Flex Photography wrote:
Because you are just 17, a parent should be fully involved and aware of all messages. They should be present at all meetings and shoots. Only they, legally can sign any required releases or contracts. Be sure all shoots are age-appropriate.

Good advise...I did not notice that you are a minor.

Eowyn Ebony wrote:
Hi everyone! Thanks for all your advice. I am, at the moment, a minor, but I have a month to go until I am one no longer! After reading your advice, I've noticed that I already do a lot of it, but it still seems somewhat off. I always tell the photographer whatI like in their portfolio, and I say what I would like to do in a shoot with them and I say about what kind of payment etc etc. It just seems so direct and cold. I'm probably just over thinking because I want to get things right. Thanks again!

When you bring up the issue of payment, who's getting paid? You or the photographer?

MDWM wrote:

When you bring up the issue of payment, who's getting paid? You or the photographer?

It really depends on what the shoot is, whether there are travel costs etc. By saying I discuss payment, I mean discussing whether it's going to be a TFP shoot, or if the photographer is going to be paid etc etc. However, if I'm looking to get paid, I won't tell the photographer how much I want to be paid in the first message, I'd rather see if the photographer wants to work with me first. I feel saying it in the first ever paragraph you write to a photographer is not only pretty rude, but cocky and puts across the wrong perception.

Pictures of Life wrote:
This is pretty sexist, but guys at work don't need small talk, especially false flattery.  Women seem to need a peace offering, compliment, especially from an attractive female; otherwise the claws come out.  To me, false compliments are more of an insult.  If you want to make friends with photographers a little HONEST flattery goes a long way.  Don't just say that you like their work, give a specific example that shows you actually looked at their port.  I really like that you have a lot of variety of models and settings, or I like that you use different lighting that compliments the overall feel  And use their work as a reference. I like your picture of the lady in the green dress by the lake, and would like to shoot something similar, but maybe more of a vintage look.
Be honest.
Be reliable.
Respond to each question.
Show some interest in the result and process.
Ask questions related to your part.
    If you did all of the above most photographers would think you're a superstar.  You could fart loudly after every shot and they would not care a bit.

Oh yes, please! I hate when you know it's like a generic message to every photographer available...

Eowyn Ebony wrote:

It really depends on what the shoot is, whether there are travel costs etc. By saying I discuss payment, I mean discussing whether it's going to be a TFP shoot, or if the photographer is going to be paid etc etc. However, if I'm looking to get paid, I won't tell the photographer how much I want to be paid in the first message, I'd rather see if the photographer wants to work with me first. I feel saying it in the first ever paragraph you write to a photographer is not only pretty rude, but cocky and puts across the wrong perception.

This is the one place where it might get a little tricky with what you are doing.  There are some recent threads about TF shoots that will give you some insight.  If you contact a photographer that you want to be paid by, and he thinks you are offering to do a TF, he may be somewhat ... annoyed with you.  Again, I suggest reading the forums and searching for threads about models getting paid. 

If you are approaching a really good photographer, who's work can help your port, then you should probably offer to do a trade or test with him/her.   If you are entering modeling for some income, then when you approach less experienced hobby photographers or the dreaded GWC (they are not the same thing), you should be up front about looking for paid work.  Bringing it later is kind of a bait and switch.  You should also be aware that there are some darn good non professional photographers on MM.  So, don't confuse professionals with quality or the lack thereof.

Another reason to be careful about who you do TF with, is the number of models who do not receive images timely or at all.  Again, reread some threads on it.  Many models use their first post to ask what to do when the photographer doesn't deliver.  Check with other models about anybody you are going to work with.

The forums are a really good tool if you use them wisely.