Finding and working with models
Most people start off by photographing their families and friends. This can be a great start as a way of building your own confidence and providing pictures to show what you can do. If this is not possible for any reason or you have reached a stage where you want to be more adventurous then there is the professional model to think about. However model agencies usually need convincing of you picture taking ability and that you intend to shoot pictures for the right reasons before they will let you book any of their girls. This is why you need some good examples of your previous work before approaching them.
If you do not have these pictures at the beginning then all is not lost. In most parts of this country there are studios for hire. If you happen to live in the south east of this country then http://www.momentsstudio.co.uk is one of these. For example, they have a wide choice of furnished built-in sets as well as an infinity wall. A very comprehensive array of lighting equipment with all the usual accessories. There are 70 sq metres of floor space so there is plenty of room. They hire to professionals and amateur photographers for whom they run regular group sessions where technical advice is given if required. I understand they are putting together a model list for those who do not bring their own. Together with all the usual facilities you would expect in a hire studio, it makes this is an excellent package. To a greater or lesser extent, similar studios can be found in many parts of the country and for anyone wanting to make a start on getting a portfilio they are the solution. Finally, working in a group session is a lot less expensive than hiring a studio for sole use.
Apart from going directly to a model agent, thanks to the Internet, there is another good way of finding models that can also benefit you as a photographer. This is the online site that provides hosting for both photographers and models. There are several of these and http://www.purestorm.com is an excellent example. Apart from providing good advice this is a site listing both photographers and models and is free. It is possible to have your own page setting out the degree of experience you have, the type of work you do and the area of the country in which you live. The page also can contain your photographic portfolio. For models the situation is exactly the same. So you see, not only can you find exactly the model you need for your picture taking; how she photographs and her working details. As she can see all about you as well it is then easy to arrange a session on the terms you are both happy with.
You will find models listed of all experience levels. You will also know exactly what sort of pictures they are prepared to do and in many cases their fees for photography. There is also feedback for people who have worked with them. You can contact each other through the site. Some models who are starting out will be prepared to work TFP (time for pictures) in stead of a fee. Remember in order to get work most models need to build up their own portfolio of different pictures so are always interested in something new.
Moving on to the next stage, having hired a model, you are ready to start shooting pictures on your own. If you want the session to go well pre-planning is the answer. The other important thing is consideration for your model. Tell her what you are trying to achieve. Make sure she is comfortable with what you have in mind and the environment in which you are going to work. She must feel part of the shoot and not just an object being photographed. Listen to any picture ideas she might have. Some models, especially the more experienced ones, often have very good ideas to bring to the session. It can be a useful contribution to the success of your finished pictures.
