Models and hourly charge question

[mike62]

I am new to working with models and had a general question.

If it is just the model no MUA and she is doing her own makeup when she arrives. Is her "prep" time (applying makeup for instance) "on the clock"?

Or is it normally considered once she starts shooting? I would assume wardrobe changes are all part of it but if she is coming from her day job lets say and has to do her makeup on site is my question.

Its not a big deal but if it takes her 20 minutes and you are paying by the hour I just wanted to know what is customary.

Thank you.

[Mark_Cohran]

If I engage a model for a shoot, and by that I mean I'm paying her and not a client, I engage her for a "session" and provide an approximate amount of shoot time. That's just me, though, and other folks may use a different standard. I wouldn't expect to pay for prep time, only time in front of the camera.

[4honor]

I would say only pay for camera time... not prep time...

[woodsters]

if she was paying you to shoot her, would you charge her for the time it took for you to set up all your gear?

[mike62]

if she was paying you to shoot her, would you charge her for the time it took for you to set up all your gear?


I agree completely and that is an excellent analogy. I do not think it should be expected but as I said I am new to working with models trying to build my own portfolio and did not want to make an inaccurate assumption.

Thanks.

[hawk911]

mike, unless there is just NO one willing to work in your area, I would offer up time for before I'd pay a model. Depending on the shoot theme, use friends and relatives to build some confidence and portfolio work, and then models become easier to get. There are too many avenues for willing subjects to have to pay someone when you're starting out.

Strangely, by the same token, the models aren't willing to pay photogs either, becaause there are too many willing togs out there that would shoot for free. Catch-22.

[tfiorda]

if she was paying you to shoot her, would you charge her for the time it took for you to set up all your gear?

Yes, I would. Of course I would be ready either when she arrived or was finished getting dressed/make-up applied.

The time for the shoot is only a small portion of what it takes to create a finished image. Unless you want to work for pennies on the dollar, you need to set your charges on the TOTAL time it takes to create an image.

With the models I've paid in the past, we discussed how long the shoot will be and whether or not they are expected to do their own makedup and hair. That time is involved in their charge as it adds time to the process.

With clients or models who are paying me, every minute that I am working on that project, whether it be set design, travel, setup/take down, pre and post processing, etc. It all goes in to the charge to them.

It's only fair to pay someone for their time involved. A lot of people don't seem to understand this and think an image has no more worth than the $0.39 it takes to have Walgreens print it. You pay for the talent, not the end product as that is just the materials.

That's my opinion anyway. :-)

Tony...

[woodsters]

I agree with Hawk. I made my port on MM active back a couple months ago..I think February. I made it before then, but never had anything on there. last month a girl contacted me to shoot. We did. And now I have about 5-10 other girls wanting to shoot TFCD. It's just a matter of bad time right now for me with my sons graduation and getting things done around the house for family coming in and then a vacation 2 days after the graduation. When we get back, it's on like Donkey Kong! But i'm not having any trouble finding people that will say they will shoot. I too am just starting out building my port. I even have a MUA committed to do a funky makeup shoot...If you haven't tried MM, give it a try. You may have to be willing to drive 50 miles or so, but it will be cheaper than paying someone. They should be paying you after all....

[woodsters]

Yes, I would. Of course I would be ready either when she arrived or was finished getting dressed/make-up applied.

The time for the shoot is only a small portion of what it takes to create a finished image. Unless you want to work for pennies on the dollar, you need to set your charges on the TOTAL time it takes to create an image.

With the models I've paid in the past, we discussed how long the shoot will be and whether or not they are expected to do their own makedup and hair. That time is involved in their charge as it adds time to the process.

With clients or models who are paying me, every minute that I am working on that project, whether it be set design, travel, setup/take down, pre and post processing, etc. It all goes in to the charge to them.

It's only fair to pay someone for their time involved. A lot of people don't seem to understand this and think an image has no more worth than the $0.39 it takes to have Walgreens print it. You pay for the talent, not the end product as that is just the materials.

That's my opinion anyway. :-)

Tony...

I agree to a point. But unfortunately, unless you are the best photographer out there, there are others out there that will do it cheaper or for free.

[AxxisPhoto]

Whenever I pay a model, we come to an agreement for time/price. The "prep time" is usually included in the amount.