Finding the right model
So you have a shoot in mind. Now it’s time to find the right person to sit in front of your camera. There are many ways to do this depending on your experience, and that of the model.
If you are an experienced people photographer, and you’re after a similarly experienced model, the best bet is to approach a model agency. Alternatively, if you are confident in directing a photographic shoot then you could look to an ‘up-and-comer’. Working with an inexperienced model on a commercial shoot is completely acceptable, as long as you have the confidence and control to direct a ‘fresh face’ into the industry. Bear in mind that you will have to give a lot more direction on posing than with an experienced model, and your subject may not deliver exactly what you want straight away.
The less experience a model has, the cheaper he or she will be, which will undoubtedly be a factor in your choice. But remember that often you get what you pay for. A professional experienced model can be a fountain of knowledge and have more than one look. Someone who is confident enough to tell you what about them works for other photographers will leave you feeling reassured and able to concentrate on other things. Considerable cost aside, big-name agencies can be a valuable way of finding a sitter, as Mike Illes of
London-based MOT models confirms: “The benefits of going through an agency are that there’s some sort of control to the whole process. It’s made clear from the start so everybody knows the score. We keep all the paperwork straight so if something does go wrong, say for example the tall blonde woman we were going to send over is sick, then we can absolutely bust a gut to make sure someone else with the same look can step in and do a more than adequate job.
“In situations like that, an agency will be prepared to run through their list of available models at 7am. You really get some assurance with a reputable agency that the whole process will work properly. That’s what a photographer needs: to know that they’re going to get good service from an agency, a good selection of models, and the price is reasonable as well.”
One photographer who has formed a close working relationship with a model agency is Craig Fleming, who shoots for Sheffield-based DK Models.
“Whenever they get a new model at the agency they’ll need to put some photos of him or her on their website, like an online portfolio,” he says. “I’ll do a three- or four-hour shoot with the model, then I can see what they’re like in front of a camera.
“I get them five or six pictures for the agencies website and then I can give the agency feedback on what the model is like. My benefit is that I can then use those images as my own.”
Craig finds that as long as he is clear from the start that he intends to use the images commercially, then it really isn’t an issue. “It’s a win-win situation for all involved,” he says.
The girl next door
Having said all that, you may find a model in a member of your family, your circle of friends or even living next door to you. Providing you have the experience you should feel confident enough to approach them. Chris Rout explains there are often many good reasons to using the girl next door for a shoot.
“There are times when you think you could have Claudia Schiffer sat there smiling in front of the camera, but then she could look as stiff as a plank of wood. I’d often prefer to have the girl next door, rather than a top model who’d just start going through the motions.”
If you’re wondering what to pay Mr or Mrs J Bloggs, and you’d like to avoid forking out a lot of cash, then why not consider a regularly used method of payment: ‘time for prints’, also known as TFP. It’s a simple substitute for cash and an up-and-coming model will be perfectly happy with some decent prints for their portfolio. A time for disc arrangement is similar, but make sure you say what the images can and cannot be used for.
“I usually get about half a dozen models asking me to do time for CD work every week,” Rout comments. “If I did page three work I’d have a model lined up every day for the next year.”
Rout says there are times when he could do TFP shoots but they wouldn’t make him any money. He does agree that this is a great starting place for a budding pro, though.
If you’re still stuck for someone to use as your model and you don’t have the cash for an agency professional or know anyone appropriate that lives on your street then there is a third way: model register websites. There are a number of these available for anyone to use. These sites give any photographer, model or even stylist the opportunity to find each other independently and create a shoot between them. The photographer gets the rights to the images, the model gets photos to add to their portfolio and a stylist gathers more examples of work they have done. Everyone’s a winner.
Craig Fleming has had many a success with models he’s found amongst these kinds of websites, but warns of the effort needed to spot a rose amongst thorns. “I try forums like myspace.com and supermodels.com. But there is a lot of rubbish to be avoided. Initially, though, if you’re just looking to gain some experience with a new technique or look, then it is a good way of going about it.”’
There are many ways to make money from people photography. Whether you are seeking to improve your portfolio, branch out into new areas, or simply submit to stock libraries, hopefully we’ve convinced you that hiring a model is a worthwhile thing to do.
