Dress Size Minimum in Casting Call - Help !

Wouldn't worry about it. Better to be specific than have to let down unsuitable models with a "Thanks, but no thanks."

isn't there an established high profile model you can reference for the look? There's quite a bit of variety out there, so you might say you want someone with a 'Kate Moss look', a 'Twiggy look' or a Jean Shrimpton look. 

The list is long and images of well known models are just a click away. 

If you cast for a photogenic commercial look then it's reasonable for models who believe they fit the bill to apply and likely that your requirements, being specific, won't be met.

I don't think it really matters what you say in your casting, you will always get a few chancers saying they are "size 16 but are quite tall so look thinner, and if I breathe in..." etc. Some will claim to be size 10 (or were the last time they measured themselves, five years ago) and will turn up looking like a regular at the Donut shop, and a few might even accuse you of discriminating against 'real women with curves'.

Accept the fact that you can't win, and cast for whatever you want. Then when you find the perfect model, ask to see a recent photo and speak to the last photographer she worked with.

I wouldn't leave it to dress size, as Crippen said, I can squeeze into one of my designer dresses size 8 from 10 years ago, it doesn't mean that I should or that it would look any good. If you have a specific shoot in mind I would crawl through the profiles and find exactly what you are looking for and contact the model direct.

If you are after a particular look, just be professional in your description, and nobody should take issue with it.

I think, and have always thought, that as a photographer you have an absolute right to decide who and what you want to shoot.

I am always seeing castings for photographers wanting specific ages, sizes, looks, heights etc etc and I never take offence to it as it can work in any 'direction' dependent on what the casting is for. If I were to take offence to every casting I saw that I wasn't suitable for ... I'd be having a right old tough time of it.... But here's the thing... I have no right to get offended... the casting isn't saying that there's anything 'wrong' with being any other age, size, shape, height etc etc... It simply just means that I am not what the photographer is looking for at that specific time. And maybe, at some point they might be looking for a model above 6ft, blonde with bags of slightly unstable personality.... then hey presto I'd be the first in line 😉😅

Put out your casting for what you want. Like everyone else has stated, as long as everything is professional and well thought out then there should be no problems ☺️

Crippen said

 a few might even accuse you of discriminating against 'real women with curves'.

That's a risk. But don't waste the time of any RWwC by NOT saying that's what the casting is looking for; because you would still be discriminating, just making them apply to find that out. Be clear, be professional, and if you'll shoot other sizes at other times you can say so. 

CalmNudes said

Crippen said

 a few might even accuse you of discriminating against 'real women with curves'.

That's a risk. But don't waste the time of any RWwC by NOT saying that's what the casting is looking for; because you would still be discriminating, just making them apply to find that out. Be clear, be professional, and if you'll shoot other sizes at other times you can say so. 

I had about a week of page long emails from a local about why I should give larger ladies a chance….   Low population area here, had to avoid shopping in that town for a while….

The Photographer Brian Harris said

...I was looking at putting a casting call out, but I am quite specific in the person I am after, which is basically a lady with the right look and a dress size of 12 or under who has a photogenic face and a bit of a “commercial” look...

Simple. Just put 'no tubbys and no bug-uglys'. Sorted. 

Huw said

CalmNudes said

Crippen said

 a few might even accuse you of discriminating against 'real women with curves'.

That's a risk. But don't waste the time of any RWwC by NOT saying that's what the casting is looking for; because you would still be discriminating, just making them apply to find that out. Be clear, be professional, and if you'll shoot other sizes at other times you can say so. 

I had about a week of page long emails from a local about why I should give larger ladies a chance….   Low population area here, had to avoid shopping in that town for a while….

Yep. I've heard that the people of Aberaeron can be a bit sensitive. 

Thanks everyone for giving me your opinion, in particular from the models.

I new in my heart of hearts that its the right forward.

I will post a tactfully worded specific casting call shortly and see what happens.

Also, I have cherry picked a few models that I will contact directly as well.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Years.

Thanks

Brian 

The Photographer Brian Harris said

Thanks everyone for giving me your opinion, in particular from the models.

I new in my heart of hearts that its the right forward.

I will post a tactfully worded specific casting call shortly and see what happens.

Also, I have cherry picked a few models that I will contact directly as well.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Years.

Thanks

Brian 

  

Brian - you mention 'tactful wording'. With respect, if you state exactly what you're looking for - i.e. a model who is 'dress size of 12 or under who has a photogenic face and a bit of a “commercial” look' - that's stating your requirements in a totally non-offensive way. 

Don’t overthink it. Regardless of how strictly you specify what you’re looking for, you’ll still get a slew of unsuitable applicants who haven’t read the casting

Welcome to the crazy world of casting on PurplePort. It ages me about ten years every time 🤣