Diana Moffitt wrote:
I used the term snapshot camera because I don't know the technical term.  I am referring to one of those cheap digital cameras.  I heard there is a guy in NY that uses a cheapie camera and he's supposedly really famous.  Not sure what his name is......

Thanks Hamza!  I don't want my boyfriend following me around like a puppy dog esp when I'm working

Call Udo, he would know.  I know the guy you are talking about, he shoots with a Point and Shoot and does High-Fashion, he's some old dude...

angela camp wrote:
Okay, I know this has already been done but why can't it be done again?
It is always relevant considering how many naive aspiring models take a glance at the main page.  Heck, and hopefully I'll learn something.  Here is a list of two things I look for:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot


Please add on and correct my two presumptions if you think they are wrong.

angela camp wrote:
Okay, I know this has already been done but why can't it be done again?
It is always relevant considering how many naive aspiring models take a glance at the main page.  Heck, and hopefully I'll learn something.  Here is a list of two things I look for:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot


Please add on and correct my two presumptions if you think they are wrong.

I for one totally agree with number one. Yes, there are the exceptions (the FEW exceptions) but when you show up to a shoot and the guy pulls from his large bad a tiny digital camera (my personal one was better) then you kinda question what he is doing. Oh, and he wasn't really creepy, but the shots were TERRIBLE.

Spark Studios wrote:

I totally agree, I started as a graphic designer and photoshop is what I learnt first before photography and I feel it is a neccessary tool especially in this day of digital.

Out of this group Jeffrey Scott is an amazing artist, and as you can see I said artist. This is my own opinion and I think he uses photographry at part of his work but I couldn't sit her and say he does great photo work when I am not looking at a beauty shot you would see shot in vogue, etc... I also see a couple on your list that I think their work is poor even with the photoshop I do like Rosen as well though, good all around talent.

Also to Angela, sorry you have gotten so many lame responses from this topic. Honestly I don't mind meeting a boyfriend, husband, Dad, etc... because I am not trying to get in the models panties like others you will find here. Furthermore, I would say a couple things to look for are the following:

First, most important I believe are tear sheets! If you are serious about making money, contacts, etc.. you want to work with photographers who have opportunities and are also serious about what they want to accomplish with their work. I think there are exceptions with an artist like J. Scott because his work maybe geared towards galleries. Too many models shoot with photographers here because they are "popular" and are usually wasting their time. I remember seeing a thread about why some photographers will not shoot with models after certain photographers and it comes back to this point. I mean why would I want to waste my time getting a model work when she is shooting tfp's with some lameass who has average work and no connections? I love when a job comes up and I need a model, post it in a forum, and the first girls who write are ones who wouldn't take a couple hours to test with me but shoot with poor photographers, lol it is classic. Models just need to use more common sense when it comes to these things, but again this wouldn't apply for all...especially girls who are doing websites and nude work.

Second, if you don't do nudes watch for the guys who want you to get nude within the first 5 minutes of chatting. "Oh I want to submit you to Playboy" LOL are you serious? I see photographers who offer this crap and any model who reads this should tell the idiot to go beat his moneky

Third, obviously if the guys works for an agency they are more respected but it doesn't mean they are going to be normal. There are whacked people every place you go so you have to be careful no matter what the situation. Use your instincts and just be aware of whats going on.

angela camp wrote:

One more time, I am not talking about photographers that book you through your agency.  I am talking about photographers that contact you through the internet.

Again, I must say this..

When I do contact models through tht enet..which is now rare..I still will not meet with botfriends or the likes. I will point you to my company website, I will even correspond with you. I wont even meet with the boyfriend on our first meeting. My MUA may be there, a stylist may be there. I have a professional office space in the heart of the production community. I am very visible and have nothing to hide. I feel I have postioned myself in a way in which I dont have to deal with boyfriends or anyone else out side of the shoot. I simply refuse, call it a quirk. I wasnt always like this, when I first strated, I did WHATEVER to make models fell comfy, just so I could shoot.

Well, all I got was a headache..so now and days the door is shut, unless you are a part of the poduction, stay home. YOur sweety pie can show you all the images wjen she gets home. Or He.whatever the case may be.

My girlfreind is a model and the most I do is look at the portfolios of the photgraphers who contact her. We say yeah or NAY together, knowing she has the final say. The portfolio speak volumes. The way in which the individual approaches you speaks volumes. And you can do a face to face meeting all day long. A true pervert will find a way. And if you are worried about being killed on a shoot, well..A person with true intent will simly kill your boyfriend first. SO let the poor guy live no use in both of you dying. LMAO..

