Models

[Saltwater Servitude]

I've been planning a shoot for a few weeks now with an aspiring model here in San Antonio, TFCD. I got a studio lined up, MUA and HA, and all five (studio owner included) of our schedules coordinated since we're all in need of shots for our portfolio. We nailed down the types of shots we're going for that benefit everyone involved.

Got an email this evening. "My boyfriend doesn't want me modeling at all right now. Can we reschedule?"

Uh, what? Your boyfriend doesn't want you modeling, but you want to reschedule? How does that work exactly?


The HA works evenings and has already asked off from work for the session. The MUA got her schedule moved around to find a babysitter.

I wasn't too blunt, but I did explain that she was only one variable in the equation and that all of us went to considerable expense to accommodate her schedule and there won't be a second chance.

I know, I know, if I get serious about photography there are going to be many cancellations in my future, but this one is particularly annoying since we all bent over backwards to get her into the studio. Crossing my fingers that I can find a back-up in time.

/rant

[camera shy]

Sorry for your plight.
Try Modelmayhem or some of the other sites. book more than one model. Some people even ask for a refundable deposit so the model will show up.
Try to get references.

Good luck.

[srwatters]

Welcome to the "I think I'm pretty, so I'm a model" world...

If you really need portfolio shots, hire a real working model. Start with the agency's "new faces" division and you might get a lower rate. I've never had a no-show for a paid gig from an agency. If you can't afford that, then ask for references and call them. What do you want to bet that this "model" has pulled this before?

I've been dealing with this kind of situation for over 6 years. I won't schedule a TFP shoot like this with multiple staff involved unless I get a deposit. If they show up, they get the money back. That tends to motivate them

Good luck.

[ldelacruz]

Jeff,
What day is it scheduled? I might be able to fill in.

[danchez]

check references, check references and check references and then go with your gut. If your communication with a model has been sketchy at best, more than likely, they will flake on you. Talking to them in person, not just texting or talking on the phone, usually helps lower the flake rate. If they are on Model Mayhem, see how long they have been on the site, how active they are on the site. Do as much homework as you can and then be prepared to still deal with an occasional flake. It sucks, but you can only do so much for a tf* shoot.

[Abel]

ive had people do that with paid gigs... 99% of models are flakes and will bail in a heart beat not considering how many other people have also made arrangements and changed their own schedules to suite them.

thats just how it is... sucks i know.

also, i wouldnt reschedule... i'd say no thanks, give her the run down on everything thats having to be cancelled because of her.

then id make sure to have a "do no work with" list on your modelmayhem page and add her to the list...

[brad]

(in my best southern auto mechanic voice, while holding up a burned up engine part)

Originally Posted by Saltwater Servitude

TFCD

"Here's your problem."



I've had models who I trusted (shot with several times before) do this... I've had paid models bail on me at the last minute on a workshop - only to have a different model jump in her place.... and then that model go wonky on me after another shoot because her boyfriend didn't approve of the images.

I've had a model brought in because of her long, luxurious hair... only when she arrived, she'd been to one of those "Toni & Guy" free modeling sessions the day before and they cut it all off.

I've had a model come into the studio for another photographer with her boyfriend in tow. For some reason in the middle of the shoot, he storms off and she stopped the shoot for an HOUR trying to figure out why he was throwing a 2 year old temper fit.

The lesson to be learned.. if its REALLY important, hire a model from a real agency. These kids on the Internet.. Model Mayhem and the like.. are not professionals and are ALWAYS ready to bail for a better offer.

[Saltwater Servitude]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

Jeff,
What day is it scheduled? I might be able to fill in.

That's greatly appreciated, but we decided to cancel it altogether. The HA called this afternoon and she's getting a sinus infection/head cold. Didn't stop her from using every four letter word in the English language in voicing her displeasure on the cancellation.

I want to say thanks for everyone's input and commiserative experiences.

Scott and Brad, I'd planned on doing so eventually. Seems like eventually has become "immediately, without option."

