Modeling Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in modeling, I recommend
reading this whole section. It will give you some idea of who I am, what
you can expect of me as a photographer, and what will be expected from
you.
My goal is to help models build their portfolios. But not
everyone can afford the high fees associated with many photographers. That
is where I come in. I will help you get your portfolio started. If you
already have a portfolio, I will look at it and make suggestions on what
areas of modeling you might want to consider adding or upgrading in your
portfolio. I look at it this way: It is my job to make you look good to your potential
clients and your job to make me look good to my clients.
If you want to know what to expect during a modeling session, click
here to get a general overview.
Modeling can be demanding experience
even for professionals. I offer a very laid back, non-demanding style intended to put
the model at ease. There are three types of modeling sessions I offer:
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Model Paid - where the model pays me for the
photography session. No general model release is required, but the photos may
be added to both my hard copy and online portfolios. This is one way
to get a start in modeling.
-
Time For Prints/CD - The model signs a model release
that allows me to sell the photos and recoup my fee in that manner.
This is a solid way to build your portfolio for minimal cost or just
to try out modeling to see if it is for you. It can also lead to some
exposure of your talent and skill.
-
Client/Photographer Paid - If I have a client who
needs a model for a certain purpose, the model will be paid for
his/her services, whether by me or the client.
For model or client paid sessions, I generally will travel as far 2 hours driving time in any
direction from Hillsdale, Michigan. This includes Detroit, Lansing and
Grand Rapids Michigan, Fort Wayne Indiana, Toledo Ohio. I will consider
traveling farther if I feel that you are serious and have a lot of
potential. For non-paid/TFCD sessions, I will generally travel 30 miles
from Hillsdale, Michigan.
If you are interested in any of my photography services for
yourself or your business, you can call me at (517) 437-3079.
Alternatively, you can email me at pywrit@msn.com or
pywrit@pywrit.com. If you are inquiring about modeling, an email
with photo is preferred.
I'll use the email exchanges to keep a record of what we've discussed. Of
course, there is always to tried-and-true United States Postal Service. My
address is:
Jeffrey S. Timmons, Photographer
11 River Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
If you call, you will probably get a recorded answering
machine message as I am often not near the phone. Make sure you leave a
message with contact information so I can return your call. I will return your
message within 48 hours at the most.
What are you looking for in regard to models?
I am looking for models who are attractive, have flair and style,
and appear professional.
Models need to be of acceptable appearance. They should be neat and clean,
have a nice smile, have a solid fashion sense, and be comfortable in front
of the camera. A model should be able to express a range of styles,
emotions, and concepts. There is always a demand for beautiful women
willing to do swimsuit, lingerie and glamour modeling. I take this
seriously, you should too. When I arrive, I expect you to have your face
washed and make-up applied, your hair combed, and your teeth brushed. Your
outfits should be ready to be put on. If you want me to make you look
good, you will have to do your fair share as well. There is only so much I
can correct in post-processing.
Do I have to have modeling experience?
Not at all. If you are willing to pose, I am willing to shoot.
Just make sure you meet the basic guidelines set forth in the question
above.
When are you available?
I do my photography work on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Even
on the same day if the day and time are listed as available. You can check
my schedule by clicking here.
How do I apply for a modeling session?
First, I recommend you look over this site completely, especially
the rest of this page. There is a
lot of good information on what to expect and how to prepare. Second, send
me an email stating your willingness to model, why you want to
model for me and what your short and long term objectives are, and what
you are trying to achieve in the modeling session (IE: to start or add to
a portfolio or just to see if you have what it takes). It also helps me to
know what type of modeling session you are interested in doing (there is a
list lower on this page). You don't have to go
into details, just help me get a broad idea on who you are and where you
want to go with your modeling. Definitely attach a photo of yourself. It
does not have to be a great photo, but it helps me to know what materials I may be
working with. In most cases I will reply with some follow-up questions in
a few hours.
When and where are you available?
I do my photography work on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Even
on the same day you contact me if I have nothing scheduled. You can check
my schedule by clicking here. I am located
in Hillsdale, Michigan and generally do my shooting at a location of your
choice. How far I am willing to travel really depends on my gut feeling
towards you as a model. If you have no idea where to shoot outdoors,
there is a beautiful little park just outside Hillsdale that is great for
casual photo sessions. Click Here to
see some photos of the park.
How do I know which category I should choose or that
I am good for?
I've rewritten this section about three times now and what it
comes down to is that I will shoot just about any style. You choose your
clothes, make-up, hair and location and let me know.
