called the photog and told him she couldnt make it because her car got shot! I'm surprised that one isnt posted on here. But after our shoot I walked her out and she showed me her car. It had a pretty good size bullet hole and it still had some police tape next to it. Ha!

I messaged her and let her know we werem't happy about the delays and bringing a kid that we had to babysit. I warned her that its a tight community and word spreads from MUA to MUA to photographer. I then saw her that night at a fashion mixer. She didn't appologize when I talked to her and she acted like she was avoiding me. I asked her when she might be available to finish the shoot, just to see what she would say. She said she was busy with shoots until late June. I know that was a lie, so I'll assume the rest was too. I have photog friends who were in the midst of setting dates with her. I warned them. The MUA had other photogs who were arranging with her too and she told them what happened. I probably pissed her off telling her what I didn't appreciate, but that's me.

Being very frustrated my reaction is not to use the images or send them to her, but later I got back to the fact that I'm a proffesional who acts in a proffessional manner, so I will send her the unedited images and possibly one edit if I use one, since the MUA is in dire need of images to start an MM port.

[Bilsen]

Not exactly a flake but an interesting story nonetheless.

I should also say I've had three really good shoots from Mayhem models so I am by no means negative. In any event, this one came from a different model site.

This model contacts me. She likes my stuff and can we do a shoot? I write back to say sure and offer her a couple of dates. She responds by saying fine but can she bring her two nieces and a nephew (ages 4, 7 and 9) because she has always wanted "professional" shots of them.

I apologize and explain that I don't shoot people under 20 (my personal choice) so I can't accomodate her. She gets pissed, says "Well, it's your camera" and that's the end of it.

Gee, she must have really wanted to shoot with me.:p

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Not exactly a flake but an interesting story nonetheless.

I should also say I've had three really good shoots from Mayhem models so I am by no means negative. In any event, this one came from a different model site.

This model contacts me. She likes my stuff and can we do a shoot? I write back to say sure and offer her a couple of dates. She responds by saying fine but can she bring her two nieces and a nephew (ages 4, 7 and 9) because she has always wanted "professional" shots of them.

I apologize and explain that I don't shoot people under 20 (my personal choice) so I can't accomodate her. She gets pissed, says "Well, it's your camera" and that's the end of it.

Gee, she must have really wanted to shoot with me.:p

Clearly was looking to have someone take free photos of her "nieces". Would not shock me if they were actually her kids.

[slivr]

Good Gawd, Jeff - you ARE a glutton for punishment with that one. LOL!!! Mine include:

1. I've been in _ _ the last couple days and was suppose to fly back to town last night, but my sister couldn't get me to the airport so I changed flights to this morning instead. (Received 30 minutes before the scheduled shoot and a day after she'd confirmed via cell-text)

2. I have to cancel our shoot. (Nothing else was included in the text message.) It was a planned doubles-session with her best friend that sits next to her in the same office. When I called that 2nd girl to see if she still wanted to shoot something, she wasn't aware her best friend sitting five feet away had just cancelled and didn't know why either. I later got a nasty email from the cancelling model chewing me out for shooting someone ELSE instead of rescheduling with her. MM gals can be FRUSTRATING!!!

3. The ubiquitous "Sorry - I got called into work. I'm quitting now because they always do this to me!" I haven't bothered to check and see if she still works there cuz it doesn't change my mind in any way after spending days arranging some donated fashion outfits and bringing in a paid MUA on her Mother's Day.

Unfortunately, certain MUA's aren't much better! But that info eventually gets shared around the photographer's local community ... helping prevent others from wasting their time and money.

[inthedeck]

Lately:

I've had a grandfather with a heart attack...poor guy. x2
I've had a 'death' in the family.
I've had a model lose her baggage, in Seattle, on her way back to Florida. Next day, she's got some new shots, in Florida. ;)

Oh well, I don't expect to win them all...but, what's the deal with models not calling on the phone? Anyone? Is it too much to ask to actually 'talk' to the person, these days? I guess this 'text' me 'text' you age of devices has really taken over, when conversing with people. :(

[wasabimaniac]

My first flake:
After a month of planning - Shoot scheduled in the evening, got text in the morning.
"Hey, sorry it's quite early, but thought you should take a look at my eye. I thought it would be better this morning, but apparently it's not, and is getting worse. I hope I don't have pink eye again"
Then sends a picture message with a super close up of her nose and eyes, I can't even tell if it's her. One eye seems slightly squinted.

