Though I've cutback substantially on my shoots, I'm always open to do a test shoot with a new model, if it will add to my portfolio or I think the model may be a fit for my Workshops. However, the model must take the lead on the shoot and make it relatively easy to get it done. Fairly often a model will contact me for a shoot and it goes something like this...
Model: "Hey, I saw your content and I'd love to do a shoot with you.
Me: Great, What kind of shoot are you thinking of doing?
Model: I don't know, whatever. Do you have a look, or a location?
Me: Where are you located?
Model: Atlanta
Me: Where in Atlanta?
Model: Midtown
Me: I'm in Roswell, are you willing to come up here?
Model: Sure
Me: When are you available?
Model: I work (or have school) Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and I'm not available on weekends after 2:00 pm
I'll end this here, but it can go on and on and on. I have messages that are over twenty exchanges, trying to set up a shoot, for which I won't be paid, with someone I don't even know, and it becomes my job to put together!
Here's how you should approach it...
Model: "Hey, I saw your content and I'd love to do a shoot with you.
Me: Great! What were you thinking?
Model: I'm thinking a shoot type (portfolio, digitals, boho, cowgirl, motorcycle, swimsuit, golden hour, etc.) shoot. I think location would be perfect. I'm available on Tuesday and Thursdays and before two on weekends. I'm located in Midtown, but I'm ok shooting at a location that works for you.
It's even better if you can send a mood board or some sample photos of the look(s).
Here, the model did the initial heavy lifting! The photographer can then respond with a date and time and alternate location if interested. If your Instagram or Facebook is private, include a sample photo or two so the photographers has an idea of what you look like and who they'll be shooting. Getting a message from a private account with your dog as your profile pic, probably won't get a response.
There are photographers that will go through the continuous back and forth, but there are many that won't. Honestly, most want to be paid. So if you're looking for a photographer to do a free shoot with you, make it easy on them. They will be more inclined to do the shoot, if they can work out the details in a few quick exchanges.
I hope this helps!
Model: "Hey, I saw your content and I'd love to do a shoot with you.
Me: Great, What kind of shoot are you thinking of doing?
Model: I don't know, whatever. Do you have a look, or a location?
Me: Where are you located?
Model: Atlanta
Me: Where in Atlanta?
Model: Midtown
Me: I'm in Roswell, are you willing to come up here?
Model: Sure
Me: When are you available?
Model: I work (or have school) Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and I'm not available on weekends after 2:00 pm
I'll end this here, but it can go on and on and on. I have messages that are over twenty exchanges, trying to set up a shoot, for which I won't be paid, with someone I don't even know, and it becomes my job to put together!
Here's how you should approach it...
Model: "Hey, I saw your content and I'd love to do a shoot with you.
Me: Great! What were you thinking?
Model: I'm thinking a shoot type (portfolio, digitals, boho, cowgirl, motorcycle, swimsuit, golden hour, etc.) shoot. I think location would be perfect. I'm available on Tuesday and Thursdays and before two on weekends. I'm located in Midtown, but I'm ok shooting at a location that works for you.
It's even better if you can send a mood board or some sample photos of the look(s).
Here, the model did the initial heavy lifting! The photographer can then respond with a date and time and alternate location if interested. If your Instagram or Facebook is private, include a sample photo or two so the photographers has an idea of what you look like and who they'll be shooting. Getting a message from a private account with your dog as your profile pic, probably won't get a response.
There are photographers that will go through the continuous back and forth, but there are many that won't. Honestly, most want to be paid. So if you're looking for a photographer to do a free shoot with you, make it easy on them. They will be more inclined to do the shoot, if they can work out the details in a few quick exchanges.
I hope this helps!
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