Another Model Mayhem Etiquette Thing...

[wamguy89]

What do you all do if a model asks to work with you, but you just don't think it would be a good shoot at all? I don't know what to say without sounding like a complete jerk...

I am also amazed by the number of people who think that they have a shot at modeling on that site... I have had a difficult time finding attractive models...

[AxxisPhoto]

LOL. Welcome to the world of model photography. Is the model asking for a trade shoot, or are they paying you? If they are offering pay, shoot without judgement.

[wamguy89]

Yeah, if it was paid, I would just do it and not post the images online, but one was just asking for TF...

Does anyone have any tips for finding attractive models on MM...? Haha

[kenwood33]

just don't reply

i would recommend working with someone if you think there is a high probability of producing quality result, regardless of compensation

[wamguy89]

^I feel so bad not replying, but I guess that's just what you have to do... I guess I've had models not reply to me before, so that's the way it works...

[kenwood33]

you can say will keep her in mind for future projects

[aepoc]

I'd discourage not replying at all... it doesn't do anything for your image as a photographer. If you don't want to work with them, perhaps, as kenwood said, tell them you'll keep them in mind for future projects. Or you can always tell them that you're fairly busy at the moment and paid shoots are a priority, and offer to lower your rates. Good luck.

[AxxisPhoto]

If you are not interested in the model, just email him/her your rates. That guarantees they will not contact you again, and it's tasteful.

[Karl Johnston]

Double your rates :D

[AxxisPhoto]

Double your rates :D

Then no one on MM would contact the OP. :D

[Karl Johnston]

If you didnt want to work with the person at least you get a little something more out of it ;)

[jetcode]

A college town is the place to find models though they most likely will be amateur. Ads in the local rag offering paid modeling for fine art will generate interest.

The way I did this many years ago when I ran ads for models was to invite each model over for a test shoot after a phone call of qualification. I'd tell them that I had specific images in mind and that if I felt they fit into a specific vision I would make further contact. More than half never got a call back but during the test shoot I made sure to make them comfortable and thank them for taking the time to pursue their dreams. I always paid a little something to everyone for their trouble. I likely shot about 25 models during that phase and a hand full made it to round 2. I only wish I was the photographer I am today back then.

[jdouglas003]

I'd discourage not replying at all... it doesn't do anything for your image as a photographer. If you don't want to work with them, perhaps, as kenwood said, tell them you'll keep them in mind for future projects. Or you can always tell them that you're fairly busy at the moment and paid shoots are a priority, and offer to lower your rates. Good luck.

You obviously haven't spent much time interacting with the "models" in MM. Not replying seems to be the norm.

[Naturally Aspirated]

A college town is the place to find models though they most likely will be amateur. Ads in the local rag offering paid modeling for fine art will generate interest.

The way I did this many years ago when I ran ads for models was to invite each model over for a test shoot after a phone call of qualification. I'd tell them that I had specific images in mind and that if I felt they fit into a specific vision I would make further contact. More than half never got a call back but during the test shoot I made sure to make them comfortable and thank them for taking the time to pursue their dreams. I always paid a little something to everyone for their trouble. I likely shot about 25 models during that phase and a hand full made it to round 2. I only wish I was the photographer I am today back then.


may i ask how much you paid to compensate them a little for their trouble? i'm interested in what is a fair amount as i have no clue on something like that.

[wamguy89]

Yeah, I don't feel like not replying is as bad as I thought at first. I'm sure tons of people ask and don't get replies on there... I just feel bad doing it! :(

[gonzogolf]

Yeah, I don't feel like not replying is as bad as I thought at first. I'm sure tons of people ask and don't get replies on there... I just feel bad doing it! :(


A little courtesy never hurt anyone. Just say you are booked at the present time, or some other polite excuse.

[AxxisPhoto]

Yeah, if it was paid, I would just do it and not post the images online, but one was just asking for TF...

Does anyone have any tips for finding attractive models on MM...? Haha

$$$ You get what you pay for. :)

[jetcode]

may i ask how much you paid to compensate them a little for their trouble? i'm interested in what is a fair amount as i have no clue on something like that.

I'd pay them a minimum of $20 for gas. If I hired a model it was $20 an hour. You would be surprised how much you can achieve if you have a image in mind and a studio set up for a shoot. I had to filter models due to scheduling. I tend to work slowly.