What a fantastic waste of time.

[flipstyle72]

This was the most recent flake excuse...

"Hey Flip, I went out lastnight and I lost my car... If I find it by 3 I'll try and make it"

this one made www.textsfromlastnight.com

[harroz]

LOL
This was the most recent flake excuse...

"Hey Flip, I went out lastnight and I lost my car... If I find it by 3 I'll try and make it"

this one made www.textsfromlastnight.com (http://www.textsfromlastnight.com)

[harroz]

anyone had just no answer when you've sent a private message, but you know they've read it?

[wasabimaniac]

anyone had just no answer when you've sent a private message, but you know they've read it?

ALL the time!How about the ones that contact you because they want to collaborate, and when you respond, they vanish? Why do they contact you in the first place?

[inthedeck]

ALL the time!How about the ones that contact you because they want to collaborate, and when you respond, they vanish? Why do they contact you in the first place?

+2. Like, wtf?

[wasabimaniac]

What have you all responded to models with when you decide you don't want to work with them, (because of their "look/style", height, etc)?

[inthedeck]

"Here's my rates." ;) :lol:

[wasabimaniac]

"Here's my rates." ;) :lol:

Well put. I was thinking more along the lines of "Honesty is the best policy." I guess white lies are okay.

[hawk911]

This was the most recent flake excuse...

"Hey Flip, I went out lastnight and I lost my car... If I find it by 3 I'll try and make it"

this one made www.textsfromlastnight.com (http://www.textsfromlastnight.com)


My new favorite way to waste time @ work. :lol:

[TooManyHobbies]

The latest ... "I knew you were busy and didn't want to bother you by calling"

[harroz]

oh yeah!. And then a couple of months down the track they leave a comment on a new photo "Oh I must shoot with you!!"



ALL the time!How about the ones that contact you because they want to collaborate, and when you respond, they vanish? Why do they contact you in the first place?

[Bilsen]

Not exactly a flake but an interesting story nonetheless.

I should also say I've had three really good shoots from Mayhem models so I am by no means negative. In any event, this one came from a different model site.

This model contacts me. She likes my stuff and can we do a shoot? I write back to say sure and offer her a couple of dates. She responds by saying fine but can she bring her two nieces and a nephew (ages 4, 7 and 9) because she has always wanted "professional" shots of them.

I apologize and explain that I don't shoot people under 20 (my personal choice) so I can't accomodate her. She gets pissed, says "Well, it's your camera" and that's the end of it.

Gee, she must have really wanted to shoot with me.:p


Yesterday, I get a Friend Request from this very lady. Isn't life with models amazing?:D

[wasabimaniac]

oh yeah!. And then a couple of months down the track they leave a comment on a new photo "Oh I must shoot with you!!"

Amazing, it seems like MM models are universal across the globe!

[harroz]

too funny!Yesterday, I get a Friend Request from this very lady. Isn't life with models amazing?:D

haha, yeah, maybe its a spreading thing, like the swine flu ;)
Amazing, it seems like MM models are universal across the globe!

[Moppie]

I've only been on MM since May, yet so far I've had a MU cancel at short notice becasue she couldn't afford the bus fare, then not reply when I offered a ride, or to pay for the bus and some of her make up costs. And one person vanaish after getting excited about doing a shoot together with a DJ.

That said, I have done one fantastic shoot with an awesome model and body painter.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Had one no-show for a consultation the other weekend but I didn't care. I reserve Saturday late mornings for consults usually and do them at my studio. I just process I
ages until they arrive, if they don't...sweet...more time to process! That's the worst of my experiences though.

Except for the model I took court a couple months back for failure to pay. She showed back up on MM under a different name. Maybe I should see if she wants to shoot? lol

We do need a photog flake story thread too. Just in the last month, I've heard of 3 different cases where different photograhers flaked out on different models. Maybe they got skeerid?

[izthistaken]

This was the most recent flake excuse...

