Advise about models

[jhzafrani]

Hello All,

In the past, my company has used model agencies such as Elite and Ford to get models for our lingerie shoots. We have had issues with the models themselves not being very professional, refusing to take shots of thongs, and showing up not prepared for a lingerie photoshoot.

I have been thinking about using services such as Model Mayhem, but have heard bad things about services such as that also.

Our photoshoots are simple. They are against a backdrop and we do not have any overly revealing lingerie. We also crop all shots so that only the body is used and not the head shots. Therefore, I am looking to pay around $350-$400 for a 6 hour shoot.

What are the best ways to find models for photoshoots such as this one?

Thanks in advance,

[AxxisPhoto]

Jim,

Ford and Elite are more of high-fashion, advertising agencies so I could see why the models would not want to do lingerie shoots. Unless you are shooting for Victoria's Secret or a high-profile company like that.

As for Model Mayhem, it is free to start a basic account. Create an account and start approaching models in your area. Yes, there are flakey models everywhere, but I'm sure you will find models that will be willing to shoot 6hrs for $400.

[jhzafrani]

Jim,

Ford and Elite are more of high-fashion, advertising agencies so I could see why the models would not want to do lingerie shoots. Unless you are shooting for Victoria's Secret or a high-profile company like that.

As for Model Mayhem, it is free to start a basic account. Create an account and start approaching models in your area. Yes, there are flakey models everywhere, but I'm sure you will find models that will be willing to shoot 6hrs for $400.

We are shooting for a high-profile company and just had a very bad time with those agencies to the point that we refused to pay one of the models. She refused to take off her "Victoria's Secret" thong and all the shots of our underwear had the VS wording underneath. The photographer should have sent her home but she did not and we ended up paying for it.

I guess I will try MM and see what I can get out of it.

Thanks,

[AxxisPhoto]

Damn that sucks!
I would have stopped the shoot. If the model is getting paid to wear your clothing line, she should have removed the VS underwear.
Can I ask who you are shooting for?

[breathless]

Post a Casting Call paying that amount on MM and you'll get no less than 50 models dying to work for you.

[mai_lin]

They'll be tripping over themselves to get to you on MM :D

Paid work is like dangling a carrot in front of a horse there LOL

[PhotosGuy]

Personally, I think MM will give you the same problems that you already have.
You live in CA & there should be dozens of agencies to choose from.
IDEA!!! Talk to them & tell them what you need. Eventually you'll find one that will work with you & produce models that are willing to work.

[MikeMcL]

in your area (woodland hills) there are 10,017 models on MM looking for work (theoretically). I did a search for "within 25 miles of 91302".

if you put out a broad casting call, be prepared to did through THOUSANDS of responses. That is why agents exist.

I would browse by clothing size or "new to MM" to narrow results, and find like 5-10 that you like. Book them all for the same day, and expect one or two to flake. have them come in for a test and interview (unpaid) a week before the paid shoot.

I found that having a meeting before the shoot just to meet and talk about the shoot (even a 20 minute conversation) really helps commit the model to the shoot. i don't know what it is, but they seem to really respond well to it. i do the same thing for a normal portrait customer and it is almost necessary. I am not a pro, so i may be way off base. i have a job fighting for freedom, cant stand behind the camera all day... but i wish i could.

If they show for the test/interview, they are more professional and you can "rely" on them. People bash models' professionalism but there are a few that are extremely serious about their work.

just my 2 cents. I think that in your area, MM is a great resource.

[kenwood33]

MM is a good resource for lower budget projects. I suggest go for it.

[jhzafrani]

Thank you all for your advice. I will try out MM and see what happens.

Thanks again,

[sspellman]

You can elimiate 95% of your issues with a simple audition or "go-see". Get a selection of models from varrious agencies, and ask them these questions as part of an interview. Agency models should be the most professional and clear about limits if the job pays regular rates. You may even invite some independant models such as sourced from MM, and simply choose your favorites that best meet your requirements.

-Scott


Hello All,

In the past, my company has used model agencies such as Elite and Ford to get models for our lingerie shoots. We have had issues with the models themselves not being very professional, refusing to take shots of thongs, and showing up not prepared for a lingerie photoshoot.

I have been thinking about using services such as Model Mayhem, but have heard bad things about services such as that also.

Our photoshoots are simple. They are against a backdrop and we do not have any overly revealing lingerie. We also crop all shots so that only the body is used and not the head shots. Therefore, I am looking to pay around $350-$400 for a 6 hour shoot.

What are the best ways to find models for photoshoots such as this one?

Thanks in advance,

[tim]

I do a little TFP work on MM, i'd say they cancel about 60% of the time. If you're paying, that's different, but be aware that models are flighty little creatures who generally have no regard for other peoples time.

[thischarmingman]

I do a little TFP work on MM, i'd say they cancel about 60% of the time. If you're paying, that's different, but be aware that models are flighty little creatures who generally have no regard for other peoples time.

Seems a little harsh don't you think? My girlfriend does modeling and has never flaked on a photographer, can't say the same for the photographers that have approached her for a shoot. I still wouldn't make a comment like that though.

I think any problems I have witnessed on MM have been a direct result of a photographer or model not respecting one another. IE: asking models to do things they explicitly say the won't do on their profile, not being upfront about a shoot and its requirements, not allowing escorts, etc.

I think MM will work well for the OP. Just be upfront and professional.

[tim]

For the OP it'll work, as it's paid. For for TFP i've had four models either cancel or just not turn up in the past six months. Only one actually turned up.

[jhzafrani]

That is actually the scary thing. We did exactly that! Since we shoot lingerie, it is very important for us to see the model ahead of time and also have her try on the lingerie to make sure that it fits right (with lingerie, it is all about the fit when it comes to modeling). The models knew what they were going to model and so did the agencies.

What I believed happened was that the models showed up and saw the production, photographers, lighting, hair and makeup people, and equipment and decided to try to milk us for more money. The photographer that we hired was stupid enough not to involve me with this and just went ahead and shot the items on top of the VS thong.

The big issue is that we pay so much for advertising costs to the department stores that carry our items that a single photoshoot like the one that I mentioned below, can truly kill the budget for other photoshoots throughout the year and getting good pictures is very important.

I will try out MM and see how it works out.

You can elimiate 95% of your issues with a simple audition or "go-see". Get a selection of models from varrious agencies, and ask them these questions as part of an interview. Agency models should be the most professional and clear about limits if the job pays regular rates. You may even invite some independant models such as sourced from MM, and simply choose your favorites that best meet your requirements.

-Scott

[Moppie]

I would have gone back to the agency, shown them the photos, and asked them what they were doing to do to fix it, and assure it doesn't happen again.

If they can't then its time to find another agency.

MM will get you lots of keen models, but you will need to be careful about sorting out the best ones.

[breal101]

Moppie is right, the problem I've found with inexperienced models is they just don't know how to move in front of the camera. It takes more than a pretty face and a nice body to be a model. True professional models flow gracefully from one pose to the next and it's nearly impossible to get a bad picture. Working with some wannabe models is frustrating and time consuming. Some girls have a natural grace and are easy to work with, others not so much. If possible it would be a good idea to set up a simple shoot at the time you audition if you intend to use inexperienced models just to see if they can follow instructions and not stand there like a lump. I do feel your pain with agencies, many are pricing themselves out of the market. It's their job to make sure the model shows up for a shoot, prepared and ready. If they can't do that or find a suitable replacement they can't call themselves an agency.