[Rankinia]

Just because not replying may be the norm, doesnt make you less of a jerk if you cannot find a moment to reply to someone. I put myself in their shoes. If i took the time to message someone, even if they arent interested, I wouldnt bother with them or recommend them to anyone else if they couldnt give me 5 seconds. Simple courtesy offen will make the difference between someone who will go all the way and the hundreds of others that fail along the way.

[aepoc]

You obviously haven't spent much time interacting with the "models" in MM. Not replying seems to be the norm.

Careful with that assumption.

I have spent quite a bit of time interacting with models on MM. Not replying may be the norm, but that's still not what I do... as I find it disrespectful. The way I see it, if someone doesn't want to work with me, I would want to know that outright; therefore, I let people know when I don't think it'll work out.

[danameless]

Careful with that assumption.

I have spent quite a bit of time interacting with models on MM. Not replying may be the norm, but that's still not what I do... as I find it disrespectful. The way I see it, if someone doesn't want to work with me, I would want to know that outright; therefore, I let people know when I don't think it'll work out.

I agree, there is nothing wrong with replying and simply saying you don't have the time right now for TF* shoots and will keep them in mind for future projects. I don't see any issue with showing a little courtesy.

[jdouglas003]

Just because not replying may be the norm, doesnt make you less of a jerk if you cannot find a moment to reply to someone. I put myself in their shoes. If i took the time to message someone, even if they arent interested, I wouldnt bother with them or recommend them to anyone else if they couldnt give me 5 seconds. Simple courtesy offen will make the difference between someone who will go all the way and the hundreds of others that fail along the way.


I personally agree, but in actuallity it doesn't make you a jerk one way or another. If you observe that this is the way things are done where you are then it's up to your own personal code of conduct. If you feel like a jerk then you are a jerk, it doesn't mean that others think you are. To most of them it's just business as usual. If they don't reply back to you it simply means that they don't want to work with you. To them it's the way you say no on MM. It actually saves a lot of time of answering an onslaught of questions from other types of "jerks" who's egos get deflated because someone doesn't want to work with them.

I don't agree with it, but I accept it and I'm not bothered by it.

[mckinleypics]

Say you are really busy right now but ask them if they have any attractive friends or sisters.

[jdouglas003]

Careful with that assumption.

I have spent quite a bit of time interacting with models on MM. Not replying may be the norm, but that's still not what I do... as I find it disrespectful. The way I see it, if someone doesn't want to work with me, I would want to know that outright; therefore, I let people know when I don't think it'll work out.

My apologies, I could have phrase it differently. In a nutshell it's our own personal code of conduct that we must all live and govern lives by.

[Celtic Tiger]

I just rented and watched the movie "The Invention of Lying" this weekend. For situations like this...be glad it was "invented"!

[Mick_I]

MM is most likely the WORST place for "models" yes, there are some true professionals. I have much better luck in night clubs,CL,and WofM.
Now that I think of it after CL closed the adult services section I've seen a huge increase in "models"

[gonzogolf]

MM is most likely the WORST place for "models" yes, there are some true professionals. I have much better luck in night clubs,CL,and WofM.
Now that I think of it after CL closed the adult services section I've seen a huge increase in "models"

And that relates to the original topic how?

[Mick_I]

And that relates to the original topic how?
If they OP dosen't want to work with the MM "model" that's not to his standards I'd suggest don't reply.

[sfaust]

I'm surprised that not replying seems to be a recommended option. It takes all of what, 1.23 minutes to reply with a "Unfortunately, I'm currently swamped with work at the moment, and have stopped shooting portfolio work all together. I don't expect to start again for the foreseeable future, and only then under exceptional circumstances. I wish you the best in your pursuit. Best regards, xyz."

If you save it as a template, you can be polite in the 9 seconds it takes to click reply, cut, paste, and send. 9 seconds. I can do that for another human being, why the hell not!

[gonzogolf]

If they OP dosen't want to work with the MM "model" that's not to his standards I'd suggest don't reply. Seems to me you could have said that.

