Models

KevC · 13th of January 2005 (Thu)

Hey,

I'm not a pro, nor plan on becoming one (doing it for money I mean) but I figured this would be the best forum to ask these questions in.

Firstly, how much are models paid? A range would be nice. Starting at $xx or whatever. I really love portrait photography, and I want to start shooting people. Maybe I'll post an 'ad' on campus asking for "Volunteer Models" lol.

Secondly, say I start shooting my friends (the good looking ones, that is) and she's interested in modelling. Say my pictures are so nice that she's considering doing it for a job. Are there part time modelling positions? What skills do you need to have? Is it more the photographer, or the model? Or just how they look?

Sorry for these n00bie questions... and I apologize if I posted in the wrong forum...

Digital Prophet · 14th of January 2005 (Fri)

I don't know alot about getting models. In fact Charles is probably the most qualified person to answer these questions (mmmm love those photos). But what I do know is that the price for models varies greatly from place to place, type of "assignment", experience and what not. There is a practice called "Trade for Print" (TFP) where you come to an agreement with the model to pose in exchange for copies of the final photographs. It is a good way for both beginning/novice models and photographers to build thier portfolios.

As for placing an ad in a campus paper I think that is an outstanding idea. College girls are a great resource. Ok that could have been phrased better but you get the idea. If you ask me I think that your ad definately needs to have a tone of ... value. For instance don't say "Volunteer model needed". Say something like "Model needed for free semi-pro photo session (TFP)".

That is my one and one-third cents. Now I am going to go get me an ad in the local college paper.

- Digital Prophet -

Longwatcher · 14th of January 2005 (Fri)

I frequently shoot models (including some brand new to modeling)

Rates go from TFP/CD (Time-for-Prints or Time for CD) which means their time in return for you providing prints or a CD. Usually in these sessions there is a specific understanding that neither party can use the photo for commercial purposes other then their portfolio without the other party's agreement.

Sometimes discounts are given in return for TFP/CD so the model can use the prints. Because if I pay a model I usually feel no obligation to give her anything other then the money I agreed to. Although I usually tip and provide a CD out of smart business practice.

(note: all prices US and based on experience around Virginia and surrounding states)

For most models the rates start at $25 per hour for clothed/fashion/swimsuit type shots. However I have had a few go for $10 per hour if just starting out and it was longer session.

As they start removing clothes or gain experience the price start going up quickly.

typically topless starts at $50/hour
Full nude at $75/hour
Fetish at $100/hour
now ad in you cost of living. Such as my area is a lower cost so I can get full nude light-fetish models for $75/hour or $300 for 5 hours.
I know some models won't even listen to you for clothed modeling for less then $100/hour in the DC area.

And I also note a lot of exotic dancers charge more then non-dancers and I suspect this is due to there dance income.
On the flip side starving college students (of which I have never actually seen one that looked like the were actually starving) tend to have lower expectations and thus cost less.

I have no clue what the rate for younger models (under 18) are as I avoid those like the plaque unless it is for a friend and she is present.

If looking for models or want to be a model I strongly recommend a site called www.onemodelplace.com
You can probably get better information on what models get by going there.

I just know what I pay.

and lastly don't forget travel costs, they will expect you to pay if more then a hours drive for them. Which cost me a airline ticket for the model I get to photograph tomorrow who is coming in from Toronto.

Have fun and be prepared for escorts.

charlesu · 14th of January 2005 (Fri)

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevC

Hey,

I'm not a pro, nor plan on becoming one (doing it for money I mean) but I figured this would be the best forum to ask these questions in.

Firstly, how much are models paid? A range would be nice. Starting at $xx or whatever. I really love portrait photography, and I want to start shooting people. Maybe I'll post an 'ad' on campus asking for "Volunteer Models" lol.

Secondly, say I start shooting my friends (the good looking ones, that is) and she's interested in modelling. Say my pictures are so nice that she's considering doing it for a job. Are there part time modelling positions? What skills do you need to have? Is it more the photographer, or the model? Or just how they look?

Sorry for these n00bie questions... and I apologize if I posted in the wrong forum...

Range? Well some models pay me several hundred $$ for a shoot. Some models make $10,000 a day.

I know that's not helpful. For what you are doing I'd look for TFP or TFCD (they model in exchange for a CD or some prints). You get to use the images for promo.

Once you get good, start charging and use your best work as promotional material--maybe offer really good subjects an exchange.

KevC · 16th of January 2005 (Sun)

Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated. Now if somebody could post their waiver form, that'd be nice. I'm not good at writing these. Already got some friends of friends that may be willing to model...

charlesu · 17th of January 2005 (Mon)

I recommend checking out some books on the subject. Some come with CDs full of useful legal documents that you can modify and use. Also, check out sites like the ASMP as I think they have some good ones posted.

Divyak · 17th of January 2005 (Mon)

If you do your homework, you can shoot many on a TFP basis with minimal costs. Check out http://www.onemodelplace.com and do a search for your state and you'll find thousands available to shoot with. Personally I like to shoot with the more experienced models as they actually show up and have a better ability to get the poses you want.

My OMP Profile http://www.onemodelplace.com/photogr....cfm?P_ID=2602

KevC · 18th of January 2005 (Tue)

Thanks for all the advice

Anyone wanna help me with catch phrases for the posters? I'm already working on a website.

I'm also gonna design a 'business card'.

Kevin Chen
Budding Model Photographer

Wachu think?

