Once I had a two hours shoot planned in a studio in Singapore. After setting lights photographer turned to me, gave me his baby oil and asked me to apply it for some sculpture shoot. Alright, even though he did not mention that idea before, I was sort of ok with that. But what he did not mention as well was to apply the oil on my hair, too. I refused, explaining we are in a studio without a shower, I had another shoot afterwards which I would have to cancel due to complete “homeless” look I would get. And – its a child oil, man, not any hair oil, so I would probably not ever get it out of my hair.
It took him around an hour to change his mind and lighting because it was only the idea he had. And then we just had half an hour left for the actual shoot.
If the guy had shown me some example of that idea when booking, I would have told him all of that in advance, and maybe helped him find similar idea without splashing oil on my head. If he had some other ideas ready, we would not loose an hour to do some other stuff.
This is just a crazy example of what can happen when you expect one thing, but reality is completely different. Same with poses. Same with other ideas. So here we are, let’s create a moodboard!
“Moodboard” is magically simple tool (and fun!) for planning a shoot, usually looking as a collage of photos which you find inspiring. Not only it can save you a lot of trouble and time by giving your model clear idea of what your vision is and what you expect- it can lead you, as a photographer, to the right direction while you might be stuck with your ideas, serving as a reference.
Moodboard from Pinterest
Find inspiration
If you have your model picked already or if you are just looking for some ideas and inspiration, those 3 ways are worth checking:
Pinterest – search your keyword- such as “nature shoot” or “beach models”, it will lead you further and further in the search options. You can either save it in your own board which you can create for any project, or just save it straight into your computer. ! Pinterest hides nudity and applies the “nude policy” – this is not the case when looking for inspiration for art nude photos (unless you are inspired by a painting or girl’s back- that’s all they offer in that stage.)
Instagram – yep, nowadays you can find everything on Instagram, even though with a nude policy & blurred “everything”, you can still find some great work just by exploring other profiles- from wedding, portraits, beach stuff even up to “art nude”.
Current model’s portfolio/ your own portfolio – check model’s actual portfolio again and give it a more detailed look. Find some poses or mood of the photo you really like. Check expression which you find cool, save those photos and add them to the moodboard. Models usually remember how they did it when they see that, and you could avoid complicated explaining and showing (“Arch your back please, like…let me show you. That. Ok. Ok.. can you help me to stand up please? I cannot move now.”)
In case you want to do one continuous project with different models, add some of your previous work as a showcase, so it’s clear what you want to do.
Save, send, ready to go
Even if you like to start from scratch or love to work under pressure, consider having a moodboard at least as a backup. Put all photos in one collage or save them all separately, and don’t forget to show them to your model before an actual shoot to avoid any misunderstanding.
Having a moodboard printed or saved & ready on the day of the shoot is very, very useful, if you shoot either:
More than two hours (will keep you focused),
if you work with non-professional model which might need a bit of direction and doesn’t know how to pose longer on one spot (will keep her focused),
if you have a clear and straight vision you want to stick with (no matter how long/ who you want to shoot with).
This is just a small step while planning a shoot – and yet a great one. So are you. Don’t forget that!
We models talk – not just the chitchat such as discussing clothes (well, we do too) but also sharing tips, good or bad references and also the craziest or weirdest requests or experience we had been through on shoot.
So thinking how to make this whole thing clear and help photographers understand models better and not waste money and time anymore (as well as keep good reputation and have great pictures at the end), I summarise those 8 most common tips to explain to you why your model can react oddly on some pretty much unmeant situations – and you can find out they are actually not so obvious.
1. COMING ON THE SHOOT TOTALLY UNPREPARED
-> Simply – Be ready!
When you are planning the shoot, you should know how your model looks like, what style is she doing, and have some overview of the location – don’t waste your money and plan the shoot at least a bit ahead. You can expect model’s profesionality for posing and even a suggestion of outfit for different sets, but it’s still a model, not a full time stylist, makeup artist, architect, photographer and master of the Universe.
