Asking random strangers to model?

<p>Hiya, I'm just a photography student and I am wondering...<br>

Have you ever / would you consider asking a stranger (a non-model) to model for you? What was your experience?<br>

Sometimes I see people I want to shoot, who have a tremendous look, beauty, or presence. But would a stranger react favourably to someone randomly asking them to model?! I'm paranoid I'd look like a creep...<br>

Even though Im just a student I would be willing to offer them money - say $50 an hour for 2 hours. Do you think that'd sway them?</p>

<p>Please share your thoughts or experiences on this!</p>

<p>Cheers,<br>

Dan</p>

<p>It really depends on how you approach it. I have been approached with "modeling" offers before and to be honest I've always been creeped out. If you're asking girls to come to your basement apartment for a "photo shoot", that's creepy. But if you approach someone, explain that you are a photographer who is portfolio building, <strong>give them a business card</strong>, and say that you'd be interested in doing portraits in a public place and you would pay them, I don't see anything wrong with that. The worst they could say is no.</p>

<p>I always shoot them near where I find them. I figure it's easy and safe for them. If you are going to take them to a studio, ask them to bring a friend.</p>

<p>I never pay them to model, but instead offer an image and a digital file that will print an 8x10 (or larger, but not very high quality). Dan, it is really not difficult to do, but you need to practice talking to people. Sometimes it helps when they are with a group of people. My technique is to compliment them, and then ask: "You have beautiful eyes; have you done any modeling before?" Then I'll tell them I would love to photograph them. "Perhaps we could trade some images for your time?" Seldom do I get rejected, but occasionally they don't call me back. I like to get their contact info rather than just giving them a card and hoping they call me.</p>

<p>You'll need to learn to talk to / with people sometime anyway - why not now?</p>

<p>I talked with another photographer who, at the time, was based in Boulder. We were discussing stock images of people and he told me that this was by far the best way he found models since he was after everyday people of all shapes and sizes. As I recall, he said he just walked up to the people at their restaurant dining tables or at bars, introduced himself with a professional business card, and asked if he could hire them for a couple of hours time at his studio for various set ups that he might be working on. From what he told me, it seemed like he got an overwhelmingly positive response.</p>

<p>I would agree with what Jeff suggested about telling them to bring a friend as their personal assistant during the shoot. That's great for everyone's security. By the way, it's not a bad idea for you to have an assistant for the same reason. "He said, she said" can be a dangerous situation.</p>

<p>I also like what Michael suggested about payment in images rather than cash. It's certainly cheaper and may come across as less suspicious.</p>

<p>Also, I would avoid flirting when making the contact. Talking about personal things, even as innocuous as pretty eyes or smile, could be a serious creep out for lots of people. Just make it a simple business conversation and be prepared to give direct answers about what kinds of images you want to make with them.</p>

<p>Asking people on the street to model for you is always a gamble. You never know how their are going to react, if there isn't the other, jealous half, suddenly showing up etc, etc. Why dont you call in some model agencies instead and deal with the pros? I'm pretty sure that for some good images they would be happy to let you shoot with some of their models. They always have someone in need of new images.</p>

<p>Paul</p>

<p>What's your experience with TFP/TFCD with agencies that leads you to say this? I've never run into an agency that would trade.</p>

<p>Also, I've never run into a "jealous half." People either agree or not.</p>

<p>Dan,<br>

First of all I suggest you quit saying, I'm just a photography student. I would suggest you start saying to yourself as well as others that you are a photographer taking some additional courses.<br>

If you happen to have your camera with you just take their picture on the fly. You'll see if they are interested pretty quick. You can then approach them with a model release. If they agree to sign or not you can then discuss other pictures and things of that nature.<br>

As a photographer you have to be bold with the camera and you also have to be prepared for rejection. Some people just don't like to get their picture made but don't let that change how you feel about taking pictures. As "Nike" said " just do it."<br>

Get into a habit of taking your camera with you most places you go. Do it to the point of , feeling naked if you don't have your camera with you.<br>

Wayne Kitchen</p>

<p>Theres an awful lot of actor/models starting out,who will trade headshots for free work.Try craigslist but insist that they bring a friend along, if they are underage it must be a parent.If in the least doubt ,ask for proof of age.Many years ago when I had my studio I would just call the <em><strong>smaller model </strong></em>agencies and they allways had people willing to trade for free headshots.The only drawback here was they all were of the pretty variety.Drama/Acting schools are another good resource.</p>

<p>I've done this a few times. In fact I built my first portfolio this way.</p>

<p>Be aware that if you're male you'll immediately be open to misunderstanding. So you have to be utterly professional. Explain what, why and how you'll be shooting, and it helps if you have a book of previous work you can show. Give the prospect a card and with your web address and contact details and allow them to contact you later if they're interested. Explain that they should bring at least one friend with them. At the time of the shoot have at least three people there apart from you and the model - stylist, make-up artist and an assistant is ideal. Make sure at least two of them are female. Don't approach anyone you think is under 21, and get proof of age before the shoot. Ask them to sign a model release for the work, and pay them a rate that's appropriate.</p>