What's Your Take on Model Mayhem?

[Timarie]

So, I'm brand spankin' new to the modeling thing (as in, first shoot this week) and I've heard quite a bit about MM. Two things I hear is 1) the girls on there are pretty competitive and will get pretty catty and 2) if you just post pics the offers will come rolling in. My question: true? are the girls really that mean? I don't get along with girls often b/c of this very reason (can't STAND all the nastiness). AND is it really that easy? what have your experiences been? I'm pretty intimidated about the whole experience, but I want it so bad! This site seems so genuine and all the people seem so nice and supportive, but there isn't a very good representation of FL (hopefully that will continue to change!) so getting and MM account seems like it will up my chances of breaking in to the field.
ONE MORE THING:
I know this discussion is all over the forum, but IM SO NERVOUS! any tips? specifically on how to chill out in those few nerve-wracking moments before the camera starts clicking?

[Ellie Retrophilia]

I haven't experienced any cattiness on MM but then I don't frequent the forums on there. It's definitely a great way to get your photos out there and to get more work though.

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

I don't go on the forums either. I joined MM back in June and have had nothing but great experiences on there. I've gotten a ton of work and met a lot of great people on there. I think you should go for it!

[angel]

i have not had any catty expieriences on MM, but i have gotten my port built up & starting gettin paid for shoots. i def recommend it, i thought it was BS at first, but then people started contacting me & it has snowballed. do it girl, & if anyone is mean to ya, send em my way!! as for the nervousness, i get that way too, but a couple shots in, it fades away. just have fun with it!

[Alley DeRosas]

Hello! I havnt experienced any cattiness....I can say that soon after I posted a few pictures I got a few offers and one of them was a paying gig for the Latin Grammys street parties here in Dallas...I would its an okay place...at least from my experince....I agree with Angel...Just have fun on your shoots and take someone with you if its your first time working with a potographer...or if You just want support!

Good luck TOOTS!

[Wink Holliday]

It must depend a lot on your location... I don't hang out on the forums, and so haven't seen any catfights, but I've also only gotten a single (unpaid) gig in the three months I've been a member! All of the casual offers I get are from photogs who are out of state, and there aren't many casting calls in my area. Certainly not for pinups! The few that I've managed to find don't reply. Still, I maintain the page, just in case. A girl can always hope!

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

Also, I just want to add...ALWAYS get references and check them! If a photographer isn't willing to pony up a few references, then they are not worth working with, no matter how nice their port is. The good photographers will always provide a list of references, usually on their mayhem page.

sfphotojournal said:

Here's the view from the otherside of the camera.

Model Mayhem is good source, much better than OneModelPlace. The GWC (Guy With Camera/Creepy Creeps) factor is low on Model Mayhem. I use it often to contact and book models but I don't really use it to search out new talent.

The best way I've found to relax a model is to have her bring someone along to the shoot. They feel more comfortable and safer with someone in the studio they can trust.

A big red flag should pop up in your head, if the photog won't let you bring someone on the shoot.

[Cherry Pie]

I'm on there but the popular photos seem to always be the ones that show nudity or some sort of slutty pose ugh, most people on there don't care about creativity!!!

[Miss Missy Photography]

MM is great..Girls can be mean, but I've never seen any of that on MM..I'd say join! It's fun, your pretty, you'll do well, find some photographers in your area.

[Jessi Lee]

I've been on there about a week now, and all the offers I have been getting are lingerie and nudes for TFCD. I hope to get some genuine offers soon, or I'll probably delete my profile. Good luck with your profile!

[Samantha Valentine]

I have been an MM member for 3 years. I would say that 9 out of 10 photographers I've worked with have been through MM. It has been the ultimate resource for me in modeling.
I haven't noticed much cattiness but I steer far from it anyway. I have been involved in the forums very little (the critiques can be hard but also insighful. They will toughen ya up, haha!). But it's not necessary to be involved in those things. You can start a profile and simply look for photographers and people in the indusrty you want to work with.

As far as being nervous.... practice makes perfect. The more you shoot the easier it becomes.
Practice your poses in front of a mirror so you know exactly what they look like. Ask for advice from your photographer and make sure your having fun! Pretty soon it will be second nature!

Good luck doll!

Samantha
XoXoX

p.s add me once you've set up your MM (www.modelmayhem.com/samanthavalentine)

[Samantha Valentine]

You just have to rise above this. People will respect you if you stick to your guns and come out with amazing shoots. I found many creative and amazing people through MM. You don't have to be nude to get popular, just interesting!
XoXoX

Cherry Pie said:

I'm on there but the popular photos seem to always be the ones that show nudity or some sort of slutty pose ugh, most people on there don't care about creativity!!!

[Samantha Valentine]

Stick it out. In my expierence there will ALWAYS be creeps who want to see you naked. But past those guys there are many amazing people to build great creative relationships with. It may take a few months but you have more to lose by deleting your profile.
XoXoXJessi Lee said:

I've been on there about a week now, and all the offers I have been getting are lingerie and nudes for TFCD. I hope to get some genuine offers soon, or I'll probably delete my profile. Good luck with your profile!