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?

[Soda Shop Sue]

thanks ... i've had it up to here with the pinup sceen in my area.... but i gotta stay on my feet, and be fresh... and try to not let it get to me!!

Wink Holliday said:

Ms. Sue: I, for one, would be happy to do TFCD with you. And then we could grab a coffee and gripe about MM together. I wish we were in the same area!

Soda Shop Sue said:

getting fed up with that fREAkiNG service!
i just sent a TFCD special to the local models in the area, trying to meet some models, that are accually from my area... somebody wrote back that they wouldt want to "take a step back" in there modeling career... F-THAT!!! how lame is that person!

i hate MM, most of the models dont know a classy pinup if it hit them in the side of there head.... PINUP HEAD
PUNCH TO MM!!!! (but i'm still on it)

xoxo soda shop sue

[Seanna {Madam}]

It seems as though all of your questions have been answered and do to my not wanting to read through each response you've received I apologize if it's monotonous. What I've learned is:

1. Stay out of the forums, it's a lions den and a lot of people intentionally try to get a rise out of others just for s**** and giggles.

2. Be sure to fully read photographer's profiles and look at profiles of models they work with. Enough info should be available (website links, etc.) that will show if they are legitimate professionals and not just a creep trying to get you alone. (The infamous GWC on Model Mayhem)

3. If you get even a hair of a bad feeling after corresponding through a private e-mail with a photographer politely let them know you have a full schedule but appreciate their time. Your safety should never be questioned.

4. Specify in your About Me if you do Nudity or not to filter out what you are looking for. If you do, be prepared for some wild requests and if you don't, that will be clear.

5. Give photographer/MUA/Clothing/Location credit in all of your pictures and remember especially if you TF* to respectfully put them in your top 12 for at LEAST a month so you can continue the networking thread.

6. Keep up on the Casting Calls in your area and post a Casting Call for a shoot topic you've been wanting to do when you feel you aren't getting enough response.

7. Always Tag the front page when you get new pics in your port so everyone else can see. Do this regularly for the first week or so. That way everyone else can find you better in the Quick Sand that we call MM when you have new stuff to show off.

8. Don't be afraid to let a photographer know you are nervous. If they have experience they know the right things to say to help ease your nerves. If they don't have experience, why are you nervous?! haha.

9. And finally, list your favorite pics you see on other profiles. I actually do look at who lists me and I look at other peoples too. It's kind of a community pool for people who enjoy the same kind of photography, to get inspiration from each other and recommendations to others too!

Have fun!

[Kita St. Cyr]

I'm a regular on the Model Mayhem forums. Some girls can be catty but for the most part, as long as you don't post something incredibly stupid, you should be fine. There are rules against people chewing out new members.

All but one of my shoots has been booked through Model Mayhem. It takes a bit of networking, but it's a REALLY useful website if you use it correctly.

[Miss Nikki]

I haven't talked to anyone on MM .. I like it for the networking.. however I don't agree with sties that make you pay for stuff... because modeling (without a huge agency backer).. at least the type I know.. is very freelance.. and well... that's what i like about PL.. we can network and connect without having to buy a profile

[Kita St. Cyr]

Yeah, part of the beauty of MM is that it's free.

Miss Nikki said:

I haven't talked to anyone on MM .. I like it for the networking.. however I don't agree with sties that make you pay for stuff... because modeling (without a huge agency backer).. at least the type I know.. is very freelance.. and well... that's what i like about PL.. we can network and connect without having to buy a profile

[Anita Fixx]

Funny..there was a feature in a local rag (Toronto's EYE Weekly) about a pin up workshop right here in Torawna (that's how a local would say it). Problem is you have to find them on Model Mayhem..
it doesn't sound like a very nice place. Plus I know the girl in charge of the workshop...for some reason she's VERY catty to me. For the life of me I can't figure out why, I think she just hates my guts.
I was talking about how tragic Heath Leger's death was and she said "People die all the time!!"
Wow... I just replied "Well, that's nice.." I really wanted to call her a c*** or something. I'm sure she'd be offended if I said that about a recently deceased person that she admired.
And since I don't have a job I guess it's NO to this pin up workshop!

