Need advice - shooting with photographers?

[Lena75]

To any and all you fab photographers or models here. I just received a private message on my myspace page. Here's the actual message:

Hi. Just a big fan of the sport. Would it be possible to arrange a photo shoot w/ you? Thanks. Kevin

Do any of you guys/gals have any advice on how I should respond to this? No one's ever asked to shoot me before and I have no clue what to say/ask. I have no idea if this guy's for real or some nut job. One never knows, right? :headscrat

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[jasons805]

Sounds odd, but Maybe he could be ok. I would ask for samples maybe some credentials if he has them. It's so easy just to write him off and ignore him. I would reply; if it seems on the up and up and your interested go for it.

[JTx]

Caution would be my first word of advice.

I am on myspace and have gotten a couple of shoots through contacts I have made there but I also have a web site, phone number (# isn't on the site but I offer it to anyone I may be shooting with) references, etc.

Does "Kevin" supply any of these things?

What does his profile contain? Just some guy or information that you can use?

JT

[Lena75]

Caution would be my first word of advice.

I am on myspace and have gotten a couple of shoots through contacts I have made there but I also have a web site, phone number (# isn't on the site but I offer it to anyone I may be shooting with) references, etc.

Does "Kevin" supply any of these things?

What does his profile contain? Just some guy or information that you can use?

JT

His profile contains nada.

[jasons805]

My myspace is dead too, but then again I never use it. Just use your best judgement.

[JTx]

I do agree with jason to not dismiss someone out of hand. If you are interested, ask him for references or somewhere to see his work. Look for incosistencies.

[Lena75]

Thanks you guys. I'll reply to him now.

[John Stutz]

Every photographer has to start somewhere. Even if he has little to show, he may be a diamond in the rough. On the other hand, even well seasoned veterans can turn out to be creepy.

Always, always, always get references for any photographer you might be considering working with. Also, try to verify the authenticity a photographer's references such as through an individual's web site.

For new photographers whose references may be a bit thin, you should speak with him by phone or in person first and try to see guage how comfortable you would feel shooting with him. Sometimes you can get a feel for an individual simply by having a conversation. You might also want to bring someone with you to the shoot. I recommend this myself.

Watch out for anyone who gives mixed signals, such as not allowing you to bring someone along with you. Also, be clear as to what types of imagery he wants to shoot with you, and that you are willing to shoot with him.

In the end, no matter how novice or seasoned a photographer is, it all boils down to trust. If you don't trust a photographer, do not shoot with him.

One final note since you've never shot before, you should seek advice from others on what to do and what to don't on a shoot. Clothing, location, compensation, fees, deliverables, releases, agreements, rights, etc. are all extremely important to take care of before beginning any shoot!

[jasons805]

if his name is bill bring someone with you (joking)

[Lena75]

Every photographer has to start somewhere. Even if he has little to show, he may be a diamond in the rough. On the other hand, even well seasoned veterans can turn out to be creepy.

Always, always, always get references for any photographer you might be considering working with. Also, try to verify the authenticity a photographer's references such as through an individual's web site.

For new photographers whose references may be a bit thin, you should speak with him by phone or in person first and try to see guage how comfortable you would feel shooting with him. Sometimes you can get a feel for an individual simply by having a conversation. You might also want to bring someone with you to the shoot. I recommend this myself.

Watch out for anyone who gives mixed signals, such as not allowing you to bring someone along with you. Also, be clear as to what types of imagery he wants to shoot with you, and that you are willing to shoot with him.

In the end, no matter how novice or seasoned a photographer is, it all boils down to trust. If you don't trust a photographer, do not shoot with him.

One final note since you've never shot before, you should seek advice from others on what to do and what to don't on a shoot. Clothing, location, compensation, fees, deliverables, releases, agreements, rights, etc. are all extremely important to take care of before beginning any shoot!Thanks, John. I asked Kevin to email me some photos. He says he's not a professional, and it's just a hobby. Who knows, maybe he's good.

I actually already did one shoot. It was the day before my very first competition in March. I learned one thing: shooting when you're super dehydrated and starving makes for a difficult experience. I think I'll do the day after the show next time. :D BTW: I love the stuff you've done of Jodi Miller. Quite excellent.
if his name is bill bring someone with you (joking)The guy who did my first shoot was named Bill. You must be psychic or something. :camera:

[TomNine]

Of course Kevin is "some nut job," why else would he want to take pictures of athletic women? :D

The advice so far is all good, the main thing is are you interested in doing a photo shoot at all, and are the (minor) risks of working with Kevin outweighed by the rewards (I'm assuming also minor).

As a hobbyist who knows the joys of sending e-mails asking for shoots, I have sympathy for Kevin. I hope his motives are good and he at least acts professionally, but if he is just starting out there is no way to tell until you get the material.

Good luck with everything, you seem to know what you are doing.

[Jay]

Do some research on him and ask for sample shoots.

[John Stutz]

Thanks, John. I asked Kevin to email me some photos. He says he's not a professional, and it's just a hobby. Who knows, maybe he's good.That's exactly my line too. This really is just a hobby for me. And who knows, maybe I'm good too.