If you don’t have a clear vision (or at least blurry vision) of what you want to achieve, the right thing is to tell model in advance or before the shoot, that you might need an extra help with ____ (your turn) or if you would be too afraid to admit it, at least give her some tip for doing all work for you at the end. Even though you hired a professional model, she is still just the intermediator, standing between your vision/ idea and great picture at the end, so asking her “what we gonna do?” would simply spoil the mood.
2. SHOOT YOUR MODEL WHILE SHE IS UNDRESSING/ CHANGING
-> Think before click.
It’s kind of creepy – imagine yourself changing clothes peacefully, and suddenly you hear a snapping of a camera behind your back. Would you think “aw, thats cute”…?
Nope, you would probably think “what the hell..?”, turn around confused looking for a cause.
When your model is changing clothes or undressing for a nude look (especially for nude look) and she is being photographed while doing that, simply leads to really awkward photos, not to mention you can shoot parts of her body which she did not approve. I understand it might be funny or good as a quick snapshot, but – please ask her if you can do that, as showing model her face on photo while she was chewing a snack isn’t the coolest thing, so better save the laugh for different occasion.
3. GIVE ME A “SEDUCE ME/ SEXY / HOT ” LOOK.
-> Explain it differently.
This point is really common as not many photographers can clearly explain their vision. So understandably, you don’t want to be really seduced, because you are a pro guy creating art (don’t mix model with escort, its also a good tip 🙂 – so if you want to create a particular sexy look due to a theme/ set/ location, the key is to make your model as relaxed as possible. Tell her to chill, to look around, to actually enjoy being photographed as she is worth it, tell her she looks great (as she is trying hard to look great), until you can see the difference in her expression (relaxed eyes – not wide open, lips opened a bit.. dilated pupils are most likely created in photoshop as not many models literally trying to seduce the photographer.)
Another solution is directing her – chin slightly up, lips opened a bit…and the very last thing worth trying is telling her to imagine being on the beach, laying in sand with hot sun on her face, being lazy and relaxing… until you will see it and click.
4. TOUCHING MODEL WITHOUT HER PERMISSION
-> Save the day by communication.
This is a huge nope. Let’s be honest guys, you should never touch your model without asking her first with reasonable explanation.
Many times happened that model accused a photographer of sexual harassment after the shoot and the photographer did not even know what is going on – and that is basically end of your career because no one will believe you what really happened. It might be a friendly touch or just a simple touch to fix something on your model – but you don’t know your model so well to realise what kind of consequences might she draw from that.
To avoid that, please always ask your model if you can touch her – with a quick explanation why you need to do that.
5. BRING MODEL TO SHOOT TOPLESS/ ACT ON PUBLIC WITHOUT CONSULTING FIRST
-> Don’t get arrested!
If you are shooting fashion or portrait on the street, there is no big deal – for model being scared of it is mostly about being worried of judgement (face, pose, style…) and sometimes it’s great for your model to step outside of her comfort zone.
Shooting nude or topless on public on the other hand might become a bit dangerous-would not be the first time when someone got arrested for doing nude shoot on street and it scares many, many models. Consultation prior the shoot will help to prevent your model running out of scene; even though before you will approach your model with a request of shooting on public (which for 90% you will get negative answer anyway), avoid it by putting extra effort into the whole planning and do some research – walk around, try to find spots with less fluctuation of people or ask your model if she knows some spots (then you will get 90% positive or friendly answer because she would be glad you want to shoot her and taking it seriously.)
Also bear in mind that – depends on country you want to shoot in – be topless or even in transparent outfits might be strictly prohibited by law, like Singapore; therefore doing a research is so important.
6.“LOOK INTO THE SUN FOR A WHILE PLEASE!”
-> Don’t make your model cry.
Shooting outside is great as you actually don’t need much; good timing and even a reflector is pretty much enough. But telling your model to look into the sun while posing for longer than one minute, or pointing the reflector into the models eyes directly is only good if you want to make her cry as eyes are quite sensitive for that behaviour.
