Models ...

[Purple Sage]

I've worked with a lot of models, and never had much of a problem. For the most part I haven't had much budget, so I've traded work- headshots, sometimes a portrait for somebody really good and willing to invest the time. I think that being confident about your work helps- and having a portfolio to show is key. It doesn't hurt that I started out doing sets and lights for softcore porn rags- you stop getting all squirrely about pretty girls, naked or not, in a hurry that way. It also helps if you have a range of projects you want to work on- pushing someone right into the deep end is hardly ever successful, but if they can do something pretty safe for you, a lot of them warm up and feel more comfortable being more daring.

I don't think I've every approached a complete stranger on the street though. At parties, art openings, and similar functions, yes- basically anywhere people are expecting to talk to relative strangers anyway. It helps to establish a bit of personal rapport first- half the time they end up asking me if I think they could model before I have a chance to ask them to do it.

I'll tell you one thing for sure- if you feel like what you're doing is wrong or sleazy- so will prospective models.

 

[tolyk]

My take on the subject...Fuck, I want to be a model for artists and photographers so I'd be all about it.

You know all ya have to do is come over

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I've worked with a lot of models, and never had much of a problem. For the most part I haven't had much budget, so I've traded work- headshots, sometimes a portrait for somebody really good and willing to invest the time. I think that being confident about your work helps- and having a portfolio to show is key. It doesn't hurt that I started out doing sets and lights for softcore porn rags- you stop getting all squirrely about pretty girls, naked or not, in a hurry that way. It also helps if you have a range of projects you want to work on- pushing someone right into the deep end is hardly ever successful, but if they can do something pretty safe for you, a lot of them warm up and feel more comfortable being more daring.

I don't think I've every approached a complete stranger on the street though. At parties, art openings, and similar functions, yes- basically anywhere people are expecting to talk to relative strangers anyway. It helps to establish a bit of personal rapport first- half the time they end up asking me if I think they could model before I have a chance to ask them to do it.

I'll tell you one thing for sure- if you feel like what you're doing is wrong or sleazy- so will prospective models.

Great comments. Thanks.

 

[Raine D8]

Maybe I'm too picky. Maybe I'm just perceived as some sort of creepy little pervert. Maybe its my approach. Maybe its not me at all?

Every once in a while I happen across a woman who I would love to have model for me. There's been a few here in the boards and a number of them in my day-to-day passings.

I've never really found a woman who was truly interested, and worse yet, most seem repulsed by either the idea, or seemingly, me.

My approach, with the women I meet in the real world, is one of humility and concerted effort to make them NOT feel as though I'm pressuring them or being pushy in any way. I say, and this was rehersed a great deal, "Hello, my name is Christian and I'm an artist, " as I'm handing them a business card, "If nothing else I hope you'll take this as a compliment as I'm looking for models for my projects and I think you'd be great for a couple of them (or whatever I have going on at the time)."

Sometimes the conversation progresses and I'm able to build something of a trust on the spot. I also happily divulge that I'm married and my wife usually helps me with set-up and props. Yes, obviously I'm trying to sound old-hat at all of this when I'm really not. But I figure the women I speak with would rather think this is from someone with some experience than not. Sometimes the conversation doesn't get passed the compliment and the giving of the business card. Never does it go to actually having the women model for me.

In the past any models that I have used were girlfriends or lovers, and then my wife. But the restrictions of body types and different types of beauty quickly bore me and I always would like to have a fresh face and/or body in front of me.

I'm sure that If I were a woman this would probably be too easy to get past. But I'm cursed with being of the male gender.

Ladies especially, what's your take on this? What would you like to hear from an artist or photographer that would put you into the right frame of mind to want to do sittings for them?

Inquiring artists and photographers want to know.

