Articles

How do I change the name on my PurplePort account?

Here's how you can change the full name, nickname or display name on your PurplePort account. 

How do I set my portfolio to be visible to members only?

Here's how to set your portfolio to be visible to members only.

How do I change my experience level (the date I started working)?

Here's how you can change the length of time you have been working (which is displayed on your portfolio page). 

How do I manage my email notifications?

Here's how you can manage your email notifications. 

The PurplePort Guide to Deactivating Your Account

Here's how to deactivate your PurplePort account. 

How do I request my data for GDPR?

Here's how you can request your data for GDPR.

How to join the team that chooses Front Page Images (FPIs) on PurplePort

Find out how to join the team that chooses images for the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection.

How to share your FPIs on your portfolio page

Find out how to add an FPI button on your portfolio page and a clickable FPI logo in your portfolio notes so you can more easily display your FPIs.

How to change the location on your portfolio, castings, events and search pages

Find out how to change the location on your portfolio page and the location you want to use for castings, events and search pages. 

Find out more about photoshoots on PurplePort

Here, you will find lots of resources to help you arrange photoshoots on PurplePort. 

The benefits of PurplePort VIP (and how free accounts are restricted)

A summary of the main benefits of upgrading to PurplePort VIP compared with the restrictions of free accounts. 

Lyme Disease - What Every Art Nude Model (and Photographer) Really Should Know.

There is already an in-depth article on Lyme Disease here https://purpleport.com/articles/1121/preventing-lyme-disease-and-the-risks-1/ which is recommended to those who want to know more.

My aim here is to provide a lighter, more practical guide for those who spend time in the woods, especially those who frolic around with no clothes on.

Rules for Adding Keyword Tags to Your Images

A list of the rules for adding keyword tags to your images.

How to Search for Images Using Tags

The PurplePort Guide to searching for images tagged with members and keywords.

The PurplePort Guide to Image Tags

The PurplePort Guide for keyword and member tags, including how to add these to your images.

$20,000 giveaway rules and terms

The rules for our $20,000 giveaway.

Get your prpl.pro link

A brief introduction to the prpl.pro handy link for keeping all of your website links in one place.

Tailor your searches to be slick and exclude profiles already looked at

Add specific search lists with filters and make searching drop results already looked at.

How to add (or change) shoot styles

How to add (or change) shoot styles listed on your account. 

What kind of work can I upload to my portfolio?

Guidance on the type of images you can upload to your portfolio (depending on your account type).

This article covers the following:

• Images which can be uploaded to different account types on PurplePort (and exceptions to this)
• Some reasons why different account types are important
• How to share work on PurplePort that is not relevant to your current account type

What measures can we take to continue shooting safely during the Corona pandemic crisis?

I was thinking about how we could continue shooting but mitigating the risks form Coronavirus as much as possible. I am not for one moment claiming to have devised a foolproof solution, but I hope my thoughts help some people to continue shooting and hopefully stimulate intelligent conversation about how else we might improve safety but keep shooting.

Shutter Drag - Or How To Liven Up Dancefloor Images

A technique you may not have used before to utilise light trails using slow-sync flash photography - useful for weddings, events, and model shoots too!

Crediting other members in images

How to credit (aka "tag") other members in your images, why it's of benefit to both of you, how to manage which images you're credited in, and why some images don't have anyone credited.

Model's Notes ~ Advice

Some simple advice on how to write good notes for your folio.
What to include. What to leave out.

Preventing Lyme Disease and the Risks

Lyme disease is one of the risks that needs to be considered by nature photographers and during location shoots with models, potentially affecting anyone involved in the shoot. If left untreated, it can cause serious disease, but it is easily preventable, with some care and awareness.

How to work with body paint (NSFW)

Working with body paint is a great way to unleash your inner artist.

Lens Sharpness (Nikon)

How much does glass make a difference to sharpness?

What Camera Should I Get?

Every now and again, someone asks the members of Purple Port for advice on buying a camera. Often this is a model or someone looking for advice for a family member who is looking for their first camera. Sometimes it is someone looking for advice on upgrading. Whatever the reason though, much of the advice that can be given is very similar and there are some questions that you need to ask yourself, as well as information that you need to give to get the best advice possible. This article is meant to provide that starting point to give you a head-start and to think about the information you are going to be asked for.

This article walks you through the questions you need to ask and the information you need to make a more informed choice.

