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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Shooting Models but how do you make money?
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02/27/2012 05:25:20 PM · #1
I really want to get into shooting more models and concept shots. I am my own model for almost everything and that is all well and fine as I learn and experiment but I am likely moving to Florida this summer and would like to start using other models. Finding models is not really an issue, I can find models even in this small country area so that really isn't the question. The question is where do photographers make any money in shooting models on their own? I know there is the Stock option but I don't really want to shoot stock style photos. So am I missing something or is it pretty much shoot for free and hope something happens, that doesn't sound very productive. I haven't had much luck finding info on this either so what are your thoughts?
02/27/2012 05:30:18 PM · #2
What you need to do is set up a modeling school. Tell all the accepted models that they need photos done at a cost of $1500 for the minimum portfolio. Make the exclusive portfolio like $3000. Promise them you'll send them to all the biggest agencies and scouts (the pictures, not the models). LOL!

Believe it or not, these businesses exist. My cousin got scammed years ago in NYC. She thought her daughter was going to be the next top child model. She paid a fortune for the photos that she had to have done where they specified.
02/27/2012 05:31:04 PM · #3
Doing portfolios for aspiring models? Some years ago my daughter had a burning desire to become a model and she parted with quite a bit of money. Nothing much came of it, but she does have some nice photos.

Ha, Kelli beat my post!

Message edited by author 2012-02-27 17:31:47.
02/27/2012 05:32:15 PM · #4
Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

I really want to get into shooting more models and concept shots. I am my own model for almost everything and that is all well and fine as I learn and experiment but I am likely moving to Florida this summer and would like to start using other models. Finding models is not really an issue, I can find models even in this small country area so that really isn't the question. The question is where do photographers make any money in shooting models on their own? I know there is the Stock option but I don't really want to shoot stock style photos. So am I missing something or is it pretty much shoot for free and hope something happens, that doesn't sound very productive. I haven't had much luck finding info on this either so what are your thoughts?


Model Mayhem has been mentioned a lot at this website i think once you gather a portfolio with various models i think that,s how your business picks up or the other alternative is try and hire some studio and advertise through them ..just my thoughts..Gord
02/27/2012 05:32:33 PM · #5
I would like to not Scam the people :) Is it common for models to pay for photos? I was under the assumption that models were ones that got paid by an agency? Or is that their goal and they pay to get their face out there?
02/27/2012 05:34:01 PM · #6
Originally posted by Aperture_Ready:

Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

I really want to get into shooting more models and concept shots. I am my own model for almost everything and that is all well and fine as I learn and experiment but I am likely moving to Florida this summer and would like to start using other models. Finding models is not really an issue, I can find models even in this small country area so that really isn't the question. The question is where do photographers make any money in shooting models on their own? I know there is the Stock option but I don't really want to shoot stock style photos. So am I missing something or is it pretty much shoot for free and hope something happens, that doesn't sound very productive. I haven't had much luck finding info on this either so what are your thoughts?


Model Mayhem has been mentioned a lot at this website i think once you gather a portfolio with various models i think that,s how your business picks up or the other alternative is try and hire some studio and advertise through them ..just my thoughts..Gord


I have a MM account and have used it sparingly. The area I am in know have "wannabe" models as there is really no need for them. It is nice for practice but it has all been trade work around here.

eta My MM Page

Message edited by author 2012-02-27 17:35:03.
02/27/2012 05:34:12 PM · #7
You get the model to pay you because they will be using the shots for self promotion and you are the best at making them look great.

Or someone else pays you for images of a model. You know about stock. Then there's advertising clients or catalogs. You can shoot swimsuit or lingerie stuff and make calendars. You can shoot porn and sell your stuff to websites or set up your own site, but that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.



Message edited by author 2012-02-27 17:37:39.
02/27/2012 05:37:06 PM · #8
Originally posted by Spork99:

You get the model to pay you because they will be using the shots for self promotion and you are the best at making them look great.

Or someone else pays you for images of a model. You know about stock. Then there's advertising clients or catalogs. You can shoot swimsuit or lingerie stuff and make calendars. You can shoot porn and sell your stuff to websites or set up your own site, but that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.


Thanks. I don't want to do any nude work but the other advice is helpful. Around here everything is Trade or the models expect to get paid. That is why I didn't pursue it more around here but with the move likely it is something I really want to look into.
02/27/2012 05:37:47 PM · #9
It probably depends on the ultimate use of the photos and who it is that wants them. If the models need a portfolio of shots they'll pay for them, If the photographer needs the shots for his own use, then he'll pay for them.
02/27/2012 05:40:36 PM · #10
Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

Originally posted by Spork99:

You get the model to pay you because they will be using the shots for self promotion and you are the best at making them look great.

Or someone else pays you for images of a model. You know about stock. Then there's advertising clients or catalogs. You can shoot swimsuit or lingerie stuff and make calendars. You can shoot porn and sell your stuff to websites or set up your own site, but that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.


