Be honest- Do you love your own photography?

Afrofilmviewer

It's me Maristaroxley answering on my photography account.

I feel that the casting option is where things are less successful. I do reach out directly to models and have connected with amazing people, but most of the models I ask ( who are very popular on here) have expressed no interest in shooting with me. That's perfectly fine, because I turn down many requests as a model

MaristarOxley said

Orson Carter

I put castings out and unfortunately I don't get many suitable models. I reach out to models that I like and they don't express an interest, because of my photography style. I do get more of what I want on Instagram, so I'm not short of models. I have just seen a difference on PP.

I need to answer this on my photography account 😬

Edited by MaristarOxley

Gerry99111 said

Orson Carter said

MaristarOxley said

...I do say at the bottom of my comment, that there are some Fantastic models on PP, so I'm not saying there are none. I'm finding from my experience within my requests, that I find it more difficult. BUT definitely not impossible. I have two models I would shoot with at the drop of the hat and you can probably see them on my photography account.😀

Not wishing to pick and argument, especially on such a positive thread, but I'd say that there are lots of fantastic models on PP. 

Time and time again on PP shoots I have the pleasure - nay, the privilege - of working with highly skilled, highly creative people who have a shed-load of energy and enthusiasm, who are reliable and 100% professional in every respect, and are an absolute blast to work with. 

My 'would work with at the drop of a hat' list is lengthy. Very lengthy!    

 

Edited by Orson Carter

If I may stick my oar in, there are lots of fantastic models on here, but only between a very few and most of those are suitable. The definition of "suitable", is particular to each photographer and can be very limited or so many they don't know how they will fit them all in.

Ultimately, if a photographer has a particular style that they feel only a handful of models have the right look, aptitude, levels required, price, ability to get to the location, length of shoot, willingness & enthusiasm, then they will view the site differently than a photographer who doesn't have complex shoot requirements and will just shoot who ever and what ever provided they are nice enough and allow a relaxing shoot, great images optional.

What we can notice is our own differences, if over time, we are finding less models or very few and our requirements have not drastically changed, then it is the availability of suitable models that has diminished. Anyone who is looking to develop is not going to think watering down their own shoot needs a good solution.

I'll take my oar back out now!

MaristarOxley and Gerry99111 - My comments were of a general nature. I've worked with lots and lots and lots of PP models who, in my opinion, are highly skilled. But I do understand where the two of you are coming from. Your requirements are more specific than mine, so I realise why you might find it less easy to identify models who are suitable for your requirements. Indeed, despite my comment I've been looking for someone with a very specific look for a specific shoot - and after many months of looking I'm no nearer finding the right person. 

But that's all about suitability. My earlier comments were about quality. At the risk of being an awkward old git (who? me? Hmm..) I'm going to dig my heels in -- in my opinion there are lots and lots and lots of excellent models on here.   

Orson Carter

Quote:

Indeed, despite my comment I've been looking for someone with a very specific look for a specific shoot - and after many months of looking I'm no nearer finding the right person.

My point 😍

It's achievable to find what we both want, but it's a stamina game

"Be honest - Do you love your own photography?"

Certainly not 'love', but it's good to feel a general sense of improvement in what I've produced over the years.  Not kidding myself though, I know I have a long way to go to feel truly competent and consistent.  As many others have said, the process is probably the most enjoyable aspect, especially if the final images result in something close to the original idea in my mind's eye.  Even better if I discover something new and interesting along the way.

Orson Carter

When I first joined PP, my very first casting produced two excellent models. They are no longer modelling and are living abroad. My first three years on here were great in finding models quite easily, amongst many who were not. Since lockdown, I have found, maybe 3 models and it's now almost 4 years since we had COVID madness.

I love my photography, especially the way I experience shooting and editing. I love some of my shots, I get inspired by som of my shots and I hate some of my shots. So much to learn, so much progress to be had.

Ash Day

Well I'm love your work 🤩

The process, especially in the action shots you have, must be the best, when you get the shots.

Theta Aeterna

It is certainly always a journey of discovery and improvement.

😍

MaristarOxley said

Ash Day

Well I'm love your work 🤩

The process, especially in the action shots you have, must be the best, when you get the shots.

Thank you kindly Marissa. :-)

MaristarOxley said

Orson Carter

When I first joined PP, my very first casting produced two excellent models. They are no longer modelling and are living abroad. My first three years on here were great in finding models quite easily, amongst many who were not. Since lockdown, I have found, maybe 3 models and it's now almost 4 years since we had COVID madness.

With respect, I don't usually have a problem in finding excellent models. That's NOT a boast. The main reason is that my requirements are far less specific than yours; another reason is that I'm lucky enough to have a few 'regulars' who can turn their hands to a variety of styles.

Nevertheless, I readily admit that I do have a problem finding someone with short fashion-y hair and world class cheekbones! And I also readily admit that my last two casting calls (which were for a specific look that none of my regulars had) produced no responses at all. But I take the blame for that:  the shoot ideas, the wording of the casting calls themselves, the fact that it was TF, the fact that I'm a grumpy old sod etc etc simply didn't appeal to anyone. 

[EDIT - As things transpired, it's fortunate that those CCs didn't work. My iffy back became very iffy indeed, and as a result I've been sidelined for about a month. I'd have had to cancel the shoots. But I'm getting back to it later this week - themed shoots on Thursday and Friday. Can't wait!!] 

Orson Carter you have mentioned the phrase excellent several times but that on it's own is not something I'd ever consider. There are probably 1000s of models who would look amazing if I shot them at a bespoke venue in a ballgown, but as I have zero interest that makes their abilities irrelevant.

As a closer to home example, my who style involves posed to look unposed which is very hard to do properly and more akin to acting to a brief.

There are plenty of art nude models who will only pose in a non natural looking art nude style which is totally unsuitable to me. Whether they are brilliant or not to someone else is irrelevant to me

Gerry99111 we seem to be looking for the same thing, or something fairly similar.

Gerry99111 said

Orson Carter you have mentioned the phrase excellent several times but that on it's own is not something I'd ever consider. There are probably 1000s of models who would look amazing if I shot them at a bespoke venue in a ballgown, but as I have zero interest that makes their abilities irrelevant.

As a closer to home example, my who style involves posed to look unposed which is very hard to do properly and more akin to acting to a brief.

There are plenty of art nude models who will only pose in a non natural looking art nude style which is totally unsuitable to me. Whether they are brilliant or not to someone else is irrelevant to me

Gerry -- I think we're on about different things. You're referring to models who suit your requirements; I'm referring to models who, in my opinion, are 'excellent' for their skill, creativity etc etc etc. 

Can we agree to disagree? I'd feel uncomfortable about continuing this - I moan about people who take over threads, and as I've already posted four or five times on this thread I'm feeling a tad hypocritical. 

Gerry99111 said

There are plenty of art nude models who will only pose in a non natural looking art nude style which is totally unsuitable to me. Whether they are brilliant or not to someone else is irrelevant to me

Well I know you haven't asked for a critique, but after viewing your portfolio I love the foxy lady, last one on your portfolio :-)

Huw said

Gerry99111 we seem to be looking for the same thing, or something fairly similar.

possibly a collaboration guys, very cost effective ;-)