Hey, all, I've been pondering the idea lately of looking for new models for a photo series that's been drifting through my head. The thing is, the experiences I had with my fellow interns over the summer were often very nervous for both of us, and over-all were not that positive. What I'm looking for is some general advice: how do you approach somebody about modeling, how do you help a new model feel comfortable, how do you get /yourself/ comfortable with a new model, etc. Remember that I'm just an amateur with little financial resource to throw around, so I have no possibility for working with professionals. Any advice I could get would be appreciated as I ponder whether or not I have the guts to do this. ;-) Malenchite

keep in mind, that professional models will PAY YOU to shoot pictures of them. Most of the ads you see in papers about willing to pay 100$ an hour, are usually for either pron sites, or just really horny guys. As for approaching models. easiest way to start is to ask friends to model for you. Usually one is comfortable with eachothers friends. Once you do one person, that person talks to others, and maybe you might develop some contacts. as for making them comfortable, that depends on how you act in studio. If you keep fiddling around and sayong "Well Im new to this" etc, it won't be the best thing. Also, don't fawk around too much between shots, if you find yourself having trouble centering everything, getting the focus perfect, take a picture, and continue setting your shit up, and get your good picture (you never know, the rushed one might come out better). Just make sure to keep things moving, and to make the model as comforable as possible. If they dont wanna do nudes, oh well, no nudes then. Even if they are up for nudes, I'd recommend you hold back on it for a bit until you get the hang of knowing what to do with the lights, how to get the model to do what you want, etc. Theres nothing worse than a bitchy naked girl complining she's getting cold. Remember, if you are nervous, do your best to hide it. If you're confident, or at least appear to be, it will give the model more confidence in you, and thus the shoot. Also, don't ever pay for a model, under any circumstance. Just be/act confident,don't waste time, and have at least a general idea of what the shoot will be abot in advance and don't forget to let the model know what your ideas are. ry

don't forget to visit your local art schools and universities. Many artists figure study models can be found by asking those in the know.

I would second "ry" as being very good advice. Particularly the comfortable part. Another cover is take a lot of poses, people get comfortable with time. Then portfolio the best for them. It will probably get you a second session.

Regarding the comfort of the model doesn't it depend upon what type of poses you want. Nudity-you will probably have to pay. Clothed. If they are good friends you probably won't. ( OK mabe dinner. ) I have heard this tip. To make them relax. For professional models one way to avoid the awkwardness is to pretend you are setting up for an additional 2-5 min. They will then have a little time to relax. Fix hair an makeup ect. Then you can tell them you are ready. Also supply a beverage or two for them to drink while you are "setting up." Personally I start with friends for modeling pictures. You may also want to have ideas of what you are going to do before they arrive. The coledge idea is a good idea. AND yes if you supply them prints later they will often pay you. Good luck. Bsteph

Huh, Alpha really hit the spot, and 86 nearest spot. ;o) Seriously, there where old post containing information for this matter. Search it, there should be lots of information and tips for this. I dont know anything about this subject, but few tips that fellow photographer told me. Comfortable situation is base of the good shooting session. Take few beers or(/and) drinks with model. Shoot first "roll" without film in camera, you will get familiar with the model and the model will get familiar with snapping camera and buzzing photographer. Shoot a lot, think afterwards. It may be your only change, so dont save film. ALPHA, take a copy and save your tips, and useful tips from rest of us too. This would be good subject for tutorial. .n