"Here's your problem" killed me, reminded me of Myth Busters. I use that all the time at work.

Robin, that's where I found this one at.

Thanks Abel for the idea of a "Do Not Work With" list to spare someone else the same headache.

[danchez]

Originally Posted by Saltwater Servitude

Thanks Abel for the idea of a "Do Not Work With" list to spare someone else the same headache.

as nice as this sounds, do not post this on your profile page, that will get you banned from the Mayhem. Make the list, you will want it, but keep it private. One thing you can do on your profile page, make a list of all of the models you have scheduled a shoot with. Then if people call and ask you for a reference, you can tell them whatever you want. But if you flame someone on your profile page, you will not be working with anyone from Model Mayhem...

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by danchez

as nice as this sounds, do not post this on your profile page, that will get you banned from the Mayhem. Make the list, you will want it, but keep it private. One thing you can do on your profile page, make a list of all of the models you have scheduled a shoot with. Then if people call and ask you for a reference, you can tell them whatever you want. But if you flame someone on your profile page, you will not be working with anyone from Model Mayhem...

Not only will it get you banned, but don't think that just like we talk about models, they chat about photographers just the same. I've heard them in fact right in front of me dissing a photog for this or that. And let's face it, neither side is completely faultless. For every flaky 'model' there's a GWC out there looking to take advantage of the girls in any number of ways. A good reputation is hard to build and putting someone on 'the list' could make it disappear and bite you later. I do have a list, and follow it religiously. But it's my list and isn't shared. I will give unbiased referrals, but typically the no shows don't get called on, just the good ones. And that part I like.

Of course, YMMV...

[Anthony Martinez]

I can think of many things far worse than being banned from MM. Running out of beer is one of them. Getting mayonnaise on your burger when you ordered mustard? Also one of them.

[Jeff_Green]

Originally Posted by srwatters

For every flaky 'model' there's a GWC out there looking to take advantage of the girls in any number of ways.

At least wait 'til I leave before you talk about me!

[BenE]

Originally Posted by Anthony Martinez

I can think of many things far worse than being banned from MM. Running out of beer is one of them. Getting mayonnaise on your burger when you ordered mustard? Also one of them.

I was going to say something like that, but not as funny as what you said.

It is getting to the point that even models who have never really modeled want money or all the raw images. Many of those who want to be paid (or payed as most of them spell it), have around $100 per hour as their fee, or $50 an hour if you let them keep their clothes on.

Some want money and raw images.

And if the OP thinks the excuse he heard was weird, just wait....

[brad]

Originally Posted by BenE

I was going to say something like that, but not as funny as what you said.

It is getting to the point that even models who have never really modeled want money or all the raw images. Many of those who want to be paid (or payed as most of them spell it), have around $100 per hour as their fee, or $50 an hour if you let them keep their clothes on.

Some want money and raw images.

And if the OP thinks the excuse he heard was weird, just wait....

My personal pet peeve.. and for some reason, I keep running across her profile on MM.. I won't mention her name, but she's very nasty in her profile about how she only does paid work and her response to why she doesn't do TFP is, and I quote:

"It is an oxymoron to work for free."

So.. what she does is work, but the photographer is just creating stuff by FM? Bite me, witch... you'll never work for me, paid or not, with that attitude.

[Anthony Martinez]

Originally Posted by brad

My personal pet peeve.. and for some reason, I keep running across her profile on MM.. I won't mention her name, but she's very nasty in her profile about how she only does paid work and her response to why she doesn't do TFP is, and I quote:

"It is an oxymoron to work for free."

So.. what she does is work, but the photographer is just creating stuff by FM? Bite me, witch... you'll never work for me, paid or not, with that attitude.

Yes, that is what ultimately drove me to ban myself from MM. A particularly ugly encounter of the stupid kind. I'm pretty sure I did start a thread though, and name names. By then I'd quit shooting as an income source, so my "reputation" could really care less what happened as a result. Even if no other "model" would agree to shoot with me again if that thread saved just one person from having to take that woman's photograph the purpose was served.