I'm looking currently just for models that have little to no experience, and want to enhance and build their portfolio for free, allowing me to do the same. Whats the best way to approach models with this kind of offer? I have no problem providing a CD of the images, but have no offer of compensation besides that.

I am trying to learn some of the jargin such as TFCD and such. I'm not new to photography, but only have done a limited (under 10) number of photoshoots with models.

Another question I have, is there a way to do a city search? Florida is pretty broad heh.

I look forward to being an active part of this community.

Be honest be upfront,  do not promise too much for things happen.  Do not give too little or TOO MUCH and degrade the profession.   Post something in the casting section.   Do a  browse search for models in your area and send an individual message to each stating your intentions.

Learn about releases and rights.   Balance what is needed to what you want.   Understand that makeup,  and styling are a big part of achieving truely useful images but do not be afraid to practice or try new things.

Be polite.   Join the community here or elsewhere and be noticed in a positive way for the vibe you give off will atract or turn people away.

Be yourself for we cannot please everyone.   

Welcome to Mayhem,  where we enjoy a bit of mayhem but try not to let it get to be chaos.

Start with friends and family. They are usually the easiest people to use as guinea pigs when you are starting as a photographer. Once you have some nice-looking images with them, you will find it more likely that complete strangers will be willing to work with you.

When you start to approach models, get ready to be rejected. A lot.

I saw one new model post how upset she was that she had no photoshoots and she had only contacted 3 photographers. THREE!

When you're new, expect to approach 25 models before any of them even reply to you. Then out of the ones that reply, expect most of them to flake out.

I'm saying this to sound negative or discouraging. On the contrary - I'm telling you this so you won't become discouraged and you'll know it's perfectly normal. Just be patient. You'll get there.

The better you get, the less flakes you will encounter. Then people will start approaching you, asking you to shoot. It truly gets a lot easier with time, experience and a portfolio that will encourage people to like your work.

I would also recommend since you are new to working with models and a male that you write chaperones allowed and encouraged. If that’s true of course. A lot of female models are hesitant working with a guy that can’t provide real references. If you put it out there that you understand this I think you might have an easier time.

In your bio, write what type of shots you are looking to take. You said As far as modeling shoots go, I shoot for a paysite, and mostly on the side to build a portfolio. What are you looking for for models here? For the paysite of your portfolio? What direction would you like your portfolio to go in ect? Maybe you are interested in shooting all types right now since you really don’t know.

Just some thoughts.

dont be creapy and do what you say you are going to do, if the shoot will require clothing dont ask them to pose nude.  Allow them to bring a friend , nt thier boyfriend but a friend so they feel more comfortable.
Honesty is the best policy and again dont be creapy

Area 291, 

You are always free to respond to those threads that you find to be positive or make your own positive threads and help the community with your knowledge.

That is what makes freedom great.

Mhana mod

My best advice. Hit up models who are brand new just like yourself. They're just staring to get their feet wet just like you, and they don't have many of the bad habits a lot of the established models have... (*OMG where did that shoe come from!.. You missed me!). And I would like to echo what MHana said. DO NOT PROMISE WHAT YOU CANNOT DELIVER. That'll earn you a bad rep faster than just about anything.

As well as learning how to interact with models, the respectful treatment of third-parties is critical, and sometimes overlooked. Third-parties are:

1. Owners of property or objects used in shoots.

2. Those that will be observing your activity, voluntarily or otherwise.

3. Model's spouses and escorts.

4. Security personnel and law enforcement.

I have found that it is often easy to get everything right with the model, but through it all, offend a third party in various ways.

What makes dealing with them difficult is that they are not emotionally involved in the project like the model is, and are less likely to understand the "brazenness" that is often required to get that great shot.

A good example can be seen in my avatar image. The group I was with had gotten permission to pose by the cars and sit on one in particular. After I posted some images from this shoot, another photographer pointed out that some of the models were sitting on potentially vulnerable parts of other cars.