[aepoc]

sfaust - Well put, definitely. People should copy and paste that so THAT can be the norm. :)

[kenwood33]

MM is most likely the WORST place for "models" yes, there are some true professionals. I have much better luck in night clubs,CL,and WofM.
Now that I think of it after CL closed the adult services section I've seen a huge increase in "models"

what is WofM?

[Mick_I]

what is WofM?
Word of Mouth is the best business.

[wamguy89]

Ah! I don't know how to handle this situation... I feel so bad, but I just really don't want to work with some of the models who contacted me... I posted a casting call, and they replied. I said in the casting call that I didn't think we should work together if our styles clash too much. Should I just write them back and say that our styles clash or should I just not reply...? I feel so bad... I guess I just have to remember the models who I contacted and who didn't respond to me...

[sfaust]

Just send a polite e-mail stating that you have found the right model for the shoot, and the casting is closed. You don't meet to give them any more info that that. Its like a job interview, you apply, interview, and they may come back and tell you the filled the spot and are no longer looking. They are just applying for a job as a model for a specific shoot, no need to make it anything more complicated or feel guilty.

[wamguy89]

That's a lie!! Haha I would feel bad, and I also wouldn't want them telling other (possibly attractive) models that the casting is closed... I never realized how awkward MM is... I wish there were just more attractive models!!

[John Photography]

What do you all do if a model asks to work with you, but you just don't think it would be a good shoot at all? I don't know what to say without sounding like a complete jerk...

I am also amazed by the number of people who think that they have a shot at modeling on that site... I have had a difficult time finding attractive models...
i would just say you're booked and do very limited TF.

as far as for me, i've had great experience with beautiful models on MM...
http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p228014515-4.jpg
http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p676456969-4.jpg
http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p103810818-4.jpg
http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p480453863-4.jpg
:lol:

[wamguy89]

^Really like the first shot and first model a lot!! The third one looks good, too! I have had okay luck in the past... Here are three models I've shot with from recent to oldest... There are just so many bad ones on there, too!!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4320503501_a6984e4e1e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4299180088_d9d411b3e2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4289532628_5183168273.jpg

[John Photography]

^Really like the first shot and first model a lot!! The third one looks good, too! I have had okay luck in the past... Here are three models I've shot with from recent to oldest... There are just so many bad ones on there, too!!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4320503501_a6984e4e1e.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4299180088_d9d411b3e2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/4289532628_5183168273.jpg

and i'm sure me being in SoCal adds to my chances of getting more attractive models. but, i must say the first model flew in from Chicago to shoot with me.

[wamguy89]

Oh, wow! Well, they look good! Nice shots!!

Here is what I put in the casting call to make it a little more obvious... I feel bad, but I think this is the best way to address it... Does it sound too harsh?

Hi,

I am looking to build my portfolio a little. I'm mainly interested in doing outdoor shoots, unless you know of a really great indoor location. I know it's cold, but if anyone wants to give it a shot, send me a message! I'm looking to do TF only for select models. I won't waste your time or deliver poor images.

I am looking for serious models who will show up. If I do not feel that our styles match, I will probably not respond. I'm sorry, but this is probably the easiest way to deal with this.

Thank you

[sfaust]

That's a lie!! Haha I would feel bad, and I also wouldn't want them telling other (possibly attractive) models that the casting is closed... I never realized how awkward MM is... I wish there were just more attractive models!!

Actually, it is the truth. The casting is closed for them!

If you don't want to lie, then tell them the truth, that you don't think they are good enough to work with! Surely that will hurt a lot less right? ;)

As long as you respond to them privately, the chance of word spreading that the casting is closed is very slim.

[aroundlsu]

In this business there is absolutely nothing wrong with telling them they do not have the "look" you need right now. Be up front and specific in your castings. If you are looking for petite white blonde females, just say that. If you want black men, say that. Whatever you are looking for just say it. This is the modeling industry. These girls have heard far worse from far less nice people.

There is also nothing wrong with simply ignoring replies that don't fit your casting. I get 30 - 40 replies every time I put out a TFP casting and much more if I am willing to pay $50 or so. I ignore (but file away for future reference) any replies that don't fit my project.

[wamguy89]

Well, that makes me feel better... Haha Thanks! I guess I am being a lot nicer than some photographers would be...?

[sfaust]

Well, that makes me feel better... Haha Thanks! I guess I am being a lot nicer than some photographers would be...?

