Finding Photographers... Model Mayhem?

[Seatan]

Okay, I am definitely no model--I ain't that pretty--but I am wanting to get some decent photos of myself when I get my FinFolk tail so I can put them on the website that I am going to make for when I start doing pro work. I also have some realistic iridescent fairy wings that I want to get pictures of myself in (because I am also going to offer being a fairy at kid parties). So, obviously, I need some good photos. What I don't want is to pay $800 for a photo shoot. Do you think that if I started messaging photographers in my area on Model Mayhem and offering to do shoots in exchange for the right to use the photos for self promotion, someone would take me up on it? I mean, they will have the advantage of taking fantasy pictures with some VERY realistic props... Do photographers even do that? Ugh, I know nothing about modeling/photography, any of that. Any other suggestions for getting pictures taken without paying big bucks? And no, I don't have any friends who are even amateur photographers. :(

[Anahita]

It's been my experience that SOME photographers will do it. It's more a matter of finding the right one.

However, keep in mind they are paying their bills with that money, so try not to get too disappointed if they turn you down or even get snippy about the fact that you asked for an exchange instead of pay. (I've both been on the receiving end of this AND been one to get snippy as well. Though usually when I get snippy it's more because someone asked me to perform for free because it was "good publicity" rather than an actual exchange of talents.)

Also, if MM fails you, you can try finding local costuming groups, because sometimes they know local photographers who will do professional shoots with you for in the $100 range, which, if you don't need prints, is always a good investment (my issue has consistently been getting prints from photographers, because so few of them print anymore, they just want to charge the money and send you back with a CD or flashdrive and leave you to foot the printing bill)

[Capt Nemo]

I will do trade work, but I don't do prints. Stills and video on DVD's.

[Ondine]

I suggest emailing a local college which offers a photography course to ask whether any of their students will be interested. Obviously it might be a bit hit-and-miss but many students are really talented and much more likely to work for free :)

[junelong]

Model Mayhem also have a casting call facility where you post the casting and it allows creatives to contact you if interested- you should specify that the terms are "tf" which means you are trading your modelling skills for that of the photographer and possibly make up artist. Thios would be a good addition to you contacting local photographers- MM is good for vetting creatives as well - as you can see by their port what their skill level is . xx

[PearlieMae]

I wrote a post from my phone, but I see it never showed up. Stupid phone!

You can look for local photographers on flickr.com, craigslist.org, and like Ondine said, contact colleges' photography/media departments! All these folks would jump at the chance to shoot something as unique as a mermaid and a fairie! And willing to trade photos for the right to add to their portfolios.

Just make sure you provide a model release that stipulates that your image can't be sold or used commercially other than to promote their photography (portfolio use only)...no sales to stock photo houses or ad agencies, etc. I'd hate to think a really good shot of you goes on something like Getty or istock and goes viral and you get no compensation for it!

[Seatan]

Thanks for the good advice, guys! Once I get my tail from FinFolk, I will definitely be on the look out! I have a major university right near where I live, so that would definitely be a good way for me to go!

[Fifi Tigg]

I would so do it for you! If I had a plane ticket! :)

[shimmygoddess]

Look into if their are local photography groups/modeling groups in your area on FB. We have several in our area and there are always photographers looking for models. Just be careful with what you find on Craigslist and look them up to make sure they are legit. There are alot of wannabes on there. You wouldn't want to go through all that work and then the photos are nothing more than snapshots. Good luck!!

[Seatan]

Yeah, I already know to be careful. A guy I worked with in a Highschool was a photographer, but he wanted me to shoot in panties, too, saying that all models do. I informed him that I had never wanted to be a model and that I would never do a shoot like that as I am a teacher and it could absolutely come back to bite me in the ass. He continued to nag me, texting sexual things and akways bugging me about taking photos. Eventually I reported him for sexual harassment... And nothing happened. He still works with teenaged girls, and HUGS them. :(

[AniaR]

I've always had great luck by contacting the local college that teaches photography, the local art college, and using online ads like kijiji. I've also found local photographers who have become close friends on deviantart.com

[shimmygoddess]

how creepy! I had an artist contact me once years ago wanting me to pose nude for a sculpture. LOL. He was odd and went on and on about how the scene would be, but he lost me after I would drop my robe and descend onto some revolving table that would photograph me at all angles. LOL



Yeah, I already know to be careful. A guy I worked with in a Highschool was a photographer, but he wanted me to shoot in panties, too, saying that all models do. I informed him that I had never wanted to be a model and that I would never do a shoot like that as I am a teacher and it could absolutely come back to bite me in the ass. He continued to nag me, texting sexual things and akways bugging me about taking photos. Eventually I reported him for sexual harassment... And nothing happened. He still works with teenaged girls, and HUGS them. :(

[Meilyn]

Model Mayhem will always work for free shoots IF you're able to contact someone with a good approach? I don't know how else to explain it, but people DO love compliments. If you truly appreciate someone's work, say it in a private message or so. And when you contact them, put in something like:

Hi there! My name is (shiver me timbers) and I really love your style of photography. I'm fairly new to all of this and I was wondering if you would be willing to do any TF* (pictures via email/online) with me and my new mermaid tail. Here's the concept I'm hoping for: (elaborate what picture you have in mind) and my usual schedule is that I'm free x-days at x-times or x-days altogether. Please let me know if you'd be interested in working with me as I'm interested in working with you! I hope to hear back from you soon and have a wonderful day!

The most popular way of getting pictures is by taking them online from a password protected website of the photographers or through email. You don't want 100 photos, just 4-7 at most. Most people usually will reply back, some won't, but depending on how you approach them and if you've had any other contact with them i.e. commenting on certain pictures you really like or posting a tag on their wall, you'll usually get a reply back :) You can also contact make up artists the same way and get your make up done for free sometimes as well. It all depends on the person. If you can get them to all collaborate with you the same day and time, even better.

I hope this helps!
-Professional agency represented model that started from Model Mayhem.