Mark Reeder wrote:
Ya, not so easy. It's too bad more aren't making use of mm, considering how convenient the platform is, or could be. Instagram models don't seem very serious about modeling, or maybe the demand is way more than supply. Anyone have any good experience working with agencies? #lookingformodelswhoactuallywanttomodel

Garry k wrote:
I still have not found great  success working directly with Agencies - and I much rather prefer working with Agency calibre Models without the involvement of their handlers

most people complaining about finding models don't realize the reality of the marketplace. you are look at different supply/demand areas:

1. hobbyist photographer/models
2. portrait/wedding/record photographers/subjects
3. commercial/advertising photographers/models.

agencies mainly supply models for the commercial/advertising market. they need the new models to be trained and obtain images that market the model for that market. if you want a model for another purpose or don't produce the images that fit their market, they will not supply a model just because you ask or even if you want to pay them for the privilege.

if you don't work with an agency, you need to be able to network and have a portfolio that will attract the type of models you need. it may require more than having in focus, properly exposed images and a good line.

Rays Fine Art wrote:
I may be stupid,confused or senile (and probably all three) but I just can't understand how  IG or Facebook can possibly  work as a tool for efficiently finding either models or photographers or anyone else.  I have accounts on both but can find no way to separate out "models" (or anything else) in any efficient way, much less control message flow, etc.  It looks to me like it's a hit-or-miss project to stumble across individuals and build a contact list from those findings---Not very efficient in terms of minding new models/MUAs/etc.  On Facebook, at least there are groups one can join that narrow the search down to manageable proportions.

Am I missing something or is that all there is?

That's my question as well.  I've seen many threads in which people talk about how it's becoming the new way to connect with potential models, but I have yet to see anyone explain how one can use instagram to identify and connect with potential models in one's area.   I don't see how having hundreds of followers around the nation and beyond helps me in that regard. 

I understand there's some possibility a model in my area might just happen across my account and might just decide to send me a message but that doesn't seem to me like a very successful strategy.   

I'm not very versed in Instagram however, so perhaps I'm missing something.  I'd love to hear specifically how I can use it to identify and connect with models in my area.

Abbitt Photography wrote:
That's my question as well.  I've seen many threads in which people talk about how it's becoming the new way to connect with potential models, but I have yet to see anyone explain how one can use instagram to identify and connect with potential models in one's area.   I don't see how having hundreds of followers around the nation and beyond helps me in that regard. 

I understand there's some possibility a model in my area might just happen across my account and might just decide to send me a message but that doesn't seem to me like a very successful strategy.   

I'm not very versed in Instagram however, so perhaps I'm missing something.  I'd love to hear specifically how I can use it to identify and connect with models in my area.

Here - Let Me help You start your Journey

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ … els/?hl=en

You locate them by finding tags that they have commonly used ( related to geographic locations ) Next I would suggest looking at Models tagged by #iowaphotographers

Rays Fine Art wrote:
I may be stupid,confused or senile (and probably all three) but I just can't understand how  IG or Facebook can possibly  work as a tool for efficiently finding either models or photographers or anyone else.  I have accounts on both but can find no way to separate out "models" (or anything else) in any efficient way, much less control message flow, etc.  It looks to me like it's a hit-or-miss project to stumble across individuals and build a contact list from those findings---Not very efficient in terms of minding new models/MUAs/etc.  On Facebook, at least there are groups one can join that narrow the search down to manageable proportions.

Am I missing something or is that all there is?

Facebook is teeming with Local Groups of Photographers , Models and other Creatives in the Biz...For example our Friend Udor adminsters a NYC group with over 40k members

Dont just search but post casting calls as well

Leonard Gee Photography wrote:
most people complaining about finding models don't realize the reality of the marketplace. you are look at different supply/demand areas:

1. hobbyist photographer/models
2. portrait/wedding/record photographers/subjects
3. commercial/advertising photographers/models.

agencies mainly supply models for the commercial/advertising market. they need the new models to be trained and obtain images that market the model for that market. if you want a model for another purpose or don't produce the images that fit their market, they will not supply a model just because you ask or even if you want to pay them for the privilege.

if you don't work with an agency, you need to be able to network and have a portfolio that will attract the type of models you need. it may require more than having in focus, properly exposed images and a good line.