"Hey Flip, I went out lastnight and I lost my car... If I find it by 3 I'll try and make it"

this one made www.textsfromlastnight.com (http://www.textsfromlastnight.com)
The greatest site EVER!
My new favorite way to waste time @ work. :lol:
Ditto, at work reading every thread on the forum...now this will keep me busy for the next 4 1/2 hours. :lol:

[mbell75]

Most photographers who get flaked on alot are 99% of the time doing two not so smart things. 1) Shooting trade (TFP/TFCD) 2) Not taking a deposit. Start charging for your work and requiring a deposit for 50% of the cost of the shoot at least 1 week in advance, problem solved. Havent had a flake in close to 2 years.

[DavidPhoto]

Most photographers who get flaked on alot are 99% of the time doing two not so smart things. 1) Shooting trade (TFP/TFCD) 2) Not taking a deposit. Start charging for your work and requiring a deposit for 50% of the cost of the shoot at least 1 week in advance, problem solved. Havent had a flake in close to 2 years.


Yeah that sounds great but if I did that I'd get ZERO shoots. I don't know ANY models that would pay a deposit and almost none that would pay for a shoot (with anyone). Keep in mind that most of us are looking for models because WE want to shoot.

[mbell75]

Yeah that sounds great but if I did that I'd get ZERO shoots. I don't know ANY models that would pay a deposit and almost none that would pay for a shoot (with anyone). Keep in mind that most of us are looking for models because WE want to shoot.

That sucks, where do you live? I am in southern California where glamour photographers are a dime a dozen and I manage 2-3 paid shoots weekly. Granted, I keep my rates much lower than most on my same level but I would rather have more shoots.

[HMetal]

Worse than a flake who doesn't show up..

How about a model who contracts you for a shoot for 3 hours, agrees to get a reduced rate ($150 instead of $450), agrees to help your wife with a fitness plan and do a tandem workout to help get her back in shape in lieu of the remaining $300. Instead, she pays $100 (thus far) shows up with a book she bought from the dollar store, tells my wife what she already knows, doesn't do any actual workout with my wife and still owes me $50 from the $150.

I'm about ready to send it to collection for the remaining $300 minus the cost of her lousy 1/2 hour of time spent sitting in a f*cking chair in my kitchen.

Yeah... JOY of JOYS!

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Most photographers who get flaked on alot are 99% of the time doing two not so smart things. 1) Shooting trade (TFP/TFCD) 2) Not taking a deposit. Start charging for your work and requiring a deposit for 50% of the cost of the shoot at least 1 week in advance, problem solved. Havent had a flake in close to 2 years.

+100

And if you do shoot TF, insist for a preshoot meeting before you even schedule a photoshoot. Weeds 'em out rather quickly.

[TooManyHobbies]

Worse than a flake who doesn't show up..

How about a model who contracts you for a shoot for 3 hours, agrees to get a reduced rate ($150 instead of $450), agrees to help your wife with a fitness plan and do a tandem workout to help get her back in shape in lieu of the remaining $300. Instead, she pays $100 (thus far) shows up with a book she bought from the dollar store, tells my wife what she already knows, doesn't do any actual workout with my wife and still owes me $50 from the $150.

I'm about ready to send it to collection for the remaining $300 minus the cost of her lousy 1/2 hour of time spent sitting in a f*cking chair in my kitchen.

Yeah... JOY of JOYS!

Sorry, but all plans that involve a wife getting into shape are doomed to fail.

[hawk911]

Sorry, but all plans that involve a wife getting into shape are doomed to fail.

does getting them pregnant after significant weight loss count as a failure?:lol: or does it just prove how hot she got?

[HMetal]

Sorry, but all plans that involve a wife getting into shape are doomed to fail.

You don't know my wife. She's determined but just wanted a workout partner. That was the deal. The fitness model failed, not the wife.

P.S. The wife in question is featured heavily in my Photo-A-Day project so she's not your average housewife. ;)

[HMetal]

Update: I've recently heard from several of her co-workers that she has a pattern of not paying photographers. Wish I'd have known that beforehand.

It would at least be nice to get the tearsheet I was promised..

[TooManyHobbies]

does getting them pregnant after significant weight loss count as a failure?:lol: or does it just prove how hot she got?

I'll count that one as success. Good look with the kids. You can take pictures of everyone elses but your own. They never cooperate.

