Filles de Pin-up wrote:
Real traveling models are more professional acting than that.

DCG Productions wrote:
Just had a model contact me saying that she's going to be in the area end of this month and wanted to work with me. I agreed and gave her my rates, she then says "Sorry I'm a full ttime traveling pro not a local gwgn dude" and blocks me. First off, I was pretty sure that's not how it works. If you're a model and you contact a photographer, should you be expected to pay the photographers rates? And as a photographer, I would expect to do the same if I contacted a model, I'd pay her rates. Am I right or not? And second, what is a "gwgn?

Please tell me if I'm right or wrong because this is just weird.

It happens. Traveling models need to drum up business, but it's in their best interest to be upfront about what they want, whether it's a trade collaboration or if they want to be paid. Chances are, not many traveling models are looking to pay photographers.

I've been contacted a few times and when I expressed interest, then the model's rates were mentioned. I just politely declined.

I don't think you're right, or wrong. Clarification on both sides might have avoided the angry block.

CHAD ALAN wrote:
I don't think you're right, or wrong. Clarification on both sides might have avoided the angry block.

CHAD ALAN wrote:
I don't think you're right, or wrong. Clarification on both sides might have avoided the angry block.

ontherocks wrote:
some of the traveling models neglect to mention they want to get paid in the initial contact. i think they're inviting trouble by doing that. i've had models travel through who were more than happy to do it TF so it's not out of the question and they shouldn't be surprised to be asked about it (or about paying the photographer) if they didn't mention the terms upfront.

I agree. I will also sometimes ask traveling models, "you mean an unpaid collaboration right? "

or

"I'm not currently paying models but if you're interested in a collaboration please let me know".

or

"I'd would really love to but I only have time for paid work at the moment. Please let me know if you have a budget for this, thanks!"

Just quick examples but I do think there are nice ways to say things. Some people, however, will get upset no matter what!

RennsportPhotography wrote:
Never assume.
It could be she wants to hire you.
It could be that she wants to do a trade shoot.
It could be solicitation for paid work (for Her).

If you assume you got one chance in three of guessing right. When in doubt ask.

+1

The law on who must pay varies from state to state.

Traveling model?  She needs to finance her travel.
Assume that it is a solicitation for paid work (for Her).
You will be right.
Don't get butt hurt.

RennsportPhotography wrote:
Never assume.
It could be she wants to hire you.
It could be that she wants to do a trade shoot.
It could be solicitation for paid work (for Her).

For people contacting me:

My profile says "paid assignments only," states that those who shoot with me will be paying me for my services, and specifically directs models not to solicit me for paying work. Also contains my business email for booking contact.

As completely expected, I receive a constant flow of MM PM's (not business emails) asking for TF, "collaboration," or to hire/pay the model.

For these people who have obviously either a) contacted without reading profile, or b) ignored the information or assumed it doesn't apply to them, I tell them quite plainly what they did wrong, and then block them.

For people I am considering contacting:

I read their profile, and if it says something that in any way opposes what I am going to ask/offer, I don't contact that person.  If there is no information contrary to what I'll be proposing, then I'll contact them by whatever means they specify in their profile, and provide details of my terms.

It's actually pretty rare I'm looking for models these days though, considering I'm shooting for paying clients - either shooting the client him or herself, or shooting a model or models hired by that client for the shoot.

Hi_Spade Photography wrote:
Second, I have no clue what a "gwgn" is.

Guy with good nails? 

To the OP, if were were soliciting paid work or a collaboration, it would have been best for her to put that in the initial contact.  Otherwise, I, too, would have assumed she was planning on paying me.