The Meet and Greet (MaG) Team

The purpose of the Meet and Greet (MaG) Team is mainly to welcome new members to PurplePort, but also to assist existing members too. This may be helping members to acclimatise to PurplePort, answer any questions they may have, or give site-related advice where needed.

Self(ie) Aware

Selfie Aware.

Are you? Do you know what I'm even talking about? Well you should. And if you don't, I suggest you read on.

Indecent Exposure

An article intended mainly for new (and some seasoned!) models and photographers, to know some of the ways images may be manipulated quite easily to reveal things you would rather not share.

Advice to photographers to minimise missing model events.

How to get notified when models you are interested in working with are on tour or holding studio days without being inundated with notifications.

Why You Didn't Book the Job

There are many reasons why models and actors don't book the job.
This might be why.

Avatar images on PurplePort should be Suitable for Work (SFW)

Here's why we want avatar images to be Suitable for Work (SFW).

Batteries

Battery choice, use and charging are frequent topics.  Here are some frequent answers.  

Photographers' Pictures (in Their Profile)

Some photographers use their own likeness as an avatar or include a picture of themself in their profile.

Some others become angry at the suggestion it should be standard.

No new light has been shed by many recurrent threads, they usually turn nasty, and may be the wrong question.

Shooting in Hotels

Booking hotel rooms for shoots is a recurring topic in the forums.

It seems usually to work well.

Collected thoughts.

The PurplePort Guide to Shoot Plans

Using a shoot plan to map out and store your ideas will go a long way to ensuring the success of your shoot. But what is a shoot plan? Read on to find out more, including why you should use shoot plans for your projects and how to use the Shoot plan feature on PurplePort. 

A Guide to the PurplePort Calendar

The PurplePort Calendar allows you to keep track of when you are free to shoot, busy with something else, booked on a shoot, or away (amongst other things).

Tethering: camera to computer or screen

Connecting the camera to a computer or screen has some uses and some failure modes.  Models tend to appreciate it and it is practically useful to production teams working in real time.

In the Coronavirus years remote shoots over the Internet have made this a wider and more important topic.  It was originally written for shoots in person.

Model Release: Do I need one? Should I sign one? (England & Wales)

A recurrent question in the forums.

The recurrent answer is that although you might not need it, you may want it later on and so you may as well get one done now.

Life Class (drawing) modelling

Collected advice to first-time models for a drawing class.

Generally a fun and rewarding experience.

"You are the canvas, the plate and grapes, the vase and sunflowers; it is easier than photographic modelling in some ways, and more difficult in others (i.e. pose holding)"

For Models: How Not To Get Burned On A Trade Shoot

Trade shoots (like everything in life) can sometimes go wrong for reasons that are beyond our control. Though this can be frustrating there are some problems that can be easily avoided.

Instagram ShadowBan: What is it? How to avoid it? What to do if you get one?

There are a LOT of things being written about Instagram currently: algorithms, shadow bans, reach, exposure, etc. The list is endless. ShadowBans are a real thing. Read on for more info...

Abuse on PurplePort

Information regarding Abuse on PurplePort.

Multiple accounts and changing account types on PurplePort

Information about changing your account type and creating multiple accounts on PurplePort.

Find out more about images on PurplePort

Here, you will find lots of resources about images on PurplePort. 

Important Information for PurplePort members aged 16 and 17

Important information for all members who are either:

• Under 18 years of age
• Over 18 years of ages and wanting to work with members who are younger than 18 years

Why has PurpleBot deleted my excess images?

Information about why PurpleBot has removed the excess images on your account.

Find out more about the groups on PurplePort

Here, you will find lots of resources about groups on PurplePort. 

Should I leave a reference?

Sometimes shoots get cancelled, sometimes someone cancels at short notice, and sometimes a shoot becomes uncomfortable. The question "Should I leave a reference" is a common one in the groups.

This is designed to help you to decide whether to leave one, and what sort.

FAQs for using PurplePort

Here are some frequently asked questions about using PurplePort.

Studios: How to get more bookings

We want your studio account to be first-class because we know it will boost your bookings. In fact, we want to be THE best place for you to get your bookings from. So we’ve decided to help explain what we expect to see from all our studio accounts on PurplePort.

Why PurplePort is a better choice than ModelMayhem

Just a few of the reasons why PurplePort is a better choice than ModelMayhem.

