Models - How to snag 'em?

[Darkhorse]

My primary model is my fiance, I've posted several photos of her in the galleries and in threads. However, as much as I love her, she's not always in the mood to be photographed and would like to be left alone to work on her calculus.

I would love to have more practice shooting people to hone my photography skills. But how to do it? There's a group here in Orange County that gathers young budding models and any photographer that wants to come for $25 every so often. Problem is that these models can be a little too young if you know what I mean, and the number of photographers there is alarming. 1 on 1 work with the model is difficult.

There's also groups on meetup.com that meet locally but these shoots cost $100-200 a pop. Lots of T&A at these shoots though, it would be tough to keep it classy. But having said that I would like to do one of these shoots one day.

Which brings me to what I'd like, ideally. What would be a good way to find an aspiring model? A model I could work with one on one to hone both our skills? Would craigslist be OK to solicit this type of arrangement? Or would it simply be best to bite the bullet and dish out the cash? Maybe even take a course? There's a photography school near here but I work full time.

What can you suggest for me?

 

[Al Kaplan]

Offer to trade photos for modelling time. A lot of people wanting to get into acting, modeling, dance, music, etc. need photos for THEIR portfolios. Try putting a notice on the buletin board at your local Starbucks or similar place. Just walk up to people, hand them a card, and tell them that you'd like to photograph them.

 

[david.elliott]

Arts department at your local university.

 

[capitalK]

Just ask people. All they can do is say no.

 

[Gumby]

My primary model is my fiance, I've posted several photos of her in the galleries and in threads. However, as much as I love her, she's not always in the mood to be photographed and would like to be left alone to work on her calculus.

(snip)

What can you suggest for me?

It will get worse after you are married, especially if you have children soon. This applies to more than just photography/modeling -- she won't be in the mood for lots and lots of other things as time becomes scarce.

I have no suggestion, though. I tried shooting with a friend, then tried shooting a friend but both became awkward. Now I shoot architecture.

 

[Darkhorse]

Thanks for the prognostication.

We're holding off on the kids for a while yet at least.

 

[Nate Butler]

Have you checked out Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com)? I haven't joined, but it seems like their requirements for photographers aren't too hard to meet.

 

[SuitePhoto]

Another good source is Facebook/Twitter. Put the call out - ask people to forward it to friends who might be interested. That technique has worked very well for a friend.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Maybe if you approached it to the "Models - where can I meet potential models?" perspective rather than the "Models - how to snag 'em?" viewpoint? It just might change your success/failure figures.

 

[Darkhorse]

Good thing I didn't use my original thread title of "Where can I find some broads to shoot?"

I've gotten a couple of suggestions for modelmayhem. I'll check it out.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

+1 on Frank Petronio. He is a hero. You gotta have a very tolerant wife for that, though.

 

[Chris101]

I snag 'em at school. If I am doing a project that needs models I describe the project, and the model requirements, in a 1 paragraph notice and put it on a kiosk near the art department. I usually work at the studio at school, so they don't think anything creepy is up.

 

[newspaperguy]

Dance students, too... especially 'modern dance' (do they still call it that?)

Athletic with great posing skills... and usually attractive. More than you can say for many art students (Hey, I was one.)

 

[35mmdelux]

I photographed some gals from work. They really liked the images. Next thing I know Im getting lots of phone calls from other gals. It took effort to finally tell them I didnt do those shoots anymore.

 

[ijohnnyz]

+1 for modelmayhem. My friend is a model on there. She's done a lot of free trade for portfolio ("TFP") shooting.

 

[Darkhorse]

Thanks, johnny. You're in OC too? Did you see my fiance on meetup.com? Someone on here recognized one of my photos of her.

 

[ijohnnyz]

Yeah that's me. We're both in the "young fun and nerdy" meetup. 🙄

 

[Darkhorse]

What's your friend's modelmayhem page?

 

[ijohnnyz]

http://www.modelmayhem.com/1090128

Her name is Elizabeth Maureen. Have fun. I tried some fashion shots with my ex-girlfriend but I realized I have no knowledge of how to control lighting. I can observe it and capture it on the street, but I can't manipulate it. There's a studio lighting class I've been wanting to take at the Irvine community center and they have darkrooms too.

 

[umboody]

Another vote for ModelMayhem. You'd be surprised how helpful, friendly and local people are on there. Sign up, upload a few photos and you'll be on your way to meeting new models in no time!