GerrySiegel Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 I have contacted about six new models, usually in their early twenties or late teens about a sitting for my own portfolio development/lighting tests,indoors and out. Two showed up when asked and brought companions,which I will no longer accept,pain in the kazoo. Others (and this is the nub of the Q) replied once to my e mail and then no further response.<p> Since I am serious, maybe too much,and find a lack of reply to be dumb dumb, I either seek another source for subjects,go back to volunteers I happen to know, or find a better methodology,i.e. approach. I offer a modest hourly fee,currently twenty five dollars plus some digital files, and insist to meet before any further session (with my wife present.) I have heard that others have had superb luck with OMP. I am beginning to wonder. Is it really a one nebbish place ? Vat you tink? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roy_des_ruisseaux Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Yeah Haven't dealt with any but there are a lot of wannabes on that site or girls just putting up the pictures with no intention of working. Having them show up with escorts might be a pain. Perhaps you could get the people involved holding a reflector or such. Visit & or sign up with Garage Glamour you will get more advise from them on such dealings. Not all that uncommon from what I gather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jess_quincannon Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 probably good that they show up with escorts, find a way to work with that. they will most likely be more comfortable and just as importantly it can help you as far as liabilities go . . . couldn't pay me enough to photograph one-on-one with someone I do not know outside of a public or busy prof. studio or academic setting. There have been a number of prof. and others who have lost their jobs and had their reputations tarnished in a he-said/she-said type of thing. I would suggest having a busy environment with other people present such as your wife, assistancts, or the models companion. Set up a couch in an adjecent room with the door open to the studio with magazines for them to read or somwhere unobtrusive in the studio itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin_break Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 I tell model groupies they are welcome to hang out in the makeup room and that's it. <BR> the rooms in here don't really close off... so.<BR>Otherwise, not many young women will just go out and meet with some man they don't know.<BR> You know?<BR> I advertise for nude models every day on Craigslist and I've shot uh, maybe 15? this year.<BR><BR> www.kevinbrake.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin_break Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 PS I only give them CDs and no money so I expect a rather high flake factor.<BR> Occasionally their friends who show up are much prettier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted June 30, 2005 Author Share Posted June 30, 2005 More facts. Casual shots,maybe a little glamour,never nude(too much for me to deal with). Companions so far have been the ole boyfriends which was a condition to the first two,-provided transporation- and it slowed me down,don't have time for that-,well I could of course, but I don't care for a set crew. I am a grandfather so not intimidating I trust... Wife is present to assist. Bugging scenario goes " I'd love to meet you and work with you." Then no followup to e-mail. I agree some treat the post as a lark. Am business-like or try and I expect aspirant models to treat posing as a job (for pay,) sure better than Starbucks and in cash, not a lark for me,it is work.Well,maybe this climate,or the OMP crapshoot I don't get. Maybe better recruit differently, makeup professionals,possibley. I reject under 18 and lots of tattoos..One or two "regulars" to work with would be nice so it is not a lofty goal. I thought I would fish around for your thoughts and experience. Thanks for any ideas and comments. Aloha,GS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dai_hunter Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 I'll tolerate a girlfriend / room mate coming along, even mom, but NEVER BF's (new OR old); "partners"; or husbands. Pain in the rear end. Hunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin_hundsnurscher Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 A couple of things to consider:<br><br> There are a lot of photographers and agents who setup their accounts to autoreply to all new models with offers of adult work regardless of their work preferences, so you have a lot of girls who create an account and within the first hour get bombarded with dozens of adult work offers.<br><br> The first couple of times I had escorts show up at my shoots, I was a little put off but I quickly learned to get used to it. With the amount of girls who get raped or killed during shoots (think of last year's story about that girl found rolled up in a backdrop), it's become very common advice for models to bring along escorts to shoots.<br><br> For every, I'd say 3 contacts I've made through OMP, maybe 1 model would reply back. It's really not uncommon for models to not reply to inquiries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted June 30, 2005 Author Share Posted June 30, 2005 Well,Kevin, I agree,mostly. And also am not unconcerned about inviting a person I don't really know into my home studio without others present. Litigious society and stuff. Those who shoot nature have an easier call. Thanks for your thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike dixon Posted June 30, 2005 Share Posted June 30, 2005 <i>With the amount of girls who get raped or killed during shoots (think of last year's story about that girl found rolled up in a backdrop),</i><P> What is that amount? I can only think of two or three publicized stories in the past couple of years of a photographer (or someone posing as a photographer) attacking a model. Compare that to the thousands of cases of women being battered by their boyfriends or husbands. I firmly believe models should take sensible precautions, but they're probably in more danger from their male "escort" than from the photographer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin_hundsnurscher Posted July 1, 2005 Share Posted July 1, 2005 While I agree, sure domestic abuse is apparently a more common problem than models getting attacked by photographers, it just takes a few bad apples to create a panic within the modeling community.<br> When the model-rolled-up-in-a-backdrop story came out, it was a big topic of discussion among modeling communities. Soon after, all sorts of reports/stories/rumors about certain photographers acting in an inappropriate manner started to arise so the common advice among models and photographers was to just bring along an escort to shoots.