Tips on Booking Photoshoots
photographer, G. Gregory Geiger.
Information and Suggestions for Models
First to begin with, when choosing to shoot with any photographer, make sure he or she has a good reputation and is known to practice good business. Contact other models who have worked with the photographer before. If the photographer has an on-line modeling page, see if the photos posted also list model credits. Contact that model, if there are no credits, ask the photographer for at least 3 references. Trust your instincts on who would be good to work with. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
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Some things you should ask a photographer before you agree to do a photo shoot:
What are your rates and what is included for that rate? Get this in writing, save and print any e-mails.
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How many looks does it include? Who supplies props?
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Will the shoot be digital or on film or both? Film is rare, but there are a few still using film cameras.
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How many photos do I get to see?
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Do I get a CD of photos or do I get see the photos from film? When can I expect to receive them?
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Do I get any prints and/or enlargements? What are your charges for these?
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Does this fee include a makeup artist, hair stylist and/or wardrobe stylist?
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Will this include any photo-retouching? What is your retouching charge? Will you retouch to my requirements?
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Does the price include having reproduction rights of the picture? Can I have your images re-edited by another graphics person?
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Will the shoot be in color or black & white or both? Will you convert to B&W the photos I request?
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Will the looks include shots in studio or out on location?
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What type of lighting equipment will be used?
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What does the photographer plan to use the photos for: studio portfolio, website only, mailing marketing, ads, stock-photography sales, etc.
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Do you have a portfolio or website that I can view your work?
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May I see a copy of your Modeling Release?
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Do you have a concepts or ideas page for our shoot? When you do decide which photographer to use for your portfolio, be sure to get all the details that you agree upon in writing so that there will not be discrepancies in the future. Make this an attachment to the Photo/Modeling Release.
Find A Photographer
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Ask other models about photographers they recommend.
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Search on sites like: istudio - onemodelplace -ModelMayhem - modelplace - imodel.com - modelsmania - freelancemodels - allmodelzone - supermodels - musecube - ujena for photographers in your area.
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Words of advice as you start out:
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ALWAYS check references when you work with a new photographer. ALWAYS .. No exceptions!! Contact Gregory if you have questions on references.
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Trust your instinct! If you don’t think the photographer is reputable don’t deal with that person!
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Get a copy of the photographer’s Modeling Release. In this day of the Internet, any good photographer will be able to send his copy to you via e-mail. Get it early read, ask questions on parts you don’t understand; ask to change the parts that you don’t like.
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Have a list of your “Policies”; will you pose topless-covered, exposed; in a tiny thong; in see-through clothing, etc. You can review the pages of other models to draft your starting list, as you grow and become more comfortable with modeling, this Policies page will change.
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Draft you own Model Release. Make several copies and bring them with you on shoots. In the event the photographer “forgets” theirs, use yours. In TFP shoots, get “joint-copyright” rights.
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Have someone acompany when you go to work with a photographer new to you. If you can’t bring a friend, call someone when you arrive at the shooting location, check in at least once during the shoot and call when you are in your car and on your way home. Write down the address and contact information of the photographer and leave it with someone.
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Don’t accept “last minute changes” in the shooting location, unless it is weather related. I’ve heard stories about the photographer telling the model the address only on the day of the shoot, the location turned out to be the basement of a friends’ house where the father wasn’t to know they were there!
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Always use your own make-up and brushes. Professional make-up artists keep their make-up and brushes clean, but the make-up at a photo studio, you don’t know who used it before you!
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Always have a nude thong with you, wear it under any outfits as you feel the need. To conceal your breasts, cut out a layer or two from an old pair of pantyhose, use double-stick tape to hold in place. Then you are free to pose as “topless” as you dare! Or get a pair of nude colored pasties.
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Once you agree to any assignment (paid or TFP), print out the important details (e-mail, Releases, attachments, etc.) confirm the street address, ask for directions and parking suggestions, (double check with MapQuest or Yahoo Maps). You won’t believe the number of photographers that are dyslexic!
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Upon arrival leave your bags in the car. This will allow you a quick exit after you ask to look at the photography location. This allows you to leave quickly if you don’t fear safe. Ask to see the Modeling Releases, check the copy against your previously e-mailed copy, review meanings, confirm changes and agree to amendments or additions. If you are to be paid, confirm the payment details, that you are getting a check or cash at the end of the shoot.”