Finding and working with models for your photography may sound straightforward, but it can be tricky if you want to do it correctly (and you should want to do it right). We've created this handy guide to demystify the process.

Working With Professional Models

Hiring a model is like hiring a consultant. There are different levels of expertise you can hire. If you can pay, terrific! Hiring a professional model means someone comfortable in front of the camera, understands how to pose, and is accustomed to taking direction from a photographer.

Working with a professional model can offer significant advantages. Hiring a pro can help you put together a quality series of images to get you started when you don't have a large body of work.

Working with Non-Professional Models

The differences between an experienced model and a non-professional are rarely subtle. However, if hiring a professional is not in your realm of possibilities, you should still consider using someone without experience. It's an opportunity to practice directing a photoshoot.

However, you'll probably have to provide more direction for poses and ensure they are comfortable with the camera. Consider using hair and make-up stylists for a more polished and professional appearance to further elevate the images.

Where to Look for Models

1. Instagram: One of the most popular social media platforms for photographers would be Instagram. It's an excellent place to start a model search because it's also popular with industry people and other creatives. The images on your account should be a good representation of your professional work, demonstrating that you are a serious photographer. That's all great, but how do you search for a model on Instagram?

Many models are already active on Instagram, making it easy for you to find ones nearby and see the type of work they do, their style, etc.
Do a hashtag search within your genre and region to look for models. (For example: #professionalweddingmodelsNYC, #professionalmodeldetroit.)
Be sure to include the location tag.
We recommend searching for both professional and amateur models, particularly if you're on a tight budget.
Look for quality images. You might have to pour through many photos before you get to professional-looking ones.
You'll want to follow the ones of interest to you by the images on their account.
Before reaching out to someone, browse their account to establish that they work in your geographical area.
Reach out to a model by sending a direct message (DM). (More on this in a later section.) You'll want to introduce yourself, include your website and Instagram account, which help to prove that you're a serious photographer and not a BOT or someone with bad intentions.
You must explain clearly what you want and your vision for the shoot; after all, they don't know you.
You should also schedule an interview call or virtual call.
If the model has an agent representing them, you might want to start by reaching out to them instead of the model. You're more likely to get a response.
Another way to identify local models is to identify local photographers and see which models they're working with locally.

2. Other Social Media: Instagram isn't the only way to find a model on social media. There are photography forums, such as VSCO, Flickr, and Reddit, and Facebook Groups to network with other photographers. You'll not only learn a lot on these and other forums, but you have the opportunity to ask for advice on finding models. These forums and groups are invaluable, especially as a beginner photographer.

3. Actors: Actors can also be great models (and vice versa, of course), so they're another place to look for models. Actors usually have a confident presence about them and are generally very comfortable being photographed professionally. They're also used to professional hair and make-up. Another advantage of working with actors is that they'll likely have a website or public portfolio you can browse to find the right fit for your project. Here are some tips for finding actors:

Look at your local theater or playhouse for actors who might be interested in earning some extra money modeling.
Look at the local theater, dance, and drama schools.
You can also reach out to producers, directors, and instructors who work with local actors to ask for recommendations.
You can reach out by email or a phone call, or both. Email first and follow up with a call. Always be sure to include as much information as you can about yourself to establish your credibility.
If you have any friends or acquaintances connected to a theater or performing arts school or center, ask if they'd facilitate an introduction.

4. Use your Network: Another way of finding models is to use your network of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. You never know who they might know. You can also ask friends! They might be willing to serve as a model. This is a handy idea when you're first starting out and on a tight budget.

Working with a willing friend as your model allows you to relax, focus on your photography, and is a great way to practice! Remember, anyone can serve as a model. You're looking for a subject to photograph, not necessarily America's Next Top Model!

5. Modeling Agencies: Another option is to turn to a professional modeling agency. While there are (typically) various fee levels, working through an agency adds a "middleman."