Its your reputation, nothing wrong with making it a good one. ;)

[cdifoto]

Does any photographer who's doing TFP shoots really have room to be picky about who he or she works with? I'd think both model and 'tog would still be on the same or similar level of learning at that point.

If I was so green that I "needed to build my portfolio a little", I'd just grab a friend no matter what she looked like. I'd be more concerned with getting the lighting and poses down before hitting it for real. Besides, if you make average look awesome, she'll love you forever and tell all her friends about you.

As far as the responses, it's up to you. I'd probably be inclined to reply on the basis that I'm the one doing the soliciting.

[wamguy89]

^Yes, photographers who do TFP shoots have plenty of room to do that. Why wouldn't we? If you don't think someone has a style that goes well with yours, why would you work with them? I'm not asking for your opinion on that.

I've done photos on friends for practice, and I've worked with several models from MM... I even had some examples further up on this page. I don't feel that my images are still of beginner quality. I'm not a guy shooting full auto on a nice camera... So, I'd like to work with better models. That's not what this thread is about. I was asking what the courtesies of the website are, because I am trying not to offend models who are looking to update their portfolios just like I am.

[gonzogolf]

Well, that makes me feel better... Haha Thanks! I guess I am being a lot nicer than some photographers would be...?

It takes like 30 seconds to send an email thats sorry, I'm working on something else right now, or whatever false nicety you need to use. If you were on the other end, wouldnt you like some closure at the very least?

[cdifoto]

Well, whatever you do, don't get all "sorry but I'm busy with other projects" on 'em when that's clearly BS according to your own ad.

As previously stated, maybe it would be better to specify what you want since you already have something in mind. Or if the "what you don't want" list is shorter, put that in your ad instead.

[sfaust]

It takes like 30 seconds to send an email thats sorry, I'm working on something else right now, or whatever false nicety you need to use. If you were on the other end, wouldnt you like some closure at the very least?

We hear it all the time, that as photographers we need to set ourselves apart from the pack in order to be noticed and succeed. Higher quality images, more creative images, treating clients well, providing higher level services, etc.

Common courtesy is ground zero, no?

People remember those that are courteous, or a PIA. The rest just disappear in the fog. Regardless of how others handle people, it's so easy to be polite that its just a no brainer in my book. The good will always seems to come back.

Well, whatever you do, don't get all "sorry but I'm busy with other projects" on 'em when that's clearly BS according to your own ad.

All he has to say is that he booked multiple models for the projects he had in mind, and doesn't want to overbook.

I do agree with you that he should have been more specific with regard to what he is looking for, and that alone would reduce the amount of people contacting him to begin with.

Although, I have found models don't read well either ;)

[mathogre]

I've thought of going to some level of pro in recent weeks. Professionally I'm a programmer working in R&D. I have little natural ability with people and I am definitely not a people person. Whenever I caution coworkers with that last part, they invariably laugh and think I'm kidding them. I work hard at being civil and polite to others. It's a choice.

I see a few things happening here. One is, not to put too fine a point on it, ugly models. Another is whether or not to respond. The last is how to respond.

UGLY

Most of us will never qualify to have our faces on Glamour or GQ. I will, of course, once they find me, and assuming my face doesn't crack the lens on the camera taking my winning image. Look closely enough and you can find ugly in even the hottest models. I'll contend you can also find beauty in the least promising of people. As photographers, assuming we want to create beautiful photographs, we need to find the beauty in whomever and whatever we photograph.

Imagine a model. You've seen her on MM or whatever. She wants you to use her as a model. The photos you've seen of her are uninspired or uninspiring. If she's an otherwise viable option, this is an opportunity to make her look great, give her better photos for her portfolio, and earn yourself a reputation. The first is the most important for you. Most people can make a beautiful model look good in a photo. It's up to you to find the beauty in those who aren't ever going to be on the front of a fashion magazine. Some day you may find yourself faced with the need to work with someone whom you do not find attractive. You may as well figure out how to do it now.

TO RESPOND OR NOT TO RESPOND

Business being what it is, that's more a business etiquette choice. Personally I think you're being far more civil to respond in all cases. If you don't choose to do that, I think that's acceptable. However, choosing to not respond to people just because you think they're ugly is terribly shallow. Actually, doing that could say a lot about you that you probably don't want to hear.