<br><br>And just to side with you a little bit, there have been times when escorts would act somewhat questionably during shoots or would cause me to wonder about the model's relationship with that person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauh44 Posted July 1, 2005 Share Posted July 1, 2005 Hi Gerry, I bet there's a modeling forum somewhere with a thread called "What is it with photographers advertising on One Model Place?" ;-) Unfortunately there's a need for them to bring someone along until they get to know you because "stuff" does happen to them - although usually only the really dumb ones. For example, I've heard several models tell me they were paid something up front, flown to some city in Florida, and promised the moon by the "photographer". Turns out the guy is sleeping on the floor of his trailer and expects her to join him - or something like that. But you most certainly have a point too! If you look at *most* of the models on OMP they suddenly appear, have a page-full of images stuck up there and never do it again. I have a theory that many do it for attention, pure and simple. It's sort of a more sophisticated version of the "Hot or Not" idea. In other words, they're hot if they get lots of attention from the photographers. But they ultimately have no intention of really modeling so they don't answer their emails. Also, keep in mind that most of these girls aren't exactly in Mensa. They have no idea and likely don't care that it's rude and un-professional not to respond to a legitimate inquiry. It sounds like you go further than most photographers do - paying them, meeting with them, give them images, etc, etc. So it's their loss. Have you thought about putting an ad in the paper there? There are lots of beautiful girls who have never heard of OMP. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted July 1, 2005 Author Share Posted July 1, 2005 Thanks Beau, I will even take a "not so beautiful" girl with a little sparkle and camera presence. Your analysis is very sound. I think henceforth I go for only OMP types who update at least once. (My time is valuable to me.) I pay because I average two to three hours to get ready for a sitting and a no show would make me spit fire. Imean it winds up at least half a day effort,and a sweaty one too.<p> Obviously my recruiting has to be redirected,and I will go for other means. An agency seemed logical,and I may have hit the seeds instead of the fruit so to speak. I have indeed got a couple of nice young ladies to pose. One said "Some Experience" and she need total move by move control. Zero ideas on modeling. Willing yes, but not a keeper. Anyway, my muse will come,says the balladeer. Meantime, Happy Fourth Weekend for my North American friends and break out the Molson and roasted corn. (zum wohl and l'chaim) This post aint a lament, it comes with the territory I am beginning to see. How to build trust in an intimate environment seems to be the real title of this posting. That is what People Photographers do, beyond lights and other stuff...GS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmulder Posted July 1, 2005 Share Posted July 1, 2005 My daughter is signed up onemodelplace and unless I'm with her, she will not meet with a photographer. Now I must say that my daughter is only eleven tho, but with the world being so crazy with criminals, I wouldn't even consider sending a young child to a photographer I don't know. I'm sorry, but that is just my idea of it. As far as not replying...Many models get spoken to by other models if they find out that they just don't reply. It is very disrespectful for models to stand you up or dont' reply. I wish I could find a photographer who is willing to do a shoot of my daughter....LOL But, I have been doing my own shoots and it has worked great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vihao Posted July 1, 2005 Share Posted July 1, 2005 I use OMP and I've encountered similar issues. Don't sweat the reply-once models. If they're that unprofessional up front it's probably better that you move on and find somebody else. Better that they waste your time over email than be a no-show for a shoot you've prepped for. I actually insist that my models bring companions to the shoot. I believe that it's part of my job to make the model feel safe and at ease. I haven't heard to many stories of rapes and murders, but I've heard a few stories of photographers making unwanted sexual advances. One girl I've worked with had this happen to her. The model I've been working with most recently is only 16. I will actually refuse to shoot unless she's accompanied by a parent. The funny thing is though, she's more mature and professional than some of the 20-something models I've encountered on OMP. Instead of looking at model profiles on OMP. Try looking at the local photographer profiles. Any model you find in a photog's portfolio is one who's shown that she can follow through with a shoot. If you find a model you like you can ask the photog about her. You're not in this for money, so the photog shouldn't have any reason to not help you out. -V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted July 2, 2005 Author Share Posted July 2, 2005 Thanks V good analysis. Will give it a try. Hawaii's pro photographers, the top ones, are a little "reclusive," to put it mildly, but I will ask around. And do the cross check you suggest. The theory of the who's hot and who's not is just fascinating. Clearly am naive about the whatsitcalled torn jeans shorts bunch. In my youth a paying summer job was a juicy op. ( in my late teens I hammereed fiberglass under off the slab/pier and post tract houses,yucky job- to save for a camera I recall) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melanie_hotlips Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 Hi I'am a Model and it got my atention when I red this b'cause I get comments from photographers that I work with telling me the same thing but they say not only from One Model Place but from any kind of source and my answer is this,the young girls up to 23 or 25 they get this Carrear not as a Carrear but as to meet people and have fun only with guys they like other wise they don't care ,I have been in this business for the last couple of years and I make my living of this But because I'am a professional in my work I don't play around you see befoure I got girlfriends and I help them to get work and they used to do that and people start telling me that I was responsable that they don't show up so I decide not to do that any more and concentrate in myself and here I'am every body knows I'am a professional.And is fanny I found only twaice a photographer do this to me they never show up and b'cause of this I start placing