Portfolios - Getting started

Kirk · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 10:07 AM

I would like to begin towards an actual working portfolio & regular shoots. I know that getting friends and such to model for you is the easiest way to go, but most of the people I know are camera shy. Really, really camera shy.

I was interested in getting some feed back on sites such as modelmayhem, musecube and the like. Does anybody have accounts with sites like those and do you find them to be a useful tool or waste of time? Do you find that most of your work comes through word of mouth?

How do you get things rolling?

Thanks

A.C. Gellert · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk

I would like to begin towards an actual working portfolio & regular shoots. I know that getting friends and such to model for you is the easiest way to go, but most of the people I know are camera shy. Really, really camera shy.

I was interested in getting some feed back on sites such as modelmayhem, musecube and the like. Does anybody have accounts with sites like those and do you find them to be a useful tool or waste of time? Do you find that most of your work comes through word of mouth?

How do you get things rolling?

Thanks

I have been on Model Mayhem for about 3 years, as far as Internet sites.. I get more from there than I do my own site. I get some from MySpace, but most of the women I shoot are "Mature" (over 40), and I find them locally, rather than from "Online".

RSStory · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 06:26 AM

Model Mayhem is a good site for that. Musecube in my area isnt worth alot to me. OMP is ok. The big thing to remember is that there is a very high flake factor when dealing with internet models.

r_fredrick_smith · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 08:40 AM

Model Mayhem has always worked for me.

But here is a trick to avoid disappointment. Setup a pre-shoot meeting with the model at a local Starbucks or Barnes and Noble for coffee, etc. There you can discuss your project and show your release. You can also make sure the model is suitable (sometimes the profile and photos of the model don't match - perhaps she's gained 25 lbs, etc). If both are still interested, you schedule your shoot time and place. You make sure the model knows that you will be out considerable expense to set up the shoot. Make sure she understands the commitment she is making. I've never had a no show when I follow these guidelines. Also always get a cell phone # and provide your own. On the spot (at the pre-shoot meeting) call her number so you'll both have the nuimbers in your cell phones.

Note: if the model no-shows the pre-shoot meeting, then all your out is a little time, and you got a good cup of coffee or read a good book while being stoodup. And now you know you can't trust the model. Obviously we assume a flake type of excuse for the no show. Car wrecks, getting lost, etc, are acceptable.

By the way, the old adage of shooting friends, is overrated and dangerous. You can end up losing a friend -- especially if nude, or even implied are involved. They may feel intimidated to pose the way you want, but not really wanting to and this can spoil a friendship or strain it. Its better to work with a stranger. But if you do work with a friend, do it with the understanding that the photos are totally private and no release will be signed as the photos are just a learning exercise for you.
Cheers,
rfs

Kirk · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the feed back guys. Almost forgot about the release paper! Must be loosing my mind to spring fever. I'm really getting excite about getting the ball rolling. I'm sure that I'll have to make myself a check list of some sorts.

PhotosbyChuck · #6 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 10:37 PM

A very real option for getting a portfolio started if you don't have a personal objection to how the model will be using your work, is to contact women who need glamour portraits for their own use. Escorts and other service providers are some of the nicest people to work with and shoot in my experience. I know -- some people are for reasons of their own, aghast at the idea of taking glamor shots of a working girl -- but if you, like me separate photography from moral judgment of others, it may be an option for you.

clarionite · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotosbyChuck

some people are for reasons of their own, aghast at the idea of taking glamor shots of a working girl -- but if you, like me separate photography from moral judgment of others, it may be an option for you.

I've thought about that lately. But not living in Nevada where it's legal, my luck is that I'd get caught up in some Police sting and arrested and trying to explain to a judge that all I wanted to do was take some photos for a portfolio. <G>

I don't think I've ever actually seen a working girl, that I could actually knew was a working girl. I saw some in Vegas that I was pretty sure of, but in Vegas it's hard to tell sometimes.

Jim Peters · #8 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 12:48 PM

In My Earlier Days Of Starting A Portfolio I Approached Agencys That Placed Dancers In Strip Clubs.And Some Of The Dancers On A One On One Basis.
These People Are In A leget Profession,They Make A Lot of Money,And Love to Have Pictures Taken.They Also Will Refer You.
JP

clarionite · #9 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Peters

In My Earlier Days Of Starting A Portfolio I Approached Agencys That Placed Dancers In Strip Clubs.And Some Of The Dancers On A One On One Basis.
These People Are In A leget Profession,They Make A Lot of Money,And Love to Have Pictures Taken.They Also Will Refer You.
JP

Now that's a great Idea. Not only will they refer you, I believe there is a circuit that the girls travel for some of these clubs so that there is a rotating stream of clients for the shots too.

I'll run this idea past the financial boss and moral decider in our household and see what she thinks (IE. will she give permission. <G>)

Jim Peters · #10 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 07:52 PM

To Soften The Approach,Take Her With You! It will Over Come Any Trust Issues On Either Side.
My Wife Is A Former JC Pennys Catalog Model.She Has Served As A Judge At Most Of The Local HAWAIIAN TROPIC MODEL SEARCH Competitions Here in The Pittsburgh Area.At Age 60 The Models Just love Her.She Is still a perfect Size 4.
Another Thing That I Did Was To Go To Night Clubs That Had Bikini Contests And offered My Services As A Prize To The Top 3 winners.
In Marketing We Call This A Third Party Promotion! It's A Gift From The Club,But Provided By You.All That I Asked in Return Was That They Announced My Prize In Their Radio/TV Spots That Promoted The Bikini Contest!BINGO Free Advertising!During The Summer Is A Perfect Time For This.Lots Of College Girls!
I Should Charge for All This Info!LOL!
Jim P