Looking for Models in D/FW area

[rebelwind]

Does anyone here know of any way besides Craigslist that I can find models in the D/FW area to use for shoots?

[questor]

You might suscribe to model mayhem and see who is local.
Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem

[rebelwind]

Thanks! I'll definitely check them out.

[srwatters]

It all depends on how loosely you define 'model'. If you want professional models for a paid shoot that will:

- look like their online portfolio
- communicate effectively and honestly
- arrive on time or heaven forbid, a little early
- show up at all

I strongly suggest one of the brick and mortar agencies in town.

The Kim Dawson Agency
The Campbell Agency
The Clutts Agency
Linda McAllister Talent

Otherwise, you're just a well off using Craig's List, MySpace, or Facebook as using Model Mayhem.

Good luck!

[rebelwind]

Thanks, Scott! Seeing that my budget is almost non-existent, and I am needing to build up my portfolio, I may have to go the "free" routes mentioned. I will definitely check with the agencies listed above to see if they offer any incentives or specials for those like me who are just starting out.

[toverman]

To create really great portfolio images, you might try to befriend a makeup artist who likewise could use some images to use for a portfolio. A model without makeup usually looks like a model without makeup ... the freebie ones are not likely to be able to do their own makeup/hair very well.

[rebelwind]

I hadn't thought about that. Totally makes sense. Something to keep in mind, for sure. Thanks!

[srwatters]

Just remember to be honest with the MUA about your photography skills. Essentially you are offering an exchange of your images for their makeup skills and supplies. If the balance is in your favor, you would do well to offer them a kit fee to at least compensate them for materials.

Another suggestion is that if you are in the portfolio building stage, you might be better off hiring an experienced model. Two beginners together will be very fortunate if they get any portfolio quality images out of a shoot. If you hire a model that knows how to pose and follow the key light, you might learn quite a bit and get portfolio level images as well. I say these things as someone who had never shot portraits in a studio before April 2005.

[rebelwind]

Thanks for the advice, Scott. Would it be better for me to shoot in a studio, or is it acceptable to do on-location shoots? Either option is okay with me, I just will need to take the time to setup a studio space, if needed.

To be honest, I'm starting to wonder if I should just find a photog to assist for a while to get my foot in the door and learn whatever I can.

[CaptainTom]

There is a plethora of photo groups in the area that have seminars, group shoots.,etc.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by srwatters

it all depends on how loosely you define 'model'. If you want professional models for a paid shoot that will:

- look like their online portfolio
- communicate effectively and honestly
- arrive on time or heaven forbid, a little early
- show up at all

i strongly suggest one of the brick and mortar agencies in town.

The kim dawson agency
the campbell agency
the clutts agency
linda mcallister talent

otherwise, you're just a well off using craig's list, myspace, or facebook as using model mayhem.

Good luck!

ditto!

[mkothare]

Try Do something, Learn something, Share something, Change something - Meetup.com to join groups interested in setting up modeling shoots.

[lyncca]

Model Mayhem is great for free models, but remember, you get what you pay for ;)

For me, that was ideal because my goal was to work with "normal" people and be able to pose them, so an inexperienced model was perfect for me. It let me build my photography, people, and posing skills. Now it is much easier to work with the general public.

Also mentioned above, there are meetup groupls based around models with everything from glamour to casual models.

[elliottmm]

Have you ever heard of "meetup.com"? very active group of photographers that meet up for walkabouts and special events. All have various skill levels and are friendly. Here is a couple of links. One in particular shares his studio once in a while he invites models and for a small fee you can attend and have the opportunity to shoot them. Check them out!

Dallas Digital Photography Meetup Group (Dallas, TX) - Meetup.com

Glamour Photography Club of Texas - DFW Chapter (Dallas, TX) - Meetup.com

[rebelwind]

Awesome! Thanks, Elliott. I have not heard of meetup.com. I will definitely be checking that out.