BTW: I love the stuff you've done of Jodi Miller. Quite excellent.Thank ya kindly!

[Morningstar]

I don't know if this will help but here goes. Bottom line Lena, follow your gutt feeling. If you ever feel uneasy about a shoot don't do it or bring some one with you. Ask lots of questions if you aren't sure like, what kind of photos will you be taking. Do you need to bring your own wardrobe and do your make-up your self. Let the photographer know in advance what you are and aren't comfortable doing. This way you don't waste their time and yours. Always ask what the photos are being used for. Photo shoots can be so much fun especially if you have a great photographer. Have fun and good luck! I hope this helps

[George]

Thanks, John. I asked Kevin to email me some photos. He says he's not a professional, and it's just a hobby. Who knows, maybe he's good.

I actually already did one shoot. It was the day before my very first competition in March. I learned one thing: shooting when you're super dehydrated and starving makes for a difficult experience. I think I'll do the day after the show next time. :D BTW: I love the stuff you've done of Jodi Miller. Quite excellent.
The guy who did my first shoot was named Bill. You must be psychic or something. :camera:
No shoot is worth being creeped out about. John was right...everyone has to start out somewhere...however....the other advice was good and critical!
Unless you're shooting with house hold names like Bill Dobbins, Ralph Dehann, Robert Reif, Alex Ardenti....oh and lets not forget George Legeros of course...hehehe...ALWAYS ask for credentials. There are some other photographers who are terrific....Genex, John Stutz, JTX, TomNine....to name a few.
If the person has no track record...you do have to go on your gut feeling...but there are some things you can do first....ask for a phone number....BUT!!!! when you call him...block your number so if he is a creep...he won't get your number and wreak havoc with it for months to come. Suggest a meeting in a public place...and BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU! If the person doesn't want to give you his number, meet in a public place or thinks its a bad idea for your to bring someone with you....RUN...as fast as you can in the other direction!....

[genex]

I know lots of girls talk to each other about photographers so don't be afraid to PM girls that are on here about any of the photogs they have shot with. I know that several groups of women share their experiences so if you see that someone has shot with a particular person, ask them about it. Most of the women are more than happy to share a good and/or bad experience.

[George]

PS
It is very important to understand the agreement between you and the photographer.....trade for content, fees, and most important...exclusivitity....Ask to be sent a copy of the agreement before you agree to the shoot...AND READ IT!....NEVER....NEVER...EVER...sign an agreement of exclusivity....unless it's for Playboy etc....and you'll know its the real deal because for your exclusivity they will hand you a big fat check...and I don't mean $100-$500 dollars....I mean thousands...There are too many good photographers out there....all of them with different technique...and different "eyes"....signing an exclusivity agreement would preclude you from ever shooting with other photographers until your contract runs out or you're released from it....BE CAREFUL!....READ THE SMALL PRINT!.....don't glaze over in the "excitement"....take your time....have legal council look over the agreement if you have any doubts....it's your image...your career....be in charge of your own career....

[mark000]

By exclusivity I assume George means that the model agrees to shoot exclusively with that photographer. Standard contracts typically give the photographer exclusive rights to the specific photos from a particular shoot, in exchange for the fee.

[George]

By exclusivity I assume George means that the model agrees to shoot exclusively with that photographer. Standard contracts typically give the photographer exclusive rights to the specific photos from a particular shoot, in exchange for the fee.
Actually, it all depends on the type of shoot and the agreement. Typically, the photographer retains the rights/copyrights to the photos and provides a "right to use" agreement to the model. No photographer pays a model for the right to use his own pics....I certainly wouldn't, and I don't believe any photographer worth their weight would...It's usually the other way around.

The scenario where the model owns the copyright is usually referred to as a "work for hire". In this case, the model pays all costs associated with the photoshoot, and typically includes the photographers fee, studio expenses, transportation, make-up artist, and any subsequent work provided by the photographer such as computer time/photoshop. Usually works for hire are contracted by a modeling agency or management company. These types of agreements are usually way over most competitor's budgets, therefore other agreements such as TFC (time for content) trades are usually more benificial to competitors. There are some photographers who will pay an hourly fee. These fees start at around $50 an hour for still photos and can be higher. Video work for some reason pays a little better but not much. The thing to remember is that the fee paid is for the models time and has nothing to do with ownership of the work. Photographers who pay a modeling fee will use the materials in perpertuity with no additional/residual payments to the model/competitor. These types of agreements are common and are usually associated with web based and other for profit entities. Again, it's all in how the agreement/contract is structured therefore, it would be in the model/competitor's best interest to read the agreement first before agreeing to do the shoot. While this is always considered good practice, there are certain photographers like Gene, Tre, TomNine, James, John Stutz, myself, Steve Wennerstrom, John Nafpliotis, Bill Jents, Barry Brooks, Terry Goodlad, Robert Reif, Alex Ardenti (sp?), Bill Dobbins, and several others (too many to mention) who have a "track record" and a reputation...and can very easily provide references/names of other models/competitors who've worked with them.....I hope this helps.... :camera: