MicrostockGroup
Microstock Photography Forum - General => Newbie Discussion => Topic started by: echbart on June 04, 2011, 03:02
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As you can see in my portfolio there arent any photos of people. I would like to start also with this kind of photography (really interested in portrait shots ).
I have two questions
1. How do you usually find models ( friends, ads, you see someone and approach them??? )
2. How mush do you usually pay them?
Thnks!
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Photos of models is the vast majority of what I do, and I find them on ModelMayhem.com. You might also try posting an ad on Craigslist. Models' flat rates are generally between $50 and $200 an hour, but I work with a permanent split-royalty arrangement. I created a database application that tracks sales for each model, and I pay the models each month as I receive payments from the sites. The sites require a model release, which must be uploaded and "attached" to the photo when it is submitted for inspection. The model and I also sign a simple split-royalty agreement (two identical originals).
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Thanks! But as im from Europe - someone from old continent ?
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I've personally never paid a model. I work with people that I know or sometimes I just approach likely-looking people if they seem friendly. I had business cards made and put up a website where potential models can see exactly what I'm talking about. As stated above, Craigslist (or any other free online classified) and ModelMayhem.com have also provided models for me.
Good luck! Shooting models can be both frustrating and rewarding. Also congrats on your first sale!
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Everyone in my portfolio is someone who I know personally either friends, relatives, or referred by friends and relatives. If you make it fun for the models, they will tell their friends. Pretty soon you are turning people away!
In the beginning, I didn't pay models, but included portraits for them in every shoot, so they were getting a free portrait session and I got some stock concepts in exchange. I also have a rewards system for models, where if their image gets flames at IS, they get an 8x10 print and a certificate of appreciation. If they get red flames, they get a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant or movie theater. If they get blue flames, they get a $100 gift certificate.
Now I do pay them, but only after the first session. First session is still a barter (time for pictures) until I see how well they work out. If I want them back, and they want to come, then I pay a flat rate for the modeling session. Usually $50-$75 per person for around 4-6 hours. I also take them out to dinner afterwards. It's a great way to reward them and myself after a long day of shooting, and helps make it fun, so they want to come back again.
Hope that helps :)
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Thnks for all your info and shared experience! I will start working on this and if i will have some questions here im :D
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Be sure you let the putative model know how widely the images may legally be used (to promote any product, e.g. Viagra, or cause (e.g. religion or politics etc.), include some worst-case scenario examples, and explain that the images can be manipulated heavily in their end use. Doubly do this if not paying 'models'. E.g. if the person is a well known supporter or opposer of a cause, they could appear in adverts for the opposite point of view. The terms of use usually say they can't imply that a person endorses the product/cause, but of course that's subjective. Also that the images may be misused, and usually the worst that will happen is that the agency may issue a cease and desist.
Also be prepared that if you get a model from e.g. Model Mayhem, they may not show up.
But hey, there are lots and lots of models pics out there. ;)
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Sue's advice about explaining the risks and possible usages is spot on. I should add that it is a good idea not to present someone in their actual job. For some, like construction workers, it's not bad, but for someone like a doctor or other local professional, it can be a problem.
I did a shoot at a doctor's office last year. We used his hands for the closeup shots, but used my husband for the shots where a face is visible. One of the pics was used for recommending a questionable herbal supplement. One that my doctor friend would not ever endorse. Fortunately it wasn't him used, but my hubby. He found it in a trade magazine and was very relieved he hadn't had his face used for it.
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Splitting royalties would be crazy trouble. Pay them something based on experience and complexity and be done.
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Sometimes people would approach me when I was shooting other models in public places. Before I work with a model, I always send over a pdf model release to make sure that they are comfortable with the terms.
I like my shooting sessions to be short and sweet, usually a couple of hours. Because I want to keep them focused and excited. If I want to do longer, I offer models refreshments or take them to a cafe. If the model is tight, I pay cash; if not, I pay enough prints to make them happy.
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I shoot my friends : ) They were ppl I knew already, or aproached them thru facebook, etc, or on the street (I only do that with gals, would feel weird with men), but we became friends anyawy usually. I never payed any of them, they get nice shots of themselves for their time, they seem to be very happy with that.
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Phoning Models-1, Elite agency, is a good start.
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TFCD with models in my area on Model Mayhem, plus friends daughters
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Splitting royalties would be crazy trouble. Pay them something based on experience and complexity and be done.
Indeed, I used to pay them 20% of what I earned after 6 months (so that a decent enough amount of money accumulates). It would still be an option if I was exclusive, since I'd only have to check 1 site and it's really easy to track earnings at IS too (you can't even see earnings on image basis on many sites)