Questions about casting calls, assistants, and how not to get one's self into trouble

[Kustomkarma]

If you've read my other posts you know I'm still in the early stages of getting my digital photo groove thang on. I shot film back in the day when things were simpler and people seemed to be more trusting. It has been like pulling teeth trying to find anyone willing to pose. Fortunately, I have a friend who has been nothing short of AWESOME in regard to posing for me, doing her own MUAH, and helping me carry stuff all over the place. While I don't know if I can find the words that are adequate to thank her enough, I acknowledge and respect the fact that she has a busy life and can't devote all of her time to helping me pursue my goals. It's this realization that brings me to my questions. I would like to post a casting call on here and MM to find some more gals to shoot, but without my friend I am a one man show. I have been advised by professional photogs that it's always a good idea to have someone else on site to schlep things and help ensure that there's no he said she said shenanigans between me and the model.

Do you guys and gals find this to be the case?

I have already crafted some model release forms, so I think I'm good there, but how do I handle finding an assistant and or model that will be comfortable working with me? Are there people out there that are ok with being assistants? If so, do you just advertise for one? I would prefer they were female as they'll see things that I don't and I assume it will make my models feel more at ease having another gal around...not to mention I don't know too many guys that do MUAH.

What have your experiences in regard to the above questions been? Do you do everything yourself? Do you have a rotating group of help? Did you just post a casting call for models and hope for the best? Tons of questions I know, but this in uncharted territory for me.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

I have shot with both. There are times when it is just me and the photog and times when they have an assistant. I always like it better when there is an assistant there to help, not because I feel uncomfortable, but because it is nice to have someone to notice when my bra is showing or my hair is in my face. Getting people to pose for you shouldn't be hard, there are plenty of aspiring models who are willing to do TF work, and lots of working models who are willing to do TF work if they feel you have something to add to their portfolio.

 

Put up a casting call and see where it leads, if you can't get an assistant, be sure to have everything set up ahead of time and be even more professional then usual.

 

[Kustomkarma]

Thanks for the response! You brought up a lot of good points. I have a test shoot coming up with a MUAH person, so I think I'll advertise for an assistant next. I've got concepts, cars, vintage clothing rental, and locations at my disposal - maybe an assistant is that final piece I need to make things work.

[The Trousseau]

I am always always with him on fashion shoots, so I guess I am "the assistant."  On the other hand, I am busy with my own stuff, as I am the stylist and shoot when I can.  It works for us-- he does everything photography, and I take care of the wardrobe and sometimes fill in as hair and make up. 

 

He has had two two photography assistants since we have been working together.  The first was wonderful.  The second... well, I can just say that the first is welcome to work with us as a photographer or model anytime. 

 

It would seem to me that when you find someone who has the talents you need to fill in those things you can't do, you might want to be really, really nice to them so you can keep them around.  Otherwise, the bad ones can be so bad that you might never want an assistant again. 

[Kustomkarma]

Believe me, I would pay my friend a salary if I could - I consider her the other half of my brain when we're on shoots. If I could find a muah / assistant / model that would be awesome. I posted a casting call over on MM - now I'll just have to wait and see what shakes loose.