Speaking from a position of having modelled and also having asked many people to pose semi-nude, nude, and yes, even with a full-erection, here is how I approached the situation:

First of all, no matter how gorgeous you are (male or female), nor how charming, it will be exceptionally difficult to approach people off the street and I liken that method to the door-to-door salesman. Second, many women don't even want to model for Ford or another reputable agency let alone for no agency, unknown photographer's or artists and with no clothes. Also, women are generally suspicious of being approached cold. So, what's the better approach? I can only give you mine:

In one case, I had gone to a NewYears Eve party and struck up a casual conversation with a very beautiful girl and with the intention of asking her to model. (Parties are a great place to meet people because it's a safe environment where most people are known and the assumption is that everyone is cool, plus in finding a mutual friend that you both know at a party gives the model a reference in case they want to inquire about you). After discussing whatever trivial thing I happened to think of I began a discussion about art ... finding out a little about whether or not she had an interest in fine art or photography as the case may be, listening to her opnions and once I discovered (through my indirect manner) that she had an interest in photography I very passionately described a project I was working on (sort of like giving your artistic statement). This lead to the difficulties I was having in finding models that would pose nude, especially male models (in this instance I needed one) and did or does she know anyone, or how do you feel about modelling, afterall you are perfect for the shoot (or some such thing in a complimentary and reasons why way). Any sign of hesitation on her part at this point is an indication of interest, so don't ask again until the end of the conversation, but use the hesitation to further your intention and get back to the project and pitch it with passion. My enthusiasm for the project rubbed off, she was intrigued and she eventually "offered" to model (key word) and then she also said that her boyfriend would do an erection shot. Blah, blah, blah, but it worked and the approach has aways worked for me at parties, fashion show and fashion week events, magazine launches, and club events with a fashion spin. If by the end of the conversation she has not offered or asked, give her your business card with the open ended "If you can think of anyone ...and I still think you'd be perfect (insert complimentary why) so here's my card just in case you want to be a part of the project..." (NEVER use just in case you change your mind).

Also, for photography, I find it important to have a website (even a basic one with name, samples and list of people worked with) since most servers give you free web space, you may as well take advantage.

Also, if you're a photographer enquire with photographers printing off modelling shots at a popular dark room or post a 'looking for models bulletin' at the same place.

There are many other ideas, but you asked about approach and the above has always worked for me. Even if an artist, ther are many events and venues and parties. The point is that anyone at those places is more open to the idea of erotic photography/ art.

In any case, the most important aspect about approach is that if you are interested and passionate about what you are doing, then others will be interested as well.

Hope I've helped to some extent.

 

[Sabina_Tolchovsky]

ok, here is my take on it...

I have modeled and I am a photographer I recommend the Deviantart site, you can post work there for free. Hand out some cards with your deviantart site and if you get anyone that is interested they will know exactly what sort of work you do. I would recommend doing some work that is non-erotic <I have not seen your work so I don't know what you produce artistically> as well so they know you are serious and not just a sex perv.
feel free to click on the photo link in my signature line it will take you to deviantart...
ps. if that does not work for you ask to meet with them over coffee some time to view your portfolio, first meetings in a public place makes models feel more comfortable to begin with

 

[Halo_n_horns]

ok, here is my take on it...

I have modeled and I am a photographer I recommend the Deviantart site, you can post work there for free. Hand out some cards with your deviantart site and if you get anyone that is interested they will know exactly what sort of work you do. I would recommend doing some work that is non-erotic <I have not seen your work so I don't know what you produce artistically> as well so they know you are serious and not just a sex perv.
feel free to click on the photo link in my signature line it will take you to deviantart...
ps. if that does not work for you ask to meet with them over coffee some time to view your portfolio, first meetings in a public place makes models feel more comfortable to begin with

I've been curious about setting up a gallery there. How has that worked out for you?

 

[sweetnpetite]

I've been curious about setting up a gallery there. How has that worked out for you?

All this talk about portfolios and the erotic nature of your art has got me curious. why don't you start a 'portfolio thread' (sort of like the ampics threads) of some of your best work. (Not like the 'everyone post there art work thread, one just for you.- or you could jstu post some linksk to some of your best pieces already posted if that would be eaiser. thanks0)

 

[BlackSnake]

All this talk about portfolios and the erotic nature of your art has got me curious. why don't you start a 'portfolio thread' (sort of like the ampics threads) of some of your best work. (Not like the 'everyone post there art work thread, one just for you.- or you could jstu post some linksk to some of your best pieces already posted if that would be eaiser. thanks0)

Interesting thought...

