Jay Dezelic wrote:
Your work is great. Maybe your requirements are too stringent for your local market?  I think that there are more models on MM doing TFP work than those asking for cash.

Definately and there are a gazillion models in philly. If there is a certain look you need (blonde, tall, blue eyes, etc) put that in your casting call.

I think every model on this site is on here to make cash.  not opportunity.

Not all... (*cough*) but many, I'm sure.

Besides the Casting Call forum, I'd recommend trying to find models that other photographers in your area (with similar work) have worked with.  You can ask the photographer for a reference, and ask the model to shoot.  Maybe?  I know there are a ton of alt. type models out there.

Oh, you might want to try wickedtalent.com, too.

I hunt down all my TFPs, so I might not be the best advisor on this.

Great shots of Amy, btw.  We're lucky to have her here these days.

NC17 wrote:
From your clarification heres the *only* problem that I see with your approach:

You seem to be offering models a "portfolio" in exchange for shooting with you. The trouble that I see with this is that most models that have been in the industry for some time don't want a portfolio. It feels rather presumptuous to be approached by a photographer and hear the words "let me improve your portfolio" or "let me build your portfolio." It gives the impression (whether right or wrongly) that you assume that the model *needs* to have her portfolio worked on, and in a round about way insults her existing work.

Instead, you might simply just approach it like it is, you'd like to expand your portfolio and would love to include her look. Offer the pictures and editing, but don't bother to include the note about how great it will make her portfolio look. What she does with the pictures is really her business. Frankly, someone telling me that they want to have me in their book for a certain look is flattering enough to get my attention. Its a turn off to have them assume that I *need* what they have to offer.

Whatever other perks you can throw in (travel expenses, small compensation, food, etc) are a positive as well. Models enjoy being treated well, and all in all, it doesn't take that much effort to do on your part.

Good luck, I hope you're able to find some models willing to shoot!

this is what im talking about.  i was hoping to get some insight as to whats going on, and this is good.  i never looked at it that way.  and do not want to come off like the illest photographer on the planet, becuase im not. 

my only point was to let poeple know they arent going to walk away with one or two usable images.  i guess i need to work on my wording.

posting here was the best idea ive had all day.  thanks for your time.  i appreciate it.

BCI Photo wrote:
Hell, with work like that i'll shoot with you.
Shall I wear a blue or green thong?

NC17 wrote:
From your clarification heres the *only* problem that I see with your approach:

You seem to be offering models a "portfolio" in exchange for shooting with you. The trouble that I see with this is that most models that have been in the industry for some time don't want a portfolio. It feels rather presumptuous to be approached by a photographer and hear the words "let me improve your portfolio" or "let me build your portfolio." It gives the impression (whether right or wrongly) that you assume that the model *needs* to have her portfolio worked on, and in a round about way insults her existing work.

Instead, you might simply just approach it like it is, you'd like to expand your portfolio and would love to include her look. Offer the pictures and editing, but don't bother to include the note about how great it will make her portfolio look. What she does with the pictures is really her business. Frankly, someone telling me that they want to have me in their book for a certain look is flattering enough to get my attention. Its a turn off to have them assume that I *need* what they have to offer.

Whatever other perks you can throw in (travel expenses, small compensation, food, etc) are a positive as well. Models enjoy being treated well, and all in all, it doesn't take that much effort to do on your part.

Good luck, I hope you're able to find some models willing to shoot!

Damn.  That's brilliant...  not that I GENERALLY approach models that way, but it never occurred to me that using that approach could backlash like that!

Mental Note To Self....  Aww nuts... I keep forgetting that my mental notes are always written in disappearing ink!  ; )

jason messer wrote:
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jason messer wrote:
this is what im talking about.  i was hoping to get some insight as to whats going on, and this is good.  i never looked at it that way.  and do not want to come off like the illest photographer on the planet, becuase im not. 

my only point was to let poeple know they arent going to walk away with one or two usable images.  i guess i need to work on my wording.

posting here was the best idea ive had all day.  thanks for your time.  i appreciate it.

You're most welcome, Jason.

Its very intersting to me that so often the egos that get in the way are really the photographers. And what it boils down to is the fact that people often don't think about how they come across to others. I work very hard to give people the benefit of the doubt, particularly photographers when it comes to statements like that. Its not a big deal, and I know that you don't mean it in a personal way. But understanding how it does sound to a model is important.

Flattery will get you everywhere, and telling a model you need her look for your book is a pretty high complement.

Keep at it, I am sure you'll get there soon. It sounds like you're on the right track already! (I'd shoot TFP with you if we were closer and I had the time!)