Where To Find Models To Photograph

1. Instagram

Instagram is the ultimate social network for photographers looking to find models to photograph. Most of the models will be extremely active on social media and will share a lot of pictures from their past work. This makes it easy to see what stage of modeling they are at and if their look suits your project. You can spend a few hours and check out the many different professional and amateur models you can contact in most cases.

To contact a model on Instagram, you can DM them to introduce yourself and ask about their availability. Make sure to be very clear about what you want to photograph and share your thoughts for the shoot. You have to remember that you are a complete stranger to these people, so you want to make a good impression.

In my past experience, your own Instagram feed can work or break whether a model replies to you or not. Some models (especially women) are overwhelmed by the DM asking them to shoot. If your Instagram feed is just a few selfies and a phone photo of your pet fish, there's little chance they'll think you're real. So before you start reaching out to Instagram, make sure to refresh your profile and share some of your best work. That way, when a model views your feed, they can get a feel for your work and whether or not it interests them.

- Where to find local models on Instagram

There are a few different ways you can start finding local models on Instagram. The easiest way is to use the location tag.

Go to the Explore page and set the search result to "places". Type wherever you are and start browsing. You'll see a ton of photos from random people, but occasionally you'll see a few of the higher quality. Images that appear to be over-drawn or taken by the actual photographer are the types of shots you want to see. Explore the profiles in any of these images and see if this person is actually a local. Sometimes these pictures are just of the townspeople visiting the area.

Another option you have is to see who other local photographers have taken. If you don't already keep pace with local players in your area, this is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself. Browse through other photographers' profiles and view models they've worked with for other shoots. You don't want to see engagement or event photos, but more pictures. See who the model tagged in the photo is and try messaging them!

2. Local Actor Or Dancer

The great things about using actors or dancers as models is that they are extremely expressive. They are much less shy of the camera and look a lot more natural in front of the camera. Wherever you look, there are actors and dancers. If you have a local theater, check their website and see who performs in their upcoming shows. As far as dancers are concerned, look at different dance companies and find a trainer to contact them. More often than not, instructables will have a headshot on the website, which will make it easier to see if they are a good match for your project.

- Email template for accessing models

Most actors and dancers like to have images of themselves to use in their portfolios. Mostly, they are extremely excited to take photos and jump at the opportunity of a creative shoot. Since you probably won't find these models on social media, you may have to resort to email.

In your email, be sure to introduce yourself, who you are, why you're emailing them, and include a link to your portfolio. For example, if I were to write an email to an actor or dancer, it would look something like this:

"Hey (first name),

My name is Brendan and I am a photographer from the __________ (your location) area. I have a project coming up where I'll be photographing _________ (general project outline), and I thought you'd be a perfect fit. I got your headshot and got your email from ___________ (source), so I thought I'd reach out to see if you're interested. Currently I am planning to shoot in ___________ (this location) around __________ (these dates). If it looks like you're interested in being a part of it, I'd love to share more details about the project with you!

Please feel free to explore my portfolio to see some of my past projects and my style of work: _________ (link to your website).

Looking forward to hearing back!

Brendan"

In your opening email, you don't have to give all the details about the project. If they're not interested, you're wasting your time. Instead, send a sentiment email first to see if there is a possibility to work with this person.

Now, if you're having trouble finding people from dance companies or theaters, check out Nearby Universities

3. Ask a Friend

If you can't figure out how to find models to photograph, look no further than the people in front of you. Your friends are the perfect people to ask to model for you because the two of you are already familiar with each other. Especially as a novice photographer, it takes a lot of pressure off when you are just photographing your friend. Instead of feeling like you have to have a certain way of presenting yourself, you can just be yourself and focus on the images you want to capture.

Even if your friend has no prior modeling experience, this provides the perfect opportunity for you to test your directing skills. As you work with more amateur models, it becomes easier to guide them into the pose and angles you need. At first, you may not know what you want, but you will know the exact types of poses that will work for the position as you move forward. Ultimately, calling your friends to model for you is a fun and more casual way to find models for photographs.

4. Contact a Modeling Agency

If you have the budget to hire a model, a modeling agency is a solid opportunity to find a model to shoot. These agencies represent hundreds of models, and they can all be found on their website. With a simple Google search of "modeling agencies _______ (your city)" you'll find tons of great options.

There are pros and cons to working with a model represented by the agency. Since the agency is involved, there is more to it in terms of the hiring process and how the rates work. It is very unlikely that you will find a model representing an agency that will do the job for free. Since the agency is a business, they expect to cut every job the model does. Since there is more going on than someone representing you personally, you need to consider whether the agency route is worthwhile.