-
Casual - I call this "jeans and a comfortable
shirt" modeling and can be shot just about anywhere. Nothing risqué
or daring. Pretty much anything you would wear while hanging out with
friends. Just put on a nice, casual ensemble and pose. This is an
excellent choice for starting your portfolio. This is a
very relaxed style that's about showing "the real you." As a
note here, wear something that "fits". Baggy pants and
shirts are not going to show your shape to any future potential
client. On the other hand, do not wear something so tight you
can't move about freely either.
-
Stock/Lifestyle - This is about doing everyday things.
Show me your hobbies, your favorite pastimes, what you do for fun and
work. Bring friends. This type of photography also works very well
with small groups of people of 2-6. Think of it as "General Interest" photography.
Click
here to see an example of female models in this area of stock photography.
(those are not my shots, but a general reference for you) As
you can see, there is no set style or formula required and the settings
and locations can be quite simple. You can even role play a part if you
want.
-
Fashion - If you are really into dressing up and
looking classy or cutting edge, this can be a good choice.
-
Swimwear and lingerie - Look great in a bikini or a
corset and garter? These can be good shots to add to your portfolio.
-
Glamour - This is all about the model. The model needs
to be good looking and have a good body. The key word in glamour
photography is "sexy". Glamour models tend to wear heavier
make-up and show a lot of
skin from bare belly and/or legs to complete nudity and are posed to
accentuate their best features. There is a wide range of standardized
poses in glamour photography.
-
Artistic - Art is about conveying
emotion to the viewer of the photograph. It is about studying the form
of the subject. It is about portraying it in a way that one would not
expect to normally find the subject. Art is about revealing our inner
fears and desires. Images can portray happiness, sadness, guilt,
loneliness, joy, excitement, lust or any of the other six deadly sins,
and even whimsy.
-
Artistic Nude - Less racy than glamour, allows for
more free expression by the model and photographer and the appearance
requirements are not quite so strict. It can be very provocative and
it can be very erotic.
What do I get out of a photography session and what
forms do I have to sign?
You get a CD with all usable photos
shot during the session with the best being retouched and post processed
to get the best results. If we are working on a TFCD agreement, you will need to sign a model release
and a "Trade For CD" agreement. The model release is standard form and basically says
that the photographer owns the copyright on the photos and may use them
however he wishes. My TFCD agreement is more favorable to the model than
most. While many TFCD agreements state the model can only use the photos
for personal use or use in a portfolio with no further compensation, my
TFCD agreement grants you 50% of
my gross income on any single photo sale of over
$350.
Here are links to PDF files of the forms I use: Model
Release/TFP Agreement | Model Release for
Minors/TFP Agreement | Property Release
There are people who will tell you signing a general model release
is a bad idea, that the model has no control over how the photos are used.
But a model release is a fact of the job. The magazine and advertising
industries could not exist without them. You see those people throughout
magazines? They've all signed a model release. If you want to see
yourself in print, you will have to sign a model release. If you are being
hired to model for a certain purpose, say for an advertisement for a
specific customer or corporation, the model release might specify exactly
how and what the photos will be used for. Think of it this
way: The photographer is going to make his fee and you can pay hundreds or
even thousands of dollars upfront (and the photographer may still require
a model release), or you can allow the photographer to
sell the photos and recoup his fee that way. It is an inexpensive way to
build your portfolio and gain experience. Not every photographer offers a
TFP agreement, but most do require some sort of model release.
One little note I would like to add here is to be careful
with the pictures taken during the shoot. There have been cases, though
relatively few and far between, where a model has taken her top off for
the photographer to get a "sexy" shot, for a boyfriend/husband
or some other personal use, with promises from the photographer that the
photo would not be sold, only to find that photo was later sold to and
printed in a men's magazine or posted on the web. So, after signing a
model release, make sure any photo you pose for is one you do not mind
people seeing.
Do you pay for traveling expenses?
If I am hiring you for a specific job, are required to be at a
specific location and and are more than an hour's drive away, I will
arrange payment for your traveling expenses. I do not pay traveling
expenses if you engage my services or for TFCD.
Why are you looking for new and inexperienced
models? Why not someone with more experience?
I like to meet people who are eager to succeed. They
have an energy and vitality that just exudes from themselves. You rarely
find anyone who has been in any profession for awhile that still has the
passion that got them into the business in the first place. There are
some, but they are few and far between.
How do I know you are not just a flake or psycho with
a camera?
The bitter truth is, you don't. But the reality is, if you take
the same precautions that you would if you were going out to meet someone
whom you met on the internet (which is probably the case here), you'll be safe
enough. Common scams to entice young men and women haven't changed much.