No disagreement from Me

One of the Problems that Agencies face is signing up too many Models and not having enough or any work for them

Couple of years ago I shot with a Model in LA who told me that she was signed by an Agency with over 500 Models . My response to her was - Do they even know your name ?

As a result of not being able to provide enough work for their models - many lower and mid tier agencies will allow their Models to find their own work . And if not allowed - Some will just do it anyways ( to pay the bills )

But if these Models are Fashion Models a Photographer shouldnt expect them to suddenly start shooting Bondage and Nudes ...As they personally may not be into such genres , nor are their agencies

Garry k wrote:
Couple of years ago I shot with a Model in LA who told me that she was signed by an Agency with over 500 Models . My response to her was - Do they even know your name

luckily, she may not be signed with la models or other of the massive casting agencies with thousands of models. each agency has bookers who cover their charges. the bookers can be divided by divisions, clients, or various groups. some bookers handle the high visibility/popular models. some agencies have a free for all.

everyone tends to scale up. ford, wilhelmina, elite are getting large.  a few boutique agencies like major in nyc or img are keeping more exclusive and manageable with fewer bookers. ford used to have 3-4 bookers in the 70s. even small agencies like maggie, inc. and look have 3-5 bookers now and can easily handle a few hundred in their roster. generally, not all models in an agency are active at once. some a traveling, some are in development, some only take limited jobs, some are there to fill niches.

Mark Reeder wrote:
Since mm has changed so much and I keep hearing everyone is on ig now...how do you search for models by location and interest on ig? Ya, not so easy. It's too bad more aren't making use of mm, considering how convenient the platform is, or could be. Instagram models don't seem very serious about modeling, or maybe the demand is way more than supply. Anyone have any good experience working with agencies? #lookingformodelswhoactuallywanttomodel

Btw if anyone wants to connect on Instagram www.instagram.com/markreederphotography/

Yep interesting, I class (of late) MM second best platform for finding models... don't get me wrong, i love MM, but its lacking a few things now that other sites have, that just make it more convenient..

But the biggest plus i like, is the credit system, at least i can read feedback from other photographers about potential models.. and ofcourse, they can read comments about me from other models i've worked with..

But.. I do wish MM just had more options.. like a mobile app,

Rays Fine Art wrote:
I may be stupid,confused or senile (and probably all three) but I just can't understand how  IG or Facebook can possibly  work as a tool for efficiently finding either models or photographers or anyone else.  I have accounts on both but can find no way to separate out "models" (or anything else) in any efficient way, much less control message flow, etc.  It looks to me like it's a hit-or-miss project to stumble across individuals and build a contact list from those findings---Not very efficient in terms of minding new models/MUAs/etc.  On Facebook, at least there are groups one can join that narrow the search down to manageable proportions.

Am I missing something or is that all there is?

For those of us in other countries, MM is such a pale shadow of its former self that Facebook, despite its substantial shortcomings, is effectively the only game in town.  Like you, I have yet to work out how Instagram can be an effective way of finding models.

Rob Photosby wrote:
For those of us in other countries, MM is such a pale shadow of its former self that Facebook, despite its substantial shortcomings, is effectively the only game in town.  Like you, I have yet to work out how Instagram can be an effective way of finding models.

As someone new to IG, what I have found so far is to start following other photographers and models, and look at who they are following to find other models, then follow and message them.

Abbitt Photography wrote:

That's my question as well.  I've seen many threads in which people talk about how it's becoming the new way to connect with potential models, but I have yet to see anyone explain how one can use instagram to identify and connect with potential models in one's area.   I don't see how having hundreds of followers around the nation and beyond helps me in that regard. 

I understand there's some possibility a model in my area might just happen across my account and might just decide to send me a message but that doesn't seem to me like a very successful strategy.   

I'm not very versed in Instagram however, so perhaps I'm missing something.  I'd love to hear specifically how I can use it to identify and connect with models in my area.

Yeah, I haven't quite figured out bow to search on instagram either, too hard to figure out what hashtag to use honestly, so many out there and people can make up their own, and where to look to find a good list?  At least on Facebook, I can join a group of other models and photographers looking to do trade or paid work, which I have and found models to work with.  Not a ton, but more than I have lately on MM.  I miss the days about five years back when there were a lot more models in my area that were willing to model for not a ton of money.  Seems like the only ones left want to charge me a ton of money to model.