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A question for Modelographers only

Mel4nie

By Mel4nie, 1731611024

Just in case there's anyone who isn't familiar with the term, a modelographer is someone who both models and is a photographer.

My question is specifically aimed that these incredible talented persons who operate both sides of the camera.

Do you have a preference and if so what side do you prefer?

I've been modelling for around five years and absolutely love coming up with crazy ideas to shoot. A year ago I started picking up the camera and put into practice some of the photography hints and tips I have learnt purely from working with photographers over the years.

Topped it off with a photography qualification for good measure to prove to myself I knew what I was doing (allegedly-haha).

For medical reasons, the modelling took a very large step back this year which has allowed the photography to flourish. I thought I would miss being in front of the lens but I can truly say I enjoy being the other side of the camera too.

I don't feel any less creative as I still have just as much input to the shoots as I ever did. If anything I feel busier, purely down to the post shoot editing work.

Next year, I think will be my last year modelling (I'll be turning 47 for my sins), but for me, having the option to carry on in the role of a photographer doesn't not feel like it's a goodbye in the least.

So modelographers- what's your story and do you gravitate towards a particular side of that shiny round piece of glass?

Edited by Mel4nie

Holly Alexander said, 1731612389

I absolutely love both sides of the camera !

My creative journey started as a model 16 years ago and after always being interested in photography I finally bought my first camera 6 years ago and taught myself.

I work (and play!) as both a model and a photographer AND sometimes both at the same time! I do a lot of work for brands where I self shoot content and it works really well, plus I love having total control of the whole shooting and editing processes.

I'm also a bit obsessed with self portraits as well, because I am always making mood boards and have so many ideas for shoots but very little free time so doing stuff by myself is sometimes an easier way (although it's certainly not an easy process haha)

I host Birmingham Creatives networking events which isn't just models and photographers, it's all kinds of different creatives, and from that I've learned that most creative people tend to do more than one thing. I do think modelling will always be my favourite though as it's been my passion for so long :)

Mercia Storm said, 1731615101

I absolutely love being in front of the camera and working on the creative styling of the shoot and then being able to perfectly execute the posing etc. Being a photographer too, I can have a hand in the lighting (brilliance of having my partner as my in house photographer) and then also getting to sit and edit my photos scratch an itch

ANDY00 said, 1731615413

I can honestly say I have never heard the term 'modelographer' before in all my years. I’ve known lots of photographers who dabbled in modeling and lots of models who dabbled in photography. When they were working as a photographer, they were a photographer; when they were modeling, they were a model—rarely both at the same time. I thought someone who models and shoots simultaneously was called an Instagrammer or OnlyFans creator, lol. I’m a Muggle—easily confused with all these new terms :-)

Edited by ANDY00

ADWsPhotos said, 1731615484

There’s a rather good photographer on here called Modelography . I’m yet to see his modelling but hope springs eternal…

Pippa. said, 1731617918

These days I gravitate more toward being behind a lens or a screen - whether that be photography, creating social media content, editing and creative concept development. I guess I just personally feel a bit more creative freedom behind the lens than I do as a model nowadays.

LifeModel said, 1731623212

I took photos long before I modelled, I suppose I stepped in front of my own camera as I kept having ideas I wanted to try out but no model available. It was then a relatively small step to offering my services to others - purely on a hobby basis.

Nowadays I would say I prefer modelling - photography can be very stressful! I've had the privilege of working with some very talented people and made a few good friends along the way. Plus acted out all sorts of roles I would never have done in real life.

There isn't huge demand for male models on PP but tbh I couldn't manage a lot of bookings anyway as I lead a busy life. I don't take photos much nowadays but I do still enjoy coming up with concepts, modelling and shooting them myself, sometimes with help from others. It's great fun.

Mel4nie said, 1731703613

It's so great to see differing perspectives from you all.

Keep being fabulous what ever side of the lense you choose!

Everly Rose said, 1731704644

I love both sides. I've really started taking my photography seriously in the last 12 months and really finding my lane. I also love shooting myself on location as I visit Scotland alot and always leave a day or two free per tour to search locations out and shoot myself there as its challenging but I can take my time and experiment.

I love modelling especially location work and the freedom of expression. I also love styling shoots whether I am styling myself or a model I am shooting.

I find I can offer advice to new models I'm shooting in e everything from makeup to styling to posing and lighting and I wish I had shot with more modelogrephers when I was first starting out as I coukd have learnt some invaluable advice 🥰

Edited by Everly Rose

MaristarOxley said, 1731759912

I do both, BUT although I enjoy photography, I find it harder work to find models and because I do everything, including providing wardrobe, styling, sometimes the makeup and hair, it's less interesting for me especially as no one wants to pay for a shoot.

I shoot myself and I do more modelling here as well as with my ahei. I'm 58 and it's still enjoyable.

Ben.M said, 1731768754

I love being on both sides of the camera, but in terms of practice I have spent a lot more time taking photographs than I have ever spent being in them, but I think that has a lot to do with being a male model of a certain age. However, I find the whole process of taking photographs to be more rewarding, as I am in charge of the entire process, I can decide when I want to take photos, of what and of who. Being a photography subject you are at the mercy of working with other people, which has many more variables, although it can be a lot more sociable.