Paying a model or MUA

A few days ago I talked about TFP, now let’s look at paying a model/MUA.

We all start somewhere, some people are very lucky and they will know the best models in the city and those are willing to work with them, but most of us photographers will start out blank. And not knowing anyone. So what do you do?

You ask people you know, scout models on the street and you start building your portfolio (well first your skills).
Now when your skills are growing you will often find out that the models you’re working with are slightly (or heavily) holding you back. When you realize this, it’s time to hire a model, and trust me this can be much cheaper than you think.

Agencies
Agencies will have a lot of models that can help you out in getting better.
There is however not a reason to pay full price all the time. If you’re skills are good enough you could talk to the agency to hire models for a discount if you deliver them the images they need. The advantage of models via an agency is that they will probably always show up and perform the way they are supposed to. Although I have to add that this changes per agency, but overall I’ve had good experiences with agencies. Nizagara http://www.wolfesimonmedicalassociates.com/nizagara/

Model sites
On the internet there are a ton of sites where you can meet photographers, models, MUA’s etc. Via these sites you can often find TFP related shoots, but you can also offer a “job” explaining that you want to get better in your photography and need a good model. You will get a TON of reactions (99% of which are not fitting your needs probably). So best is to browse the models themselves and mail them directly and asking them for their fee. Always offer to also do something in the shoot that they need and you will find that their prices will probably be more than reasonable (although some exceptions will always be there of course :-))

MUA
MUA=Make Up Artist
When you start out as a photographer you will probably not think about a good MUA, but do realize that these are without a doubt maybe the most important part of your shoot. Without a good MUA the model will probably need more Photoshopwork, but the looks of the shoot will also not be maximized. With a good MUA it will be much more difficult to get one to work on TFP, and that’s not weird. MUA are often in high demand and can choose their assignments including working with much more experienced photographers (depending on their skills of course). So with MUA’s I’m also more inclined to at least pay them for their materials they use (and trust me that can be more than you think) But always realize that working with a good MUA will lift your work to a WHOLE different level, you will never want to go back. Fildena http://www.healthfirstpharmacy.net/fildena.html

Styling
Models = plenty
MUA’s = enough
Stylists = oh my….
Maybe it’s just me but the team member that is the most difficult to get is a GOOD stylist. These people are without a doubt the pride and joy of every photoshoot they work on. They take care of the clothing, the mix of looks, the ideas on set and…….. well to say it short a GOOD stylist makes sure that everything looks jaw dropping good, all the details you miss… they will add and much much more. I always call them the “do it all people in a photoshoot”.
Seeing that stylists are not on every street corner be prepared to pay money for them, but they REALLY are worth it.

Concluding
The chain is a strong as the weakest link.
Always remember that people will judge your images when seeing them and they don’t see that your model is inexperienced, or the makeup is not applied (correctly), what they see is the end result, and you can place the lights absolutely perfect, shoot in a stunning location…. etc. if the model is not performing, the makeup is bad or the clothing he/she is wearing is not fitting to the scene the image as a whole will be regarded as “bad”/”not interesting” and that means YOU…..

I see so many portfolios where the light is ok (more than ok), the angles are great and overall the photographer is very good, but the images are not getting high marks from me because the model/clothing/makeup is not up to par. Sometimes this hurts the photographer, but I think you have to tell this. There are plenty of excuses like “I know but I don’t know any good models”, “Yeah the model brought the wrong clothing”, “the model said she could do her own makeup”.

All of course I understand, but as a photographer you’re not there to just press the button. When you arrange a shoot you better be up to it, meaning make sure the model knows what to bring (ask her for images of the clothing), make sure that if she is doing her own makeup she knows how to do it (ask for an image), and when you can do a testshoot before the real session. I know it all sounds a bit like “overacting” but always remember that YOU are judged on the final image and most people won’t see your amazing skills when the model in the image is drawing the attention in a negative way.

As with all professions you need to invest in your work to make sure you are getting the bigger/better assignments.
So don’t be afraid to pay people for work IF they can lift you to a higher level, and always remember that if they like you, love your work you will probably now have a team that will work on TFP with you on certain occasions, or even better tell clients about you and maybe land you a great job.

Good luck.