Originally posted by stevebrot I have an acquaintance who models and when asked about lack of skilled direction from inexperienced photographers, her response was simply, "that is the value of an experienced model". Part of her job is to protect both her reputation and poorly posed photos do little in that regard.
Steve
To add to this, there is nothing better for an inexperienced photographer than to work with an experienced model. You will be working with someone who already knows how to look good for the camera.
I'm my first post I mentioned working with the same person over and over. This gives both people experience at what they do, and over time the easy rapport that is built by working together will make for better pictures as well.
I've been in both situations. An upright Prima Donna is not my first choice for someone to work with. They can exude a special sort of toxicity that can make you want to stick a pen in your eye.
The other advice I have is don't be a jerk. The model has skin in the game as well. The ones I shot tended to have a lot of skin in the game.
A model will make or break a photo shoot. Don't be an ass about anything. If you are doing time for print, then deliver pictures on time. If you are paying money, then pay fairly and quickly.
If the model wants a few files for his or her portfolio, hand them over with rights to do what they want.
If you read the forums on Model Mayhem, a recurring theme is "I shot a model and now she's put my pictures on Instagram without my permission, what should I do?".
Generally the egos come out in full force, and the advice is issue takedown notices, send her a ridiculously high invoice and that sort of thing.
One would think these people poop roses.
I take a pretty relaxed approach. I write both my name and the model's name into the exif data and share the copyright. I've always felt this is most fair, especially in a TFP agreement.
The alternative is to be a jerk and watch how long it takes before no one will work with you.