They will offer you the "chance" at instant fame and stardom. I
don't. You will have to work your butt off to get anywhere in any
profession, even modeling and photography. All I'm offering is one small
weapon to add to your arsenal. The bad guys will insist you meet them in a
motel room or some secluded place for a "test". Yeah, right. The
test is to see how fast they can get you out of your clothes and into the
bed. If a "photographer" or "talent scout/agent"
insists you come alone, be very wary. Personally, it doesn't bother me if
you bring someone along. If it is someone who has an interest or curiosity
about modeling too, even better. I might just be able to schedule a future
shoot with them. At the very least, make sure someone knows where you are
going, what you will be doing, and give them my contact information (you
will find it at the top of this page).
I am under 18 and want to try out modeling. Can I
model for you?
Yes, you can, but both the law and my own requirements are strict
for all individuals under 18 at the time of the shoot.
First - you must have a parent or guardian sign a model release intended for
minors. Second - a parent or guardian must be present during the shoot.
Third - no nudity nor anything sexually provocative or suggestive. You can
pose in a swimsuit, but not lingerie.
How long does a photography session last?
In general, I try to keep each session to about 2 hours of actual
shooting, but it really depends on the model and the session itself. In
fiction writing, editors tell the writers to make the story as long or as
short as it needs to be. Having done some writing in my past, I try to
approach each photography session the same.
How much input does a model get in the photography
session?
A lot. Unless I've told you I have an idea I want to use you for,
the model chooses their look, the shoot location, just
about everything. I gear my photography sessions toward promoting the model
and his/her goals. This means the model's ideas and thoughts are always
important. On occasion, however, something a model says or does during the
initial interview questions or even during the shoot will spark an idea for a
shot.
What is a model required to provide for the session?
The model is responsible for all facets of the modeling session:
Make-up, clothing, hairstyling, props and location. I may be able to help
you with a few things, but it is pretty much up to you. Locations don't
have to be all that tricky. For indoor sessions, a larger room with plenty
of light. Outdoors, a park with trees, benches and a playground or a
building with a large set of steps or some distinctive styling. If
shooting outdoors and there will be a change of clothing, make sure you
look for a place where you can change clothes privately.
Is nudity required?
Absolutely not. I try to find out what the model is working
towards and strive to help the model achieve those ends. As a matter of
fact, the only types of modeling that should even bring up the questions
of nudity are glamour and artistic modeling and, at least for me, nudity
and its degree is strictly up to the model. If you are uncomfortable
exposing your body, it will show in the photos. As a note, however, if
you are embarrassed to be seen in your bra and panties or even nothing at
all, modeling is probably not for you. Unless you hit it big, chances are
you are going to be exposed in various states of dress at different times. It is a simple fact of the
business. That does not mean I am going to sit there and watch you change
outfits - you just need to be prepared for the future.
How do I figure out a theme or style for my modeling
session?
There are several things to consider that can help you decide on a
style or concept for your session. One - What are your hobbies?
Your passions? Your favorite pastimes? In other words, what do you enjoy
doing? Two - What kind of clothing do you have available? Three - Where do
you want the session to take place? Inside or outside? What kind of place
would be suitable for your concept? If you already have a portfolio
started, try to choose a different look, location or type of modeling. If you
already have fashion and casual shots in your portfolio, think about doing
a stock/lifestyle shoot or a swimsuit session.
Can I bring someone as a chaperone?
Of course you can - as long as they stay quiet and out of the way
during the shoot. Make sure it is someone you are completely comfortable
being around and who won't inhibit you from being yourself. Spouses,
boyfriends, girlfriends and parents can cause inhibitions that keep you
from relaxing and being yourself. So consider that when choosing someone to bring
along. If you have a friend who is interested or curious about modeling,
they make great chaperones/companions.
Do you have a studio?
I have a small studio set up in a spare room I use to do product
shots. If you are really hard up for a location, we can do a shoot here,
though it is too small for full body shots. I prefer to do my sessions "on location" at a place of the
model's choosing. This can be at their own home (inside or out), a park, a public or
private building or property, an office, just about anywhere the model has
access to. Just remember, for private property, you will need to
have the owner's for permission to shoot on their property. It does not hurt to
get a signed note or letter stating it is okay, especially in a place of
business. Also remember that for indoor shots, I'll need enough room for
the camera and equipment to back 10-15 feet away for some shots. Outdoor
shoots are generally done in the morning or late afternoon and are wholly
dependent on the weather. Poor weather can cause a postponement of the
shoot to a later date.
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