[hawk911]

My 3yr old has been okay for the last 6 months with me taking her picture. I just did her 3yr pics, and she was great. She posed for me, dropped her chin when I asked her to, and even held the light meter where she was supposed to while I metered lights. We had to do Penny's before that :(

[TooManyHobbies]

My 3yr old has been okay for the last 6 months with me taking her picture. I just did her 3yr pics, and she was great. She posed for me, dropped her chin when I asked her to, and even held the light meter where she was supposed to while I metered lights. We had to do Penny's before that :(

Your a lucky man! It took till my first was 5 until I finally got a super great pic for her showing honest emotion. My second is 2 and emotion really shows on her face, but as soon as she sees a camera she runs or looks the other way. Formal pics with them both is a big cry fest with hitting. They are very jealous of each other.

Sorry for getting off topic guys.....

[charlesu]

A new one!!

From an au pair who models......"My host family just told me yesterday that I have to work Saturday."

After a previous cancellation and about 6 weeks of planning.

[hawk911]

well, I confirmed with her yesterday morning, and then she had to work last night. "got home late, and have to work early so can I reschedule?" Mind you, this was sent at 1:57am, and we had an 8:30am shoot.

Dammit all!!!! Oh yeah- and we'd been planning it for 4 weeks also.

[woodsters]

Well sinc I am shooting others now, I can offer a good flake excuse. We talked on a monday afternoon about doing a shoot. Made plans for the next monday morning. Sent a few messaged back and forth during the week telling her I was scouting best spots at an already determined location. Sunday afternoon haven't heard anything from her so I message her to confirm. No resposnse. So on my way to work sunday night at 10pm, I text her to confirm. Response, where and what time. Told her. Response, is this a paid shoot? My response, no. Her response, can we do it sometime next month, I need to make money for my sisters 21st birthday party. My response: (after typing and deleting at least 20 times) "yeah". I go and remove her from my friends list. So we are scheduled to shoot at 9am the next morning and your going to make money instead? What are you? a hooker? drug dealer? lmao

[Moose408]

Had a new one this past week from a MUA...

"This is unusual of me to cancel, but I got bit by a spider and having an allergic reaction. I have swelling on the side of my head, so I got this massive headache going on. Laying down is all ive been doing the past 24hours. I do apologize and hope you can understand. "

I give it 10 points for originality.

[reneethomas]

My favorite..."I have a family emergency." :rolleyes:

I had that happen to me yesterday.

[HMetal]

Update: I've recently heard from several of her co-workers that she has a pattern of not paying photographers. Wish I'd have known that beforehand.

It would at least be nice to get the tearsheet I was promised..

Update!!!!

Shock and horror, she showed up this week and finally paid me. So now I'm eating crow. Guess the reputation she was getting wasn't worth the $200. ;)

[TooManyHobbies]

Here's a recent one that seems to repeat itself a lot ...

Contacts me interested in TF* casting call. We spend weeks messaging back and forth arranging details. Days before the shoot she says she only does paid shoots, not TF*, and wonders how much the pay is. Of course all the message subjects and casting calls have included TF* in them.

[wagonwheel]

I am getting responses to my requests to shoot TF, they say they are interested and when can we shoot, I send a reply with a proposed date, then I never hear from them again. I guess they get scared. CRAZY!!

[darosk]

I flaked out as an assistant shooter on a gig once. Told the primary "I'm feeling dry."

Yeah, creative, I know.

[Bilsen]

Jeff and Wagon,

Have had both happen within the past week. Amazing.

In fairness, I've also had two "conversations" that I think will end in actual shoots. TF* is always a crapshoot.

I also had a very young looking model, who claimed to be 21, flat out disappear when I told her I'd need a picture of her license (with address blocked out) showing her picture and birthdate. That one may be my fault but I'm much more at ease.

[Bilsen]

In fairness, I've also had two "conversations" that I think will end in actual shoots. TF* is always a crapshoot.

UPDATE: After 20 or so messages back and forth, I set up a solid date for Monday (17th) at her request. Three days ago I sent her a detailed proposal for the shoot, told her wardrobe was totally her call, gave her directions to a very public place to meet, gave her my cell number and asked for hers so that we could talk today (Friday) or tomorrow to confirm final plans. She's been on the Mayhem site so I assume she's read the messages. All of a sudden she has disappeared.???