Using Internet models  2 stars
Using Agency  models  4 stars

The whole internet thing has really worn be raw. Just me mind you as we all have different experiences, but for me, it simply doesnt fit into the equation anymore, or at least very RARELY now.

Jeff Marsh wrote:
#5. Uses minimal photoshop on images.

If that's a complete disqualifier, I have an issue with it.

On the other hand, Shyly beat me to it by nearly 12 hours (2006-03-27 14:23:11), and cited the same artist-photographers I'd started to list.

Annivo wrote:
I only shoot with a digital Holga,

Laugh not; it's available.

You can get adapters for a $10 Holga to permit a digital back ($8,000-$25,000+) to be used with it. Ektopia.co.uk shows an example of one. (The adapters are large rubber bands...)

As for the original question, I think Doug Lester's answer was to the point. (page 2, 2006-03-27 16:51:44)

Diana Moffitt wrote:
Isn't there a famous photographer in NY that shoots with a snapshot?  I don't think the type of camera justifies anything...........

some the most prominent and respected photographers are very minimal equipment-wise, and produce work that is either low-tech or technically transparent.

( ANT ) Mgaphoto wrote:
Also to Angela, sorry you have gotten so many lame responses from this topic. Honestly I don't mind meeting a boyfriend, husband, Dad, etc... because I am not trying to get in the models panties like others you will find here. Furthermore, I would say a couple things to look for are the following:

First, most important I believe are tear sheets! 

Second, if you don't do nudes watch for the guys who want you to get nude within the first 5 minutes of chatting. "Oh I want to submit you to Playboy" LOL are you serious? I see photographers who offer this crap and any model who reads this should tell the idiot to go beat his moneky

Third, obviously if the guys works for an agency they are more respected but it doesn't mean they are going to be normal. There are whacked people every place you go so you have to be careful no matter what the situation. Use your instincts and just be aware of whats going on.

Thanks for your pertinent response, you totally answered the original post question.

Lesley Slenning wrote:
up until a few months ago i was shooting with a 3.2mp point and shoot that i bought used on ebay for a $150, and a 31 year old 35mm.

i use sheets, paper, cardboard.......or whatever else i can get my hands on for backdrops.  i shop at yard sales, wal mart, k mart, and thrift stores for props and fabrics.  i've also bought all the books for dummies to learn how to use photoshop.

well everyone is arguing about what makes a "real" photographer.  i am going to go take some pictures.

I think that demonstrates that you are a serious photographer.  You obviously put a lot of effort into your work.

angela camp wrote:
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot

How about "he could care less about your boyfriend, and thinks if you mention meeting them is a requirement before shooting, that you're utterly clueless about professional modeling work."

angela camp wrote:
Okay, I know this has already been done but why can't it be done again?
It is always relevant considering how many naive aspiring models take a glance at the main page.  Heck, and hopefully I'll learn something.  Here is a list of two things I look for:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot


Please add on and correct my two presumptions if you think they are wrong.

Can you look any any image on MM and tell if it was taken by a $100 camera or $20,000 worth of equipment.  NO!
Can you look at a photo exhibit in your local gallery and tell the camera equipment. no!

Look for final output not tools!

2) done to death om MM. that is not an issue here!

angela camp wrote:
Okay, I know this has already been done but why can't it be done again?
It is always relevant considering how many naive aspiring models take a glance at the main page.  Heck, and hopefully I'll learn something.  Here is a list of two things I look for:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot


Please add on and correct my two presumptions if you think they are wrong.

3. His conversation is relevant to the shoot for the most part
4. He remains respectful of the model's comfortablity - The first time and throughout
5. He solves problems that may arise - as they often do
6. He remains aware of time and the models condition

Shyly wrote:
having good gear doesn't mean a photographer knows what to do with it.  There are plenty of goofballs running around with insanely expensive equipment to show off with, and everything dialed in to "Auto."

The work should speak for itself.  I could care less how a photographer achieves consistently gorgeous work, so long as it is consistent.

Correct... they'll sell a fancy camera to anyone.

As for #2... if a model really wants me to meet the boyfriend, fine.  If it seems to be a reasonably mature relationship, great, he can even escort at the shoot.  But if I see even a trace of drama/jealously/control freak behavior, I'll find a different model.  No time for that.

In the end, it's all about the work.  If the photographer produces quality work and conducts him or her self in a businesslike manner, then you're dealing with a real photographer.

Max V wrote:
I love shooting with disposibles and I really don't wanna meet with anybody's boyfriend, girlfriend, family members, pets, etc.

