If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is No

 Where does a photographer find models? Try this the next time you're talking to the cashier at the grocery store:

More after the jump...






"Have you ever thought about doing some modeling?"

"You're kidding me right?"

"No, I'm serious. I photograph models all the time and I think you'd be a great model. You have the look."

"I don't know..."

"I'll tell you what, here's my card. If you want to get some free portraits, give me a call. If you model for me, I'll give you some of the pictures for free."

Sometimes they call. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes when they hear I'll give them pictures, they set up an appointment right away. Sometimes they have more questions. Sometimes they know of a friend. The fact is if I don't ask, I already know the answer. No. And the worst that can happen is that they will say no.

So many photographers seem to think that finding models is hard. All you have to do is ask. Who do you ask? The receptionist at  the doctor's office. The guy selling phones at the mall. The girl at the perfume counter. The guy at the drive through window.  The woman at the DMV. The man delivering a package. Don't forget your neighbor, your pastor or your family. Models are everywhere.

There are also web sites devoted to hooking up models with photographers. Model Mayhem is one site. One Model Place is another. Searching Google will give you a plethora of options. Don't forget about Craigslist.

Just be honest with your prospective models. They're probably not going to be the next supermodel and you can't promise them stardom but you can tell them it will be fun and that they'll get free pictures that they can give to parents, their spouse or friends. And since they are getting something of value for their time, you can feel free to require them to sign a model release.

"Why do you want me to sign a release?"

"So that I can sell the pictures I take of you. That's why I want to take your picture."

"Shouldn't I get paid for modeling if you're going to sell the pictures?"

"You are getting paid. I'm giving you pictures and the value of those is actually a lot more than what I would pay you in cash."

"I'd rather have cash."

"Okay. If you decide you want to model for pictures, feel free to give me a call and we'll set something up."

Sometimes they say yes. Sometimes they say no. But if you don't ask, the answer is always no. Oh, I almost forgot. If all else fails, you can always pay them.

More to come...