Thus, they'll have their own fees they charge. You're likely to pay more than if you worked directly with a model outside of an agency. On the plus side, if you want someone else to find and vet a model for you, an agency is the way to go. To find a modeling agency:

You can do an online search through a portal such as Google or Yahoo. If you decide to go this way, be sure to vet the agency carefully and check their reviews by other photographers.
Ask other professional photographers for recommendations. What agencies have they worked with that they would recommend?

Paying Models

Paying your models and anyone who works for you shouldn't be much of a question. You should always pay. There might be some exceptions to not paying (for example, they are your friend, and you're taking pictures to build up a portfolio).

If you've been hired for a project, the budget should always consider everyone you hire. When you're negotiating or discussing your fees for a campaign or project, be sure to include everyone else you're engaging with. After all, you would like to be paid for your work.

They likely would as well. The advantage of paying is the same as most projects. When you pay someone, there is a certain level of professional expectation on your part and commitment on their part. You might have to pay, but you're also more likely to get professional behavior and results in return.

If you're planning on not paying a model or someone else, it needs to be very clear when you first approach them.

A quick point on not paying a model who's a friend. We touch on this further below, but if you are working with a friend as your subject, one way to compensate them is by providing them with the images you produce.

Hiring & Communicating

So, now that you've found a model you'd like to hire, what do you do first? We'd say proceed with care and utmost professionalism.

Below are some tips for you.

Contact: Your first contact with the model, whether by direct message, email, or call, needs to be done very professionally. Models are frequently approached by random people. You need to make it clear that you are a professional photographer with a serious business mindset.
References: You can offer to provide references, even if it's to other photographers who can vouch for you.
Professionalism: Be professional and respectful at all times, whether the model is experienced, paid/unpaid, or inexperienced. A professional model certainly expects it, and it helps set the tone for the photoshoot, whatever their experience level and whether you're paying them or not. If it's your first photoshoot with a model, it's a great way to practice how you should treat all future shoots.
Proposal: Send them a proposal for the photoshoot, whether it's a paid gig for which you've been hired or a portfolio shoot. The purpose of sending a proposal is to establish the credibility of the photoshoot. It should set forth the style, location, and intention behind the shoot. If possible, include the name of the client. A detailed proposal helps the model understand and know what to expect.
Expectations: You should set your expectations of them from the outset. Consider putting them into writing, even when it's a friend or unpaid model. This helps avoid misunderstandings. When you're setting forth your expectations of them, be transparent about the shoot's intent, style, and goal, as well as what you want from them.
If possible, show them a few images that represent the style you're going for. Some people are more visual than others. Photos will be more helpful to them than the written word.

During the Shoot

It's vital that throughout the shoot, your model feels comfortable and trusts you. They need to know what you want from them, so effective communication is critical.

Here are several tips for you to ensure a successful shoot:

Conversation: Before the shoot begins, be sure to chat with the model and remind her of what to expect. Keep the conversation flowing during the shoot. Talk about what you're doing throughout the shoot, but also ask them about themselves. It's best not to get too personal, but do keep things relaxed for them.
Also, be encouraging throughout the shoot. Praise them when a pose is good, or you like how an image turned out. Giving them feedback helps them help you to get the best pictures.
Images: At some point early in the shoot, show them a few of the photos you've taken. This can help them understand what you're going for in the shoot and help them relax.
Behavior: Your behavior should never make a model feel uncomfortable! Maintain personal space, and never ever touch someone without their permission. Ideally, you shouldn't touch them at all. Explain to them how you want them to pose or reposition to avoid touching them.
If you believe that you must handle them (let's say to move their arm a certain way), be sure to ask first. Explain what you're going to do before you do it, keep it very brief, and keep it impersonal. Your behavior should never be such that it could be construed as sexual in any way.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have found our tips helpful and are ready to begin the search for a model. With some practice, you will get adept at finding and working with models as you build out your portfolio, and you can land clients who are happy with your work.

If there's a rule of thumb to working with models, it's the proverbial "Treat others how you would like to be treated." Better yet, make it a level above that, and you should be able to develop excellent working relationships with models.

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