TFP vs paid sessions for your own portfolio?

[srwatters]

Now that I have all this good equipment and have been working on my skills with friends and family, I'd like to shoot a 'real' model. I have contacted a few from different model sites and the question comes up regarding compensation vs. TFP.

How much would you pay for a 1/2 day (4 hours or so) shoot with an experienced model?

I know a lot of you are professionals and don't need to hire someone, but as a rookie, I don't have the portfolio or network contacts to attract models for TFP work. Plus I could use help with posing and creative input from a more experienced model.

What are the going rates here in Dallas? $40/$50/$100 per hour? I really have no clue.

Thanks,

[srwatters]

No one here has an opinion or has paid for a modeling session?

[ndsimm]

on some of the sites I have looked on depending on your area, there are a lot of apsiring models would are in the same boat as you...they need a portfolio, but can't afford a photographer. Have you checked out Jeff's site, Texas Models and Talent? he pretty much covers Texas and often schedule shoots where groups of models come together with photographers for TFP. As for what a "real" model would cost, I am wondering the same thing.....
http://www.austinmodelsandtalent.com...ex.php?act=idx

[srwatters]

I'm a member there and did the February group shoot here in Plano. My only observation is that the majority of the talent there is well under 18 and strictly limited to 'G' rated work. I don't want to do any racy or nude work, but fashion and glamour are the disciplines I would like to practice and learn. If I don't have any luck with OMP or GG, then I may try to set up something at TM&T.

I'm willing to pay someone to help me learn, I just don't have any idea what the going rates are?

What about workshops? I don't want to travel too far, but I guess that's an option also. Any suggestions in that vain?
Thanks,

[ndsimm]

what about the agencies in your area? I'm sure of them would love to have a photographer for free

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by srwatters

What about workshops? I don't want to travel too far, but I guess that's an option also. Any suggestions in that vain?
Thanks,

I thought the Garage Glamour guy was doing a seminar/workshop in the Dallas area later this year.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

I thought the Garage Glamour guy was doing a seminar/workshop in the Dallas area later this year.

I guess it showed up on his web site. It's 6/4-5 and is $200. I think I'll sign up.

[srwatters]

Just as an FYI, I've had interest from two models I found through One Model Place. One is TFP and the other is a very reduced rate pay session. I hope to shoot them in the next two weeks. I'll be sure to post here when I do.

[tink3rbell612]

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[Sheldon]

Originally Posted by tink3rbell612

And then Fri-Sat-Sun I'm working for the Brut Car promotion for $18/hr.

Hey Heather, I'll swing by and say hello. I'll be there for the finals on Sunday.

[Manny]

The best way to get started in portraiture is to use your family and friends as you have. That's always the best start.

As for using models you have to find them and then see or ask what their rates are. If you go to sites like onemodelplace.com or netmodel.com or joyofmodeling.com you'll find local models and check out what their rates are that way.

TFP is not a bad deal. It depends on both the photographer and the model. How good a photographer are you and how good is she? ya know?

She can be the prettiest woman you've ever seen and still not be able to give you a small smile with out looking forced. it isn't easy.

I just completed a TFP shoot and it was my best work, with a model, to date. It was a blast. We were both comfortable with eachother so the shoot went very well. I'll post some pics up later.

Both she and I are trying to start a porfolio and this was a big help for me. I actually shot 535 shots of her!! and ran out two batteries..luckily I have a cigarette adapter for my charger so I was okay there. I burned off a copy of our shoot for her.....well I had to burn two CD's there were a lot of high res photos. And we had an early dinner at yaga's on the strand. And went on our merry ways. She said she wants to work with me again and I with her as well.

So you can get luckily with TFP and get a very good model that's easy to work with if you are a beginner photographer. And the same applies to models.