Not a Pity Post

jmbphoto I don't think that's only you. I've had it before where a model who was also a photographer was asking about everything I was doing. I don't think she was questioning it, but it could have been taken as such. I didn't really mind but would rather have focused on what I was doing without having to answer and explain everything haha

I can say with full certainty that its probably the same all around for models at the moment, I am unfortunate and live in a really quiet and rather stagnant area for modelling/photography so getting the shoots booked in is tricky, made particularly worse by the cost of living crisis which is crippling so many. I recently had a tog message me wanting to get in on a fab recent deal of mine and surprise surprise he quickly moved the convo onto wanting to shoot adult...it was extremely annoying and disheartening.

Clara Sinclair said

I can say with full certainty that its probably the same all around for models at the moment, I am unfortunate and live in a really quiet and rather stagnant area for modelling/photography so getting the shoots booked in is tricky, made particularly worse by the cost of living crisis which is crippling so many. I recently had a tog message me wanting to get in on a fab recent deal of mine and surprise surprise he quickly moved the convo onto wanting to shoot adult...it was extremely annoying and disheartening.

You don't shoot adult.

This is what it saysin bright red letters when anyone tries to message you: 
"Please note that this model does not shoot adult style photos.
It is against site policy to ask them to shoot adult photos, and you risk being removed from the site if you do."

Did you report it to Admin?

Clara Sinclair so the photographer was pushing you ... ?

Clara Sinclair that’s unacceptable conduct I hope you blocked and reported.

Huw reported and pretty much ignored by admins, it culminated in endless messages between me and them which got me nowhere

Clara Sinclair very sorry to hear that.

On "paper" it appears there are more models and photographers than ever, given the site membership statistics. However, I don't think that is the case at all. If you look at serious half day and full day shoots, I think those have been declining for a few years to the point now where they are as low as I can remember for over a decade. There is so much froth now, people dabbling, people with loads of other avenues drifting in and out, a handful of models with unaffordable rates.

For several years, I underspent my model shoot budget and this last year, because I need to achieve some things before I move, I have been shooting far more, but with the same models as the choice just isn't there anymore. I am sure part the reason the choice is not there is because the lack of suitable reliable bookings. I suppose I am also working with fewer models more often because I am less willing to involve "distance" in bookings, however that manifests itself. 

The thing I notice with models who get quite a few bookings, is they have "regulars" who offer decent shoots for a good proportion meaning the models have more opportunity to ".... off" the chancers or they work something else part time, even if it is similar, just not internet modelling. Maybe the regulars book them because of all the chancer models. Maybe the market is stagnating, possily not helped by sites signing up anyone and everyone

I am certainly finding it difficult to find specific types of model that were never a problem more than 5 years ago

Everly Rose How do you market yourself? Many models are very active on Instagram and other social media networks. Have you considered remote tethered working, internationally?

Everly Rose I'm sure I has been said one million times in this thread already, but I don't think that your rates are too high at £35 p/hour. You have an incredible portfolio and an amazing look!

Location may well play into it. I for one would jump a he opportunity to shoot with you if not for the huge distance between us. There may also be an element from newer photographers of wanting to shoot with you bu not feeling as thou their work is strong enough for you to want to work with them. I suffer a bit from that. That is not a reflection of the model's skill or pricing, just my insecurities. I have just started to shoot models that I have always wanted to shoot on group shoots as a way of getting to shoot with those who's ports I admire and trying to improve my own skills. 

Huw the guy was careful how he worded things so as not to get a strike against him. He didn't actually say adult, but he wanted to get in on my lowered rate and free studio hire deal and have me posing open leg suggestively with adult toys...not a chance in hell!! Admins saw no problem with this, but then far worse things have happened via this site and togs have stayed on here for months before being kicked off.

jmbphoto said

I think your rates are very reasonable, loads of models quote 50/h these days.

I’ve seen that quoted for clothed shoots. Clothed or unclothed, all these models all have one thing in common - I won’t be booking any of them.

RobertP said

jmbphoto said

I think your rates are very reasonable, loads of models quote 50/h these days.

I’ve seen that quoted for clothed shoots. Clothed or unclothed, all these models all have one thing in common - I won’t be booking any of them.

High rates - let’s say £50 per hour and above - mean nothing unless the model’s calendar is full of dark yellow for confirmed shoots.

There's nothing in your portfolio that would stop me working with you - in fact, it reads very well - all positive about what you will do, and not a list of 'dont's' as many port notes on here are. You offer your home and show images of it - all useful in making a decision. Your rates are reasonable. 

I've just updated my notes making them much clearer and also my rates and a explanation of them, hopefully this reads much better now and is more encouraging for photographers to book me.