Hiring a Model

I'm advertising on social media, so I'll get models who have zero experience.

How much (hourly) should I offer to pay someone to model semi-nude?

Too many variables. Could be free, could be tens of thousands of dollars, or more likely somewhere in between.

What are you advertising? Herpes creme? A strip club? Or fancy shampoo? Models will likely charge less for a commercial shoot where they're more or less covered advertising shampoo vs the other two.

Why are you specifically going for models with zero experience? If paying for a model I'd personally want someone who can get me the most bang for my buck and having to teach someone: how to pose, how to work with the light, how to express themselves, or even just not look like a deer in the headlights...all while in the most vulnerable position ever for a model (nude, even semi) isn't really the place you want to skimp.

That being said, I don't know your situation so if you want to take the chance then by all means. If they have zero experience then they probably don't know anything about usage and are just trying to make a quick buck. You can probably find someone for $100/hr for sure as that seems to be the usual starter rate that most internet amateur "models" will ask for. Some will work for less, some for more...all depends on how much behind on their rent is to be honest. I'd start around there and see what happens.

icor1031 wrote in post #18789374
.
I'm advertising on social media, so I'll get models who have zero experience.
How much (hourly) should I offer to pay someone to model semi-nude?
.

tdlavigne wrote in post #18789849
.
Why are you specifically going for models with zero experience?
.

.
When I read the OP's post, I wondered the same thing.


.

I guessed that the OP is using social media because other forms of recruiting cost more. A consequence of using social media is that models will be inexperienced.

These two statements mean different things:
"I'm advertising on social media, so I'll get models who have zero experience." < what he said
"I'm advertising on social media so that I'll get models who have zero experience." < what he didn't say

OhLook wrote in post #18790082
I guessed that the OP is using social media because other forms of recruiting cost more. A consequence of using social media is that models will be inexperienced.

You only get what you pay for. . To expect to get more is probably going to lead to nothing but frustration and disappointment.

If I were in the OP's shoes, I would either:

choice A - cough up the money for someone who is actually a model and not just aspiring to become a model

choice B - forget about shooting models altogether until I can do it properly

If something is worth doing, it is worth doing wholeheartedly. . If something is not worth doing wholeheartedly, it is not worth doing at all. . This "all or nothing" mindset often leads to the highest levels of success.

.

OhLook wrote in post #18790082
These two statements mean different things:
"I'm advertising on social media, so I'll get models who have zero experience." < what he said
"I'm advertising on social media so that I'll get models who have zero experience." < what he didn't say

Yes, OhLook, there is a distinct difference between these two statements.

Unfortunately, I missed the true meaning of his statement and incorrectly assumed that he meant the latter when in fact he probably meant the former.

Thank you for pointing out what I missed.


.

One has nothing to do with the other though. Social media has made a noticeable impact in the proper modeling industry (ie. true, agency level fashion modeling); looking on social media may not get you Barbara Palvin, but it doesn't mean you'll get Suzy the Starbucks Barista whose modeling experience equates to bathroom selfies and her senior portrait.

You can find agency girls who are moonlighting, playmates, semi-famous actresses, even supermodels on social media.

It sounded to me like he was either aiming for low-no experience models, or at least is going into it thinking that...which doesn't help if you're looking for better models.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #18790151
If something is worth doing, it is worth doing wholeheartedly.

And what about doing what's within our means? Doing something whole heartedly, by this analogy, would mean only working with the #1 model in the world. And, selling my vehicle to pay for a half hour of her time.

Where I live, there are zero professional models that I'm aware of... Crappy place to be. But also, I'm living on disability - I don't have enough $ for a proper model - if one even existed here.

So, I do what I can.

I'd be curious to know what area you live because that may help refine an answer.

Are you aware how much pay is typically provided near medium and large cities for what you are seeking? If modeling is not free and photographers are paying, maybe $50 / hr. is something I'd see offered near a city like Portland where the shoot isn't fully nude.

I used to network via model mayhem and frequently networked with newly registered models of zero experience, paying nothing except providing photos. They could pick the best ones we got for their own use, and then they started charging a fee afterward.

But in small cities, I find that model mayhem has very few models active, and most charge.

For your area, why not just pick a fee and throw the ad out there. Figure even lawn mowing people get $25 per hour for lawn work these days, so I can't see offering less than that.

mdvaden wrote in post #18790492
I'd be curious to know what area you live because that may help refine an answer.