To avoid tears and red eyes, the best way is to change spot of your location- either going to full shade, or take the sunny pictures when sun is not so strong if possible (early morning/ evening sun is the best) or keep the sunny ones for the very end. Another option is to mix face expressions and poses with eyes closed as well as using hat or any prop to avoid destroyed makeup.
And the very best is to tell your model to count on three and open eyes for one picture without staring into sun for too long. Seriously worth trying!
7. TELLING YOUR MODEL TO SMILE, WHILE HER PORTFOLIO SAYS OTHERWISE
-> Don’t take rejection personally.
When you pick your model, check her portfolio carefully and focus on her facial expressions. You might find that your model is never smiling. And 99% cases are for her personal reasons, not because no one has ever shot her smiling and you aim to be cool to be the first one. She might have an issue with her teeth, even though you can find it sexy, she might not be a big fan of that, also your model can profile herself to a serious kind of looks, which is a reason why photographers are booking her.
Don’t insist to shoot her smiling when you noticed she never does. When you have a good mood on a shoot, you might try a quick snap of catching her smile – and show her the result, and even find a way which smile (big one, secret one) might work best for her. You might catch the snap of really nice portrait picture and she might like it.
8. SHOOTING CLOSE-UPS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
-> Make a moodboard and show your model photos alternately.
This is kind of psychological issue we all human being have – when someone suddenly violates your personal space, you get scared. For close-ups the best thing is to plan all of that before the shoot as a moodboard or tell her prior you wanted to try some tasteful nice details to avoid any misunderstandings.
But sometimes you just see it on the shoot, particular detail you want to catch – detail of eyes, glimpse of hair, or even a shape of butt – don’t stick your camera into your models face or different part of body; rather tell her what you gonna do and then show her the photo. She will be pleased you have noticed such a small and nice detail!
Summarising all points, we have a small table of tips – just don’t forget to communicate, plan whole thing in advance and make an awesome photos!Happy model + vision= amazing results.
COMING ON THE SHOOT TOTALLY UNPREPARED -> Simply – Be ready!
SHOOT YOUR MODEL WHILE SHE IS UNDRESSING/ CHANGING -> Think before click.
GIVE ME A “SEDUCE ME” LOOK. -> Explain it differently.
TOUCHING MODEL WITHOUT HER PERMISSION -> Save the day by communication.
BRING MODEL TO SHOOT TOPLESS/ ACT ON PUBLIC WITHOUT CONSULTING FIRST -> Don’t get arrested!
“LOOK INTO THE SUN FOR A WHILE PLEASE!” -> Don’t make your model cry.
TELLING YOUR MODEL TO SMILE, WHILE HER PORTFOLIO SAYS OTHERWISE -> Don’t take rejection personally.
SHOOTING CLOSE-UPS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE-> Make a moodboard and show your model photos alternately.
When you are searching through models portfolios, checking photos and BIOs, you might find the selection of “Compensation”: Paid Assignments Only, Depends on Assignment or good old “Time for print” (TFP) option.
Most models offer their rates via private message, some of them write rates directly to BIO- and especially if you don’t have a clue how much they charge, you might be quite surprised.
Professional model, with really strong portfolio and many positive reviews can averagely charge around $80-$100 USD/h up to nude, when shooting longer (half day/ 4h), the price is discounted and same goes with whole day shoot. Also prices vary with country – the more expensive expenses for living, the higher the rate.
There is also one note – pro models have very very similar rates for nude/ non nude photos – its because when one pro model has one rate, its hard to beat it with higher price, as the competition is quite high. You can search, looking for “cheaper model”, but still the difference will be petty.
So what is the main difference and why you should pay?
TFP vs PAID model
Time for print, or “TFP” option is quite old term and almost no model is really interested in prints as an exchange to shoot. Nowadays photographers using “Time for photos” –more likely models would be happy to exchange their time/ work for digital images they can use for social media or Patreon/ OnlyFans page.
