If you are a budding photographer trying to break into the game, then aside from perfecting your craft, you will want to build up your portfolio. One way to do this is by doing a lot of shoots using real life models. Of course, as a beginner, you really can’t afford to shoot established and well-known models. You can cut your costs low by going with stock models. These are models also trying to break into the big time modeling game. Here are some tips on how you can find and hire stock models for your next photo shoot.
- Posting ads. The easiest way to get a bunch of stock models for your next shoot is to post an ad in your local newspaper. You may consider posting on the bulletin boards of various colleges and schools as well. However, you may want to take it a step further by going the online route where almost everyone in the game to find gigs. Posting a localized ad on online classified ads such as craigslist.org is a great way to spread the news about your requirement. In addition to online classified ads sites, you can probably make use of social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace as well. Whatever is the case, make sure to request each stock model interested to submit their resumes and photos to you via email. If you are concerned with the rate, then make sure to have them include their rates for the shoot. Some may offer it for free (provided that you give them a copy of each photo you take) while others may charge a minimal fee.
- Call a casting session. Looking at the pictures you submit is not enough to truly evaluate the look of each candidate. That said you would probably do well with a casting session where each candidate will come in, undergo a simple interview with you, and where you can take a close look at the specimen in front of you. You can include the date and venue of the casting session in your posting or you can simply notify each candidate you are interested in via email.
- Pick your models. Make a list of models that you want to use and negotiate the rates of each one. If they agree to your terms, have them sign a full waiver of release. This release allows you to use any photos you took of them in whatever way you desire. If they sign the release, you can publish the photos publicly and even sell it for profit.
- Beware of undesirable attitudes. You may be wondering why an interview with each prospect is required when all you really need is the look. Well, the truth is that you need to interview each individual to ensure that you do not pick a model that can provide you more headaches in terms of attitude. Some models tend to act like “prima donnas” even if they have not yet attained star status. It would be wise to eliminate these undesirables from the pack.
Once you have all the models you need and they have all signed the waivers, you can schedule the shoot. During the shoot, make sure to serve refreshments and snacks, especially if the models you acquired are doing the shoot for free. It is the least you can do, right?
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