Anyone Work With a Professional Model?

[KM-Photography]

Hi guys,

Another random question. I've done TFP/TFCD type shoots before but have never hired a professional model. Has anyone every hired a model for a shoot?

If so do you usually give them some of the images from the shoot after as well? What if they request some?

Just wonderin.

tanks

[Michael]

I haven't used professional models on any of my shoots, but I've first assisted and done post processing for a few shoots with pro and semi-pro models. As far as I can tell, it just depends on your agreement with the model. If you pay the model, you get to determine what they get. Many like to get at least a tear sheet (physical copy of the final publication or image), but in the commercial shoots I've worked on, nobody beyond the photog and the post-processing guy gets copies of the digital files.

[Steve Paxton]

I'll just add that I have never worked with professional or aspiring models, but it is an interesting subject. I would think hard about why you want to move in this direction and make sure it's for the right reasons. Fashion photography is a tough business to crack and it takes a lot of work to create a half way decent portfolio. Again, my experience in this area is extremely limited, but I have paid attention to it.

My understanding is that very new and aspiring models will typically trade work (i.e. model for you) for the pics - they need to build a portfolio too (e.g. TFP-Time For Prints). Moderately experienced models may ask for pics for their folio and a small payment (or to be able to keep the clothes from the shoot, etc). More experienced models expect to be paid. I think the paid models may want your prints if your shoot goes well or if it is unique. I have seen some pretty elaborate shoots (for example, 1930s Varga like images) where the models where paid and would definitely want prints for their folio. I can't imagine why you wouldn't give them prints. It would only help you develop connections for later on (maybe you will want to put together another session with the model).

My recommendation would be to take a look at websites like Model Mayhem (I am guessing you already have). Websites like these seems to be where all this business takes place - at least for those trying to break into the business. I will warn you (and everyone else) that it's a website for mature audiences (which is why I have veered away from doing any of this kind of work). Are you looking to create a portfolio geared around fashion photography or are you hoping to add some fresh faces to your regular portrait folio? I think photographers of all stripes have to really consider what they are passionate about and move in that direction. I have looked at your work. You are a talented landscape photographer - are you planning/hoping to move into a different direction?

[KM-Photography]

Thanks for the responses.

I ask for a couple reasons. Yes I'm on Model Mayhem and it is there I'm talking with a model about doing a shoot. I don't really want to go down the fashion road but I do want to diversify my portrait portfolio some to maybe pic up some more clients for portrait work. I've really only done a handful of portrait shoots. People are always more willing to pay for something if they are in the image. :-)

I was thinking that by working with a professional they would be able to help me learn how to work with shooting people more. i.e. directing poses and such. I wouldn't have to worry so much about knowing the best way to place the subject.

The model I'm talking with usually charges around $200 for 2 hours of shooting, which is way too much for me, but likes my shoot concept and would do the shoot for $50. So I guess with her willing to give me this discount it would be expected that she would get some of the shots in return.

I definitely don't want to go away from landscape work as that is what I love to shoot. I just would like to open up the revenue streams a little more. :D

[jrome]

I would say be careful since she is dropping her price. Make sure you have a nice contract that lays out exactly what is to be expected - financial, prints, or whatever it may be. I've seen people get sued from these shoots where they wouldn't give up the prints in a timely manner, or they wanted every single image, PP'ed or not. That being said, I wish you the best of luck with this. You might look into some of the workshops around your area where a group of photogs will hire a model, and you have some people there around you with experience to rub elbows with and help you in directing the "subject".

What style are you looking after? And I'm sure you're well aware, it is mandatory that you show us! Have fun!

[KM-Photography]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

The shoot I'm wanting to do involves an old abandoned and dilapidated church. I like the idea of having a beautiful model with the beauty of an aged building. As far as what she would wear I was kinda leaving it up to hear but was hoping for something more then just the casual wear. I think having elegant attire would look great for the location.

If/when this happens I'll be sure to post some pics. Besides the willing part I would still need to find the time. :-)

Here are some shots I've done of the church.

[DCrutchfield]

VERY VERY COOL! NICE WORK! Where is this church located? It's looks pretty old from the architectural details. This would take at least a week of exploring and shooting for me. What other shots do you have of this place?

In fact I'd love to see the sun rays breaking into the darkness through a window or door. This is where I'd figure out the sunset and sunrise schedules/ times and come at those times to add even more dramatic lighting and effect.

You've got a very cool subject there, with plenty of stories to be captured by the lens.

Keep up the great work!

[KM-Photography]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

It is truly a wonderful place to shoot. But usually with the best spots have some high risk as well. The church is located in Gary Indiana which is considered one of the most dangerous cities in America and has had the highest murder rate in the nation at times past. So you don't always feel comfortable walking around an old abandoned building or sticking around for sunset. :-)

I have several shots of the place and a few of those on my flickr account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmiller/sets/72157606461219074/with/2718357709/

Is this a window shot you were wanting to see?

[Steve Paxton]

Wow! I am just about ready to hop onto a plane right now and come out to photograph that place!

[DCrutchfield]

AMAZING, yes that is a great shot. Well make sure you travel there with a sidekick at all times. your safety should always be important. Those are great shots.

i'm with Steve, i'd love to come and explore that place... and you may just get to have some homeless company and homeless models. An amazing commentary on an old church, and the message for which it stands. The homeless and needy still flock to the churches, for help, as do we.

Saw your other site- and the church history notes there are great insight, stages of life. Thanks so much for sharing these!!

[KM-Photography]

Wow! I am just about ready to hop onto a plane right now and come out to photograph that place!

You guys should come out! Gary has a ton of places like this and is a great place to explore. But yes.. you should always use the buddy system.

Plus it's about 20-30 min from downtown chicago so there are a ton of other things to take pics of. :-)

[DCrutchfield]

Good ol' Great Lakes! Wheaton has many great old buildings too.... I may have to take you up on that one day!

[Michael]

I was reading American Photo this morning and something popped out at me- There is a pic of that same church, shot by Eric Holubow, published on page 51 of this month's magazine. It looks like his position was only a few feet different then yours in your first shot. Its a small world...