The easiest explanation between TFP and PAID models is – TFP= amateur, PAID= professional. There are few cases when you can do TFP shoot with pro model, as well as pay to amateur model if you have specific and easy project.
What you will get if you pay?
If you’re willing to pay, hire a professional – your project and life will be much easier.
Pro model knows how to pose and how to emote. Look at the model’s portfolio – check their styles and also references – professional model will have plenty of both.
Showing up on time, because no work = no money.
Easy communication – paid models are usually very happy to come forward with communication/ reminders/ additional question which you might not think about (outfits, props, location) and they are replying as fast as possible.
Makeup and styling – professional models usually have plenty of outfits for different themes (lingerie, boudoir, bikini, beach outfits) as well as doing their makeup for a shoot so you can save money on make up artist.
Professional model is also happy to come with ideas – either when planning or during the photoshoot. They know their body and the best angles so don’t worry to ask for advice.
They are happy with signing model release where you specify what are the images for (portfolio, websites, editorial, social media or even selling).The photos are yours – no hassle with delivering photos, only if you want you can send some to your model (which is great step as she can put it on social media, tag you and give you “free” promotion.)
Beginner models and TFP
When booking amateur model, please keep in mind what you want to achieve. There will be much more time needed for preparation and planning and perhaps makeup artist on board, as well as you need more time to actual shoot due to explanation of poses. Also keep in mind that if you are not paying model, there might be an issue with showing up, as she might get scared or have very small motivation to actually come.
You should not pay amateur model unless you have a specific and very simple project in mind and a lot of time.
When shooting TFP, remember you need to deliver photos to the model –number of photos agreed prior the shoot, as well as she might be disappointed as you chose some she does not like. To avoid that, it’s always good to consult details in advance.
Is paid model worth?
This paragraph is inspired by one photographer discussing similar topic on Modelmayhem and I really like this opinion.
“Imagine how much money photographer can spend on all sorts of various pieces of equipment – many times it’s used once or twice and never use it again. There comes photographer with a huge camera bag with three different cameras, objectives, various kind of lights…Bought in hopes that it will get a chance to make good and hopefully great images.
So, when it comes to models there is no loss of pride or ego to hire a Model who is a big part of your success! If you are looking for some fun editorial shots or commercial spending $150-$200 for three or four hours work will be well worth it. Otherwise, there is a very good chance you spent all this money (in some cases thousands of dollars) on equipment, all this time on learning and then you are going to put someone who might or might not have the skill to be a great model. Unless you are just looking to spend four hours with a hot girl, it takes a lot more to Modeling than just a pretty face. “
Model release is a simple form, signed after a photoshoot to give photographer rights to use the photos after the shoot. It’s highly recommended to obtain a complete model release after any shoot – without a release your ability to do anything with the photos can be sharply limited.
“A model release, known in similar contexts as a liability waiver, is a legal release typically signed by the subject of a photograph granting permission to publish the photograph in one form or another.”
Why should you have one?
If you are a hobby photographer shooting for fun not planning- ever- to do something “commercial” with a photos, you are fine. But if you would ever think about selling your photos to either stock photography websites, submitting them to magazines or just showing them on your website, editorials or selling them otherwise – you always need signed model release.
Not just because its protecting you and your work, also stock websites and magazines will probably want to see a signed release from the model too (due to her age, especially if it contains nudity.)
Model release consists of model’s details such as name, birthday – because of the year of birth; she needs to be above 18, otherwise parents need to sign the form; address and phone number or email, and, of course, a signature. She will be signing a short text about giving you as photographer all rights to use the photos for a reason such as marketing, stock photography or selling.
When it is super important:
if it contains nudity (need to prove she is above 18)
if you paying your model (you have all rights for photos afterwards)
if your model is beginner (explained below.)
