How can an amateur photographer find models and build trust for portrait or nude shoots?
Asked 7/27/2016
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2 answers
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I’m an amateur photographer with mostly landscape experience, but I’m interested in portrait, fine-art, and possibly nude photography. When I contact models, my messages are usually ignored or declined.
What are good ways for a beginner to approach models professionally and make them interested in collaborating? How can I build enough portfolio work and credibility if I don’t yet have much experience photographing people?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
26
You've got to show them examples of your work that make them want you to produce similar work with them. In other words, you need a portfolio that demonstrates you can make it worth their time and effort.
Of course that poses the question, "How can I build a portfolio if no one will work with me?" You have to start small. Check among your friends or family to see if anyone is willing to let you photograph them. You don't necessarily need to start right off with photographing those you know well for nude sessions. But doing portrait work, especially that is creative and demonstrates your ability to visualize a setting, control the light in the scene, and compose the shot will go a long way to show that you are serious about doing good work and not just another guy with a camera that wants to take snapshots of young, attractive women in various states of undress.
As other answers have suggested, you might also look into taking a class that would provide the opportunity to work with models in a group setting. This would give you the opportunity to build and improve your portfolio. It might also give you a chance to meet and become acquainted with models that could potentially be more comfortable working alone with you in the future after having been around you a bit.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Models usually want evidence that working with you will be worth their time. The main thing you need is a small portfolio showing you can light, pose, compose, and execute portraits well.
Start by building experience with people you already know—friends, family, or anyone willing to sit for portraits. You do not need to begin with nude work. Strong portrait work can show creativity, technical control, and professionalism.
You can also practice on yourself as a serious project: plan lighting, posing, styling, and composition the same way you would for a model. That can improve your skills and help you understand what posing and vulnerability feel like from the subject’s side.
If your long-term goal is figure or nude photography, develop toward it gradually and show that progression in your portfolio. Be clear about the style you want to create—fine art, boudoir, non-sexual nude, etc.—so potential models know exactly what you mean.
Another practical route is to connect with life-drawing or art-model communities locally and speak with experienced models directly.
In short: build a people-focused portfolio first, communicate clearly, and approach models professionally and specifically.
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