 

[Halo_n_horns]

All this talk about portfolios and the erotic nature of your art has got me curious. why don't you start a 'portfolio thread' (sort of like the ampics threads) of some of your best work. (Not like the 'everyone post there art work thread, one just for you.- or you could jstu post some linksk to some of your best pieces already posted if that would be eaiser. thanks0)

I already have the Artists of Erotica thread. Posting a new thread, for me anyway, would be fairly redundant. However, I'd have no problem seeing others do it.

 

[Sabina_Tolchovsky]

I've been curious about setting up a gallery there. How has that worked out for you?

Very well, I have about 1,500 hits on my page so far and I know you can sign up to sell prints as well through them...it is worth checking out.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

Here's an update ...

I think I've finally come into my own for getting models. In the last few months I've had the pleasure and honor of shooting five different and very beautiful women, and have at least two more coming on board within the next few weeks. I'm having regular shoots with several of these young ladies with the subject matter ranging from fashion-type shoots to full nudes and even some very explicit work that I'm doing my best to keep as artistic as possible.

Basically, I had to get persistant, but most of all, I really had to relax and be the genuine gentleman that I know I really am. I pay very sincere compliments to the young ladies I approach and I make sure they know that I'm not pressuring them in any way. My wife and I have managed to cultivate several very pleasant new friendships from these new endeavors.

I also have to thank a little, teensy-weensy, teeny-tiny, insignificant website that one or two of may have heard of in passing somewhere ... MySpace.

Talk about opening some doors and being able to canvas a lot of people and places. MySpace has been a HUGE help in this endeavor.

Just this last weekend I shot over 2000 pics of 4 different models. My ultimate goal has become for my photography to become enough of a success that I can hold back my artwork as my personal escape. I can almost see that goal in the distance.

 

[Salvor-Hardon]

Rock on HnH!!!!

you da man!

 

[Halo_n_horns]

Rock on HnH!!!!

you da man!

Rockin' on ...

 

[arienette]

Here's an update ...

I think I've finally come into my own for getting models. In the last few months I've had the pleasure and honor of shooting five different and very beautiful women, and have at least two more coming on board within the next few weeks. I'm having regular shoots with several of these young ladies with the subject matter ranging from fashion-type shoots to full nudes and even some very explicit work that I'm doing my best to keep as artistic as possible.

Basically, I had to get persistant, but most of all, I really had to relax and be the genuine gentleman that I know I really am. I pay very sincere compliments to the young ladies I approach and I make sure they know that I'm not pressuring them in any way. My wife and I have managed to cultivate several very pleasant new friendships from these new endeavors.

I also have to thank a little, teensy-weensy, teeny-tiny, insignificant website that one or two of may have heard of in passing somewhere ... MySpace.

Talk about opening some doors and being able to canvas a lot of people and places. MySpace has been a HUGE help in this endeavor.

Just this last weekend I shot over 2000 pics of 4 different models. My ultimate goal has become for my photography to become enough of a success that I can hold back my artwork as my personal escape. I can almost see that goal in the distance.

I am very proud of you, that is amazing! Keep up the great work.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I am very proud of you, that is amazing! Keep up the great work.

Thank you kindly.

 

[Kcar]

Rockin' on ...

And another "Rock On" for ya, HnH!!! ^_^

That's brilliant work...Myspace does have a lot of women there anxious to get nekkid.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

And another "Rock On" for ya, HnH!!! ^_^

That's brilliant work...Myspace does have a lot of women there anxious to get nekkid.

Apparently so ... enjoying the fruits of my labors as we speak ...

 

[Kcar]

Apparently so ... enjoying the fruits of my labors as we speak ...

Can't wait to see!! w00t!

 

[Halo_n_horns]

Can't wait to see!! w00t!

I'll get some samples posted soon over in the "A New Medium for Me" thread that no one has been paying attention to ...

 

[sweetnpetite]

bump for old friends