If you're just trying to photograph something for fun, this probably isn't the best idea. However, if you have the budget and need a certain level of quality, agencies are a fast way to find professional models quickly.

5. Facebook Groups

The great thing about any industry full of creatives is that people love to network. That's why photographer and model Facebook groups are such a common thing no matter where you live. In these groups, you'll find a plethora of models of different experiences interested in creative projects. You're likely to get a bunch of answers, by creating a post in a group sharing the type of models you're looking for and project details.

If you're not already part of one of these groups, go to Facebook and "__________ (your city) see photographers and models." Certain types of photography communities will appear in the results and provide a great way to find models for photographs.

6. Ask Your Friends Who They Know

There is no better network than the one you already have. Chances are, you already know someone who knows someone else who would be perfect for your project. Start by asking your friends if they know anyone interested in modeling and you need someone. People may not have an answer right away, but if you keep referring people to your model search, something usually pops up!

You never know who you are only one degree different from. Since a common friend refers you, there is a high chance that the model will tell you about the project!

7. ShouldPhotographers Pay Models?

Now that you know how to find a model to photograph, the big question is whether to pay them. Although many people struggle with choice, it really shouldn't be that difficult.

If you have the budget, always pay for models and someone else who works with you. Their time is as valuable as yours. If you have been hired by a company to photograph a campaign, be sure to include a section in the budget for model fees. Although some people try to underestimate the work of a model, the truth is that without them there is nothing to be photographed. By paying for the models you work with at a reasonable rate, you build your professionalism and leverage while working with more professional models.

With that said, I understand that not every shoot you do is paid. I wanted to shoot for fun and I needed to find models to work with for free. In situations where you're only taking photos as a creative outlet, it's not unreasonable not to pay the model. If so, you need to make sure that when you access a model you have outlined it. You need to be transparent with what is happening and your reasoning for not paying. Most models will still be interested if they like your idea.

h all kinds of bunches, arriving late, or forgot to wear the colors you wanted them to be. However, the thing is, you can't be crazy about it. Since they are doing it for free, it is completely their choice how they want to treat it.

If you deal with a lot of flaky models, consider hiring another professional. That way, you're more likely to work with someone who genuinely cares about the job and wants a great result.

8. Benefits O f Working with Professional Models

As someone who is just starting to work with models, working with professionals can provide a huge advantage. Since professionals are more comfortable in front of the camera and know how to pose better, they are easier to direct. If you're really stuck and don't know how to guide them, a professional model will have a lot of initiative and naturally try different options.

Especially if you are trying to build a pitch deck for future use, having a professional model can really enhance your image. The subtle expressions and body position of a professional are much more noticeable than that of an amateur model. These are the types of things that will take your image to the next level.

In that case, paying a more professional model is the perfect way to guarantee the quality from the images you capture.

9. Why Working With Amateur Models Is Still A Good Idea

With that said, there are still plenty of advantages to working with amateur models. Just because someone doesn't have experience doesn't mean you can't help them look amazing. When you find a model you're not that experienced to work with, it's a perfect opportunity to hone your directing skills. Things like clearly explaining a pose, providing accurate feedback to help improve your photos, and taking action to make them feel comfortable.

Especially when someone is completely new to modeling, they can be a little camera shy when it comes to the lens. Working on your directing skills makes it easy to bring in the best of even the greenest of models. This is an extremely valuable skill that will help with the quality of your images whenever you find a model to photograph.

10. How To Contact Model

Once you've got a model to shoot with, you need to make sure you're leaving the right impression. As the conversation progresses and you share more information about the project, be sure to do the following.

- Have a clear plan for your shoot

Without a clear plan, people may think you're not really serious about what you're doing. Make sure there is a definite location, style and target to shoot. When you have a real plan that you're excited about, it's far easier to get others on board. Make sure the model has the clearest idea of ​​what they can expect from the shoot.

- Be professional, no matter who you work with

Whether you're working with a professional model, an amateur model, or a friend of yours, treat them all equally. Set a certain standard of professionalism that you maintain from the planning stage through to photo delivery. Even if you're completely new to working with models, practicing your professional personality is key to making it feel more natural. If you're courteous, organized, and do a better job than other photographers who work with someone, they'll remember you.

Who knows, maybe a model you work with will hire you to take pictures of them in the future!

- Create a mood board to share with models

The mood board is just a collection of photos to help showcase the style of the image you're going for. These photos may be ones you found on Pinterest or Instagram and don't need to be yours. The point here is just to express your creative intent as clearly as possible. Below is an example of a mood board I made for an outdoor travel expedition.

"Aspiring ModelsClick Here for More Information on the Modeling Profession."