Max V.

but maxie....you DID meet my bf, when we shot together  but you know that he happens to be a photog too   *hugz*

Jeff Marsh wrote:
Angela,
Nice portfolio, best of luck with the acting.
Your #2 is totally wrong. I could care less about your boyfriend, mother, father, grandmother, whomever. I care only about you, the client/model.
Possible additional things to look for:
#3. Has more than a sheet for a backdrop.
#4. Has references
#5. Uses minimal photoshop on images.
#6. Respects the model throughout the shoot and afterwards.
#7. Is punctual and turns off cell phone during shoot.
#8. Provides privacy area for changing.
#9. Makes it clear what the focus(s) of the shoot will be.

Just a beginning...

i use a sheet a lot and a blanket i not a pearv see photos and some times a lot of PS becuse it is fun and i fell like doing some thing differint

http://www.usefilm.com/image/123057.html
http://www.usefilm.com/image/1046765.html

UnoMundo Photography wrote:

1)Unless you a camera expert you have NO IDEA what the camera can do
Can you look any any image on MM and tell if it was taken by a $100 camera or $20,000 worth of equipment. hell NO!
Can you look at a photo exhibit in your local gallery and tell the camera equipment. hell no!
You have no idea of the $ value of the camera in the photograhers hands.
Can you tell the difference between a Leica Rangefinder and a Canon rebel; hell no!

I think you are just  another "with attitude" spouting on MM.

2) done to death om MM. that is not an issue here!

Whoa Uno - that's a bit hard. You're right about the camera stuff but I don't think the woman is coming from a bad place with this.

She just wants some discussion on the subject - that's all.

Apfel Photography wrote:

In defense, Richard Avadon (heard of him right?) did some great fashion shoots with a pinhole camera.  Seeing that you can make one out of a oatmeal container, technically you can get one at WalMart. :-)

And meeting the boyfriend?  If he is the the person you bring to the shoot for safety, fine.  But if a photographer needs to get his approval before the shoot, then the way to tell if they are a real photographer is they wish you good luck and move on.  Real models don't need their boyfriend's consent.

amen.

angela camp wrote:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.

Actually I bought my current digital from Radio Shack.  It seems to work pretty well.  My film cameras well all purchased on ebay at prices ranging from $8 to $40.
The fact that people admire, respect and [occasionally] even buy my work from various points around the world should attest for the quality I produce with what I have. 

angela camp wrote:
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot

If I have to meet your boyfriend before the shoot, he'd better be ready to carry my stuff and go for coffee/pizza/beverages at a moments notice [he's buying too].  Everyone gets put to work at my shoots.

I hate to say this, but do you really think you're going to get very far in "the industry" with that boyfriend rule?  I don't see many agencies putting up with you cancelling shoots/auditions because someone didn't want to meet your dude.

angela camp wrote:
Here is a list of two things I look for:
1.  He owns a camera that doesn't even remotely resemble the camera I have at home nor any camera they sell at radioshack or walmart.
2.  He is perfectly willing to meet my boyfriend before the shoot


Please add on and correct my two presumptions if you think they are wrong.

Wow!  This post tells me so much about you it's not even funny

Let's take the easy questions first...owning a "good" camera does NOT make u a photographer. And what kind of camera it is is totally irrelevant. A friend of mine once shot a magazine assignment with a $20 plastic camera called a "Diana"

second: If I were holding a casting and I picked a model for a shoot and she said "OK....now you have to meet my boyfriend." Or if a model said she'd work with me but first I'd have to meet her boyfriend....well...actually I'm not even going to respond other than to say that a requirement like that shows a complete lack of professionalism. Photographers don't need to impress boyfriends...they do need to impress picture editors and art directors!

Real  photographers produce quality images on a consistent basis for their clients.

Real photographers try different things instead of producing cookie cutter images.

Real photographers try to convey a thought or idea with their images.

Real photography is about producing thought provoking images. Photography is not about owning a $5,000 camera or meeting someone's boyfriend.

C R Photography wrote:
Yea, and make sure it's not wronkeld

And none of that drappy sh*t neither

Hamza wrote:

Call Udo, he would know.  I know the guy you are talking about, he shoots with a Point and Shoot and does High-Fashion, he's some old dude...

I think you mean Terry Richardson. He shoots most of his work with a Contax point & shoot using only the on-camera flash. The fixed 35mm lens and on camera flash makes for a very cool and unique look (and think of the work you save not having to move lights around!).  Many fashion photographers are adding this look to their arsenal.  Juergen Teller is one of them.  He's a younger guy so the old dude must be Terry.
Thanks,
Dave