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Thinking of modelling for me ? I am very glad to hear it. Models can expect the highest degree of courtesy and professionalism from me - before, during and after a shoot. I will pay the right model a fair price for work that expands my portfolio and am also interested in test shoots, TFP (time-for-pictures) shoots or similar arrangements. This page has been written to give you an idea of the way I work with models and should answer some common questions. For other questions, feel free to get in touch. Why I say no:-If you approach me for a shoot, you need to be able to answer yes to all of these statements before I can offer you a shoot of any kind:
90% of the people who approach me would answer no to one of the above questions. Why?
These criteria don't say anything about your level of experience, I am quite willing to work with new models on building their portfolio. Types of shoot:-There are several types of shoot on offer:
The experience level of the model and our mutual needs tend to influence which shoot is agreed on. There is some room for negotiation, but inexperienced models seldom get paid shoots:
Several points: If a paid shoot has been agreed, I do not supply any images. To get images, models must agree a TFP or part-paid/part-TFP shoot. A scenario that happens very often - model meets me, realizes through working with me that I have interesting ideas and know what I am doing, then requests a copy of the images at the end of the shoot. Too late. If a part-paid/part TFP shoot is agreed, the model must substantially discount her standard rates. If the discount is not 50% or greater, it is highly unlikely that I will be interested in a part-paid/part TFP arrangement. Getting Work :- Please bear in mind that photography is what I do in my spare time. I shoot when I have the time, money and inclination (which means to a sporadic schedule). I welcome modelling enquiries - and you might get lucky - but don't be disappointed if I can't offer you work. You can expect I will review your portfolio or prior pictures before offering you work. I do this both to get an idea of your appearance but also to understand the type of work you do and what your modelling limits are. It is very helpful if you can point me at an online portfolio. As I have a full-time job, weekend or evening shoots are
my personal preference. Releases and ID :- Models will be expected to sign either a full model release or a limited test shoot release at the end of a shoot. With a full release, you surrender any future control over my use of the pictures. With a limited release, both you and I will be able to make use of the pictures for self-promotion, but not for commercial purposes. If the shoot has a glamour theme, or involves any form of nudity, All models must provide two forms of ID, one of which must be a photo ID, which identify date-of-birth and prove the Model is over eighteen. No ID, no shoot, no exceptions. I will take a copy of the ID (usually a photograph) for my records, but I do not make those details generally available. Any payment made will be detailed in the release and you can be provided with a copy of the release as a receipt. Booking a Shoot :- Models can expect me to spend a bit of time in discussion with them as part of the booking process - in order to agree the objective of the shoot, what is going to happen, responsibilities, details and any payment. As part of this process I will usually draw up a written shooting plan which the model is encouraged to both question and contribute to. The purpose of the shooting plan is primarily to ensure that both parties understand what is expected of them. It is not intended to stifle creativity/spontenaity on the day. For payments, I like to agree fees up front on the basis of what is in the shooting plan.
Generally speaking, I will be responsible for providing lighting and camera equipment. The model will usually be responsible for make-up. Other responsibilities (clothing, location, props) may vary. I take pictures in "bursts" with pauses to allow for lighting and clothing changes, camera reloading as well as comfort breaks. I do not normally work with an assistant. For any shoot of a reasonable duration I will allow for breaks and the shooting plan will always draw a distinction between time spent on location and time spent in front of the camera. The speed with which I work and the number of pictures I take, depend a great deal on what equipment I am using, how often the lighting is adjusted and the results I am trying to achieve. Generally I find that the shoot starts slow and gets faster towards the end. For their personal safety, models may bring one chaperone. The chaperone must not distract me or the model during the shoot and I may require that the chaperone waits "in the next room" or "within earshot." Any payment will be on completion of the shoot and signing of the release. Afterwards :- I am not a modelling agent, but I don't at all mind giving feedback on models that I have enjoyed worked with. This can include, for example, recommendations to other photographers or postings to modelling web-sites. For this purpose I may seek your agreement to pass on contact details, but I will restrict these to stage name & e-mail. I do this in the hope that the model will reciprocate and provide me with references/recommendations to other models. |