Model Mayhem? What can I expect?

[ShaneKislack]

I've just joined model mayhem hoping to find some willing participants in my portfolio build.

I've been reluctant to join because I kinda viewed it as less than professional based on the profiles I've seen. I'm a firm believer that having a camera doesn't make you a photog and posing nude doesn't make you a model. There doesn't seem to be any standards which is scary. Seems anyone and everyone can join.

BUT, a fellow photog I know is a member and advised that once you weed through the crap...it can be good. I'm hoping I misjudged at first.

What can I expect?

[HotHolly]

Expect a lot of models that are pro but have come into contact with a GWC and been skeeved at some point. Pros usually bring an escort with them and are forthright about their expectations. It is also a good spot to find aspiring newbies, but beware - there are just as many crazy models in there as there are GWCs. Good luck.

Edit: Oh, and serious models usually have some notation that they are represented by ABC Modeling Agency. If they are going it solo - there is usually a notation that they are serious about finding work and they are not on MM for dating.

[ShaneKislack]

GWC and PWC I assume.

[J Eddington]

No matter what you are shooting ALWAYS have someone with you. If shooting a male m odel, have a male accompany you, Female model another female accompany you. So far I have had mixed. But mostly good. One arrived and tried on the dress and said OH No I can't wear that! and left. The five others were sports and worked out well. Tell them upfront what you want to do and what you expect. They will do the same with you. Expect to run into flighty ones. I had one cancel on me, but she called ahead and let me know because she got a paying job and she was just doing TFCD with me. I understood.

[keefeborden]

I need a translator. What is GWC? What is PWC?

Thanks, Keefe.

[sbug_adam]

Originally Posted by keefeborden

I need a translator. What is GWC? What is PWC?

Thanks, Keefe.

not sure what PWC means but GWC means guy with camera. usually refers to any guys who has a nice camera thinks they can "capture the beauty of a naked body"

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by sbug_adam

not sure what PWC means but GWC means guy with camera. usually refers to any guys who has a nice camera thinks they can "capture the beauty of a naked body"

...and then ask her on a date. GWC (on MM anyway) are total slime. Every model I have worked with from there had some horror story. It drives pro models away. (Thought I'd add this part for newbies. New photogs and new models working together for TFP is great. GWC on that site isnt referring to a newbie status...its referring more to a guy hiding behind a camera to be able to get close to pretty naked women when he has no interest in photography).

The models that stick around learn how to navigate around GWCs and find real photogs. I've worked with several good models from there and lots of great MUAs also. Ive not had issues with no shows or flakes. Have had issues where they exaggerate their features, etc. Out of all the girls I worked with from MM only 1 made it onto the DNR list...slightly crazy.

[ChuckW]

MM is one of those chicken or the egg things. Many join in hopes of building a good portfolio, yet it is more difficult to retain models if you don't already have a good portfolio! Often it is apparent from the ports posted which ones are the GWC's and which ones are the photographers. Just post some of your best work and go from there.

[ShaneKislack]

pwc=perv with camera.

Janice, I agree. But it's that defensive position that you have to take that turns me off of that site. I have no interest in shooting anyone without their clothes...so I don't automatically think "oh, I better have a chaperone".

If I'm going to do a shoot, it's going to be something for my portfolio...and I'll have MUA, assistant, and hopefully an art director.

[brad]

I have found some wonderful people there... and some flakes... that goes for both models and photographers. I do not think that MM is a place to look for paying work, but for building portfolios, its great... you just have to be patient in order to find the good ones.

My MM: http://modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=13842

Another place to look is ModelLaunch.. they do weed out a little bit there and their servers are more reliable than MM... I'm there, too: http://www.modellaunch.com/folio.php?id=39850

[srwatters]

Be prepared for a >30% no show rate. As an example, I am supposed to be shooting with a self proclaimed 'professional' who is 'very experienced' tonight. I have not heard from her via email, or MM message in over a week and I know she has read my messages but has chosen not to reply. I find that neither 'professional' or the mark of a 'very experienced' model. This happens about 1 in three shoots that I book (TFP or non paid shoots only, when they pay a deposit, they usually show up). I am very tempted to start charging a 'refundable if you show up' deposit via PayPal for TFP shoots. That should weed out the flakes.

I have found wonderful, professional, and dedicated models on MM, but the flake factor is still annoying. I have NEVER no-showed for a shoot, yet can't even count the number that have done so to me (only once, BTW. PM me if you want my no-show list).

[mcphotography]

I agree with all of the comments ... i have worked with some wonderful models there (a few of them have shot 2 or 3 times) and that's been great, but at the same time i've dealt with some of the flakes...ymmv but it's not all bad --- just beware of the discussions on the forum - some of those are really good for laughs

[brad]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I have found wonderful, professional, and dedicated models on MM, but the flake factor is still annoying. I have NEVER no-showed for a shoot, yet can't even count the number that have done so to me (only once, BTW. PM me if you want my no-show list).

Ditto on this... Scott.. we should trade no-show lists sometime.. I'll bet there are some common names.

[ShaneKislack]

Too bad they don't have a rating system like ebay! Maybe you guys should post the no show list on your profiles?

[Jeff_Green]

For all M.M. members... there is a Dallas meet and greet on Saturday the 20th. It is at Posado's in Plano at 6:00... www.posados.com .

Anyone wanting to come, let me know.

Jeff