How do you handle being approached to do modeling by people you don't know?

[Miss Honey]

I get approached at car shows and concerts to do modeling quite often, but because I'm just starting out, if I don't know the person or if the people I'm with don't know them, I'm always leery of just saying "yes, I'll do it" because I want to find out if they're on the level or not first before agreeing to anything.  But what's been happening is by the time I find out more about them and try to reconnect with them, I don't get a response or they seem to have lost interest.  I know it's all about trust, but how do you handle being approached to do modeling? 

[Cliff]

As a hobbyist photographer I usually just say   Hi I'm Cliff and I shoot Vintage inspired themed shoots , here is a website (MM and Facebook) where you can see what I do. If your interested feel free to contact me thru the site. I have gotten a few that way  but most are word of mouth. Be safe.

[Glamour by Chuck]

I'm usually the one who is doing the approaching when I find someone that would be interesting to shoot. I usually ask if they have any modeling experience.  I am happy to work with someone who has never modeled before and less experienced  models to give them tips. I will work on a Trade (TFCD) basis if it fits in my schedule. So, I always give them my card, which has a number of sites (Model Mayhem, iStudio) that has my work displayed on. I let my work speak for itself. If they ask, I will give them a list of models to contact for reference if they need to.

[RL]

WOW     What good information.I come from the same direction a little different. I am a very private person. I once new a very rich man, who owned nothing, and lived quite simple. Google him and you would wonder how he made a living. In reality he was a nuclear Physist worth $186MIllion. When I appoarch someone I tell them I would like to shoot with then. I ask for their phone # and give them my card. If they respond I request a meeting in a public place. (REMEMBER: public) IWe get to know eachother too. We decide if we will do a test shoot. Simple backdrop and a couple lites. If she a model we check each others work, and forget the test shot. I always ask for an escort on the 1st shoot. Some one that will not distract the work. If I do a TFCD I try to make an all around thing. Hair & make, are TFCDed as well. Many  times you can get costuming in exchange for use as advertizing. which is a good tear for Portfolio.

   Thanks for reading. R

[Miss Honey]

Such wonderful responses! I'm sincerely impressed by the number of photogs who responded. Thank you!!! Cherry Club Inc. hit two nails on the head because especially at car shows I tend to get stopped quite a bit and recently had a couple of people wanting me to take pics in front of their company signs. Seemed like free advertising to me... Goals are important, for sure! Business cards, too.  Whew! I have a lot to do these next couple of months. : ) Thank you, again!

[skipunk11]

I am in the car scene and have lots of friends that approach women like this. The first thing you should ask is 'Have you done this before?'. Most have and if so they will have some kind of portfolio. They will also have contact info for the persons that they photographed. Ask for that so you can get reviews. Also ask for web pages/sites that they have. Even if easy as a FB page where people can openly comment on them. Its the new age of social media and its also a great resource. 90% reliable so just do your research!

[skipunk11]

if you attend lots of import car shows/meets get in contact with me. I know a lot of the model groups and media people that photog. I can give you a thumbs up or not.

[Terry Mendoza]

I occasionally approach potential models...introduce myself and give them my card.  I explain what I do, and how they would make a good subject.  I then recommend they visit my site/modelling site, check out my work and get back to me if they are interested.

I agree that it is very wise to check out photographers first, and even to contact others they have worked with to ensure they are ok to work with.

[Cherry Club Inc.]

whoops I mean Desiree! (I dont know how to make the accent mark thing) lol I dont like getting people names wrong

Cherry Club Inc. said:

Desire has some great advice! id say too, you should not be asking someone to model for you unless you have a real and specific project in mind, otherwise just make a connection with someone and let them know you'd be interested in working with them in the future. This can imply paid, tf work, or paying work depending on the model the project etc etc. as a model I would say try to get details about what they want you to model for. as much info as possible. the time frame they are looking at the requirements whats expected of you and the payoff. Even if it is just portfolio work and one party pays the other, the agreement should benefit both parties. you should know pretty quickly if this is a specific project or a big broad in the future thing. If you want to be taken seriously you need to balance the line between business deals and making connections. Everyone wants something. and if you let everyone take it all (bending over backwards for nothing)you will be worth nothing. pick a goal and go for it. always be polite respectful and appreciative but don't be afraid to tell em what you want for your time and effort. Be worth hiring, work hard at what you have to offer and expect the same in return. good luck girl! xo

[Tina G]

The only time I have ever done this sort of thing was at Viva here in Las Vegas where a lot of people are open to posing and such with the classic cars right there on the spot. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel all that comfortable just approaching someone I didn't know. I have had models approach me when I'm out with my camera at other classic car shows or pin up contests. I look at it the same way that some of the other posters on here have said...just be cautious, check them out, etc. similar to the things you would do with anyone you were meeting for the first time..google them, check out their site and such... Any photographer worth their salt would be professional towards you and not act like a flake.

[Gary Grant]

As a photographer, I go one step further than the introduction and my business card. I invite them to check up on me on Facebook. I am an open book and one doesn't have to watch my profile for long to learn who I am or who my connections are.

[Mr. Lee Photography]

Anyone with a digital camera is a "Photographer" these days....

You need to check their reputation and talent level more importantly...

I see so many good looking females shooting with garbage "Photographers" for whatever reason (Money I would assume)...

But they don't seem to understand it brings them down and makes their port look bad.... Money comes and goes, Art and good photography lasts forever.....

[Miss Honey O'hearts]

Not sure if this will help, but this is my perspective. Being that I am apart of a non-profit organization called The Pinup Angels, we attend quite a few car shows through out the year. The girls and I get approached often by random photographers to pose with certain cars and what not. Usually how we work with other photographers is they give us their business card and if we don't know them, they make a donation to the organization first. Normally though we end up knowing the photographers. We also have a few photographers that we work with regularly so that helps us too if we are unsure. 

If you are uncomfortable with a photographer, take their business card and look into them. Contact them after the event, if they are still interested and want to to a "one on one" shoot than take someone you trust with you. If they want to get a good shot out at a car show, nine times out of ten the photographers out there share their own pictures taken from the event with the one who hosted the event. Facebook can be used to look into that...follow up. Hope this helps!