Author Topic: Obtaining Models for Shoots Without Going Broke (Read 7255 times)

SStevenson · « **on:** May 16, 2006, 04:13 »

Can anybody give me an idea of how to find models for stock shoots, without spending a fortune? I've used up available family members, and at this point I'm a little sick of seeing pictures of my children over and over, and probably so is everyone else! I would like to branch out a little, but don't really know where to begin...

Thanks for any suggestions.

CJPhoto · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2006, 06:06 »

That is a hard one. Maybe find someone who wants to be a models so they get photos in return for your model release?

Not really sure. At this stage I am pursuing a completely release not needed strategy.

uploaderz · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2006, 12:42 »

you could also try a modeling agency.. there might be people interested in time for prints, or perhaps a little bit of cash. If you manage to take some good pics though, you could pretty safly spend $100. If each image brings in $10.00\year or so, you will only need 10 pictures to pay for the model. on a couple hour shoot, you could probably get 50-200 shots.

SStevenson · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2006, 16:52 »

Quote from: SStevenson on May 16, 2006, 04:13

Can anybody give me an idea of how to find models for stock shoots, without spending a fortune? I've used up available family members, and at this point I'm a little sick of seeing pictures of my children over and over, and probably so is everyone else! I would like to branch out a little, but don't really know where to begin...

Thanks for any suggestions.

Kind of answered my own question, but I happened on this article at Istock that had some good info about finding models:

http://www.istockphoto.com/article_view?ID=193

The article indicates some sites where you can search model portfolios to find a model in your area, and some are willing to do shoots in exchange for pictures rather than payment. Worth checking out if you're interested in finding models.

jlye · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2006, 20:00 »

I have manage to get a few TFP shoot from model website .. but it's tough if you want them to sign the model release. cause a TFP should be more of a non commercial gain.

nova · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2006, 19:20 »

My idea was to post little flyers locally and refer potential models to a website I registered explaining it all. I have only posted 4 such notices - I've been too busy to fool with it lately - and have had one response leading to an "introductory shoot". I'm sure that when the college kids return later this month I can find more models by placing a few more flyers in places they frequent.

("Earn Spending Cash: www.whomemodel.com [nofollow]")

OH... there will be NO LAUGHING at my website, pitiful as it may be! It was my first attempt ever at html.

SStevenson · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2006, 03:01 »

That's a good idea. I've also gotten some responses by registering with and posting a classified ad on MySpace.com.

Striker77s · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2006, 08:58 »

Quote from: nova on August 10, 2006, 19:20

My idea was to post little flyers locally and refer potential models to a website I registered explaining it all. I have only posted 4 such notices - I've been too busy to fool with it lately - and have had one response leading to an "introductory shoot". I'm sure that when the college kids return later this month I can find more models by placing a few more flyers in places they frequent.

("Earn Spending Cash: www.whomemodel.com")

OH... there will be NO LAUGHING at my website, pitiful as it may be! It was my first attempt ever at html.

Excellant idea. I agree that your website isn't exactly professional but it was done very well. It gives the feeling of being informal which is what you want anyways. I might try it someday.

Mark

leaf · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2006, 10:56 »

well i think your site gets the point accross and is easy to navigate. I think it will serve the purpose well

nova · « **Reply #9 on:** August 15, 2006, 16:42 »

Hey thanks for the complements! I have a second photo shoot scheduled with Angel later this week, and with a new model Amber for Wednesday of next week. I'm kind of enjoying this

Thanks again for the good words.

Boylet · « **Reply #10 on:** August 15, 2006, 20:37 »

Just an idea ... it could help put model-wanna-be's at ease if later you could put a link to a 3rd party stock site (better to your own portfolio) to give them an idea where their pictures would end up / be posted. The more mthe merrier. I noticed that it is in the "About Me" section, but it would not hurt if a you add a section somewhere like "some sites where your picture would be posted" Also, a sample of the model release contract which you want them to sign would give them the advance knowledge that you are serious and honest in your intentions and that there are no "hidden" agenda. They could even print the contract on their own and get second opinions from friends before they sign it and before they even meet with you on the scheduled shoot.

Regards..

fintastique · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2006, 03:46 »

As a designer wannabe my suggestion would be move a few thumbnails of previous model shots to your front page just under the title and link those photos to the relevant image at iStock.

Fortunately you are handing out flyers locally so you have to worry about search engine optimization.

I suppose the next thing is to get your generic model release form sorted out I ahve heard people base it on the iStock one but have removed logos and the name of the site so they can send it to other sites.

Good luck

nova · « **Reply #12 on:** August 16, 2006, 10:47 »

Quote from: Boylet on August 15, 2006, 20:37

Just an idea ... it could help put model-wanna-be's at ease if later you could put a link to a 3rd party stock site (better to your own portfolio) to give them an idea where their pictures would end up / be posted....

Quote from: fintastique on August 16, 2006, 03:46

...my suggestion would be move a few thumbnails of previous model shots to your front page just under the title and link those photos to the relevant image at iStock....

Both really good ideas, and thank you for them! I'll try to work them into my next update. Remember I'm a rank beginner at website design.

And you are right fintastique that I am unconcerned about search engine optimization because I am only advertising locally in my small town. I just figured that by using a website I could explain the whole microstock model more easily and thoroughly than I could do in person or over the phone. I cannot imagine approaching an attractive waiter or waitress..... "Hi, I'm a photographer and was wondering if you would consider modeling for me?? You see, I shoot for online microstock...." etc. THAT would go over like a lead balloon, I'm sure! Plus by having a website I avoid posting my name and phone number on flyers... I didn't like the thought of that. This just seemed the best option to me.

For anyone considering this idea, I registered through godaddy.com for under $10. My website is hosted by a local isp for under $3 per month. And I used a free online webdesign utility at www.nvu.com [nofollow].

Sorry for the thread hijack. Thanks again for the website suggestions and critiques. Ya'll keep shooting.

Ray

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Author Topic: Obtaining Models for Shoots Without Going Broke (Read 7255 times)

SStevenson

CJPhoto

uploaderz

SStevenson

jlye

nova

SStevenson

Striker77s

leaf

nova

Boylet

fintastique

nova

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