Good Girl's posts got me thinking about a couple of things, one of which was the subject of photography. So the question is, under what circumstances would you consider a request for modelling?
The reason I'm asking is that I shoot on a semi-professional basis. It's not my main means of support, but it supplements my income very nicely. It also gives me a creative, artistic outlet.
I rarely, if ever, mention it to the women I meet for precisely the reasons Good Girl mentions. I don't want to come across as some sort of weasel that's looking for a cheap thrill or some sort of trophy. And I would never be so crass as to offer my services in exchange for theirs.
But I have several photographic ideas that I want to explore and am interested in finding female models who are comfortable in their own skin. I've been wondering if providers would be receptive. Now, I'm sure you girls hear all kinds of cracked-out hair-brained stuff that involves you having your picture taken. How do you separate the weasels from the non-weasels (or are we all weasels B^) ).
So ladies, would you feel comfortable being approached by someone who could provide photographic references, a portfolio you liked, and a clear set of ideas of what the final results were going to be? Or would it creep you out? Would it make a difference if it was a client you knew and liked? Assuming you were receptive, what would you be looking for in terms of compensation?
It would definately depend on how reputable you are on the photography scene. Having a good portfolio, as well as references of some of the ladies you have photographed would be a necessity for me. After all, most of us probably get approached by 'photographers' several times a month while we are walking down the street.
What are you planning on doing with the photos, and who has the right to them? If they are just being used for your personal portfolio, and lady is looking for either some fun personal pics, or perhaps a few on here website, that is likely a fair trade. If there is potential for money to be made on them, or if they are being sold to magazines, than the appropriate paperwork and model release forms (stating the precentage of money earned going to each of you, as well as exactly what each picture is permitted to be used for) should be signed.
Keep in mind that many of the ladies try to be discreet on their website. Therefore, if you are planning on using any of the photos in a public form (even just your photograhy club or community art centre), the lady probably will not want to, or be able to use those pics on her site.
Each lady is likely unique in how she would view this. Try to find out what she would like out of the experience, and make sure you approach the subject with respect. Personally, I would be much more likely to do some fun and creative shots with a client whom I already trusted. And as always, make sure that she knows it is alright for her to bring a friend or partner to the shoot.
I'm not worried about the quality of my work or my reputation being a problem. I'm most interested in not offending or insulting anyone. The guys approaching you on the street are what give the rest of us a bad rep. I'm sure that for every real serious photographer that approaches you, there's at least a score or more of cretins that are wasting your time.
As for plans, rights, releases, and similar issues, that's best discussed in a model/photographer interview. The ideas I'm interested in exploring probably aren't particularly useful on a lady's website. Not that I claim to be a "fine art photographer", but I'm looking explore light, shadow, texture, and a bit of abstraction on a human canvas. I've sold the occasional print in the "fine art" arena, but it's usually purchased by someone I've done more traditional portraiture for. They see some of the images in my personal portfolio and want to buy one.
That being said, if a lady was looking to update the pictures on her website, wanted a more commercial look, or had ideas of her own, I'd certainly accomodate her. I really have no interest in the rights to those photos. (Yes, you read that right.) I just want to be able to prove that I was the one who did that work. Credit where credit is due would also be nice.
As far as bringing a friend or partner, I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact I would insist on it. Not only for the comfort level of all parties involved, but it gives me a built-in assistant. You know, someone to move lights, straighten backgrounds, hold bounce cards, change film, etc.
It's amazing how easy it is to find someone willing to help you once they hear you're photographing nudes. But they're never really interested in learning anything about the craft or what I'm trying to do. They just want to look at naked women. I get much better results engaging the assistance of a third or fourth party brought by the model.
-- Modified on 12/8/2003 7:07:22 PM
Short answer - yes! But then again, I started modeling first, then "expanded my business" so to speak. It's different when there are already a zillion pictures of you all over the place, but I completely understand if someone's reluctant to go that way - you never do know who's going to see it in the end.
-Anya