So where do you go for "real" models?

[TRM]

In your respective areas?

I sent the maximum messages yesterday (maybe 20) on Modelmayhem for local models and got a whopping one response.

These gals put themselves out there but don't seem to have any real interest in doing it.

[cookey]

Give them a day or two to respond.I find alot of models in my area are uni students etc & normally get a response within a couple of days.
Had all models who wanted to shoot turn up & no flakes et,touch wood.

[woodsters]

yeah..one day is not much time for them to respond...i've had a lot flakiness lately though with the models on MM. It's been about a 50/50 thing....

[doidinho]

Do you think that the models you are contacting would like to add pictures like the ones in your port to theirs? If not you may want to consider paying a couple of models just so you can get some pictures that are indicative of the type of work you would like to do into your port.

When I first started on MM it was tough for me to get models. I paid one model and did a mentoring session w/ a very good local photog so I could get some decent images in my port. After that things got a lot easier, the talent got better, and the good madels started contacting me.

It's a catch 22, you cant get good models w/o a good port and you cant get a good port w/o good models.

Try finding a model that you would really like to work w/, explain you are trying to build your port and that you are willing to compensate you for her time. After you get the model start contacting MUA's and tell them you have this great model and would like to work w/ them. If the model is nice and they want to add them to their port they may be willing to work TF w/ you or perhaps just charge a kit fee.

Good luck.

[TRM]

Robert/All thanks for the feedback and guidance.

[AxxisPhoto]

One day is not a lot of response time. Sometimes a model I contact will not work with me until months later. :) Be patient. I use MM, OMP, Craigslist, Model Brigade, etc.

[woodsters]

I posted my profile and it was about 2 months when the first model contacted me to shoot. then they started contacting and replying to me and wanting to shoot.

[arniexj]

Model Mayhem is the best thing since sliced bread, you can preview the models work, send a constructive message, setting out your concept/theme regarding the shoot etc. What rates are to be paid or TFP/CD .I get a 100% result and some great models to work with.

[Sageg]

I think you need to post request for models, but also respond to the models looking for photographers. That's gotten me the best results. :)

[charlesu]

If you want to meet models in the real world take your book with you everywhere and carry cards. Plan to show it a LOT and to get maybe 1 girl in 50 who says she is interested to actually call you.

[ashleykaryl]

To find "real" models as your subject question states you can save yourself an awful lot of time and sidetrack the whole online arena. Instead you should go to established reputable agencies. In reality that's how it works if you are serious.

[mcluckie]

I get a lot of work through Model Mayhem. I've written maybe 4, got 2 of those, but about 10 others have contacted me from their own search.

I also do the "carry the card" deal. In Beijing, I get a lot of phone numbers and emails from girls wanting to shoot. The card just shows I'm real, and maybe look like a big deal since I list my 3 locations. Maybe 20% response.

[aroundlsu]

I got started with model mayhem. From there a make up artist contacted me offering free makeup on all my shoots TFP. After a few successful shoots she started bringing me her own models who were 10x better than the ones I could dig up on my own. From there I put her in charge of getting all my models. In exchange I actively try to get her paid even if I am doing the shoot TFP. It is a great professional relationship. It is so much easier if you have a female recruiting and communicating with your models.

www.modelmayhem.com/teddysmith

[mcluckie]

It is so much easier if you have a female recruiting and communicating with your models.

Right. In Beijing, I have a female model and agent (dual role) getting me more models. More than I could get on my own.

[mikekelley]

It also helps to pay them.

Girls will throw themselves at you if you tell them you'll throw them $50 for a few hours of work.

[alessandro2009]

Really isn't so difficult find a model if you could pay.
I have many contact regarding models ... but only for paid work.

...

Girls will throw themselves at you if you tell them you'll throw them $50 for a few hours of work.
So fortunate ... in europe they want a lot more money (even inexperienced models) and when they required less money is only for workshop.

But you understand well that during workshop with 5-6-8 people the interaction with the model is almost zero, the creativity from the photographer to the model is also zero, etc.

But I known your american people are fortunate.

[kenwood33]

Yes $ will instantly make you a popular guy on mm.

[FenixFoto]

I get "real" models from local agencies. The quality is so much higher. And they actually show up to shoots on time.

[FenixFoto]

And yes with the net models too, paying them will go a long way.