In one form there is a statement written which says:“I acknowledge and agree that I have no further right to additional consideration or accounting, and that I will make no further claim for any reason to Photographer/Filmmaker and/or Assigns. “
It means that if your model would get crazy and might want you to put the photos down from somewhere without normal explanation, you have the last word – you have the release. I don’t know anyone who experienced similar, but it’s always good to be ready, especially if your model is beginner and might not understand the rights properly.
In the form, you can add your logo or watermark and predesign the form with your details so you can just print it out and bring with you.
Good suggestion is to tell your model before a shoot that you would like to sign a model release – most of models would be very ok with that as it is common thing. If she would hesitate, explain to her you need one signed as a proof of age and rights to photos – not planning to stalk her or anything.
The very last thing – very IMPORTANT for release:
You might add a special row for her nickname or ask her what name you should use afterward – it is very common for models to use nicknames when shooting nude. You should never use her real name, which she filled in the form -just ask her and avoid all misunderstandings which might happen.
PS.: There are two forms for you to download – both are quite similar, so you can choose which you personally like better and then use it as it is (they are ready to use) or just use them as an example. Just click on link below called Model and download should start straight away – forms are in PDF and in English.
Finding a model is like a list which women have when looking for ideal man – pretty, reliable, responsible, sexy; not completely dumb, easy to talk to… and many other points.
It might seem like a rocket science, but not really; I would say there are more models than photographers nowadays (which means bigger competition between us models), which is making the whole thing easier for you and forcing models to get better and better. (Sometimes cheaper.)
So where are all – not just pretty, but pretty and more reliable – models in one place?
1. Find your model almost anywhere -> Modelmayhem.
This quite old, sometimes slow website collect all models, which do the job either full time or part time; you can find here especially travel and art nude models. Even though the appearance might seem a bit ancient compared with others, it still does the job – it has the biggest collection of models from all around the world.
This website works great for travel photographers (or photographers on a business trip), for posting casting calls and also models usually find enough jobs there so the reviews are the best tool for you to find someone actually reliable.
Very fresh looking website with a huge number of users – models from Czech, Poland, Ukraine, Netherland, Belgium and of course German and more- this is the right place when you go to Europe. The site is in German language officially, but they add the translator so filling the profile should be pretty easy.
Site also has the important reviews option and also many, many other features (like personalised image when posting casting call, posting an actual trip with couple places marked and so on) which I honestly haven’t understood yet in 5 years of usage.
But still, it is worth trying.
Model-kartei reviews
3. Find your model in UK (also Netherland and Belgium)
Another “old looking” but good site with reviews of models. Must say that I have never met more reliable models than UK models – just check their profiles and everything will be so “neat”, that it will simply impress you.
In UK is really popular to do the model sharing – models organise their own model day to share the costs of studio rent, shooting separate or together and the prices are really good.
4. Check Instagram
This is another option how to find a model – but you have to be quite patient, have enough time and be ready for anything as most models there are just hobby models and you have no proof that the girl you have booked will either show up or she might be couple years older. (Or younger, which would be ok unless she supposed to be 18 and now she is 16.)
The best way is to find another photographers you like or live in same city by hashtags and locations, check their photos with models and simply follow the models and explore new ones. Models usually post their upcoming trips in bio section, so you can track it and send them a message (which might take forever to be replied) or send them email/ message via links they share in bio too (if they are professionals, they will have it; for example link to their own website or to sites mentioned above.)
5. Check Facebook groups
Also great way how to find models in your area – try to type “models in xxx”(xxx means your area…or try different words like “photoshoot in xxx”) as most big cities have a Facebook group for all upcoming models. Models then usually share their travel schedule seeking for a job/ photographer, as well as looking for some TFP projects (“time for photos”, free shoot).
6. Going to a workshop/ model sharing photoshoot
Best for beginners to start with model photography – almost every city has few workshops and model sharing groups, where you can not only meet professional models, but also explore different ideas or locations for a shoot. You can try Meetup website (https://www.meetup.com/) where you will definitely find some events happening nearby, or check Facebook groups which will most likely share their events as well.
If you would have any other way in mind, please tell me via email [email protected] or via comment section below and will be super happy to add it to the list!
