Models' fees
Orson Carter said, 1704720790
On one hand, modelling is a highly skilled and highly specialised job that very few people can do, and even fewer people can do well. So from that point of view, I feel that good models deserve to be well rewarded.
On the other hand, in most forms of business a service-provider needs to be aware of what their potential customers can pay or are willing to pay. And on sites such as this - where the majority of models' clients (i.e. photographers) are doing this solely as a hobby - potential clients simply cannot afford to lash out on fees that (IMO) some models actually deserve.
A bit of a Catch 22, innit?
JPea said, 1704721547
The Times today reports that the restaurant and associated businesses have had their worst start to the year since whenever.
9
Damn!!!
I thought I'd cracked it.
INFINITY Model said, 1704722554
One thing that is very evident from this thread, is that a lot of people are struggling right now, and a minority doing well.
From a model's perspective, the overheads have increased. For example, to keep getting my nails done in a salon I now have to fork out £45 every 2 to 4 weeks, where as about 8 months ago it used to be £30ish, luckily I don't dye my hair so I don't have to fork out hundreds on that every couple of months (for my length of hair I have been quoted hundreds in every salon), but of course there are other beauty treatments which I pay for to keep myself in top shape for my clients - in a cheap month that comes to £150ish, which isn't cheap at all. Yes you could argue I could stop, but then that would have an impact on my appearance, which is how I make my living at present. My rent has increased by £50 p.m, not even going to mention gas and electricity...I tried absorbing those costs myself for a while last year without raising prices, but then it gets to the point where it's not sustainable, so my hourly needs to increase. To keep my wardrobe updated for fashion shoots,it costs so much more than it used to, so naturally even the fashion rate had to come up. I find that there are photographers out there who are genuinely struggling just as I am, and I am always willing to negotiate if someone approaches me nicely and honestly, but there are always those who never wanted to pay full rates in the first place, even if they could. They tend to want to shoot fetish and see the most flesh, it gets tiring. I've been blessed to work with many wonderful photographers, but equally, I feel exasperated with those who want much for little in return.
Edited by Infinity Valerie
Sandra Blu said, 1704723087
Orson Carter I agree with you BUT your logic fails when sites for hobbyists in US and EU models are charging double and triple, why?
FiL said, 1704723484
Sandra Blu said
Orson Carter I agree with you BUT your logic fails when sites for hobbyists in US and EU models are charging double and triple, why?
The markets aren't comparable, largely due to culture.
Allesandro B said, 1704723588
Sandra Blu said
Orson Carter I agree with you BUT your logic fails when sites for hobbyists in US and EU models are charging double and triple, why?
Completely different markets, smaller pool of models and the demographic of the photographer is different (probably because the rates are that much higher). The market in Europe is worse than here if the last European model I shot with is correct, which is why some are regularly touring here.
Orson Carter said, 1704724830
Sandra Blu said
Orson Carter I agree with you BUT your logic fails when sites for hobbyists in US and EU models are charging double and triple, why?
I can only comment on how things are here. I only shoot in this country. But as a couple of people have already commented, the markets are different elsewhere.
Digressing slightly - and going back to one of my earlier points... I have massive respect for good models. I've had some bl**dy tremendous shoots with some highly skilled and wonderfully creative models, and I feel lucky to be able spend a day with them for a fee that I can afford. Given their range of talents, they're worth far more than what they're charging. But in common with many other hobby photographers with limited cash, I simply can't afford to pay them any more.
Lenswonder said, 1704727066
On the market drain reference, rates have been higher in the EU for years. How come the drain still hasn't happened already ? These were in easier times now with Brexit you think it will happen now when it's harder ? It's unrealistic.
Huw said, 1704727565
Sandra Blu said
Orson Carter I agree with you BUT your logic fails when sites for hobbyists in US and EU models are charging double and triple, why?
Because Britain is a poor country.
Standard of living isn't nearly as high (outside London).
"Britain’s GDP per head, which took seven years to recover to the level it was at in 2008, has risen steadily since 2015, but only left the UK 30th in the World Bank’s global rankings."
2014:
indemnity said, 1704728031
Huw this is from 2014 the link 2019 using 2017 figures, today even the Councils are bankrupt. For UK changing blue to Poor and Orange to skint would be closer to reality.
JPea said, 1704728762
The bankruptcy of British Councils is more down to mismanagement than anything else.
Can't find the report but in the papers in the last week.
This is not to say there is sufficient money.
There never is.
Huw said, 1704728875
playwithlight said, 1704729499
The median average earning (so including the FTSE 100 CEO salaries and those on the minimum living wage) is £ 682 per week gross calculated in December 2023 (source Bloomberg). The average salary is actually lower. A model charging £ 40 per hour needs to work 17 hours a week to attain this median salary
The median salary in France is Euro 39,800 per annum. That's Euro 829 per week assuming working 48 weeks as in the UK example. If we use the 17 hours per week as in the example above models need to charge Euro 48.77 per hour. If some models are charging Euro 100 per hour then the gross would be Euro 81,600 per annum. I seriously doubt many models earn that figure although it's possible some do or even more.
Here is the details for Germany considered to be one of the best paid countries in Europe (after the Nordics). According to Glassdoor, average gross wage in Germany for the year 2023 that is 43,842 € per year or 28,680 EUR after-tax for a single person. This stimulates a 2,390 EUR net monthly salary. A monthly net income of 2,500-3,500 EUR is considered to be a good salary in Germany.2 Dec 2023
Salaries in the UK increased by 5.8% overall in 2023. So £ 35.00 would increase to £ 37.15, £ 40 would increase to £ 42.46 and £ 50 to £ 53.07.
Facts are better than fiction.