Hiring models, where and how?

Wheatfield · 07-14-2018, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by Mikesul

Did you seriously ask her for measurements? Seems like a bad idea.

If the garment is being custom made to fit her specifically, it's a requirement. Pro models need to have very accurate measurements on their comp cards or bios. One of the complaints many photographers had on MM was looking at a model's portfolio, deciding they liked her look and arranging a meeting, only to find the person had put on 20 pounds, was 3 inches shorter than described, had changed hair colour and had gotten a bunch of tattoos.
This is one of the reasons why it pays to hire from an agency. If you go that route, you have a reasonable expectation of the model arriving as advertised, and of the model arriving.

**Mikesul** · 07-14-2018, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

If the garment is being custom made to fit her specifically, it's a requirement. Pro models need to have very accurate measurements on their comp cards or bios. One of the complaints many photographers had on MM was looking at a model's portfolio, deciding they liked her look and arranging a meeting, only to find the person had put on 20 pounds, was 3 inches shorter than described, had changed hair colour and had gotten a bunch of tattoos.
This is one of the reasons why it pays to hire from an agency. If you go that route, you have a reasonable expectation of the model arriving as advertised, and of the model arriving.

More good information!

Winder · 07-15-2018, 07:57 AM - **1 Like**

There are usually Facebook groups or local meetup groups that link photographers to models. Nashville Photographer, Model & Creative Team (Nashville, TN) | Meetup Here is an example of one here in Nashville. I never liked MM, but I haven't even tried to use it in years. With the proliferation of social media groups its hard to justify spending money with MM.

Try to connect with good hair and make-up professionals. I shoot a good number of wedding a year and I have met a lot of skilled people that way.

micromacro · 07-15-2018, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by Mikesul

Did you seriously ask her for measurements? Seems like a bad idea.

Of course I did, I offered her custom costume work, and it needed correct sizing. Wheatfield explained everything perfectly.
Now I changed the approach trying to make everything around 2-3 common model's sizes, from size 2 up to 6 if it's possible.

---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 07:05 PM ----------

Originally posted by Winder

There are usually Facebook groups or local meetup groups that link photographers to models. Nashville Photographer, Model & Creative Team (Nashville, TN) | Meetup Here is an example of one here in Nashville. I never liked MM, but I haven't even tried to use it in years. With the proliferation of social media groups its hard to justify spending money with MM.

Try to connect with good hair and make-up professionals. I shoot a good number of wedding a year and I have met a lot of skilled people that way.

Yes, I thought about that option as well, thank you.

R. Wethereyet · 07-26-2018, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by micromacro

But when I asked her to give me her measurements, she promised and it was the last time I've heard from her.

My guess you were asking so that you could modify/create the garment specifically for the model?! ... Sounds like explaining that to the model may have been prudent so that you did not come across the wrong way.
Wheatfield's suggestions of headshots or street clothes images were great. Another suggestion depending on how you want to present your clothing, is to shoot images with no head showing. Unusual, but I have seen it done - then the focus in on the garment not the model. If you are looking to create a "feeling" based on the images then this might not be the way to go. An environmental type portrait would have more of an emotional impact.

Good Luck!

**RGlasel** · 07-26-2018, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Wheatfield

if i saw a likely prospect, I would introduce myself, hand over a comp card and ask her to consider giving me a call.

Isn't that the technique for finding Sunshine Girls? Mind you, I remember reading about creeps impersonating Sun photographers to go trawling for victims, so this technique may not be as suitable today.

Wheatfield · 07-26-2018, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by RGlasel

Isn't that the technique for finding Sunshine Girls? Mind you, I remember reading about creeps impersonating Sun photographers to go trawling for victims, so this technique may not be as suitable today.

Yeah. I was working for a legitimate agency at the time, so it was all good. I suspect these days it would get a person arrested.

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07-14-2018, 02:42 PM	#16
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by Mikesul Did you seriously ask her for measurements? Seems like a bad idea. If the garment is being custom made to fit her specifically, it's a requirement. Pro models need to have very accurate measurements on their comp cards or bios. One of the complaints many photographers had on MM was looking at a model's portfolio, deciding they liked her look and arranging a meeting, only to find the person had put on 20 pounds, was 3 inches shorter than described, had changed hair colour and had gotten a bunch of tattoos. This is one of the reasons why it pays to hire from an agency. If you go that route, you have a reasonable expectation of the model arriving as advertised, and of the model arriving.

07-14-2018, 02:46 PM	#17
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	Originally posted by Wheatfield If the garment is being custom made to fit her specifically, it's a requirement. Pro models need to have very accurate measurements on their comp cards or bios. One of the complaints many photographers had on MM was looking at a model's portfolio, deciding they liked her look and arranging a meeting, only to find the person had put on 20 pounds, was 3 inches shorter than described, had changed hair colour and had gotten a bunch of tattoos. This is one of the reasons why it pays to hire from an agency. If you go that route, you have a reasonable expectation of the model arriving as advertised, and of the model arriving. More good information!

07-15-2018, 07:57 AM - 1 Like	#18
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	There are usually Facebook groups or local meetup groups that link photographers to models. Nashville Photographer, Model & Creative Team (Nashville, TN) \| Meetup Here is an example of one here in Nashville. I never liked MM, but I haven't even tried to use it in years. With the proliferation of social media groups its hard to justify spending money with MM. Try to connect with good hair and make-up professionals. I shoot a good number of wedding a year and I have met a lot of skilled people that way.

07-15-2018, 07:03 PM	#19
micromacro Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,722 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mikesul Did you seriously ask her for measurements? Seems like a bad idea. Of course I did, I offered her custom costume work, and it needed correct sizing. Wheatfield explained everything perfectly. Now I changed the approach trying to make everything around 2-3 common model's sizes, from size 2 up to 6 if it's possible. ---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 07:05 PM ---------- Originally posted by Winder There are usually Facebook groups or local meetup groups that link photographers to models. Nashville Photographer, Model & Creative Team (Nashville, TN) \| Meetup Here is an example of one here in Nashville. I never liked MM, but I haven't even tried to use it in years. With the proliferation of social media groups its hard to justify spending money with MM. Try to connect with good hair and make-up professionals. I shoot a good number of wedding a year and I have met a lot of skilled people that way. Yes, I thought about that option as well, thank you.

07-26-2018, 11:37 AM	#20
R. Wethereyet Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 126	Originally posted by micromacro But when I asked her to give me her measurements, she promised and it was the last time I've heard from her. My guess you were asking so that you could modify/create the garment specifically for the model?! ... Sounds like explaining that to the model may have been prudent so that you did not come across the wrong way. Wheatfield's suggestions of headshots or street clothes images were great. Another suggestion depending on how you want to present your clothing, is to shoot images with no head showing. Unusual, but I have seen it done - then the focus in on the garment not the model. If you are looking to create a "feeling" based on the images then this might not be the way to go. An environmental type portrait would have more of an emotional impact. Good Luck!

07-26-2018, 01:13 PM	#21
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by Wheatfield if i saw a likely prospect, I would introduce myself, hand over a comp card and ask her to consider giving me a call. Isn't that the technique for finding Sunshine Girls? Mind you, I remember reading about creeps impersonating Sun photographers to go trawling for victims, so this technique may not be as suitable today.

07-26-2018, 04:38 PM	#22
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	Originally posted by RGlasel Isn't that the technique for finding Sunshine Girls? Mind you, I remember reading about creeps impersonating Sun photographers to go trawling for victims, so this technique may not be as suitable today. Yeah. I was working for a legitimate agency at the time, so it was all good. I suspect these days it would get a person arrested.