How do I get photographers to notice me? WHAT am I doing?

[Maggie Puller {★}]

I am admittedly very very very amateur when it comes to all this modeling bizz..and I have no earthly idea what I am doing. Where do I start? What do I need to do to be noticed? How do you get noticed and when do you know you are a "professional model"?? I need to hear the voice of experience...some of you ladies who have made it to the big time! How do I launch my modeling career? Do I pay photographers to work with them, or do they pay me? Do I do it for free? DOES ANYONE HAVE A MARTINI AND A XANAX!?!?!?!...sorry....I got a little panicked.....oops! ;) ~Maggie Puller~

[Natali Loyola]

I agree - "If you good enough, someone will pay you"!

[Rob Neill Imagery]

Look around at photographers portfolio's and  find some that really impress you and then see what it takes to shoot with them. Most Professional photographers have packages that you can buy. Some pro's will shoot TF but have requirements to be met or you have to have a specific look that they want to put in their portfolio...  Always research the photographer and talk to past clients to make sure your gonna want to shoot with them.  As a photographer I would say ...  master the poses ... nothing is worse than a model coming in and then is like , what do I do ???   I myself like to give the models sample pic's of what it is we're trying to shoot if they are new.... works well.  Good Luck with this and if you ever are down in the LA area feel free to hit me up for a shoot...  I already have a few images in my head that we could do ...

[Tifa DeLeone]

My tips:

Practice, practice, practice! Do it by study poses and styling in front of a mirror and to do tfp with photographers.
Find people that would like to develop with you.
Post your work online and ask for critique and advice.

 

THEN you might want to book and pay for a shoot with a great photographer if you feel you want something more.
This will give you great pictures, great location and styling and directions in posing and these pictures might get published (if the photographer likes them, I know a lot of photographers that submit their clients to magazines) and therefore make you noticed and can advance further.

 

Getting paid really depends. Can you provide something for the designer/photographer? Do you have a certain look that is requested?
Ask yourself if you should get paid. Would you honestly pay yourself or are you just after the cash?
You have to be good in order to get paid. There are TONS of girls out there who would pose for free and are gorgeous.

Stay true to you beliefs and stay away from certain genres (like nudes/fetish/latex) if you don’t actually want and long to do these kinds of shots.

Keep your head up and work it!! Good luck!  :)

[The Diversity Pinup Project]

I'm a big believer in contracts and double checking.  I am a hobbyist model (Ellie Retrophilia) as well as a MUA and I can say that I've had my fair share of negative experiences.  Contracts can help alleviate any uncertainty as long as both parties agree to the terms and thoroughly read said contract.  The only time I do not feel the need for a contract is if it is someone I know VERY VERY well.  I also make certain as a MUA, in no uncertain terms as to whether a shoot is paid (as in I need to be paid for my services, as products cost me money and I need to replenish my supplies and my gas) or TFP (time for pictures).  As a model, I felt that in order to get my toes wet I needed to pay for at least my first professional set, and I did.  From there I've managed to not have to pay for the sets that followed but that was because I put myself out there:  on facebook, Myspace, on PL, tumblr, Pinup Post, Rebel Pinup and Model Mayhem (tap into your social network as much as possible).  As a MUA I felt that in order to acquire a more professional portfolio I needed to do TFP work with reputable photographers and models.  You really have to work at whatever it is you set out to do in this industry because it's definitely a "dog-eat-dog" world out there.  Keep it simple in the beginning, practice your posing and style, watch tutorials, read as much as you can and be able to accept constructive criticism.  If you can't do any of that, then you won't get far.  And remember always have a good attitude.  A truly pleasant smile and a winning personality will get you further than any diva 'tude ever will. 

Maggie Puller {★} said:

@Edson: I got nothin'! I got one digital copy, but that because she put it up on her own facebook page so I copied it! If I want actual prints I have to purchase them on the site. The way she acted, she wanted to practice by shooting me. She approached me and implied that it would be free. She even said she would give me prints, but now says I owe her and I can only buy the prints online.

I should have clarified all that before hand, you are right. I was really just shocked to be asked to begin with! But, with all I have learned on this site, I know MUCH better for next time! <3 thanks for your bluntness Edson...it is very much appreciated. I would much rather have a straight up answer than a sugar coated one!!