I am an aspiring model and i would like to know the rates that professional photographers charge for me to build up a portfolio so i can start my career in modeling.
Posted on January 11, 2013.
I am an aspiring model and i would like to know the rates that professional photographers charge for me to build up a portfolio so i can start my career in modeling.
Each photographer is different, but a standard 2-3 look photo shoot should range from $150 to $300. Anything higher than that and you’re probably being taken advantage of.
Be sure you research the photographer’s reputation and also look at their book or portfolio online. A good photographer should have a website with samples of their work on that site (be cautious of any photographer that does not have a professional website with work samples and his/her contact information). When inquiring about scheduling a shoot, you’ll want to ask about the studio or location they use for shoots, does the price include a hair/makeup/stylist (these services are usually extra but I recommend at least a makeup artist, at a minimum), does the photographer use artificial lighting (good lighting is VERY important), does the shoot include any edited images, what’s the turnaround time to receive your images and can you bring an escort or friend to the shoot with you (which I recommend if not working with a well known photographer).
As an aspiring model, you will probably want to keep your first shoot very simple and basic. Try not to be too posy and don’t over style yourself with big hair, heavy makeup and crazy wardrobe. Try a nice skinny jean, a nice shirt and a good heel. Hair and makeup should be light, fresh and flawless – just keep everything very natural. Try to remember the type of agency or brand you are catering to. If you are hoping to get signed with an agency and ultimately do print work for clothing lines or even soft drink companies, embody that look in your shoot. Imagine what that type of model would look like in those ads. I’m not sure what type of modeling your trying to get into, but you probably want to stay away from anything too sexy or racy. Agencies do not want photos of you half naked or in compromising positions. These are the photos they use to market you and they cannot send these type of photos to cosmetic companies, designers, advertising agencies, etc. Simple photos (in clothes) that show the real, natural you will be better received by the modeling world. And despite what you may see on Facebook and Twitter, photos of scantily clad girls is NOT real modeling. Most of those girls are doing it for show and are just as clueless about what real modeling is. There is no real work or money in showing skin, unless you’re a Victoria’s Secret model (and how many models will make it to that level?). So just keep that in mind!
There are photogs out there that offer what’s called Time for Print or Time for CD (TFP/TFCD), which means they will basically trade you a free photo shoot for your time. Sounds like a great deal, right??? Not so fast. Most photogs that offer TFP are new or apprentice photographers that don’t have much experience themselves. They are trying to build their portfolio as well and a lot of times the quality of their photos will be very amateur. Rarely do good photographers offer TFP because they don’t have to. They are past the amateur phase and are usually too busy with paid work to shoot for free. If a good photographer is shooting a model on a TFP basis, it is usually a more experienced model that the photographer has chosen specifically. The general rule of thumb is if the photographer asks to shoot you FIRST, then you can usually inquire about whether it can be on a TFP basis. However if you inquire with them FIRST, expect to have to pay. New models should never just go around asking for TFP because it is a bit insulting. Besides, so many new models are looking for TFP with bad photographers and end up with crappy photos because both of you are inexperienced. Aspiring models should really invest in a good photographer that can give them a bit of direction and can deliver a great set of starter photos. Good photos will mean the difference in you getting a job and not. If you truly have what it takes to be a good model, you should be able to earn the money you invest in your photos back in no time.
Also, be very careful on sites like ModelMayhem and OneModelPlace. This is a breeding ground for scam artists, phony photographers and perverts. I suppose it can be a good place to network, but it can also be a place where new models without much knowledge can be taken advantage of. My suggestion is to get signed with a legitimate model management agency. Agencies not only get you booked for paid work, but they also know the reputable photographers in your area and can help with developing things like your portfolio. Good luck!
Couple of things you can do.
1- Hire a photographer
This can go anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars and up.
2- Look for a photographer also looking to expand his/her portfolio and sdo a TFP (Time for Prints) shoot.
TFP is when you both need images and agree to exchange services. You get images for your portfolio as does the photographer. The problem with these is that you’ll usually get a photographer who has little experience (if he did have alot of experience then he wouldn;t need your iamges for his port). Or you might be lucky and find a photographre who has a concept he wants to shoot.
A good place o find photographers willing to do TfP is Model Mayhem but be carefull … excercise caution when meeting a photographer and read any agreements tey make you sign carefully.
Offer to work TF – this means ‘time for’, either TFP (time for prints) or more commonly these days TFCD (time for CD). Bascially, you offer to model for free, photographer shoots your for free – you both get images for your portfolio.
You can do this on Model Mayhem.
Alternatively, offer to model for a local camera/photography club if they are planning any portraiture tuition sessions on the same basis (ie you get shots out of it.
Make sure that you are clear about what rights you have over the images you are given, as the copyright will belong to the photographer.
You can set up a profile on a site like Modelmayhem or Onemodelplace and look for local photographers willing to work TFP/TFCD so you don’t pay anything. Both you and the photographer are working for free in exchange for getting photos to use in your respective portfolios