Curious how much is a fair rate to pay a model? Not looking for top rate models or anything but have no idea what is considered fair. Even more so for a starting model or one with basic experience.


What do you all pay?

I pay $0.00 for my models since they are my family members- if they sell well I buy them an ice cream... 

I pay my models in robucks ...

It depends. Many people don't pay models because they do TFP/CD (time for print and / or CD) so the compensation are "portfolio" images for the models book. Where you live makes a difference, Los Angeles, New York, or some small town in the mid west. Personally i always thought the TFCD was not particularly fair (for the models) or good long term business plan but lots of people have never paid their models. I'm in Los Angeles and I haven't found a lot of reliable and good (experienced) lifestyle models for free (TFP), but in fairness I haven't shot a lot of lifestyle / people photography. Smaller agencies might expect $200 per hour with a half day minimum plus expenses. Less experienced models might be found for $25/hr-$60/hour.

I should add, it varies on experience as well. You get what you pay for, 'been my experience.

When I did this i paid between 0 and �50 an hour.  In terms of return on investment the more I paid the better the ROI. An experienced model can be much more productive and plain better  and you are unlikely to get as many "no shows" as TFP.

Want to avoid the TFP situation for a couple reasons. Don't think it's fair to the model, and if I'm getting paid so should they. But also don want to work with someone else's expectations on what they will get 5hat may or may not be met. At least with money the expectation is money. If my images fall short it's my problem.

Understand wit using an agency or experienced models it's going to take more money and would be an easier idea as they know their rates. If working with someone newer do you pay a normal rate, or do you do a shoot under a trial rate and if it works call them back for more at a higher rate then?

I've always used the likes of model mayhem and have paid what they have asked im not a one to haggle ;-).

Half day 60-90� ( 75-110$) Full day 120 to 150� (140-175$)

I started out paying models nothing.   Time for pictures.  Then when I built a good income I paid $75 - $100/day for a 4-6 hour day to each model.  Now income is back to what I made in second year, so pay is back to $0 also.  No way I could pay models today and not lose money.  Funny thing is the TFP models are as good as the paid ones so no great loss.

My experience in the UK was that tfp models on the whole weren't so good or reliable but like you I didn't find the return sufficient to carry on.....quite enjoyed doing it my not really my forte.