13th of January 2005 (Thu)	#1
KevC Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: to Posts: 3,154 IMAGE EDITING OK	Models Hey, I'm not a pro, nor plan on becoming one (doing it for money I mean) but I figured this would be the best forum to ask these questions in. Firstly, how much are models paid? A range would be nice. Starting at $xx or whatever. I really love portrait photography, and I want to start shooting people. Maybe I'll post an 'ad' on campus asking for "Volunteer Models" lol. Secondly, say I start shooting my friends (the good looking ones, that is) and she's interested in modelling. Say my pictures are so nice that she's considering doing it for a job. Are there part time modelling positions? What skills do you need to have? Is it more the photographer, or the model? Or just how they look? Sorry for these n00bie questions... and I apologize if I posted in the wrong forum... __________________ Too much gear... take nothing but pictures .... kill nothing but time .... leave nothing but footprints

14th of January 2005 (Fri)	#2
Digital Prophet Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 538	Re: Models I don't know alot about getting models. In fact Charles is probably the most qualified person to answer these questions (mmmm love those photos). But what I do know is that the price for models varies greatly from place to place, type of "assignment", experience and what not. There is a practice called "Trade for Print" (TFP) where you come to an agreement with the model to pose in exchange for copies of the final photographs. It is a good way for both beginning/novice models and photographers to build thier portfolios. As for placing an ad in a campus paper I think that is an outstanding idea. College girls are a great resource. Ok that could have been phrased better but you get the idea. If you ask me I think that your ad definately needs to have a tone of ... value. For instance don't say "Volunteer model needed". Say something like "Model needed for free semi-pro photo session (TFP)". That is my one and one-third cents. Now I am going to go get me an ad in the local college paper. - Digital Prophet -

14th of January 2005 (Fri)	#3
Longwatcher obsolete as of this post Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Newport News, VA, USA Posts: 3,903	Re: Models I frequently shoot models (including some brand new to modeling) Rates go from TFP/CD (Time-for-Prints or Time for CD) which means their time in return for you providing prints or a CD. Usually in these sessions there is a specific understanding that neither party can use the photo for commercial purposes other then their portfolio without the other party's agreement. Sometimes discounts are given in return for TFP/CD so the model can use the prints. Because if I pay a model I usually feel no obligation to give her anything other then the money I agreed to. Although I usually tip and provide a CD out of smart business practice. (note: all prices US and based on experience around Virginia and surrounding states) For most models the rates start at $25 per hour for clothed/fashion/swimsuit type shots. However I have had a few go for $10 per hour if just starting out and it was longer session. As they start removing clothes or gain experience the price start going up quickly. typically topless starts at $50/hour Full nude at $75/hour Fetish at $100/hour now ad in you cost of living. Such as my area is a lower cost so I can get full nude light-fetish models for $75/hour or $300 for 5 hours. I know some models won't even listen to you for clothed modeling for less then $100/hour in the DC area. And I also note a lot of exotic dancers charge more then non-dancers and I suspect this is due to there dance income. On the flip side starving college students (of which I have never actually seen one that looked like the were actually starving) tend to have lower expectations and thus cost less. I have no clue what the rate for younger models (under 18) are as I avoid those like the plaque unless it is for a friend and she is present. If looking for models or want to be a model I strongly recommend a site called www.onemodelplace.com You can probably get better information on what models get by going there. I just know what I pay. and lastly don't forget travel costs, they will expect you to pay if more then a hours drive for them. Which cost me a airline ticket for the model I get to photograph tomorrow who is coming in from Toronto. Have fun and be prepared for escorts. __________________ "Save the model, Save the camera, The Photographer can be repaired" www.longwatcher.com 1DsMkIII as primary camera with f2.8L zooms and the 85L http://www.longwatcher.com/photoequipment.htm

16th of January 2005 (Sun)	#5
KevC Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: to Posts: 3,154 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Models Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated. Now if somebody could post their waiver form, that'd be nice. I'm not good at writing these. Already got some friends of friends that may be willing to model... __________________ Too much gear... take nothing but pictures .... kill nothing but time .... leave nothing but footprints

17th of January 2005 (Mon)	#6
charlesu Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Somewhere south Posts: 4,124	Re: Models I recommend checking out some books on the subject. Some come with CDs full of useful legal documents that you can modify and use. Also, check out sites like the ASMP as I think they have some good ones posted. __________________ Thanks for stopping in and having a look. Prints of my work are available for purchase. Please contact me offline or thru PM if you are interested.

17th of January 2005 (Mon)	#7
Divyak Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pacific Northwest, USA Posts: 14	Re: Models If you do your homework, you can shoot many on a TFP basis with minimal costs. Check out http://www.onemodelplace.com and do a search for your state and you'll find thousands available to shoot with. Personally I like to shoot with the more experienced models as they actually show up and have a better ability to get the poses you want. My OMP Profile http://www.onemodelplace.com/photogr....cfm?P_ID=2602 __________________ Terry Divyak http://www.terrydivyak.com divyak at earthlink dot net Nikon D1X Nikon D200 MAC iMac5 50mm 1.8 180mm 2.8 17-35mm 2.8

18th of January 2005 (Tue)	#8
KevC Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: to Posts: 3,154 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Models Thanks for all the advice Anyone wanna help me with catch phrases for the posters? I'm already working on a website. I'm also gonna design a 'business card'. Kevin Chen Budding Model Photographer Wachu think? __________________ Too much gear... take nothing but pictures .... kill nothing but time .... leave nothing but footprints

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