There is a good thing about booking a professional model – those models have plenty of outfits from fashion, sexy style up to variety of lingerie and heels ready for a shoot. This is a big advantage – even though some photographers might disagree as those outfits have been shot and seen many times and nothing “original” comes from those – I think there is no issue to shoot with same stuff as, really, every photo is different. But what if you want to try something “unseen”?
Victoria’s Secret outfits provided by photographer
First of all, you can either:
Ask your model what is she bringing
simply texting a model asking what is she planning to bring is the simplest thing and you might ask her to share some photos of outfits. If you have something particular in mind, ask her as soon as possible, especially in case she travels to your destination by plane or car so she can add it into her suitcase.
! Please consider if you really need to use a winter coat or super long heavy boots or similar unpackable stuff if you know model is travelling by plane- as 99,9% the answer will be no. (Unless you gonna shoot in Moscow or Siberia in the middle of winter, then she can put it on straight without paying $$$ for extra luggage.)
If you really need those things, or anything else for your idea, then:
2.Get your own outfits for a shoot
It is becoming more and more common that photographers have their own outfits ready for photoshoot. Below I will add some great inspiring brands which cannot disappoint as they look awesome on anyone. If you get some outfits for models, you can either keep it for your next shoot (as mentioned above, every model and every photo will look different anyway) or you can give it to your model after the shoot if she would wear those. Also bear in mind if you order outfits from China, that for – especially caucasian models- you need at least twice the size than their normal as the sizes can be really tricky.
! I also notice, there are still some photographers out there (even though very very few) who don’t wash the clothes after the shoot. Please ALWAYS wash clothes after the shoot as it is pretty weird and disgusting – not to mention that models will look at the photographer who does this as he is weird and disgusting either, which will definitely crash the whole mood on shoot.
And what about props?
There is a small list of great props you can bring to your photoshoot; of course it changes when shooting outside or in studio/apartment.
Sunglasses – perfect for outdoor shoot, will help model to shoot on direct sun without crying and also can change the mood of photos; models usually have one ready.
Hats – same goes with hats – some summer ones for outside sunny shoots as well as “old fashioned” ones to give another perspective to your idea.
Jewellery or headbands – from great “halo crowns” up to simple flower headband or big necklace – models love those as it makes them feel they are doing something beautiful and worth of all hard work.
Stockings and tights – not so difficult to keep them clean and really portable. In case inspiration strikes while shoot, there is never a bad time to put on a pair of stockings with lingerie to add deeper boudoir feeling.
Book – might sound odd, but simple book can make whole new level to your photos simply by adding a storytelling mood. Model can pretend to read, cover with that, play with the book around.
Red lipstick – pretty seriously, there was countless situations when photographer ask me if I have one on the shoot and I had not (especially when shooting outdoor when model brings a backpack or small bag with previously agreed outfits). You might forget to tell your model in advance – so be ready and have one in your pocket 🙂
Ideas for outfits – lingerie, props & sexy and dreamy outfits
1. Andi Bagus – bikini, crochet pieces and clothing
– handmade clothes brand from Bali; bit more expensive but amazing looking stuff, especially for outdoor shoots -their jumpers, crop tops and shorts look really awesome.
really proper and lovely victorian dresses with perfect quality – you can also find a dresses from Alice in Wonderland, Tudor Renaissance to gothic and Game of Thrones kind of dress. I love this shop btw. 🙂
4. Carbickova Bijoux – stunning jewellery and props
absolutely amazing jewellery and headbands. As it can go far away from you budget, you can get some inspiration just by checking those stuff as every thing looks like masterpiece.
5. SHEIN
well, you probably know Shein, but when searching “lingerie”, you might find really similar outfits as those above – the quality is questionable though, but either way it might look great on the shoot. Plus – the price is just good.
