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| The Greater Hamilton Area Photography Project Group – GHAPPG The GHAPPG is a group made up of not only photographers but makeup artists, models, and various other artists. Working together to help one another and create group projects that help promote all that are involved. There are no fees to pay and no obligation to join, just bring your ideas and skills to the table and see what can happen… If you live in the greater Hamilton area and are interested in being a part of the Greater Hamilton Area Photography Project Group, let us know. Contact Thomas at: tdhimaging@yahoo.com |
| PHOTOGRAPHERS – MODELS – MAKEUP ARTISTS - ARTISTS |
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| All images copyright TDH Imaging.
2002 - 2004 All rights reserved. |
| Hamilton ON |
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| Our tips for models
Here are some observations we have made from our experience and talking with other photographers, models, and artists. Develop your portfolio Have a good mix of the styles you plan to work in; a good way to achieve this is to work with different photographers. Photographers will see the same model in different ways, so while one photographer may see cute “girl-next-door” another may see your “strong independent” side. If you have several different “looks”, make sure your portfolio shows all of them, you never know which look a potential buyers may be looking for. Chances are you won't get paid shoots with just a headshot taken on your webcam. Be selective of the images you put in your portfolio Be selective; don't just throw every photo you have into your portfolio. Pick the ones that focus on your good features the best overall images, only put the highest-quality photographs in your portfolio. Even if you feel that you look good in a photo, if it's not put together well it can bring the overall feel of the image down. Make sure that the images are clean and crisp, and that they are cropped properly. This may also help you to select the photographers you decide to work with. If you are looking something more innovative and creative to diversify your portfolio you’re in the right place. There are several talented photographers in the area that shoot a more traditional style than I do. If you're looking to get more traditional work, I hate to admit it but you're probably better off some of them. Don't be afraid of TFP Many models go through one or two time-for-print (TFP) shoots, where the model and photographer both work for free and then feel they're ready for the big time and only want to work for paying shoots. It normally doesn't work this way… the images TFP shoots create will benefit both the photographer and models portfolios. Some models getting paid for their work are those that have experience; taking direction, have a look that works for the product, and have established they can produce the quality looking images time after time. If you have a portfolio you shouldn’t put “pay only” for “Work offers considered”. Put down “depends” and then turn down any TFP offers on an individual basis. Think about this… what if a great photographer were staying in your area and just felt like doing an on-location TFP shoot? It happens, if you have a chance to work with a good photographer and add some new images to your portfolio don’t risk missing the opportunity. Don't pay for a portfolio shoot if you can get it for free This goes back to the point about TFP, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again “don’t pay for what you can get for free”. I have come across many sites for a very average photographers charging insane amounts of money for there work. It doesn't really bother me that there are photographers producing crappy work – everyone has to start somewhere and learn… but you should not be charging models for poor work. It is up to you the model, especially if you are paying, to choose a photographer that you like the work they produce, you are the customer. Myself I like to work with the model to create a piece or project that we both are looking for. Here's a little secret that some photographers would rather you not know: with an abundance of talented photographers trying to build their own portfolios, you don't have to pay anyone to get started in modeling. This secret relies on three things, 1. You have a look that a photographer thinks he can use to help their portfolio and 2. You're only looking for digital files for an on-line portfolio. Some TFP photographers will give you a few prints for free, or charge you very little for them. 3. You will be sharing the rights to the images. Choose your photographers Check references of any photographer you're going to work with, particularly if you are considering doing any type of nude/semi-nude work. It’s simple, if a photographer can't provide any references, don't work with them! They should be able to provide at least two contacts of models they've worked with for you. If a photographer approaches you about work and has links to other models on their portfolio, don't hesitate to contact any models they have listed. You can find out generally how they work and if the models were comfortable working with them and satisfied with the final results. So you have set up a photo shoot, now what? Here are a few of the things that I usually prefer form the models I work with. Other photographers may vary, but never be afraid to ask them any questions, how they'd like you to arrive, prepare, etc. Arrive on time and ready - Don't show up late, as many photographers use their spare, non-paid time for TFP shoots. - Show up with your hair washed and brushed and only the bare minimum of makeup on. You will likely need to touch up your makeup and brush your hair several times throughout a shoot. Please leave your hair down before a shoot, it’s much easier start that way and change it if need be. Don't wear tight undergarments - This applies mostly for nude work but also many poses can show a lot of skin. If posing nude or topless, don't wear a tight bra or any bra at all. You don’t want the lines your bra will leave to show up on film and they take too long to smooth out. Bring your ideas - Don't hesitate to bring up any ideas you may have for or during the shoot. But be careful in sharing all your ideas before any shoot, and make sure that you’re not bossing the photographer around, either. On the other hand, if the photographer wants or asks you to do something you're not comfortable with, make sure to say so. State your limits known beforehand - If you are not willing to do see-through lingerie or implied nudity for example, let the photographer know beforehand. Most photographers can and are willing to work with the limitations of the model but they need to know beforehand to start planning out the ideas for the shoot. Should you bring a chaperone? - Yes and no. If it's your first time working or meeting with a photographer, and you haven't met them before, then YES. Usually it should be fine to bring a friend along. Let the photographer know beforehand that you are bringing someone along. The choice of who can be tricky however. Do you want to bring your significant other to a nude photo shoot? It depends but in most cases the models choose not to. It's OK to bring a male or female friend, but a in the case of a significant other peering over a photographer's shoulder can be a little unnerving. More importantly, it most likely will make you a little uncomfortable, and usually shows up in the shoot. In other words if you bring someone along to a shoot, make sure that you will be comfortable with them being there - whether it's in the studio or in the next room. If you're under 18, my opinion is that you absolutely should bring someone with you. You will be required to show I.D. and will require a signature from a parent or guardian before the shoot. It will not only make it safer for the model, but it protects the photographer from possible legal issues |