If she calls today or tomorrow, I'll have no problem with shooting Monday. If I don't hear from her by late tomorrow night, I'll message her that I'm not going to show.

Any Mayhem veterans want to lay odds on this one happening:)

[inthedeck]

^ 'tis always a 50-50 chance. ;)

[TooManyHobbies]

UPDATE: After 20 or so messages back and forth,

I'm getting tired of wasting my time with messaging back and forth. It's almost as bad as getting stood up. I think I waste more time with messages tthat don't lead to projects or if they do it was too much of an effort to arrange anyway.

[Moppie]

Just went to a shoot were another MU flaked at the last minute.
This one sent a text to the model who organised, it 45mins before was she due to start, to say she "didn't feel well".

Fortunatly the organising model did a great job of her own and the other 2 girls hair and make up.

[Semmonka]

Got 2 cancellations with exactly same reason. Both sent me text message at midnight, 9 hours before the photoshoot. Reason was "sorry, I´ve got stomach flu". One of the models wanted to re-schedule but the second attempt didnt work either as she went to wrong city :rolleyes: I got this info just 30 mins before the shoot. Funny thing is that I really believe she went to wrong city. I mean how stupid one can be to get on the wrong train LOL
I was pretty mad as I dont have a studio where lights and stuff are ready to use. I use my office as a studio and for every shoot I need to spend time to put lights, bg and other stuff ready. This time I did it for nothing

[Cosha]

She went to wrong city :rolleyes:

Ha i havent heard that one before! bw!

[M_ark]

i had a 2 consecutive shoots with one model arranged in detail (locations/times/themes etc), one in a small park, the next in a warehouse with a car 2 days later, when the model didn't show up at the proposed location ( a small park) i gave up after waiting an hour and went home. (neither of us had contactable cell/mobile reception at the location.)
Her reply to my followup "why didn't you show up?" was "Oh i was there, we must have not seen eachother."

sad to say, it was a repeat performance (no-show) at the shoot 2 days later.

so we shot the car, minus the model.
http://remarkphotography.com/workexamples/IMG_3638.jpg

[legacymobilestudio]

A model to me...(on why she was late and had to reschedule)
I can't remember where on the car this was:

"My BF's car xxxxxx(shaft? for reverse?)'s bolt broke and we have to home depot to get a new bolt and put it in."

A few hours later and a different city we finally meet up. Letting me know what they are driving- a 2001 black eclipse car.

I had to wonder.... :)

[ed.]

You guys are all lucky!
I've had no shows at 4am. Phone's off and no contact afterwards with any excuse.
From MM too :lol:

[Cpt.Vanquisher]

I just recieved the most wierd one I ever got. "I can't come to the photoshoot on sunday, because a bought a house yesterday evening". I don't see the connection between the two, but I bet that in her mind it makes perfect sense :)

[izthistaken]

Thanks for reviving this thread. :lol: It's awesome.

[12nine]

The best one I got was that the model called me an hour before the shoot to tell me that she "came down with something" and was really sick. Instead of sitting around at my studio, my friend and I decided to go catch a movie.
When it was over and the lights came up we saw her with some friends sitting 2 rows away. I waved and she turned about 5 shades of red, pretending not to see us.

[izthistaken]

^Oh man, that's epic. :lol:

[TooManyHobbies]

The best one I got was that the model called me an hour before the shoot to tell me that she "came down with something" and was really sick. Instead of sitting around at my studio, my friend and I decided to go catch a movie.
When it was over and the lights came up we saw her with some friends sitting 2 rows away. I waved and she turned about 5 shades of red, pretending not to see us.


Same thing but then ran into her at a club dressed up in high boots, hot pants, and sequin crop top. The image and look she gave me is burned in my mind.

[dsmPhotoCompany]

Clients/models will value you the same as the value you put on your work. If your work is frequently free or costs very little, they will put the value of your time in the same category.

[USER876]

I had "I can't find anything to wear"

3 hours before the shoot.....

[TooManyHobbies]

I had "I can't find anything to wear"

3 hours before the shoot.....

Why was that a problem? Who needs clothing. For the shy I do keep a contingent of outfits and props for my normal model size 34B-C Size 2-4 Shoe 7-9

[Cosha]

..after spending 2 hours setting the 'studio' up, and 3 weeks of communication...

an hour till the shoot....

