Calling Poah (Free models, really?)

[UKBob]

Poah, ive heard of 'testing' - Photograhper and model both work together to get great photos for their respective portfolios.

Sounds good I imagined only the 'beginner' models would be interested, IF you could find one...

But you said in another thread, the *gorgeous* model with the jumper pulled up over her face worked for you for free

Where do you find models who will work for free, and what terms do you arrange with them? And are there many models about who'll really work with a photographer for no money at all, just photos? Or is it like finding a needle in a haystack? Especially the ones with good or interesting features which are worth working with?

[simpo two]

Don't forget you'll need a camera first Bob - if you just stare at her she'll get suspicious...

[pdV6]

Mate of mine who's building up the photography side of his career often gets "free" models in this fashion.
His portfolio's coming along nicely and the models are happy not having to pay for theirs either.

[bacchus180]

best stick to rodents till you get some experience... photographing models is a tricky game.. not only do you have to have mastered your camera and lights but you have to be able to talk about nothing for hours... bit like having a haircut for 3 hours...

[UKBob]

simpo two said:

Don't forget you'll need a camera first Bob - if you just stare at her she'll get suspicious...

Arnt all women suspicious anyway I could just shrug it off, and keep staring

[UKBob]

bacchus180 said:

best stick to rodents till you get some experience... photographing models is a tricky game.. not only do you have to have mastered your camera and lights but you have to be able to talk about nothing for hours... bit like having a haircut for 3 hours...

A make up artist I know said she would put some models my way, to practise on. Not wanting to waste anyones time (no slr, no lighting, no experience) I said no in the end. The rodents havnt said that Im an amateur. Probably because their large incisors prevent them from forming words properly.

[speedychrissie]

i would have thought that the student community is a good place to start. my sister got some pictures done by a friend who was just starting in photography. worked for him cos he needed practice and worked for her cos she needed some good pictures for getting into fashion design.

plus there are many quite good looking students in tricky financial situations who may well be happy to get any money available!

[poah]

Hi Bob.

this practice is commonly known and trade for prints/CD or TFP/CD. most models starting out use this to build up a portfolio and thats how you get them for "free" however if you have never been in a studio before I would suggest going with someone who has or paying or some lessons before going out on your own. I use www.photo-models.co.uk or I use friends lol. I also have the advantage of a good studio with very good rates locally. I could not afford to do it other wise. if your intrests lie with nude (not porn) then finding a TFP/CD model can be difficult.

Ross

[chris.mapey]

simpo two said:

Don't forget you'll need a camera first Bob - if you just stare at her she'll get suspicious...

Hi John...

[chim girl]

I've been a photographers model in the past, it was a simple exchange of time for a of a decent photographer invaluable. I was shown positions that seemed unnatural (quiet at the back!) but worked on camera. As said earlier, I wouldn't advise working with a model until you've developed some skills, particularly if the model is experienced too.

>> Edited by chim girl on Thursday 23 February 13:34

[UKBob]

speedychrissie said:

good looking students in tricky financial situations...

poah said:

Hi Bob. this practice is commonly known and trade for prints/CD or TFP/CD. most models starting out use this to build up a portfolio and thats how you get them for "free" however if you have never been in a studio before I would suggest going with someone who has or paying or some lessons before going out on your own. I use www.photo-models.co.uk or I use friends lol. I also have the advantage of a good studio with very good rates locally. I could not afford to do it other wise. if your intrests lie with nude (not porn) then finding a TFP/CD model can be difficult. Ross

From the 'hobby' point of view, its not easy justifying spending money (above and beyond equipment costs) each time I wanted to press the shutter button. If I end up getting some studio lights (long way off) I thought I might advertise in the local rag for a couple of quid, see if anyone wants free portraits for practise after Ive bored my friends to tears. Or stick with macro creepies and rodents. The world needs an acclaimed gerbil photographer.

[poah]

you don't have to advertise. use the web. there are plenty of "free" models out there although some will always be free

[chim girl]

poah said:

although some will always be free

Nicely put!

[UKBob]

chim girl said:

I wouldn't advise working with a model until you've developed some skills, particularly if the model is experienced too.

Agreed. Especially if you're going to ask them to contort into unnatural positions

[UKBob]

chim girl said:

poah said: although some will always be free Nicely put!

[simpo two]

One tiny hiccup in your master plan - how far back will you need to be to get her all in with a 70-200?

'Suddenly, Bob realised he had the wrong lens'

(You are very, very lucky I can't draw cartoons!!)

[UKBob]

simpo two said:

One tiny hiccup in your master plan - how far back will you need to be to get her all in with a 70-200? 'Suddenly, Bob realised he had the wrong lens' (You are very, very lucky I can't draw cartoons!!)

I got the impression the 70-200 was the perfect lens for portraiture (amongst other things)

(You are very, very lucky I dont mind repeating myself!!) Its not the only lens im going to buy. It just might be the first.

Go on then, lets see your best cartoon effort however crap it is, we'll double that 50p wager you made (if it so much as makes me smirk)

[simpo two]

UKBob said:

I got the impression the 70-200 was the perfect lens for portraiture (amongst other things)

Depends what you mean by 'portrait'. If you mean head and shoulders, 70+ is fine because you're concetrating on a relatively small area. But if she's standing up and you want to get her feet in as well, you'll need to be (gets up and does quick test) about 20 feet away in portrait format (ie vertical) and nearly 30 feet away in landscape (ie horizontal).

Edited to add: If you're in a studio I don't suppose it matters, but if you're trying it at home it's a consideration.

>> Edited by simpo two on Thursday 23 February 15:08

[UKBob]

simpo two said:

UKBob said: I got the impression the 70-200 was the perfect lens for portraiture (amongst other things) Depends what you mean by 'portrait'. If you mean head and shoulders, 70+ is fine because you're concetrating on a relatively small area. But if she's standing up and you want to get her feet in as well, you'll need to be (gets up and does quick test) about 20 feet away in portrait format (ie vertical) and nearly 30 feet away in landscape (ie horizontal). Edited to add: If you're in a studio I don't suppose it matters, but if you're trying it at home it's a consideration. >> Edited by simpo two on Thursday 23 February 15:08

I know I didnt think Id be able to get a full figure in a 70 zoom, and gathered the sweetest spot on the lens isnt at 70mm anyway. Praps I could use chim girl who already has practise in squashing into unnatural positions. She knows how crap I am in advance, so...