Thanks. I don't want to do any nude work but the other advice is helpful. Around here everything is Trade or the models expect to get paid. That is why I didn't pursue it more around here but with the move likely it is something I really want to look into.


I think you're looking at it from the wrong end.

You need to target ad agencies etc. not the models. You only need to shoot enough TFP or pay stuff to convince the that you can use a model to make a product look fabulous. Then once you have a paying ad or catalog gig...you go look for models, stylists etc.

The thing to remember with advertising is that it's different than model shoots. With model shoots, you try to make the model look great. With advertising, you have to make the product look great. The model is just there to help make the product look better.
09/27/2013 12:28:54 PM · #11
hi! nice to meet you
09/27/2013 12:49:59 PM · #12
ZZZZZOOOMBIES!!!!
09/27/2013 01:14:45 PM · #13
Have you read what benjikan has to say? not to mention this guy. I think it all depends on who your models are.

Message edited by author 2013-09-27 13:22:24.
09/27/2013 07:01:21 PM · #14
I think I can make some money with models and bicycles. Tap the market for photos of hot looking women in spandex shorts.
09/27/2013 08:12:20 PM · #15
Originally posted by jomari:

Doing portfolios for aspiring models? Some years ago my daughter had a burning desire to become a model and she parted with quite a bit of money. Nothing much came of it, but she does have some nice photos.


+1! I signed up for modelling school and paid up $1500 to attend the school (makeup, runway, wardrobe blahdeblah) then they basically told me to go see this photographer in Ottawa and get some shots for my port. Then shoot with another Ottawa photog. Then, go to TO to shoot with ANOTHER photog. Ditto Montreal.

So after 4 shoots (and probably another $1500 down for all these shoots and prints) I have some nice work from when I was 21, but after that even though I was on the agency headsheet for a year, only ever got live work and stuff like being an extra. Never made the cover of Vogue once. Ah well...
09/27/2013 08:26:03 PM · #16
my shpiel:
you want to get in touch with magazines, ad agencies, companies that sell the ad for any product with a model in it - and try to get hired by them. If you want to build up a port beforehand, talk to modeling agencies about test shoots and leverage your current portfolio, maybe dip into modelmayhem a bit selectively.

Because your style strays from the norm, i imagine you'll get a few hits. Once in a while you'll get requests for portfolio shots. Now depending on where you're at in the game, you are going to either charge for em - or do some pro-bono work depending on what the job is worth to you- ofcourse the big difference is the rights to the photographs and how they're handled.
09/27/2013 08:29:54 PM · #17
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

I think I can make some money with models and bicycles. Tap the market for photos of hot looking women in spandex shorts.


Originally posted by pixelpig:

Have you read what benjikan has to say? not to mention this guy. I think it all depends on who your models are.


google Ulorin Vex + neil vn (he manages to keep her work more pg rated, which is not necessarily the case otherwise)

09/28/2013 12:45:34 PM · #18
Hi Joshua,

I shot models for years with a home studio.

I was a model photographer, to get experience working with people, before I jumped into wedding photography. I had worked part time for a top notch studio doing high school senior shots. He allowed me to keep many for my portfolio.

I made a beautiful 8 x 10 portfolio, all shot with Hasselblads (this is long before digital). I then went to one of the two top modeling agencies in the state and asked to do their shoots. Surprisingly I was instantly hired. They would send models to my home studio. I'd give them a (5) hour shoot which comprised studio shots and outdoor shots ranging from the beach to the city. Be advised that when I say home studio it was in a very nice neighborhood, with a large room that we dedicated to my professional photography business. You felt that you were dealing with a professional when you came over. Not only by my actions but by the surroundings. That's important.

The agency always wanted swimsuit, casual and formal. Both full length, mid length and head shots. I always mixed up the props and backgrounds I used. I would go over attire to bring to the shoot very specifically with the models before they arrived. I also made sure, from our pre-visit phone interview, that the models were very relaxed with me before they got here. I also had photo's of my home and studio on my website. So they knew they weren't coming to some dive.

Now this is back about 17 years ago mind you but at that time I would get $500.00 a session (the agency didn't charge anything or get any cut from me). I simply provided a service for their clients. I would provide models with 4 x 6 proofs and the opportunity to purchase larger prints from me as well.

Always have someone else on scene when working with models or anyone for that matter. I hired a woman who did hair and make up. So if you're photographing a woman, have your hair/make up gal nearby. This will eliminate any false accusation of inappropriate behavior.

I also had my wife home at the other end of the house anytime she wanted to be. This is because you have young attractive ladies coming over for several hours. At one point or another they are in bikini's. With two daughters and a wife it was always very important to me that they didn't feel uncomfortable. I quickly earned a reputation for being very appropriate and professional. People felt very comfortable with me and so did my family. I also encouraged young ladies to bring a friend, mother, husband or boyfriend. If the model was under 18 the mother/father would always be in the studio with me AT ALL TIMES. If they were over 18 I'd have them in an adjoining room where they could hear everything and even see part of the room from where they were. I did not allow adults models to have someone in the same room with us due to the distraction factor. However, it was a room that was open on one side so it there were never shoots "behind closed doors".

