Finding a model TFP/CD - difficult!

apkent · 25 Oct 2010

A mixed post this one of frustration and surprise.

I've recently taken a big step forward with my photography and decided to do a series of studio shoots (at my expense) and have been looking for models to shoot.

My god, I can't believe how difficult it is to find someone! I've spent most of the day scouting through local results on Purestorm and Modelmayhem with very little success. Between all the wannabes who have neither looks nor talent, and masses of out of date profiles, there seems to be very few people actually out there who I might even be able to contact, let alone those who might be interested in a free studio session.

Anyone else find this stuff tough going or just me?

JonathanRyan · 25 Oct 2010

Not really. Last casting I put on MM had 87 applicants.

There needs to be something in it for the model so either you need a killer portfolio, an interesting idea or money to guarantee a great model.

If it's one of your first studio sessions then I'd strongly advise paying a model. Not only is it fair - you'll get better shots and a better portfolio faster.

fuzed · 25 Oct 2010

hi Mate, there's not a ton of models around bedfordshire - and the other ones don't want to travel unless your offering something special. I was lucky with my first shoot as I have a great makeup artist friend who arranged the model, we were supposed to have two, but one flaked on us.

apkent · 25 Oct 2010

I've paid for one, and booked another paid model as I agree, for the first sessions it's better to have someone who knows what they're doing than a relative newcomer.

I was just hugely surprised at the distinct lack of quality people locally. I've only sent a message to one so far with a tentative enquiry, but I think at the moment my shortlist stands at 7 across all of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire!

Think I'm going to have to put my hand in my wallet, or stop being so picky!

fuzed · 26 Oct 2010

yeah know how you feel, its not easy... get the shots you want get the port up and hopefully you'll have some awesome images! that will have them coming in droves.

Kev M · 26 Oct 2010

Don't stop being picky, there's no point shooting a model for the sake of it, the right/wrong model will make/break a photo.

apkent · 26 Oct 2010

This is true - very true!

Garry Edwards · 30 Oct 2010

JonathanRyan said:
Not really. Last casting I put on MM had 87 applicants.

There needs to be something in it for the model so either you need a killer portfolio, an interesting idea or money to guarantee a great model.

If it's one of your first studio sessions then I'd strongly advise paying a model. Not only is it fair - you'll get better shots and a better portfolio faster.

Agreed.
Most 'models' who say that they're interested in tfp are useless and probably won't even bother to show up - but there are plenty of first class models around who will respond, and who will turn up, but only if there's something in it for them.

You want a free model so that you can develop your skills - but what will a model actually get from a photographer who needs a model to develop his or her skills?

If you can't demonstrate that you're able to produce shots that will actually help her to get paid work, you need to offer paid work instead.