What's the benefit of MM

[asysin2leads]

Ok, I understand the whole TFP/TFCD concept. I understand that it allows each party involved to build their respective portfolios. I have seen that a lot of models on MM (and other similar sites) want paid. I understand that they need to make a living, too, but what's in it for the photog to pay the model? Just curious. Thanks.

[alphanumeric]

There are many reasons... some photogs will use a lot of models for a casting call or maybe for example- a big product shot session in which finding experienced models is a crucial factor. The models provide their services and depending on their experience, some are easy to work with and require less direction and attention, and some less experienced models might just stand there and have no clue whats going on. The difference between good and bad is possibly money.

Maybe you want to use an experienced model with a certain look for your portfolio, but shes too busy to do TF stuff...she may ask for a fee. Its all about their or your experience.

[asysin2leads]

There are many reasons... some photogs will use a lot of models for a casting call or maybe for example- a big product shot session in which finding experienced models is a crucial factor. The models provide their services and depending on their experience, some are easy to work with and require less direction and attention, and some less experienced models might just stand there and have no clue whats going on. The difference between good and bad is possibly money.

Maybe you want to use an experienced model with a certain look for your portfolio, but shes too busy to do TF stuff...she may ask for a fee. Its all about their or your experience.

Thanks. Makes sense.

[LBaldwin]

I agree with Alpha 100%. The other issue with paid models is that you get exactly the look you want, so you can plan ahead. Planning ahead and payment motivates the model to show TF's are often a shot in the dark, you never really know if the will show up, on time and ready to work.

May I suggest that you ALWAYS get the model release signed and copy of legal ID prior to the shoot. I usually pay 30-50% up front and the balance after the shoot is completed. This lets them know that you are going to operate in a professional manner - not just a GWC. You can let them know exactly what you want from them, when and where and for how long. If prints are part of the deal, make sure to include that in the written agreement, including prices and delivery dates. This way she does not have to worry about these issues during the shoot, there are no unanswered questions in her head or yours and you are free to create without interferance of business matters. I often do this at a coffee house or other neutral ground if it is a first time meet and greet, trade portfolios etc. Sure all of this can be done via email, but the personal touch adds cred to your rep. Tell her to bring a friend if she wishes, both to the meet and greet as well as the shoot, but make sure that she understands that you are in full control once the camera is in operation...

[AxxisPhoto]

Models that charge are usually professionals that have been at it for a while and want to get paid. In my experience, a paid model will show up on time, be ready to shoot, and take as much or little direction as needed.

[asysin2leads]

Models that charge are usually professionals that have been at it for a while and want to get paid. In my experience, a paid model will show up on time, be ready to shoot, and take as much or little direction as needed.

I figured that paid models are in it for the money. I understand that. I would be to. I just don't see the benefit for photographers. Are you guys selling these images to anyone? I just have an issue with spending money and not making money in return.

[inthedeck]

^^If it's for stock photography, sure. If it's for magazines, maybe. If it's just for art, then, well, try to sell them at an art gallery/show/etc.

Once you get to that point, who knows where it'll take you...but you gotta build your rep. to get there. It's like playing the lotto, MM. So, take it for what it's worth. :)

[asysin2leads]

^^If it's for stock photography, sure. If it's for magazines, maybe. If it's just for art, then, well, try to sell them at an art gallery/show/etc.

Once you get to that point, who knows where it'll take you...but you gotta build your rep. to get there. It's like playing the lotto, MM. So, take it for what it's worth. :)

Thanks for the info. I'm still up in the air about joining MM.

[Mark1]

I use MM mainley to work out ideas I have in my head and are bugging me till I can shoot them. MM can provide a free model to make it happen. Also for some jobs that I have to do it all for the customer. I am given free reigh for a jewlery customer, and for some shots I do for them the shot that will be from just above the mouth to mid bust, highlighting the necklace laying on her. The shot is so controled, that just about anybody can do, and with MM the model is free or very cheep, no point of paying agency rates.

I would join just for the heck of it if you are even half intrerested. You never know when an idea may strike and MM can help to make the idea a reality. Besides its free, so why not?

[asysin2leads]

I use MM mainley to work out ideas I have in my head and are bugging me till I can shoot them. MM can provide a free model to make it happen. Also for some jobs that I have to do it all for the customer. I am given free reigh for a jewlery customer, and for some shots I do for them the shot that will be from just above the mouth to mid bust, highlighting the necklace laying on her. The shot is so controled, that just about anybody can do, and with MM the model is free or very cheep, no point of paying agency rates.

I would join just for the heck of it if you are even half intrerested. You never know when an idea may strike and MM can help to make the idea a reality. Besides its free, so why not?