Also why does this magazine have a pin up article for their Valentine's issue yet they NEVER cover rockabilly and psychobilly music?

[Anita Fixx]

Gee...is it really that bad over? I'd love to model for you..wait for me to get to the West coast later this year.

Soda Shop Sue said:

thanks ... i've had it up to here with the pinup sceen in my area.... but i gotta stay on my feet, and be fresh... and try to not let it get to me!!

Wink Holliday said:

Ms. Sue: I, for one, would be happy to do TFCD with you. And then we could grab a coffee and gripe about MM together. I wish we were in the same area!

Soda Shop Sue said:

getting fed up with that fREAkiNG service!
i just sent a TFCD special to the local models in the area, trying to meet some models, that are accually from my area... somebody wrote back that they wouldt want to "take a step back" in there modeling career... F-THAT!!! how lame is that person!

i hate MM, most of the models dont know a classy pinup if it hit them in the side of there head.... PINUP HEAD
PUNCH TO MM!!!! (but i'm still on it)

xoxo soda shop sue

[Mark Anthony Lacy]

"No real pinup stuff on there"... Now I just have to chime in. LOL While it may not be as easy to find as it is here on PL, there are quite a few very talented pinup photographers on MM. It may be a small percentage of the overall number of photographers there but to say there aren't any just isn't the truth. Myself being one of them. And many of the photographers who shoot other styles are talented as well. Of course every site has some negative aspects but that's life. LOL

My advice to the newbie is be SMART and be SAFE. Then you can relax and make things easier for both you AND the camera jockey you're posing for. You'll get some good shots and be on your way to fame & fortune. LOL

Good Luck.

Auburn Hills said:

I don't like MM and just cancelled my profile. No real pinup stuff on there, just alot of nude/implied nude/ fetish, creepy vibe crap - for me anyway.
I agree - check references and always take someone with you. Good luck.

[calculationtheme__xo]

I have to say, I just made a profile and wow--SO many friend requests and comments and tags, oh my! And nobody seems to be too creepy =)

For now I'm willing to do stuff for free since I'm just building my portfolio, and it seems to be great at doing just that since I've already met three or four photographers in my area looking to work with me. It's just fun stuff for now... but hopefully I can get some more paid gigs from MM in the future. This profile is going to stay. Anyone else on MM feel free to add me!

http://www.modelmayhem.com/catalystxretort

[Kita St. Cyr]

Hey...

Soda Shop Sue said:

getting fed up with that fREAkiNG service!
i just sent a TFCD special to the local models in the area, trying to meet some models, that are accually from my area... somebody wrote back that they wouldt want to "take a step back" in there modeling career... F-THAT!!! how lame is that person! i hate MM, most of the models dont know a classy pinup if it hit them in the side of there head.... PINUP HEAD
PUNCH TO MM!!!! (but i'm still on it)

xoxo soda shop sue

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

I've found a lot of pinup work on there! You just have to know where to look!

Auburn Hills said:

I don't like MM and just cancelled my profile. No real pinup stuff on there, just alot of nude/implied nude/ fetish, creepy vibe crap - for me anyway.
I agree - check references and always take someone with you.
Good luck.

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

That's an example of someone who is in it for all the wrong reasons. She would rather get paid than make art. Sad.

Soda Shop Sue said:

getting fed up with that fREAkiNG service!
i just sent a TFCD special to the local models in the area, trying to meet some models, that are accually from my area... somebody wrote back that they wouldt want to "take a step back" in there modeling career... F-THAT!!! how lame is that person!

i hate MM, most of the models dont know a classy pinup if it hit them in the side of there head.... PINUP HEAD
PUNCH TO MM!!!! (but i'm still on it)

xoxo soda shop sue