Where to find TFP/CD models for a beginner?

[srwatters]

I'd like to know where the best place to look for adult (not children) models to help a real beginner with studio portraits. I have a backdrop setup with white and gray 9' seamless, a single AB-1600 monolight with octobox, and a SB-800 with shoot through and bounce umbrellas. I'm looking for both male and female models to do headshots and/or 3/4 length portraits. Eventually I'd like to do some glamour work, but nothing more than PG to slightly R rated content. I'm hesitant to try the online sites like One Model Place and Garage Glamour since I really don't have any existing portfolio. My current 'studio' is set up in the empty dining room at my home in Plano.

Anyone in the North Dallas/Plano area have suggestions or someone they know looking for TFP/CD portraits and is willing to work with a beginner? How did you get your start?

Thanks,

[Gordon]

I'd personally start with family, friends, neighbours and so on. Many of them would be willing to give up maybe half an hour in exchange for a few 8x10 prints. I've found quite a few people willing to let me practice with them in that way as a starting point.

It won't be professional models or people with modeling experience, but the reality is at first you just need a 'head' in the right spot while you make some mistakes with lighting and so on. Certainly posing and lighting and communicating with the subject is important - but that comes with experience.

Eventually, or even quite quickly, you'll run out of friends/ family/ neighbours to press in to service, but by that point you'll have some portfolio images that you can use and some experience under your belt to approach some of the more formal TFP opportunities.

It is important to set it up as a 'shoot' though, don't just wander round with your camera.

[srwatters]

Gordon,

I actually should have included the fact that I have already run out of family and friends to practice with and I can produce what I think are reasonable quality images. Some of them I've uploaded to various sites and gotten critiques which has improved my output. Problem is my models really don't want to be published portfolio subjects. Pair that with the fact that I recently moved here to TX from California and don't have a large friend 'network'.

I'd really like to do some more 'serious' work towards building a portfolio. I took part in the AM&T group shoot in Feb., but the majority of models were children. Not that I mind taking photographs of children, but I have enough to worry about trying to get lighting, exposure, and composition correct, without having to work with a wiggly youngster.

Here's one keeper from that session (at least in my opinion).



Thanks,

[Elsaspet]

Hi Scott. You should check out www.garageglamour.com .
Once you sign up, you can do a model search with any criteria you require as well as how close mileage wise they need to be, type of shots they are looking for, men, women, hell they even have check offs for wieght restrictions. LOL.
I signed on after a recommendation and found several models right in my area looking for TFP work. Great Looking people too.
Hope this helps.
Cindy
Edited to say I just reread your first post and saw your hesitation about GG.
They give you a portfolio gallery there and all anyone can have in their gallery is 5/6 photos depending on photo size. Give it a try. I've seen your work here and it's good!

[Bill Huber]

I am sure you are looking for the real handsome macho type man with a 6 pack, I have the 6 pack, but there is only 3 left. So when and were do you want me........ :lol: I really wonder if I would brake a digital camera like I do the film ones.

I do hope you find some and make sure you post the good and the bad. The bad one will help us also.

[srwatters]

Hi Cindy,

I'm already a member at GG. I really love most of what I see there and spend a few minutes of every day reading and learning from what is posted. I've done a local search there and maybe I can convince someone to work with me. Heck, they can only say no, right?

Thanks for the compliment on my work. The learning curve is steep, but I really enjoy being behind the camera.

Thanks,

[lucian]

You could try an ad in a local college paper. Try asking for some of the students who are in a theatre program. Most of them are used to being in front of an audience and will probably be more at ease in front of the camera. Likewise you'll probably be able to get a wide range of costumes from some of the productions they are in.

These are the folks who will want a portfolio for future school productions and or for a crack at professional work. They will probably be more than willing to give you a release in exchange for a few prints.

[ShutteredEye]

Originally Posted by Bill Huber

I am sure you are looking for the real handsome macho type man with a 6 pack, I have the 6 pack, but there is only 3 left. So when and were do you want me........ :lol: I really wonder if I would brake a digital camera like I do the film ones.

I do hope you find some and make sure you post the good and the bad. The bad one will help us also.

Shoot, I have a keg!!

[LoungeLizard]

Greg, not to put others down, but if you look at some of the "portfolios" that some models post out there, your worry about yours would disappear!

I'm looking at the same thing - though sticking with "natural light" for now - and am participating in the group shoots. I would recommend looking at OneTalentSource as well as Texas Models & Talent forum (http://www.austinmodelsandtalent.com/forum/index.php?).

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

Greg, not to put others down, but if you look at some of the "portfolios" that some models post out there, your worry about yours would disappear!

I'm looking at the same thing - though sticking with "natural light" for now - and am participating in the group shoots. I would recommend looking at OneTalentSource as well as Texas Models & Talent forum (http://www.austinmodelsandtalent.com/forum/index.php?).

Jesus,

I've done a group shoot with TM&T, which was fun and gave me some good experience, but they are a strictly 'G' rated content site and most of the models I shot were well below 18. I'm not looking to do anything really racy, but I would like to tend towards the glamour end of the spectrum. From what I understand, I can't use any of the shots from the group shoot on my site if I have anything other than 'G' rated content.

Lucky for me I have convinced a friend to pose for me. Although she's not a model, she is quite attractive and should give me a start in the right direction. I'll post some shots here in a couple of weeks after the shoot.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I've done a group shoot with TM&T, which was fun and gave me some good experience, but they are a strictly 'G' rated content site and most of the models I shot were well below 18. I'm not looking to do anything really racy, but I would like to tend towards the glamour end of the spectrum. From what I understand, I can't use any of the shots from the group shoot on my site if I have anything other than 'G' rated content.

Lucky for me I have convinced a friend to pose for me. Although she's not a model, she is quite attractive and should give me a start in the right direction. I'll post some shots here in a couple of weeks after the shoot.

We had a pretty well rounded turnout here in Houston - a few children and older (though not necessarily OLD). About the "G" rated, I don't know where the line is but I don't think I've come up to it yet! If I get to it, I'll just get two separate sites it is necessary.