Author Topic: What is the fair compensation for models? (Read 813 times)

cristianstorto · « **on:** March 16, 2021, 01:03 »

Hello everyone, I am thinking of expanding my portfolio through the use of models but I have not the faintest idea of how to establish the remuneration to be proposed or understand if the offers that are made to me are too high.
I would like to ask those who already work with models if it is possible to have some idea on the remuneration to start orienting myself.
Thank you!

Pauws99 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2021, 03:17 »

This will depend very much on your country of origin and the professionalism and marketability of the model. It can range from "Time for Prints" e.g producing a porfolio for someone starting out in exchange for permission to market the image upwards. Using inexperienced models though can prove costly in missed appointments and time taken to get decent shots. Internet sites are a good start in gauging the market and you can check model ratings and referals. I found working with someone who knows what they are doing is worth paying for. I would also say hiring a professional studio for a couple of hours is well worth it too.

Roscoe · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2021, 03:21 »

10 cents / image?

Now seriously. I don't shoot models, but I do know that some of them, starters, are willing to do it for free in return for the images/video's which they can add to their portfolio.
If you're starting to shoot models too, and need to develop your skills, it might be a fair deal. But be cautious with subjects you shoot, and explain them very well what can happen with images when they end up on stock sites.
Read: https://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/sensitive-use-complaint/msg0

Professional models might be on the safer side in regards to future hassle, as you can expect them to know what they're doing, but more risky for you as you might never recover the investment.

I see many contributors using themselves or a close relative/friend as a model. I think this is the better option, but needlessly to say: explain what the consequences can be of modelling for stock. The image can be used in a context the model doesn't want to have any affiliation with.

MxR · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2021, 07:08 »

pay with exposure!

Evaristo tenscadisto · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2021, 09:08 »

In my opinion nowadays it does not really pay shooting models for micro stock. I don't do that for at least 4-5 years...

If you read model release carefully It exposes the model to be used for a lot of undesirable things and you get paid to little for it. Sometimes cents...
People use the closest ones like family and friends to this but please don't forget that we should be the first one to protect them.

But to get the idea... An agency with a specific client work using an (simple person) model pays around 75-150 €/day depending the media type (book cover, tv, magazines or web). This is an controlled environment. Both you and model know the purpose of the shoot and where will be exactly used. It can't be used for anything else.

ShadySue · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2021, 09:30 »

Quote from: Evaristo tenscadisto on March 16, 2021, 09:08

In my opinion nowadays it does not really pay shooting models for micro stock. I don't do that for at least 4-5 years...

If you read model release carefully It exposes the model to be used for a lot of undesirable things and you get paid to little for it. Sometimes cents...
People use the closest ones like family and friends to this but please don't forget that we should be the first one to protect them.

But to get the idea... An agency with a specific client work using an (simple person) model pays around 75-150 €/day depending the media type (book cover, tv, magazines or web). This is an controlled environment. Both you and model know the purpose of the shoot and where will be exactly used. It can't be used for anything else.

Quite.
It has always been a mystery to me why people would agree to be stock models, at any price; especially people for whom it isn't a profession. I think whenever this subject comes up in future, I'll just repost this apt link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpAPDc-JbHk

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2021, 10:06 »

Quote from: ShadySue on March 16, 2021, 09:30

Quote from: Evaristo tenscadisto on March 16, 2021, 09:08
In my opinion nowadays it does not really pay shooting models for micro stock. I don't do that for at least 4-5 years...

If you read model release carefully It exposes the model to be used for a lot of undesirable things and you get paid to little for it. Sometimes cents...
People use the closest ones like family and friends to this but please don't forget that we should be the first one to protect them.

But to get the idea... An agency with a specific client work using an (simple person) model pays around 75-150 €/day depending the media type (book cover, tv, magazines or web). This is an controlled environment. Both you and model know the purpose of the shoot and where will be exactly used. It can't be used for anything else.

Quite.
It has always been a mystery to me why people would agree to be stock models, at any price; especially people for whom it isn't a profession. I think whenever this subject comes up in future, I'll just repost this apt link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpAPDc-JbHk

That's a good one, I've watched it before. "Stock Photography" where he has the guy sign a model release and then uses the image in a hilarious and absurd stock photo!