HOW TO RESPOND

This is a person who isn't what you want for this project? How about saying something like, "Thank you for responding, but you're not what I need for this project. I will keep you in mind for other projects over the next six months." Reword as appropriate, live to those words, and see if you can actually use her over the coming months.

BOTTOM LINE

These are people, just like you. You choose how you live and work with them.

[Cathpah]

I think this has been blown WAY out of proportion.

Make it simple on yourself...include the phrase "limited TF work!" and you'll be all set. If someone messages you that you're not interested in working with, just tell them that you're booked for trade work right now (or that she doesn't fit any of your current trade projects), but that you'd be happy to work with her at _________ rate.

This way you aren't putting anyone down....and instead are opening up the possiblity of a paid shoot.


That said...not sure why eveyone keeps saying that models don't respond. I have no problems whatsoever with my models responding.

[cdifoto]

I think this has been blown WAY out of proportion.

Make it simple on yourself...include the phrase "limited TF work!" and you'll be all set. If someone messages you that you're not interested in working with, just tell them that you're booked for trade work right now (or that she doesn't fit any of your current trade projects), but that you'd be happy to work with her at _________ rate.

This way you aren't putting anyone down....and instead are opening up the possiblity of a paid shoot.


That said...not sure why eveyone keeps saying that models don't respond. I have no problems whatsoever with my models responding.

See I have trouble with that whole "fabrication of excuses" thing. It's borderline, if not outright, lying. The model may not know that, but I do, and I couldn't live with myself knowing I just made up something to make them go away.

Even if you don't mind lying, just remember that you have to keep track of each one you tell and they can't contradict the truth or any other lie so that you're not caught out.

I find the truth, no matter how blunt, to be a helluva lot easier.

[gonzogolf]

I find the truth, no matter how blunt, to be a helluva lot easier.

It may be easier for you. Not so easy for the person you are spreading your version of the truth to. A polite decline is all thats required, whether its entirely truthful or not irrelevant. They are called little white lies for a reason.

[cdifoto]

It may be easier for you. Not so easy for the person you are spreading your version of the truth to. A polite decline is all thats required, whether its entirely truthful or not irrelevant. They are called little white lies for a reason.

"Truthful or not" is not irrelevant to me. Fortunately, there's no such thing as an "ugly person" in my eyes so that's not a reason for rejecting someone and they'd never get butthurt over that.

I may not always sugar coat things, but people know they can count on me for honesty no matter what. That makes my opinions, both positive and negative, carry quite a bit of weight with most of my friends and many of my acquaintances.

[gonzogolf]

Honesty doesn't have to sting. My point is your truth, may only apply to you. You dont have to go out of your way to share your truth, that the potential model is too (unattractive, fat, crosseyed) whatever to work with you. If she doesn't get enough takers she'll figure it out in time or find less discerning people to work with. Your, or my, standards are not universal so why go to any extra effort do share what you believe to be the truth when it may be hurtful to those who hear it. Some of the models on MM are just as much hobbyists as a majority of the photographers on here. Just politely decline and move on.

[cdifoto]

My point is your truth, may only apply to you. You dont have to go out of your way to share your truth, that the potential model is too (unattractive, fat, crosseyed) whatever to work with you. If she doesn't get enough takers she'll figure it out in time or find less discerning people to work with. Your, or my, standards are not universal so why go to any extra effort do share what you believe to be the truth when it may be hurtful to those who hear it. Some of the models on MM are just as much hobbyists as a majority of the photographers on here. Just politely decline and move on.

I made some adjustments to my post because I was butchering my grammar, but I also added a few things. I addressed the "ugly" as well.

I'm not on this planet to be universally loved, so you're going to get the truth out of me. Long, drawn out explanation? Probably not. But I'm going to HELP you by pointing out why I don't wish to work with you. It may be why you're not getting work with other photographers either. You may get a little hurt at first if I didn't go all Strawberry Shortcake on you when I told you, but if you're not easily discouraged or just in it for free pics, you'll look at the problem objectively and maybe even try to fix it - assuming it's even a problem.

If it's just a style thing, I'll say so and let you know I'll keep you in mind when I need someone with your style.

[sfaust]

It is getting out of proportion to the situation at hand.