Model releases and proof of age are a must. Always protect yourself, it's a crazy world.

Shortly thereafter I approached the premiere modeling school in the State to do their work. They asked me to come in for an audition. What that meant was they gave me a bare room. I brought my lighting and made a studio. They had a couple of different models come in for a complimentary shoot.

Once they got the film back and looked at the shots I was hired there as well. I didn't like that job as much because it was a pain in the neck to set up at their facility and all the kids running around was rather distracting. Point being, is that it can be done and that's how I did it.

That's sort of the business side. Let's not forget the art/technical side. For God's sake man make sure you have the proper studio equipment and know where to take people outdoors for the best backgrounds. Know your craft, know your camera. Study modeling shots up the wazoo. Keep a running collection of shots that you want to emulate. Digital is so much nicer now than with film. There is no excuse not to nail the look or lighting you want when you can see a picture before you even click the shutter.

I eventually left the modeling school because I didn't enjoy it. I also ultimately parted ways with the other modeling studio (after considerable time) because they kept pushing me to add lingerie shots. I had, and still have, a comfort level for myself. I don't photograph women in underwear or lingerie. NOT happening, not me, not something I'm comfortable doing even though they had to be over 18. I understand it can be done professionally but it's just not for me. So after that I would do occasional sessions from what the calls that my website attracted with the usual tri-set of swimwear, casual and formal.

Best of luck to you!

Message edited by author 2013-09-28 12:52:19.
09/28/2013 12:46:33 PM · #19
Originally posted by Trotterjay:

Hi Joshua,

I shot models for years with a home studio.

I was a model photographer, to get experience working with people, before I jumped into wedding photography. I had worked part time for a top notch studio doing high school senior shots. He allowed me to keep many for my portfolio.

I made a beautiful 8 x 10 portfolio, all shot with Hasselblads (this is long before digital). I then went to one of the two top modeling agencies in the state and asked to do their shoots. I showed them the portfolio of portrait shots I had put together (not a modeling shot in there). Surprisingly I was instantly hired. They would send models to my home studio. I'd give them a (5) hour shoot which comprised studio shots and outdoor shots ranging from the beach to the city. Be advised that when I say home studio it was in a very nice neighborhood, with a large room that we dedicated to my professional photography business. You felt that you were dealing with a professional when you came over. Not only by my actions but by the surroundings. That's important.

The agency always wanted swimsuit, casual and formal. Both full length, mid length and head shots. I always mixed up the props and backgrounds I used. I would go over attire to bring to the shoot very specifically with the models before they arrived.

Now this is back about 17 years ago mind you but at that time I would get $500.00 a session (the agency didn't charge anything or get any cut from me). I simply provided a service for their clients. I would provide models with 4 x 6 proofs and the opportunity to purchase larger prints from me as well.

Always have someone else on scene when working with models or anyone for that matter. I hired a woman who did hair and make up. So if you're photographing a woman, have your hair/make up gal nearby. This will eliminate any false accusation of inappropriate behavior.

I also had my wife home at the other end of the house anytime she wanted to be. This is because you have young attractive ladies coming over for several hours. At one point or another they are in bikini's. With two daughters and a wife it was always very important to me that they didn't feel uncomfortable. I quickly earned a reputation for being very appropriate and professional. People felt very comfortable with me and so did my family. I also encouraged young ladies to bring a friend, mother, husband or boyfriend. If the model was under 18 the mother/father would always be in the studio with me AT ALL TIMES. If they were over 18 I'd have them in an adjoining room where they could hear everything and even see part of the room from where they were. I did not allow adults models to have someone in the same room with us due to the distraction factor. However, it was a room that was open on one side so it there were never shoots "behind closed doors".

Model releases and proof of age are a must. Always protect yourself, it's a crazy world.

Shortly thereafter I approached the premiere modeling school in the State to do their work. They asked me to come in for an audition. What that meant was they gave me a bare room. I brought my lighting and made a studio. They had a couple of different models come in for a complimentary shoot.

Once they got the film back and looked at the shots I was hired there as well. I didn't like that job as much because it was a pain in the neck to set up at their facility and all the kids running around was rather distracting. Point being, is that it can be done and that's how I did it.

I eventually left the modeling school because I didn't enjoy it. I also ultimately parted ways with the other modeling studio (after considerable time) because they kept pushing me to add lingerie shots. I had, and still have, a comfort level for myself. I don't photograph women in underwear or lingerie. NOT happening, not me, not something I'm comfortable doing even though they had to be over 18. I understand it can be done professionally but it's just not for me. So after that I would do occasional sessions from what the calls that my website attracted with the usual tri-set of swimwear, casual and formal.

Best of luck to you!
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