Model portfolio photos

[capturedbybrooke]

Starting out I offered models on Model Mayhem TFCD (Time for CD) like a trade so we both get experience. Now that I am running shorter on time and have more experience, I am thinking of charging. Also since I've had a few models offer to pay, I might as well charge? So I'm wondering what you charge the models (if you do). I was thinking maybe charging the same as my normal 2 hour sitting fee for lifestyle sessions ($100) and include the CD?

[Xposurepro]

charge your session fee and then another $2000 for the CD. Seriously don't give away your work for nothing. In general, local wannabe models on MM are not looking to pay. A few here and there will but overall .. they're just playing dress up and there's too many newbies who will give them TFCDs. You want to start making money, plus your short on time .. that means you need to make the most of your client type. Enough with the girls wanting a free shot to upload to FHM pic of the day .. switch to moms and seniors and babies. That's where the money is. I've watched a hundred local shooters try to make cash off of the MM girls and not a single one can even afford to buy a good lens for their camera from it. They just waste a year playing around when they could be building a real business.

[BigVinnie]

Real models sign with agencies. Those agencies will sometimes send a model to a photographer to get specific types of photos done. Usually based on work the agency specializes in and what the model is capable of. Being the go-to guy for the agency is where you can make decent money.

At least that is the way it was back in the horse and buggy days when I did it.

Places like MM seem to be good when you need to build your own portfolio or want to do some experimenting. I signed up for an account, but never followed through. I have plenty of kids and their friends that if I want to try something out I can get a volunteer.

There are some good people on MM. I hear success stories all the time. Just don't expect them to pay you for images.

[capturedbybrooke]

I got an inquiry from a model/actor looking for a photographer. She said she need one black and white and 1-2 color photos. She's already hired by a couple agencies, but wants something different for her portfolio - magazine spread style.. She's wondering what my prices are, but then says she only works paid jobs when I told her I do a limited amount of TFCD for established models. I'm confused.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by capturedbybrooke

I'm confused.

you'll get usedto itas you deal with more models..... very strange bunch.
i'm avoiding that road all together.

[BigVinnie]

Originally Posted by capturedbybrooke

but then says she only works paid jobs when I told her I do a limited amount of TFCD for established models. I'm confused.

Had a little trouble following this.

Are you saying she contacted you about getting some shots done THEN said she wants YOU to pay her for that privilege?

[wannabephotographer]

Originally Posted by capturedbybrooke

I got an inquiry from a model/actor looking for a photographer. She said she need one black and white and 1-2 color photos. She's already hired by a couple agencies, but wants something different for her portfolio - magazine spread style.. She's wondering what my prices are, but then says she only works paid jobs when I told her I do a limited amount of TFCD for established models. I'm confused.

Give her a price. She pays, you shoot. She doesn't you don't.

[CharlieJ]

I'm signed up with Model Mayhem, but starting to think it's more flakes than real models and photogs. Models claiming to be available answer inquiries with vague "I'll check my schedule" replies. So-called "photographers" send creepy messages. And the "tags" on some of the photos are more like horny MySpace comments than professional critiques or compliments.

I'm really beginning to wonder, as you are, what the deal is with MM.

I see legit photos and legit photographers. So, what gives? Do you have to wade through the freaks to get to the real deal?

Please follow-up and let us know what happened, in your experience last month. THANKS!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Xposurepro

charge your session fee and then another $2000 for the CD. Seriously don't give away your work for nothing. In general, local wannabe models on MM are not looking to pay. A few here and there will but overall .. they're just playing dress up and there's too many newbies who will give them TFCDs. You want to start making money, plus your short on time .. that means you need to make the most of your client type. Enough with the girls wanting a free shot to upload to FHM pic of the day .. switch to moms and seniors and babies. That's where the money is. I've watched a hundred local shooters try to make cash off of the MM girls and not a single one can even afford to buy a good lens for their camera from it. They just waste a year playing around when they could be building a real business.

Good advice here!!!!!!!!

[capturedbybrooke]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ

I'm signed up with Model Mayhem, but starting to think it's more flakes than real models and photogs. Models claiming to be available answer inquiries with vague "I'll check my schedule" replies. So-called "photographers" send creepy messages. And the "tags" on some of the photos are more like horny MySpace comments than professional critiques or compliments.

I'm really beginning to wonder, as you are, what the deal is with MM.

I see legit photos and legit photographers. So, what gives? Do you have to wade through the freaks to get to the real deal?

Please follow-up and let us know what happened, in your experience last month. THANKS!

The inquiry I got was not from a model on MM, she actually has nothing to do with MM. She is paying me to do some magazine-style photos and I am charging for the shoot/time and per image. As far as Model Mayhem goes, I've had some good experiences with it, but mostly when I try to set up a shoot, nothing happens...people cancel or I cancel when it doesn't seem like they got it together.