Spoke with few friends, who are expecting a baby and looking for pregnancy shoot/ looking for a photographer for their wedding/ looking for couples photographs/ looking to make some nice photos for a family calendar etc.…people are still looking for photographers. But I also asked them WHY they picked this guy, this photographer? What was the main reason to shoot with him/ her?
The key is to be creative. People are demanding and want to have something extraordinary, something they can show proudly to their friends or put on the wall – that’s why being unique is so important. If you would do simple portraits in white background, there is nothing creative at all and photos have no soul – so they will rather ask their friends to make some photos with an iPhone as it will be at least fun. How about you show that YOUR photos are worthy?
Create a moodboard of photos you like or admire and think about why do you like them. Is it the colours or editing? Or mood and story? The details really matter – might be the props, the outfits you can then recommend to the theme you offer, the unique outdoor location you might have found, all little details coming along with the creativity.
You can also explore Instagram – many photographers found their unique point of view and that’s why people are following them – those photographers sometimes sell their presets, which is also great way to learn and improve – to try their way.
@Karolina Ryvolova photography
2. Expand ideas
You don’t have to shoot everything, but on the other hand if you want to get more work and don’t want to spend few years of being focused on one area to become an expert, you can find another themes you enjoy to photograph. You may expand to food photography, children AND newborn, animals, products photography, wedding, couples etc. You would be surprised how much money people are willing to spend to photograph their beloved ones.
How about asking a wedding butique to make them some nice photos for their website or social media?
How about taking photos of commercial objects (buildings, offices) for their promotion?
How about asking real estate agency, if they need some nice photos of new apartments for rent?
How about asking people around or friends, or contact owners of airbnb apartment to make them new nice photos for better advertisement? Or hotels around you?
How about contacting pubs or restaurants nearby if they wants some new photos for their web/ social media?
Or how about running a competition on your social media page run about winning a free photoshoot – as an exchange to get a big traffic to your photography business/ hobby?
There are a lot of options to explore.
Airbnb photo
3.Create cool business cards
You don’t necessary need an official website – nowadays people are getting traffic just by social media. But if you want to ask some businesses nearby if they would like to collaborate with you, it is a good thing to leave something behind to remind your name and not be forgotten. You may even put a QR code on the card so people can just scan the code and it will lead them into your fan page/ website where they can see your awesome photos.
@Pinterest
4. Sell photos online
If you travelled a lot in the past and collected great pictures, or if you have simply nice photos of products or everything you can think of, you might offer them for sale on ShutterStock or similar websites. On ShutterStock photos must be JPG format and at least 4.0 mega pixels, and the earning is quite small, but – better something than nothing. (You might check this link for more details.)
My own photoshoot for club in Czech Republic
5. Create your own project to boost your portfolio
If you always wanted to shoot with pro model, I believe there is no better timing than now. Every country has its own great professional models which always seemed to be too good, and those models cannot travel now, so they might be more available. If you always had some cool project in mind, just post a casting call on either social media or on official photography website (find more here) and wait for replies (or ask your favourite models directly.) If you don’t have any special idea in mind, just explore Instagram and create a moodboard. You can either make it as paid shoot (so you will pay your model and as exchange you will own all photos) or come up with free “TFP” photoshoot, but in this case you have to deliver your models some previously agreed photos as exchange.
Please remember: if you want to shoot with pro model for free, you must add some value to the photoshoot (something really great or unique) otherwise models would not have an interest.
Main picture & instruction: https://designbundles.net/creative-designs/276810-beautiful-photography-business-card/rel=ndE85G
Christmas are coming – yay! I have literally no gifts bought nor any vision, and I actually haven’t even seen any calendars for 2024- I hope they will show up, otherwise I will be quite worried there is something wrong.
Online services are running on 110% and people running out of ideas what to give – and vouchers are simple yet quite popular choice.
How about to start your own project?
Christmas gift – photo session voucher
This is not just for photographers who wants to make more money, but also for those whowants to expand portfolio by TFP projects (time for photos).