in as many pages I can their names so people know them and is funny after this they appear telling me sorry bla, bla, you should do the same with the models so they start knowing this is not a game so they don't post pictures just to place them.And about other topic the escorts what you seid is true but the same thing when this happen with whatever is b'cause they don't do it professional just b'couse the girlfriend o whatever wants to show some skin so they are like that,my escort for example he is very professional and I hire him I pay him to go with me eny where no matter what so that's the way to do it.I hope I help you with some answers from a Model point of view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_robertson2 Posted July 7, 2005 Share Posted July 7, 2005 perhaps you may want to review http://www.newmodels.com/ Vihao: When it comes to minors have the legal guardian present. It maybe the parent it may not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted July 7, 2005 Author Share Posted July 7, 2005 Steve,re that reference it seems to me that the aspiring model needs to be cautious and realistic. I will accept an ingenue, and usually achieve good rapport and help the portfolio builder. I think am getting to be more at home with the "odds." And appreciate the comments from all. Even you Melanie,you vixen...GS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal_thatcher Posted July 8, 2005 Share Posted July 8, 2005 Gerry, go down to Femme Nu or San Succi beach, where they all hang out when not working and you will find a bunch of willing, beautiful models...but some may want a little higher sitting fee. I found the boyfriend thing to my benefit as the best Senior portrait shoot I ever had was with a boyfriend that put the girl at ease, made her laugh, and buy the end was even suggesting flattering poses for that specific girl's looks. I know that is not always the case but the point is, you can use them to make them feel at ease. Aloha from a former fellow islander. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerrySiegel Posted July 9, 2005 Author Share Posted July 9, 2005 Mahalo Nui, Neal. I will follow advice and report back...Aloha, GS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaden_n Posted July 10, 2005 Share Posted July 10, 2005 Well, With Onemodelplace being a free service, you get ton of model wannabee who are on there with no intentions of being a professional working model. it is more of a source to get free photos. beats going to glamour shots and paying them $29.99 for a photo setting. most of the time at least. On the other han, you must sunderstand. There are as much "junk photographers as there are models. With the advent of digital cameras, there are alot of GWC (Guys With Cameras) that can claim to be proffessional photographers and prey on pretty girls. I manage a few girls and rarely get any real leads from OMP. I get nearly 200 messages the first week from these photographers that have elaborate cut and paste messages they send to every model that signs up. It gets quite annoyinmg for a girl that can not tell the frauds. Its easy for me because I have seen these crap messages many times and can just erase them. Basically it becomes wasted e-mail space and a waste of time to sort through and write back all the photographers who wrote you for no reason. Most photographers don't even take the time to read the profile. All of my girls specifically say NO TFP Considered, and yet 1/2 of my emails are still from amatures requesting TFP. When you have a model making $100-$150 an hour 5 days a week, you must understand that she usually does not have time to meet and discuss things about the shoot in person because it takes up a day ($600) of their time/money. Kaden www.kadenphoto.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrymat Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I think the answer to problems with models is to ask OMP to provide a feedback service so that photographers can rate models, much in the way that EBay provides ratings. If I see a girl advertising on OMP and her ratings indicate that 1. she does not answer emails within a day 2. does not show up for appointments 3. has a non professional attitude then I know enough not to contact her. To be only fair a model should be able to rate a photographer also. If you feel strongly about this, as I do then let's group our forces and all send the message to OMP. Jerry Matchett Edmonds, WA<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_abigt2 Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 OMP has unfortunately turned into a porn infested, overpriced money pit of a website who's administrators ignore you. My recommendation?... move to http://www.modelmayhem.com It's FREE and the admin actually responds to your input. Check out member number out... #2623!<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew_menzies Posted July 21, 2005 Share Posted July 21, 2005 I too have experienced problems with some of the models, on two different occasions the model was a no show after I had arranged time around my schedule and took the time to travel to the location. Like some of you I have had no replies to a few emails of a serious work enquiry and with a couple of models after establishing contact and starting to make arrangements they just drop away with no further contact. There are a couple of other things as well that bug me including attitude. In saying all that there are some real gems there who are a real credit to modeling (and themselves) I agree with you Kaden there is some dross in both model and photographer camps. with all due respect I generaly like to meet models before hand in particular if its the first time it means they can meet me and I can see how they move so that I can find the most natural poses etc for them and it means the model is more at ease when we get to the studio/location. The models get much more per hour than I get in my job so I want to make the most of my money and film and at the end of the day it should have benefits for both parties. I dont have a problem with models bringing escorts with them as long as they dont get in the way of what is happening, they can sometimes be quite helpful if you give them a reflector to hold. With regards to OMP as a whole there is some questionable content but I feel that it is a helpful site with different features and I had a technical problem with my account + portfolio page and when I contacted the relevent person they were exceptional in sorting it for me. If you are looking for models then sometimes the best ones are on the street in front of you or even a friend or neighbour. Im working with a wonderful girl c/o a friend who put us in touch and long may it continue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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