Plenty of ideas and no models.

[Avandria]

Has any ever have this problem when they first started out in photography, or am I the only one?

I have so many ideas but no one who will shoot for me - and I admit I don't quite yet have the courage to go on Model Mayhem and ask random people to model for me. I think the last time I shot someone other than myself was last fall for a design project - which was my sister who I love to death and is quite gorgeous, but she's god aweful to photograph and I rather not spend all my time photoshopping out all of her forehead wrinkles from her scrunching up her face. :/

[OsmosisStudios]

Oh, youre definitely not alone! Even now I can have some trouble getting models and im always very nervous to approach friends for it.

I've got one friend that is pleased-as-punch to sit in front of the camera and act like a girl in a magazine. I jsut have to find some more!

[Avandria]

HaHa good to know I'm not alone. I asked one friend and she was all in! I started setting everything up, was litterly on my way to buy the outfit for her and she cancelled, gave no reason for it just cancelled. I was obviously a bit bummed out but luckily it wasn't the day of the shoot and I hadn't spent too much money yet. Needless to say I wont bother asking her again. :P

[SusanH1970]

I see you're a student - how about posting some flyers at your school?

[save_alkaline]

i'm in the same boat. i don't feel my skill level is up to par to be looking for models yet and my one volunteer (my wife) is getting sick of me asking, lol. i'm in a cycle where i need experience so i can build a decent portfolio to get models.. but i have no models to help me get that experience.. haha.

[PnwGuy]

I have the opposite problem. I never have trouble finding people to shoot. It's the ideas and creativity that challenge me. I have three or four poses and I just can't seem to stop blanking out when trying to pose people. But that's another issue and I'm working through it.

Check meetup.com and join a local photography group. You should be able to find one that organizes models and shoots. You can also try craigslist, using standard precautions of course. Find another local photographer and look for models together. A little safer that way especially if you are dealing with strangers, and you can learn from each other.

Definitely check into Model Mayhem. Be honest, tell them you're a little new and nervous but have some ideas. Chances are you'll find a model who is a good fit. The door won't open unless you knock on it.

I don't know if it's a Latin thing, but my wife is Latin and has many Latin friends in our area and they always want to be photographed. I have four shoots coming up, three portrait sessions and a small wedding. I really need to start charging.

[Avandria]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I see you're a student - how about posting some flyers at your school?

I never would have thought of doing that! Thanks for the tip. I think now my biggest problem is working up the courage to do it; I get so scared that no one will like my work but I know I'll never get better unless I practice.

Originally Posted by PnwGuy

I have the opposite problem. I never have trouble finding people to shoot. It's the ideas and creativity that challenge me. I have three or four poses and I just can't seem to stop blanking out when trying to pose people. But that's another issue and I'm working through it.

Everything seems to be inspiration to me; from movies, music, paintings, other photographers, et cetera - I always seem to get some idea from it. I also watch America's Next Top Model and other shows like that (not all the time just when I'll be doing homework and it happends to be on). I hate the petty drama that comes with it but watching the actual photoshoot parts help me learn new poses, as well as practicing the poses and facial expressions in the mirror myself. It might sound/look funning seeing a guy practicing poses, but at least that way when you are giving your model directions you can show them exactly what you are looking for as well.

Originally Posted by PnwGuy

Check meetup.com and join a local photography group. You should be able to find one that organizes models and shoots. You can also try craigslist, using standard precautions of course. Find another local photographer and look for models together. A little safer that way especially if you are dealing with strangers, and you can learn from each other.

Definitely check into Model Mayhem. Be honest, tell them you're a little new and nervous but have some ideas. Chances are you'll find a model who is a good fit. The door won't open unless you knock on it.

I will definately end up joining Model Mayhem, I just need to work up the courage (I'll have to look into those other websites as well, thanks!)

Originally Posted by PnwGuy

I don't know if it's a Latin thing, but my wife is Latin and has many Latin friends in our area and they always want to be photographed. I have four shoots coming up, three portrait sessions and a small wedding. I really need to start charging

WoW!! I wish I even had some sort of shoots planned!! haha.

[oldwolf]

you can try bemodel.com too.

you just have to talk to people and shoot. no way around it.

if you head out to colorado on june 20th you can come out with us and shoot some models then. we have a group of photographers and a bunch of models coming out for a photo shoot.

[Avandria]

Thanks! haha I think Colorado is a little out of my reach at the moment.

[bethard728]

What about seniors (HS seniors, not senior citizens..lol) who are on a tight budget? A lot of high school kids have to pay for their own senior portraits and have a hard time affording it on minimum wage, after school jobs. Or look into a mommy group in your area. Mommies on tight budgets are always looking for places to get decent pics of our kids without spending a fortune. I'm sure if you "advertise" yourself as being in the learning stages and as being inexpensive, you'll have a lot of volunteers! Good luck!