Hi all just a question for both sides of the field, As me being a newbie, I'm just wondering how did you start off photographing models it must of been a hard job to get the trust of a stranger on the first shoot.

So this question is for members models and photographers that have been here for a while now,

How did you get to start off?

and how did you get around by applying to models, did you start off offering payments or TF'' to a pro or first timer etc?

I know I only got 2 images on my profile but I'm waiting for permission to add more on here as their ment to be for my portfolio in college. So soon as permission is granted I put more up. Is there anything else that can help me to progress to the next stage (I know I'm going to need more than one shoot but it getting it started first lol).

Look forward to hearing from both sides of the lens.

Regards JJones

JJonesPhotography , Photographer  posted on 25/01/2010 18:21:25   Posted 322 times

Located:Llanfairpwll,Anglesey, UK
Member Since: 22/01/2010

easy one lol.

i picked up a camera whilst i was serving in Afghan, one of my jobs out there was to escort the army photographers, and i liked what they weer doing that much, that i went and bought my own DSLR when i got back. that christmas, over a drunken chat, a good freind of mine said that she wanted to have some pictures of her, but was being let down by a freind of hers in London, drunkenly, i said id give it a go...how hard can it be????? the day came, and we did a good shoot, way to many pictures were taken, but we got a good handfull. yes it was a steep learning curve, but looking at them, i felt that i had a natural eye for what i wanted to capture.

 i bought a few magazines off the shelf, and found a networking site in one of them, joined it, but didnt like it that much, but eventually found this site, and have gone tiny steps and bounds. ive worked with a few models on this site, been part of networking meets and thoroughly enjoyed it.

i guess the first shoot was the hardest, but as it was a feind, who i knew well, the banter was easy, and we both had a good day.

Hope that helps start this thread off.

Keiran Bingle

Keiran Bingle , Photographer  posted on 25/01/2010 18:36:19   Posted 882 times

Located:Stroud, Gloucestershire, Pershore Worcestershire,Worcestershire, UK
Member Since: 27/02/2009

I was doing a btec in photogrpahy and got a couple of the fashion students into the studio and took there pics. I also have a friend who had done some modelling and went to my local park when it was quiet and took some unusual shots.

My wife was a graphic designer. I was recovering from a broken back at home, out of a job and a big pain to her.

She needed a photo of a pint of beer (pre digital stock)' Took a few shots, her boss loved them. Next their AGM, then company posters.

That poster go me noticed by a fashion designer ..... new range of t-shirts.

My first big money, proper studio shoot. Models, stylists, MUA ..... I 5h1t myself hahaha

All worked out fine .... I owe my life to a pint of beer ..... and a pushy wife

Tom

My Czech Chick - the one in pink lingerie (referred to as such cos it rhymes) was obsessed with being photographed; every other sentence included "take a picture" - so I did ! And it rolled from there.

Mostly, I've paid for models time, as I don't consider myself good enough to mascarade as a proper photographer and feel that I have to be honest about the fact, not only to myself but to the models. 

I don't normally boast like this but it's such a freaky introduction I have to.

I was working as a freelance for a television company on only my fourth day with them, they asked me to photograph one of the new presenters on a kids TV program.

This was in 1972, the presenter was an ex Miss World (1969) Eva Rueber-Staier , so it's me and her in a studio and no one else, I hadn't a clue what to do, but I could light and expose correctly, she could pose, the result was great, they loved it and thought I was brilliant. I thought it was sensible not to mention how out of my depth I was, I don't even think Eva realised how hopeless I really was. I just said to her "I thought you were posing so well it was silly of me trying to add my two penneth" the fact that I couldn't have added one penneth didn't really seem worth a comment.

I learned one of my biggest lessons that day, always look confident even if you haven't a clue, most art directors/picture editors know far less than you, and if you look as if you know what you're doing they're happy, and you've won.

From then on it was easy, I'd photographed Miss World, who needs references.

Tony 

TonyNutley , Photographer  posted on 25/01/2010 22:37:15   Posted 190 times

Located:Southampton/Arundel,Hampshire, UK
Member Since: 31/10/2008

Wow guys you all been very lucky but I'm sure there someone out there must had a hard time in getting a model!
I suppose it down to being at the right place at the right time without even trying? I have asked the students at my college but most of them are underage as they will not bring there parents to sign the form, and as for the fashion designers there not finnished yet. But I will keep an eye on them as there only next door to my classroom and I know there tutor well so I will ask her when I see her next.

Well I have to say thank you for your time in telling us your storys and lets hope we hear some more great storys from other members.

....JJ

JJonesPhotography , Photographer  posted on 25/01/2010 23:28:02   Posted 322 times

Located:Llanfairpwll,Anglesey, UK
Member Since: 22/01/2010

Quoting post from CostasK
My Czech Chick - the one in pink lingerie (referred to as such cos it rhymes) was obsessed with being photographed; every other sentence included "take a picture" - so I did ! And it rolled from there.

Mostly, I've paid for models time, as I don't consider myself good enough to mascarade as a proper photographer and feel that I have to be honest about the fact, not only to myself but to the models. 

Of course, when I said Mascarade I meant Masquerade; I am hanging my head in shame (:-

I needed a studio to get some shots I wanted for a competition so I did a deal with a local photograper to assist him on a shoot in return for a few hours use of his studio.

The shoot was for Janet Reager underwear, word got around after the shoot and pretty soon I was getting offers of work on my own.

I started going to some club nights when they were holding Glamour evenings.  I did one at KAZ studio in Rayleigh and I believe Clive is still in business.  He only charged £20 an evening for the model and studio.  Or you can try your luck and ask a girl in the street if you can photograph her.  But only ask once or she might think you're a stalker.
By the way Tony you said "always look confident even if you haven't a clue"  That's the motto for New Labour isn't it?

Why seek the Star, when you are The Star?

arriflex , Photographer  posted on 26/01/2010 14:18:56   Posted 275 times

Located:South Benfleet,Essex, UK
Member Since: 23/12/2009

Is this 'right time right place' and just 'BS' your way in, an old school way. We did it because we could?

Could we start now and do the same thing or would me need to have the right certificates, stamps and gold stars from x y z university?

Would we survive?

I still thinks its who you know rather then what you know ..... well to start with anyway.

T

By slight fluke...

I run an unofficial Ipswich Town fanzine and I figured a site with girls wearing Ipswich tops and not alot else would increase hits, it did.

My first shoot was with a model who has since gone on to be signed by Girl and appear in the Sport or Star a few times.

It all been luck to everyone so far! maybe one day when the right model at the right day at the right time (anything else to add to that!) will come!!

JJonesPhotography , Photographer  posted on 03/02/2010 22:08:32   Posted 322 times

Located:Llanfairpwll,Anglesey, UK
Member Since: 22/01/2010

As many before me studied photography, assisted freelance in London to quiet a few photographers and at the same time photographer.
Test shots for model agencys.
But mostly worked on still life, cars, roomset.

All back in the 90's.