Are you aware how much pay is typically provided near medium and large cities for what you are seeking? If modeling is not free and photographers are paying, maybe $50 / hr. is something I'd see offered near a city like Portland where the shoot isn't fully nude.

I used to network via model mayhem and frequently networked with newly registered models of zero experience, paying nothing except providing photos. They could pick the best ones we got for their own use, and then they started charging a fee afterward.

But in small cities, I find that model mayhem has very few models active, and most charge.

For your area, why not just pick a fee and throw the ad out there. Figure even lawn mowing people get $25 per hour for lawn work these days, so I can't see offering less than that.

Dang, $25/hr for that? I need to live where you are!

I'm in Rapid City, South Dakota. I've already check model mayhem, etc. I'm also the admin of the only photographer and model group in my area, but the models are inexperienced, unfit, or unreliable (especially this).

Sometimes answering related questions helps.

What would your expected compensation if you were to model semi-nude? What compensation would you suggest your brother/sister/wife/go​od friend demand? What difference would it make to you if you knew how the shots would be used? What will be the setting for the shoot or shoots? Will an experienced MUA be provided? Other than money, what would you expect from the photographer?

icor1031 wrote in post #18790499
Dang, $25/hr for that? I need to live where you are!

I'm in Rapid City, South Dakota. I've already check model mayhem, etc. I'm also the admin of the only photographer and model group in my area, but the models are inexperienced, unfit, or unreliable (especially this).

.
If I remember correctly, there are "gentlemen's clubs", a.k.a. strip bars, in Rapid City. . Perhaps go to one or two of them, hang out a bit, and then ask some of the dancers if they'd be willing to model for you when they're not dancing ... for a reasonable rate of $40 or $50 an hour.

Yeah, they may flake on you like the others have done, and they're not professional models, but at least this gives you a chance with some women who are used to performing in public and know a thing or two about presenting themselves favorably.


.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #18790579
.
If I remember correctly, there are "gentlemen's clubs", a.k.a. strip bars, in Rapid City. . Perhaps go to one or two of them, hang out a bit, and then ask some of the dancers if they'd be willing to model for you when they're not dancing ... for a reasonable rate of $40 or $50 an hour.

Yeah, they may flake on you like the others have done, and they're not professional models, but at least this gives you a chance with some women who are used to performing in public and know a thing or two about presenting themselves favorably.

.

I contacted 4 girls from the (now only) local strip club (I used IG, I didn't go to the club). They all disappeared / bailed.

For a market that small (SD) your best bet would be craigslist or the likes. Just checked MM too, looks like there's all of 4 models who shoot nude within 25miles of your city. Sucks but your only two real options are:

Post an ad on craigslist of similar, with a rate your comfortable to pay. Don't bother with that "What are your rates?" nonsense. You have a budget, and a plan. Be upfront about both, and don't bother with anyone who isn't willing to work within those means. Like I said, plenty of people will be willing to model if you clearly state your goals and are open about the budget.

Or, you can contact a "travelling model" on MM. You'll probably pay a fair bit, but I've heard of some working for less (or free) if you can host them (ie. they stay in a guest bedroom) or pay their travel costs. Of course, do your due diligence and get your ducks in a row before committing to that.

Avoid strippers. They're notoriously flakey and have rather large egos due to dozens of lonely/horny guys drooling over them and throwing them a ton of money to give them the slightest bit of attention. Harsh, but true.

tdlavigne wrote in post #18790609
Avoid strippers. They're notoriously flakey and have rather large egos due to dozens of lonely/horny guys drooling over them and throwing them a ton of money to give them the slightest bit of attention. Harsh, but true.

I worked with one before (she has since bailed on me), and her behavior was very pleasant. I hoped her coworkers were the same -- apparently not.

tdlavigne wrote in post #18790609
Avoid strippers. They're notoriously flakey and have rather large egos due to dozens of lonely/horny guys drooling over them and throwing them a ton of money to give them the slightest bit of attention. Harsh, but true.

.
It's not really fair to stereotype everyone in this industry. . There are a fair number of strippers and escorts who are actually quite businesslike and conduct themselves in a professional manner. . I think that to just say "avoid strippers" is bad advice. . That's like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. . In any group of a dozen strippers, there are going to be two or three who are reliable and don't flake. . But you have to go about contacting them in an effective way. . Just messaging them on Instagram or texting them is usually not going to yield good results.

.