Everything But Water National Ad

Choosing the Right Photographer For Your Modeling Portfolio is not an
easy task.  The first thing one must identify is results.  There are
many people claiming to be professional photographer today.  With the
accessibility of digital cameras and $100 websites it is easy for models
to get lost in a world of mediocre people claiming to be professional
photographers only to find themselves with bad images and hundreds of
dollars gone from their pockets.  The first thing I would tell you to do
is check their work out.  Does it look like the work you want to get. 
Does it look like the pages in a magazine or does it look like something
your mother could have shot.  Do the models in their portfolios look
like professional models or like a kid they shot from a mall.  Is the
lighting flat or harsh or does it exude the qualities of the top
photographers whose work is showcased each month in magazines and
advertisements.  Has any of the prospective photographers work been
published and where.  Published works are called “tearsheets” and are
very important indicators of true professionalism.  They show a concept
was agreed upon, conceived, and completed in an exceptional way. 
Finally chosen for publication.  How long they have been shooting has
some to bear but I have seen photographers who have been working for 20+
years whose work is no better than someone who picked up a camera 2
weeks ago. 

Your common sense usually can tell you all you need to know when
looking for a photographer but beware, there are many more salesmen out
there than talented photographers.  Many of which should be selling used
cars since they could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman wearing white
gloves in August.  Look at the work and that should tell you volumes. 
Also look at the quality of their website as this is generally the most
important showcase they have for their work.  A Model Mayhem post or One
Model Place does not count.  Having those isn’t bad but need to point
you to their “real” website.  If they only have a Model Mayhem or OMP
site BEWARE!!! Most of the talented photographers I know really aren’t
salespeople.  They are artists and love and are passionate about what
they do and take tremendous pride in making beautiful images.  They also
know the elements that must be present to create beautiful images
consistently.

Have they worked with top model agencies and if so which ones. Top
model agencies include IMG, Next, Elite,Mega,Ford, Wilhelmina, Women,MC2
ect.  Look at the work! You should be able to tell of they are shooting
top talent.  How is the styling?; how is the hair and makeup?  Did the
model do their own or was it done professionally.  That is another big
clue for you who are looking for great results from a photo shoot.   Top
hair and makeup artists will rarely work with inexperienced
photographers since they won’t receive anything for their work.  Top
stylists generally want to work with great photographers and talent so
they can upgrade their books with new images of their makeup and hair
styles on beautiful people.

Don’t fall into the trap of free photographs or TFP(Test for Prints)
or TFCD(Test for CD of the images)  These photographers are starting out
and unless you are willing to waste much of your time for the hope of a
few “maybe” images you should pass.  This really is a place where you
get what you pay for.  I do photograph some models for free but I am
generally trying out a new concept or new piece of equipment or maybe
just trying out a model before I use them on a big job.  Low prices can
mean much of the same as a free photographer.  Photographers, in
general, know what they are worth in the marketplace.  Most of the best
photographers will charge by the “Look” which means per outfit.  I
charge between $450 and $550 per three look test.  The price variance is
based on location.  I ALWAYS use professional hair and makeup artists
and they will charge $150 plus depending on their skill level.

Ask
other models of their dealings as well.  Was the photographer polite,
on-time, prepared?  Did he problem solve easily?  Did he give you what
he promised?  Ask them about the effectiveness of their images with this
photographer they recently shot with.  Any new jobs since the new
photos?  Any new client interest?  Has anyone in the fashion business
made mention of them(wow those are really beautiful ect)? It is very
important to have a barometer on how the new images have helped or hurt
your book.  Does the agency like them and put them in your book?  I have
had the pleasure of shooting  models from every top agency in the world
and am proud to say that my images have been used to promote them
successfully.

Caroline in American Apparel Silver Swimsuit

Be careful out there!!! With all the kids running around with cameras
they bought off Ebay of got as a gift from their parents, it is hard to
separate the real from the pretenders.  Hope I gave you some ways to do
so.  Feel free to call me directly for a quote or any questions you may
have.  My cellular number is (954)529-1390

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