'Hey, i can't make it to the shoot today'

Me: 'Ok thanks for letting me know, can i ask why not? Any feedback for me, were you happy with the arrangement'

'Oh no honestly its not you, i found out i am pregnant last night'

Me: 'Congratulations :-) but how is that great news stopping you from coming to the shoot?'

'I don't want to hurt the baby'

Me: 'Ok, random, umm taking a few pictures of you has no heath effects on yourself or your unborn child'

'Sorry, to let you down, could you do some baby pictures when i have had the baby'

Me: 'Sure ill call you in 9 months and 3 days'

'Thanks, that will be perfect'


I had to get the last bit in, but to my surpirse she thought i was serious :rolleyes:

[Cpt.Vanquisher]

I had to get the last bit in, but to my surpirse she thought i was serious :rolleyes:

If the model did this to me, I'd call her on the exact day and tell her there was an arrangement, and why she didn't showed up (again!). Just to hear her reaction :p

[Cosha]

If the model did this to me, I'd call her on the exact day and tell here there was an arrangement, and why she didn't showed up (again!). Just to hear her reaction :p


Good idea, ill book mark it on my phone for giggles :D

[cwend]

Not an excuse exactly, but along those lines...I get email from girl wanting to do a couple sets to start her port and over next 2 days, multiple emails/texts about what she wants and how excited she is to do this. Last text i send is "How about Sat at 2pm?". 29 Days later she replies "Ok, Ill be there."

[TooManyHobbies]

Not an excuse exactly, but along those lines...I get email from girl wanting to do a couple sets to start her port and over next 2 days, multiple emails/texts about what she wants and how excited she is to do this. Last text i send is "How about Sat at 2pm?". 29 Days later she replies "Ok, Ill be there."

So this happens to others too. :D

[dave63]

I had one from a photographer, of all people. He put an ad in craigslist, asking for another photog to shoot his headshot, trading equal service in return. I thought that was kinda cool, so I responded. Turns out he lives only a couple of miles from me. We set up a time.
The morning of the day we're scheduled, he calls and says he's swamped with work to get done (okay, I can buy that, so was I), and I offered to reschedule for the next day. He responded very positively to that, and it was a "go".
Our shoot location was at a lake right across the street from me, and it also happens to be a place where he'd done headshots before, too, so there was no issue about 'getting lost'. I spend the afternoon getting my strobist stuff in order, making sure everything was tight and ready to go. I drive over to the lake, break out the gear, set it up, fire off a few tests to get things dialed in, and wait.
And wait.



And wait.

I waited for a half-hour after our scheduled meet time. No photog. No call. No text. No show. So I started packing my stuff up, put it back in the car, drove home. Sent him a text. No response, at least, not until very late at night when he knew there'd be a better chance of me being in bed. I was. Made all these excuses about preparing for a trip to California and all these deadlines and stuff.
I wish I still had the email I sent him. It was very polite but firm. Let him know exactly the kind of effort I had gone through in order to do what would have been a complimentary shoot for him. And it was along the lines of "I would expect this from models... not from another professional."
His response was stammering B.S. and he even had the audacity to ask if we could try again after he got back from California (he did, in fact, go there as I checked his website later).
I wrote back that I wished his trip well, that he'll get good pictures from someone but that won't be me.

Some people's children, I tell you...

[dave63]

Not an excuse exactly, but along those lines...I get email from girl wanting to do a couple sets to start her port and over next 2 days, multiple emails/texts about what she wants and how excited she is to do this. Last text i send is "How about Sat at 2pm?". 29 Days later she replies "Ok, Ill be there."

So this happens to others too. :D

Ah, good. Yes, apparently it does.

[Rachel B]

One model mayhem model: Im sorry I have to work.... next day I see new pictures of her posted to her facbook from the shoot she did with a different photographer (that sucked) exif showed it was on the day we were going to shoot (she was going to drive over an hour to me and the other photographer was more local to her)

Another model- I just found out Im pregnant and I have to go to the doctor (on a staurday) (she was barley of age and a girl who competes in pagents regularly....ooops!

