I recently followed a discussion in Model Mayhem launched by a
“freelance photographer” who needed assistance with shooting a model
portfolio for an aspiring model he had met recently. The supportive and
caring response to the question was thoughtful and complete to the
extreme. It really was a tribute to the professionals that are part of
this group that shared without reservation even though I sensed a
unspoken consensus of incredulity that a “photographer” would be
unfamiliar with posing and lighting techniques.
Ron Jon Surf Shop Billboards by Matt Dunn
In the end, I suppose anyone who has ever taken a picture is a
photographer and if you can get someone to pay you then you are a pro.
Likewise, I know of no pro who didn’t launch their career doubtful of
their readiness or worried that they would be revealed as a charlatan
soon after taking their first polaroids (sorry for the reference but many
of us started before the advent of digital and LCD screens).
I want to make it clear at the outset that my intention is not to
demean anyone who considers himself or herself a photographer. I have
had many assistants who taught me and have been willing to share
techniques I may have never found in any other way.
Caroline in American Apparel Silver Swimsuit
That being said
I would really like to know how it feels to the pros out there who
see aspiring photographers present and market themselves as
“photographers” not to mention “professionals” when by any reasonable
measure such a claim is at best a benign stretch of their own
imagination,(of course, I don’t mean to include Ashton Kutcher in this
set of “photographers”).
I can hit some tennis balls on the tennis court and look like I know
what Im doing but I wouldn’t call myself a professional . So why is the
word “photographer” bandied about so easily by so many with little more
than a Coolpix and a website?
Am I just having a bad day or is this ever a minor irritation to anyone else too?
Fashion Photographer, professional photographer Fashion,lingerie, catalog,Fashion
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Ron Jon, American Eagle,
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
Fashion Photographer, modeling portfolio, photographer, Fashion,lingerie, catalog,Fashion
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Ron Jon, American Eagle,
Miami Agency Models Stop Wasting Time! That is the most important
asset you have and it is your youth. Time is your enemy in this
business and therefore you cannot afford to act as if you have all of
the time in the world. You don’t! There is a shelf life on you and you
will get to a point where you cannot model anymore. So doesn’t it make
sense to fast track your self buy getting the best photos done by the
best photographers available to get you book in the best shape
immediately?
Too many girls and guys come to me wanting me to shoot them after
spending a year or two on free photographers only to continually be let
down when your agency doesn’t like what was produced. Another day
wasted shooting and this affects not only the look of your book but also
your self esteem. When you continue to shoot pointless and bad images
with those free photographers who prowl around sites like One Model
Place and Model Mayhem , you start to question your involvement in the
industry and ask yourself questions like “can I really model” or “maybe I
am just fooling myself. I see it all the time! I also see the look on
their faces when I shoot them and see how “stunned” they appear when I
am shooting beautiful and sexy images of them. They tell me often “I
really cant believe that is me”! That is because they are so
psychologically beat down after wasting all of that time that I must
spend time building them back up.
Kelsey Kloster from Michele Pommier Models Miami Beach
To me this is probably the best thing about digital imagery. The
model can receive immediate feedback and see the results thus bolstering
their self-esteem. I noticed this when I started working digitally out
in 2001 in Los Angeles and the celebrities knew about LCD viewing
before I really did. I would shoot an image and they would say “let me
see that”. Digital cameras have flooded the market and with many newbies
picking up a camera for the first time it may be difficult to tell if
you are talking to a photographer or a salesman. The work ALWAYS tells
the story. Look at their work and style. Can you see yourself in their
images? If so ask pertinent questions such as agencies they have
worked with, published work, website?, and references either from other
models or agents and also parents. I have no problem giving references
and anyone else who is legitimate shouldn’t either. Do your homework or
you will get burned. Remember in this digital age, There are many who will call themselves “photographer” but all they really are is a salesman.
Kelsey Kloster from Michele Pommier Models Miami Beach
The really good photographers charge you because they know their
results are proven. They are not experimenting like the “free
photographer” or really cheap one who is just hoping the shot will turn
out. A really good photographer has tried and true ways of working, has
a team of hair and makeup artists, has his locations he has used many
times with outstanding results, and has his lighting down pat. You are
in good hands with them whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting
out. They know what poses look best and light that looks best on face
shapes and garments you are shooting.
Mega Model Miami Caroline 2014
This is why the very best models always have the best photos. They
leave the freebies behind and know they get what they pay for.
Therefore, also, they will sequentially get the best jobs and get paid
more money. And the most important thing they are gaining is time,
longer time making a higher rate in the modeling business.