Thanks for the advice. I actually have a couple of ideas rolling around in my feeble little mind. It would be nice to have someone who is workable and I wouldn't have to "babysit."

[Mark1]

There is no guarentee on the "baby sitting" part. It totaly is a hit or miss thing. You may have to do the babysitting thing with girls that have an amazing port, or not with total newbies. It really is luck of the draw. But I mostly go strictly by thier look or features that I need. Such as my example above. To be totally honest I cast them by smooth skin (no moles) on thier chest, and thier cleavage, not much else. Not too much, and not too little, and it will vary with the size of the pendants/lengh of chain. I will look through thier port but it does not have to much weight for me, but that is because of how I use MM, and what I need from it. If I have a real need, I use agency models.

[Hedley]

I'd go for it - One thing that's come from MM is one of the more pro-active models in my area has organised a get together of 2 photogs. 2 MUAs/stylists and a bunch of models, with the intention of everyone getting some portfolio worthy stuff.
I guess the motivation and energy levels vary a great deal on MM, so sometimes the offer of a bit of a cash will boost that. I for one don't mind paying a nominal amount to a model, if it means they stay focused.

[Moose408]

I'm a lot like Mark1. I will pay models because I have a very specific idea in mind and have been unable to find a TF* model to carry it out. Most of these ideas involve nudity. The TF* models with often do implied but not full nudes, so if I want to do bodyscapes or something else involving full nudity then I pay. It has worked very well for me. Also some of these shots have gotten me paying work, haven't made money off the photo itself, but I've had comments about how beautiful the image is and what are my rates. :)

[asysin2leads]

I'm a lot like Mark1. I will pay models because I have a very specific idea in mind and have been unable to find a TF* model to carry it out. Most of these ideas involve nudity. The TF* models with often do implied but not full nudes, so if I want to do bodyscapes or something else involving full nudity then I pay. It has worked very well for me. Also some of these shots have gotten me paying work, haven't made money off the photo itself, but I've had comments about how beautiful the image is and what are my rates. :)

Thanks. I will not be doing nudes or implied nudes. Even though my wife will be at all shoots with me regardless. I found out the other night at work that a niece of one of my co-workers is from Greece and looking for a modeling portfolio and can't afford much. She asked if I would be able to put something together for her. I explained that I hadn't shot "models" before and she was ok with it. She is wanting something "fresh and new." I guess we both get to be rookies together.

[woodsters]

Kevin, join MM you have nothing to lose. Yes there are a lot of models on there that want to get paid. And some of those models are willing to do TF work from time to time as well. I have a shoot tomorrow with a model that did it full time and is now part time and usually gets paid, but we shot TF work together before and she is coming back for more. I don't have the need to pay a model. If I had a paying project or a money making website, then I have no problem with paying. But right now I do it for the experience and it's a hobby. Trust me, me and my wife both are looking into how to make into a money making thing...without making it porn...lol

There are some photogs around me that pay models to shoot and its normally nude or something, but they do it just to put it in their ports.

On Les Baldwin's remark about it lets them know you are a professional and not a GWC....well there are models that will shoot with GWC's for the money. I had a professional model tell me that she didn't care if a photog was a GWC as long as he was paying her rate. lol

Like I said, join MM. It won't hurt. It may give you the chance to gain more experience. Plus if you are in an area where the photographers are limited, then your chance of a model on there wanting to pay you might be better. Where I'm at, there is a slew of models and nearly 10 more each week popping up. But there are equally as many photogs as well...

[asysin2leads]

Brian, thanks for the post. I have Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville and Lexington all within about a 90 drive. You can't swing a Nikon user w/out hitting a photog. This is something that I'll discuss w/ my wife.

[woodsters]

good luck.... here's a chronological order of my getting to MM...

- May 1999-March 2009 - Wife is my only model. No way in hell can I photograph another woman.
- March 2009 - After much nagging of getting wife in front of camera, she says maybe I should just let you shoot a model. MM profile completed.
- May 2009 - Model contacts me to want to shoot. Not sure how wife will take it. She was more excited than me...lol
- July 2009 - Shot first in studio shots of model. In Lingerie w/wife there.
- August 2009 - Aftera few back to back shoots with wife present, she sees its neverending and is taking a lot of her time. She decides she doesn't need to be present. But no nude shots.
- November 2009 - Now contemplating on letting me shoot nudes, but doesn't want me tempted. Wife is also trying to figure out how I can make money from my pictures. Perhaps a website like Freddy is on the verge....lmao

I will say that my wife has come out of her safe zone a lot and I owe a lot to her for it. I will also admit that my photography has grown as well..