Advice for Photographers

Some photographers and producers complain that models ignore their emails.

This might be because the model is a timewaster, or has retired, but is often down to you.

Put yourself in the model's position - every day they get emails from idiot timewasters who get off on fantasising about meeting a model, but will never follow through. They soon learn to ignore any emails that might come from such people.

How models tell the real from the fake:-

• Do they point at his website or online portfolio?
  • ALL serious photographers (amateur or pro) can point at example of their work. If you haven't got any work online, add some to your User Profile here. (I don't have a quality threshold for listings, it's to let you prove you are real).
• Is the email specific?
  • "wot r ur rates?" will go in the bin.
  • A serious email will describe the shoot in some detail - making it very clear as to the level and duration. (A bare minimum would be "I'd like to shoot you, here is my portfolio link, can we discuss rates and levels etc", but that only works if the link shows that you do really good work.)
  • It might include an offer - "we will pay £300" - or might ask for the rates, because they have provided enough information for the model to quote.
  • Location - using a commercial studio scores highly, esp if you are an unknown amateur.
• Does the email show that they have actually read the models details?
  • Asking for shoots that are above the models levels will be ignored.
• How levels affect response
  • The stronger the work level, the more cautious the model, and the more they will need to see proof of bona fides.
  • Enquiries for Art Nude (from unknown photographers) get taken more seriously than those for BG gonzo (which normally end up in the bin).
  • If you do want to shoot hardcore then for GG you need to show a good solo portfolio and for BG you need to be absolutely clear that the male will be a professional male performer, and NOT you. (Gonzo is a legit style, but only a very few models will work that way except with well established producers).
• How the model's looks and fame affect response
  • The most attractive, and most well known, models get the most emails, both genuine and fake.
  • They are the most busy models.
  • They are the most ruthless with scrapping emails that do not tick all the boxes.
  • Sometimes they are just snowed under and don't get round to reading all their mail on time.

Checklist to be taken seriously by models

• Put a portfolio up. (It doesn't have to be nude work - if you have been doing quality still life, or landscape, that will suffice to show that you are serious about your photography.)
• If you are new and don't have any material, contact a Studio and get them to arrange an Art Nude session with one of their models.
• Be realistic about money. If you can't afford reasonable rates, save up until you can, (or have a stunning portfolio that the model just absolutely wants to be part of on a TFP basis).
• Be as detailed as possible in your email, especially wrt to the level of work and the expected duration.
• Shoot in studios at least until you are established.
• Always allow chaperones.