I will be very honest with you in this article – have noticed there is still not negligible businesses running by photographers offering a vouchers for a photoshoot – for example you pay certain amount and you will get two or three hours of professional shoot with MUA, styling and final photos.
I have seen a few and must admit the price is not actually cheap; and if you targeting families, young families, couples etc., you should succeed and sell spots quite fast.
Advertising on Groupon or social media should not cost you a fortune – the expensive part is the time you will spend on photo selections and editing.
There is so much you can shoot – families, newborn, portraits, glamour or some boudoir indoor if you have a location available; or just stick with family/ couple portraits outside.
I saw a few marketing campaigns for those vouchers, the idea behind that seemed great to me so I did a little research about reviews of each business – and was quite shocked. There was a lot of negative reviews, and found 6 repetitive points people really complain about. What they are and how to handle them?
1. “We tried just few outfits” – Tell them specifically what to bring
It’s quite useful to let people know, what they should pack for a photoshoot. Avoid that “bring everything” because it is confusing option and then they will show up with 4 big suitcases of all different clothes – which would make you and your MUA/ stylist crazy.
Be specific, tell them to bring around 8 favourite pieces – some dress, some jeans and shorts (skirts aren’t recommended as non models usually don’t know how to pose in that- time saving), and one special thing they might have and make them feel special.
Add maximum one high heels. If you have light background, you don’t want to change it after every clients shoe prints.
2. “The makeup was not what I expected” – Inform your clients and makeup artist about the final look
The right makeup artist (MUA) for that kind of business should handle not just makeup, but also hair (brush, make volume, simple style) and is recommended to ask her if she can help with outfits and final look – at least for first photos.
You should be specific about the final makeup – recommended is natural and simple, as it must take maximum one hour (perhaps less), otherwise you would be loosing money.
Tell your clients in informative email before shoot:
what to bring
to wash hair a day before (for better styling),
coming without any makeup (to save time again)
…and that the makeup itself will be professional, natural yet highlighting the best- then, your clients won’t be expecting any super cool dark makeup ala instagram “models” and not disappointed afterwards- your clients might sometimes have quite unrealistic expectations. Cool “evening” makeup might look great, but would take tow hours and time is money.
3. “The studio looked really dirty” – Your studio is like your business card
If you have your own studio – no matter if in your spare guesthouse, or basement – it must look professional. People who pay you for a shoot should not see any mess nor smell anything strange. Simple and clean is the way to go.
If you shoot outside, you should make a research about which locations you are going to use and pick ones really pretty or unique, without people walking around staring at your clients.
4. “The photographer was creepy” – Be professional and polite, always
I read about photographer telling his clients to “be more sexy, give me the sexy look!” or “this would look so hot on you!” – please don’t scare your clients, as they might think you are flirting with them, which might lead to really awkward situations. If your subjects are shy, it might be difficult to make nice photos, but you must count with that. Be ready to warm them up by playing their favourite music, talking with them, occasionally show them photos to see what is great and what’s not, and start slow – the first photos will be most likely unusable, but the ones after that workout will be much better. They paid for their shoot so they should enjoy it as much as possible to recommend you to their friends.
5. “I don’t like the photos” – tell your clients what to expect to avoid disappointment
Your clients will be indecisive when it comes to selecting photos. If you don’t have many clients yet, you can either send them certain amount of photos and let them to choose (it will take them a lot of time though) or send them your X favourite – edited already, or to choose for editing. So many ways, but the key is to decide that prior the session, so clients knows what to expect, otherwise they will expect to receive unicorns. (Unrealistic expectation.)
6. “I received photos after few months” – Think twice about the timeframe for photo delivery
People usually wants their photos as soon as possible without knowing how much time takes selecting and postproduction, and I read so many complaints about photos sent late or very different results than they expected.
Don’t promise anything you cannot achieve. Count the average time you will need for post processing and then how many clients you can handle in one week. Really important is quality over quantity to not end up with empty calendar. Be honest and realistic – then no one could give you negative rate.
Because nowadays in online world is credibility and positive reviews the most important asset you can have.