I have been shooting models almost on a daily based the last 2 weeks, and there are a few importaint tricks to it. alpha has said most of what I am going to already, but... 1. Make sure you have a portfolio with you when you aproch someone to model. This will give you credibility, and usualy makes people receptive to the idea. 2. Have them bring a friend along if it will make them more comfortable. As a mater of fact recomend it to them. If nothing else, if you are shooting someone of the opisit sex, make sure that there is some one at the shoot that is of the same gender as your model. This is more to protect you from poosible sexual harasment charges. 3. Be casual and open minded. most models like it when you ask there input or what ideas thet might have. Let the model know what you are trying to acheeve before the shoot too, you never know if they may come up with a good idea, and they will be beter able to pose if they have an idea of what your after. 4. Pay as a serise of shoots not just for one, and do at least 2 shoots with the model before getting into the serious work. This will help you develup a chemestry, or see if you as a photographer and they as a model work well. This I find imparative if there is a need for nudity in your project, because if you do a few non nude shoots first the trust will develup. 5. Finding out there interests is a good way to come up with a paliminary shoot idea. for example if they have a favorate peace of clothing, like an old worn out flanal shirt, then use that as there clothing the first shoot. It will work as a "security blanket" for them, and make them more comfortable. 6. Be profecional, don't have any interest in the model beyond the purpose of the shoot, at least not until you have already done the work. I have had dates with some of my modeles in the past, but I asked them after the work was done. Once the contract is over, then alls fare in love and war. a sence of humer can't hurt either, btu make sure it's a respectful one. 7. A happy model is a good model, Try to keep them comfortable and happy, because if not it will show through in the work. Find out what they might want to do too, and through that into the shoot as well. If you give them what they want the'll apreciate it afterwards and be more likely to work with you again. 8. go and have lunch or a drink or somthing with them afterwards to talk about what they thought of the work. It's good to do this right after the shoot because it will be fresh in your minds. (I usualy take my laptop and we look over the shots over a drink and talk about it. This works only if you shoot digital) Below is an example of the paper work I give to a model when I contract them. It makes my life easer, and I find that it also hels them understand what is going to go on beter.

This is alot of information that have found to be really useful. I always recomend having them fill this out. Page1 General Information: Full Name: SSN*** Street Adress: Apt.Number: Town:State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Work Phone /Fax: E-Mail: ***For tax purposes only with paid models only. Model Statistics: Gender: Height: Weight: Date of Birth: Eye Color: Hair Color: Hip Size: Waist Size: Bust Size: Dress &Shoe Size: General Information: Purpose of work: Modeling Portfolio ___ 3D Figure Reference ___ Photo Anthology ___ Other ___ Interests: List all relevant personal interest s that may be used to for subject matter in a portfolio. Hobbies: Employment: Favorite Peace of Clothing: please describe in detail. Favorite Location: please describe in detail. Favorite Object: please describe in detail. Page 2: Model Limitations (Please mark all types of photography work you would be interested or comfortable with doing.) Commercial Photography: Studio Portraits Fashion Formal Fashion Casual Swim Wear /Lingerie Outdoor Environment Indoor Environment Abstract Fashion Location Projects Art Photography: Partial Cover Natural Cover Partial Nude Studio Nude Outdoor Nude Body Studies /Figure Reference Body Painting Other Notes & Conditions: Please list Any Relevant Body Scaring,Tattoo work,That May Require Special Attention From The Photographer,Product Supplier,or a Makeup Artist: All images will be copyrighted for the protextion of the model and photographer by DreamScape Graph-X Co. Models may be entitled to receive 2%merchandise royalties for items or 3D figures created with models Likeness. If you want I can put it up as a .PDF file for you. hope this all helped -Gabe-

Cool - thanks all, this has really helped me too. Just one thing - a lot of this is great IF you have a studio..... I can't even think of a way to get access to one!! Ho hum - I've still gotta fix something with the models (friends) I have lined up, but now I've got the new camera (yes, I'm still harping on about that!!) I'm a LOT more confident about going ahead. Just one thing I found out while I was away - I was at a holiday park, and there was a show by a group of hopefuls in a band - my eldest wanted a picture with them after their show, so I asked them if it would be ok. They were more than happy to pose with her, and I found myself naturally directing them when the second pose didn't look quite right.... it's gave me more confidence in that if I can tell them what to do I should be able to manage a colleague.....YEAH!!! Cheers, guys.

Ask your local photostore, they usualy know the photographers around and may know who has one they may be open to renting. -Gabe-

Cheers, Gabe - as usual, I never think of the obvious! (",)