Finding and shooting models...

[Kustomkarma]

I've been into photography a long time...and am just getting back into it seriously. I've been shooting a lot of car shows and objects lately, but I would really like to get back into shooting people. The problem seems to be that I can't seem to find anyone that will pose. Retro and Pinup are my favorite styles, but I am willing to shoot just about any genre just to get more time behind the lens. Asking people randomly seems like a bad idea and placing ads in forums like CraigsList seems really sketchy. Where can I post a request for models that will be seen, be effective, and make everyone involved feel at ease? I'm looking for subjects that are just starting out so I can learn along with them. I'm also very open to shooting with experienced photographers, models, and MUAH people. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[Miss Jme Lynn]

What area are you in?

[Amy Fontaine]

I am a model in North Fl. I think you have made a great start here. I have found a few folks to work with on forums such as this one, Model Mayhem, and Facebook. I love this genre and wish you luck. If you ever are in the Panhandle and want to shoot drop me a line. [e-mail].

[Auburn Hills]

Hi and welcome to the PL.  I'd say craigslist isn't the best place, but here and MM are a good start.  There is a section here "casting calls" that you could post in.  Good luck.

[Jess Lady-marmalade McNally]

Try Model Mayhem.com - you will find lots of willing models and like minded people there :)

you can put up casting notices for shoots you want to do and offer models time for prints/cd of the images you shoot :) Good luck!

[Tifa DeLeone]

Model Mayhem and communities like this are good places to network.

Since you are starting out, try to have friends pose for you.

If all are to shy to help you out, see if you find any willing people to pose by the cars at the car shows!

Make sure you get their email and send them a copy as a thank you, I'm sure many girls would think it be fun.

 

Personally I'd never shoot with someone who didn't have photos that shows they have worked with models/people before, so be sure to have some pictures like that before putting up a casting call.

You will get more replies and better quality of the replies.

 

Also you can ask to assist professional photographers, this will help a lot and will help you meet models and stylists.

 

Good luck!!! :)

 

[Kustomkarma]

I am in Central Florida near the Orlando area (Winter Park specifically.)

Miss Jme Lynn said:

What area are you in?

[Kustomkarma]

Thanks for the answer and the offer. I usually don't make it that far North, but I do manage to get up to Gainesville for the Billetproof car show and Ocala for the Don garlits shows.

Amy Fontaine said:

I am a model in North Fl. I think you have made a great start here. I have found a few folks to work with on forums such as this one, Model Mayhem, and Facebook. I love this genre and wish you luck. If you ever are in the Panhandle and want to shoot drop me a line. [e-mail].

[Kustomkarma]

Yep, just read an article about a Craigslist related beating. Some guy responded to a personal ad then when he got there two guys jumped him and beat him up pretty badly. I think I'll put out a call on here in the near future, but anyone that wants to approach me is welcomed.

Auburn Hills said:

Hi and welcome to the PL.  I'd say craigslist isn't the best place, but here and MM are a good start.  There is a section here "casting calls" that you could post in.  Good luck.

[Kustomkarma]

I will be joining and posting over there soon as I've been to the site many times trying to get a feel for things. Some people I know in the industry have also suggested this as a starting point. I can't pay anyone right now but I do offer a DVD with all the shots I took. I just gave my friend a DVD with about 600 - 700 3-4 meg photos we shot over the course of three sessions. I will also go over every single shot with the model if they are interested in studying them to improve poses, clothes, my technique, etc.

Jess Lady-marmalade McNally said:

Try Model Mayhem.com - you will find lots of willing models and like minded people there :)

you can put up casting notices for shoots you want to do and offer models time for prints/cd of the images you shoot :) Good luck!

[Kustomkarma]

Thanks for your response. I agree that I need to get my portfolio built up so I will be able to show potential models what I'm looking for as well as being able to validate myself as a photographer. I have managed to get a friend to pose for me, but she has a life so it's been a little sporadic. I feel like I should be doing at least one session a week, but I'm finding that a lot of people are insecure with their looks. Right now, I'm interested in honing my technique so I'll shoot pretty much anyone that's interested. I would love to find and assist some professional photographers and MUAH people as I'm always open to learning new things. As a funny aside, I did spend a couple of hours carrying Mitzi's camera equipment all over the parking lot at VLV this year - hey I'll do anything to learn from the pros.   

Tifa DeLeone said:

Model Mayhem and communities like this are good places to network.

Since you are starting out, try to have friends pose for you.

If all are to shy to help you out, see if you find any willing people to pose by the cars at the car shows!

Make sure you get their email and send them a copy as a thank you, I'm sure many girls would think it be fun.

 

Personally I'd never shoot with someone who didn't have photos that shows they have worked with models/people before, so be sure to have some pictures like that before putting up a casting call.

You will get more replies and better quality of the replies.

 

Also you can ask to assist professional photographers, this will help a lot and will help you meet models and stylists.

 

Good luck!!! :)

 

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

Hey doll, here are some options for you! :)
 
Post in the Casting Calls group that you're looking for models in your area, and what days your looking at. Members of that group are notified via email when new posts are made, so you have a better chance of getting a response there. Plus, all new posts are posted to the PinupLifestyle Facebook & Twitter accounts for maximum exposure.
 
You can also use our Advanced Member Search. Select the options that you're looking for, in this case a model, and type in the area you'd like to search in.
 
Hope that helps. Good luck to you!

[Kustomkarma]

Thanks for the info! I'm sure I'll eventually find someone.