[Bilsen]

One model mayhem model: Im sorry I have to work.... next day I see new pictures of her posted to her facbook from the shoot she did with a different photographer (that sucked) exif showed it was on the day we were going to shoot (she was going to drive over an hour to me and the other photographer was more local to her)


LOL Had this one AT LEAST twice.:D

[Sonnyleq]

It's too hot outside

[asysin2leads]

Some of these are truly amusing. I do not have a large non-child portfolio and wanted to get some adult females to model for me. I had one set up for an outdoor session. She called me saying that there was a major accident and a friend of hers was in it. I asked her where it was. Normally, I would have some sympathy, but what she didn't realize that the area the wreck should have been in was in the district where I'm a medic. I took a look and saw that our squads didn't respond to any calls. She kept calling and calling and calling about re-scheduling. I finally told her that I knew she was lying to be about it and we wouldn't be re-scheduling. I loved the look on her face. It was priceless.

[35mmNewbie]

Some of these are truly amusing. I do not have a large non-child portfolio and wanted to get some adult females to model for me. I had one set up for an outdoor session. She called me saying that there was a major accident and a friend of hers was in it. I asked her where it was. Normally, I would have some sympathy, but what she didn't realize that the area the wreck should have been in was in the district where I'm a medic. I took a look and saw that our squads didn't respond to any calls. She kept calling and calling and calling about re-scheduling. I finally told her that I knew she was lying to be about it and we wouldn't be re-scheduling. I loved the look on her face. It was priceless.

Thats great!

I had a model tell me she rear ended an ambulance, when I asked what ambulance she replied."Nanuet" I replied with interesting, because we only have one rig in service and I was on it the time of your so called "accident." She hung up on me, and not even a minute later I got a text saying that i'm a f***in piece of s**t for catching her in a lie.

I'm glad I never worked with her.

[izthistaken]

^Holy double standard. :lol:

[f1nut]

Not so much an excuse as none was really given. Back story was I had shot with this girl before and she was keen to do more so I set up a shoot off Island on another small Island know for its sandy beaches. Also we would be doing some shots on the boat across all of which I had set up over the last few weeks. I was talking to the girl and her mate up to an hour on face book and all seemed ok. I went to pick them up only to find they were not coming. The kicker was they would not even face me and I had to ring them from out side of their houses to only find out they would not be coming. I had taken a day off work to do the shoot which was then lost and to top it off I then had to go and let the people know that I would not need the boat. How small do you thing this made me feel. It did/has really knocked me for six and I have lost a lot of faith in people because of this.

[SR071]

Text message

I just found out I'm pregnant and I have to deal with it.

I kept it on my phone for years as nobody believed me.

[TauntDevil]

I have so many flakes and no shows its unbelievable but i would have to say the best excuse that i have heard was:
"I stubbed my toe and caught a disease so i have to go to the hospital to get it fixed"

I think i hung up because i started to laugh

[SleepingPachuco]

I just got the "my grandmother has cancer and is about to die" from an MUA...

[Bilsen]

Grandmothers are definitely an endangered speciaes on MM. Apparently, all models have 8 of them too.

[SleepingPachuco]

we should start a donation box for all the model's grandmothers and proceeds will go towards the funerals of the verified deaths...

I am sure we will be rich with all the money we put in that never gets claimed...

[Ledrak]

Not so much an excuse as none was really given. Back story was I had shot with this girl before and she was keen to do more so I set up a shoot off Island on another small Island know for its sandy beaches. Also we would be doing some shots on the boat across all of which I had set up over the last few weeks. I was talking to the girl and her mate up to an hour on face book and all seemed ok. I went to pick them up only to find they were not coming. The kicker was they would not even face me and I had to ring them from out side of their houses to only find out they would not be coming. I had taken a day off work to do the shoot which was then lost and to top it off I then had to go and let the people know that I would not need the boat. How small do you thing this made me feel. It did/has really knocked me for six and I have lost a lot of faith in people because of this.

I feel your pain, as I've gone through some similar crap with models over the years. At least you didn't loose extra money on a boat rental (if that's any consolation).

[Ledrak]

I normally don't get an excuse. When my models flake, they usually just flat out don't show up, disappear, and stop answering their phone.

[BoneJj]

lmao, this thread is great....

I've only barely gotten off the first page and I'm already lolling left and right. Thanks guys for posting this stuff.