Finding Models for Portrait photography shoots.? Careers in photography?

Nikon_Josh · May 30, 2011

Hi All, I'm new to the forums and UK based, have been following these forums for quite awhile now. Am hoping you guys can help me answer some unanswered questions.

I have been in too photography for about two years now and am really enjoying landscape photography amongst other types, including recently developing an interest in Macro photography.

My first question though for you is.. 'How do I source models for portrait work?'

I know this may be a dumb question to ask, but I don't really have a huge amount of people I can ask to do portrait shoots with me to practice with. I considered joining Model Mayhem but it turns out I need to have 6 various photographs from previous portrait shoots I have done, seeing as I have only ever done one photoshoot with a model I clearly don't have enough previous work to join the website.

Also, I know due to my lack of experience in this area. I still have alot of learning to do, as I know the first few shoots may be a bit of a struggle. So preferably I'm looking to meet models with as little experience as me?

Lastly, I know pro photography is going through a tough time right now and is a challenging market. I have considered trying to see what avenues there are in portrait photography.

What are your opinions on Fine Art and Commercial Portrait photography right now??

It would be very interesting to hear from people who are working in this industry. I've been curious recently about trying out Fine art photography, I understand there is no easy route to making money out of photography. And I also know being successful in photography, is 50% Business skills and 50% Photography skills.

Thank you for reading this ESSAY I have written, any help would be much appreciated as a newb to these forums!

Josh

Big Mike · May 30, 2011

Welcome to the forum.

It's not really that hard to get onto M.M. You might try using 6 different shots from the shoot that you did with a model...but if that doesn't cut it, then just shoot someone, anyone. They don't need to be models, and really, the photos don't need to be good. There are plenty of mediocre photographers on there. Of course, the better the photos in your profile, the more chance you have of getting models to work with you.

Some of the most successful photographers I've met...are also the most outgoing people I've ever met. They have a personality that allows them to talk to anyone, about anything, at any time. This allows them to connect with their subjects and that allows them to get better portraits. But it also helps in getting people to pose for them. It would be nothing for them to see someone on the street and ask them to pose for some photos.

As for earning money with photography...I think there is a much, much, much bigger market for selling 'the service of professional photography', as opposed to selling photos. So it would be easier to get someone to hire you to shoot portraits, weddings, commercial/product/advertising etc. But for you to just go out and shoot photos, then try to sell them...that is a tough market. It's certainly possible to make money, but you'd have to have really great photos and/or really great salesmanship skills.

To that point, I'd guess that a 50-50 split between photography and business skills is the minimum. There are many more successful photographers out there, who are more like 80% business skills and 20% photography.

Nikon_Josh · Jun 5, 2011

Great reply Mike, Thanks alot. I will go ahead and attempt to get onto Model Mayhem ASAP.

fokker · Jun 5, 2011

From my initial experience with model mayhem it seems to be very easy to find models willing to pose in exchange for the photos regardless of prior experience.

scorpion_tyr · Jun 5, 2011

Yeah, the photos for MM don't have to be great at all. I can't remember their rules, but I'm pretty sure they just have to be of people. On there you should find plenty of models willing to do TFCD work. If you're serious about getting into photography get ready to be patient. Skills, equipment, and a good portfolio take a LONG time to aquire. My advise is to do a lot of free work, and then really cheap work. A good way to judge is for your first clients tell them to pay you after they get their pictures and whatever they think they're worth.