He said two things in his casting that give him an out with no lying needed.

"I'm looking to do TF only for select models." - once he has selected a model to work with, he can reply to the others saying he booked a model for the shoot, and thank them for taking their time to respond. Nothing more needed.

"If I do not feel that our styles match, I will probably not respond." - Again, a quick reply saying he doesn't feel they are suited for the types of images he has in mind is all thats needed. He doesn't have to spell out why.

There is no reason to lie, so I don't see what all the fuss is about. Either one is truthful, both valid reasons, and are far better than just not responding IMO.

[Cathpah]

See I have trouble with that whole "fabrication of excuses" thing. It's borderline, if not outright, lying. The model may not know that, but I do, and I couldn't live with myself knowing I just made up something to make them go away.

Even if you don't mind lying, just remember that you have to keep track of each one you tell and they can't contradict the truth or any other lie so that you're not caught out.

I find the truth, no matter how blunt, to be a helluva lot easier.

I guess I'm unclear as to how this is lying. When you say limited TF, that states right there that you only do some work for trade. You are therefore telling the model that she doesn't fit your trade needs (i.e. extra pretty/great style/brings something truly special).

With this route, I think I'm being both honest and polite. Honesty doesn't need to be overly blunt. Just because I don't tell the model that her face looks like that of a dog, doesn't mean I'm dishonest....I just know what to say, and what not to say....and therefore politely decline.

[wamguy89]

Woah!! This girl just bitched me out on MM!! That was crazy. She said she was interested in working with me, so I sent her some rates and she replied, saying that she was offended that I didn't offer her at least a TFP or TFCD shoot (and some other nasty things). That was crazy!!

[gonzogolf]

Woah!! This girl just bitched me out on MM!! That was crazy. She said she was interested in working with me, so I sent her some rates and she replied, saying that she was offended that I didn't offer her at least a TFP or TFCD shoot (and some other nasty things). That was crazy!!
I'm sure MM has its share of flakes who think they are models in the same way people here think that 800 poorly lit shots of their cat make them a photographer.

[wamguy89]

^Haha I think that was kind of the situation... She was very rude, though!!

[BlueRose]

I know this thread is a little old but I am going to post my 2c anyway, because I think I am one of the few people around who has spent time both in front of the camera modelling, and now behind it.

To the original OP who had the issue with no enough pretty models - first of all what are you trying to achieve here? Are you trying to improve your photography? In which case any model would do.

If you want to take shots for commercial use and you only want 'pretty' models because that is the market you want to sell into then BE MORE SPECIFIC IN YOUR AD!!

If you want swimwear quality models, then say its for a swimwear shoot (or lingerie etc) - thats likely to cut down on a fair proportion of your percieved 'ugly' girls.

If you want tall skinny redheads, then say something like " preferred model must have red hair, not be over a size 14 (or whatever size) and no shorter than 5'8" "

You cannot complain that you get a general purpose response when you really wanted tall skinny redheads - tell people what you want and while there will be a certain % of hopeful idiots, it would surely up your likely return on the choice you want. And then that way you dont *have* to lie if a short fat blonde turns up - you were specific and she can hardly complain if you tell her she doesnt suit your requirements.

oh and if you want to do outdoor shots in the middle of winter ( I noticed the comment about that you knew it was cold but come anyway) - be prepared to pay extra for it if you are not going to do things like provide heating or want to do it in the middle of nowhere where the nearest hot shower is 3 hours drive away - if you are not prepared to lie in snow in a bikini for a photoshoot why would you expect them to do it voluntarily - remember they are people too, not pieces of meat for you to pose and shoot to your hearts content.

I paid for a glamour nude shoot 10 years or so ago, and also did several trade off pose sessions for a local photog, and have posed for many years for the local art schools Life Drawing classes. I am not as thin (see pretty) as I used to be sadly, but I get lots of recalls because I am an experienced model, and I regularly get commented on how I manage to hold a pose very well and be very still for a long time.

Which is more important, a pretty face, or someone who knows what they are doing and can help you get good shots?

[aepoc]

Which is more important, a pretty face, or someone who knows what they are doing and can help you get good shots?

Well put. Working with models who don't know how to pose, what to do, or how to look will just make it an uncomfortable experience.