How to politely turn down a model

[jdenton]

A model recently contacted me about a shoot that I'm planning. My ad requested that a full body shot be included with the email. As she was still waiting on her full body shot from another photographer, she sent me a head shot as a place holder. She also indicated that her body type is curvy/little chunky. I replied and indicated some degree of interest by telling her that her acting experience and curves were all "great" but that I still needed a full body shot.

I just received her full body shot. She is a girl with a slightly larger build, and hips that are pretty wide. I'm doing this shoot so that I can use the images for my portfolio and as I'm just starting out, I'm not sure that I can make her look her best. So how can I let her know that she doesn't fit my project in a professional manner without possibly hurting her feelings? Thanks!

[TampaFoto]

100% up front and honest. Tell her the truth, She does not fit what your looking for at this time. Maybe add a line you will keep her in mind for other projects should you have the need for her.

[jdenton]

Thank you for your advice!

[glowangel]

Unless you have an OVER abundance of models atm, why not do a little mini-shoot anyways? She is interested and you are trying to build your portfolio. Its experience and if you are just starting out, that's what you need. You never know maybe her experiences have something new to bring to the table? Nothing big to commit but just say a small mini session? What would you lose really?

[Kagemaru]

Unless you have an OVER abundance of models atm, why not do a little mini-shoot anyways? She is interested and you are trying to build your portfolio. Its experience and if you are just starting out, that's what you need. You never know maybe her experiences have something new to bring to the table? Nothing big to commit but just say a small mini session? What would you lose really?

I definitely agree. If you're just starting out, just shoot as much as you can. Do it for the experience. The olnly way to get better is to keep shooting.

[charlesu]

I also agree. Unless she is somehow repelling I would work with her. You never know what you might get. The experience might pay off later. And you never know when a model might just decide to lose 30 lbs.

[glowangel]

You also never really know the full experiences of the model! She may be able to teach YOU something and when you are new/starting out/looking for experience... it could be just what you need. Besides it just general practice. Practice shooting/Practice working with models/Practice editing/PP/Practice in general all around.

[LostShootingStar]

Definitely have to agree with the last few posters. If you're just starting out, I wouldn't try and be too picky with the body type. You're trying to gain experience at this point, so give her a shot and see what happens http://stats.fm/uploads/G/w.gifhttp://stats.fm/uploads/B/P.gif

[Snydremark]

If she's willing to pose, I don't see why not work with her unless you have several other models in line as well. Practice shooting is practice shooting, after all.

But I'd say the second response was probably your best bet for declining, though.

[Mark1]

Unless you are only able to work on one project at a time, I would find something for her. Is she pretty enough to do a close up of her face? or one of the shots that are from mid face to mid chest? ec...etc...

And depending on how new you really are, it may be worth the experience alone to shoot with her.

[TampaFoto]

One of my best shoots was one I almost passed up. She won Miss Florida Int. soon after the shoot. I'm glad I was new and took the chance.

[bigrob]

Here in the UK - Dove (a brand of soap & shampoos) shoot all their adds with slightly larger models.

They do this to show that "real" women use their products.

So you never know.