Photoshop Basics

This will show new (and some old) user of Photoshop the basics of the program. From preference settings, through the basic tools and saving your works of art.

Modelling With a Hearing Loss

Tricky situations and possible solutions for those who are (or work with) hearing impaired models.

From my blog post: http://www.safiapixie.com/single-post/Modelling-With-a-Hearing-Loss

How do I leave a reference?

Explains the different types of references available, and how to create them.

A Guide for Upgrading To PurplePort VIP

A short guide explaining how to upgrade to PurplePort VIP.

Groups are amazing: How they can help you

Why PurplePort groups are amazing and how they can help you.

Find out more about casting calls on PurplePort

Here, you will find lots of resources about casting calls on PurplePort. 

Find out more about references on PurplePort

Here, you will find lots of resources about references on PurplePort. 

Creating a link to your Front Page Images in your portfolio notes - the easy way

I see a lot of posts asking how to create a link to show your FPIs on your portfolio notes, with that little rosette we all love so much. A lot of replies include using HTML which some users will find a little daunting.

Here's the easy way to do it.

A Quick Guide for Reporting Issues

A quick guide for many of the things you can report on PurplePort.

All reports and information provided to us are confidential, and only the PurplePort Admin team (full-time staff members) will see this information.

References System & Rules Explained

Information about what the references system is and the rules for using it.

Wildlife

A rough guide to photography in the wild.

One creative field and one person per PurplePort account

Article explaining why PurplePort has been designed for one person and one creative field per account.

General Advice for New Models.

A photograher's view of how a new model should approach trying to break into serious full-time modelling.

My helpful hints for new Photographers!

My top ten list of things I wish someone else had taken the time to tell me two years ago!

Aimed at the beginner hobbyist!

Valid reasons for taking communications off Purpleport

There's plenty of advice saying that all communications should be kept on the site, using the site's messaging system, and there are many very worthwhile benefits of doing this, but there are also valid reasons for taking communications off the site.

Sharing a shoot (aimed at hobbyist photographers)

For hobbyist whose main objective is to create great images with a team of people for creative or artistic purposes and want to create a great relationship and partnership with the  team you are working with the following recommended steps are suggested.  This article is not focused on photographers who have a commercial reason or specific objective to meet for a client.  The audience is purely focused on the hobbyist photographer looking at building their portfolio and relationships with others on the site.

Last minute availability - What is it and how does it work?

A short article explaining the last minute availability, how it works and when to use it.

How to get the most out of Share a Shoot post

This is just a quick guide for those who are still not sure how to make their images click-able in a share a shoot forum.

How to get started shooting great photos of models (and your kids) for under £450

What do you really need to spend to get started shooting great model photos?
Not nearly as much as you might think, and the same kit works just as well for family shots.
This isn't about getting "the best gear"- it's about getting great shots on a small budget.

Replying To Casting Calls.

A guideline for anyone applying to a casting on PP

How to link accounts

How to link accounts

Studio Advice- From the Models Point of View

An article on what models need and look for, as well as the Do's and Don'ts!

5 steps to getting the best from your model

5 helpful tips to creating a comfortable working environment for your model.

How to avoid scams

A quick overview of some common scams and how to avoid them.

Constructive Criticism - asking for, giving and receiving it!

One of the great things about being on a networking site like PurplePort is the ability to use the collective knowledge of the community to help make you a better photographer, model, MUA, stylist or studio.

One of the worst things about being on a networking site like PurplePort is the small group of people who seem to thrive on being deliberately provocative, trying to show-off with how much they ‘know’, and just being critical rather than providing insights.

Although the latter will never disappear, this article aims to help people get the most out of the constructive criticism process.

Model Safety

A look at some of the ways your modelling experience can be made nasty and how to avoid the,

Back it up!

If you’re serious about your images - whether you’re a photographer, a model, Make Up Artist, etc - you need to be serious about backing them up, too.

Tools for Shoot Planning

Not everyone likes to plan shoots to the nth degree, and some people survive solely by a process of what those of us in the know call ‘winging it.’ But sometimes, it does pay to plan your shoot in advance.

These are some of the useful tools, websites, and techniques that you can use to plan your shoot more effectively and get the most out of the time you have.

How not to be a GWC - 10 tips to not being a creepy photographer

We all know of them. If you’re new to model photography, you’re probably wary of the dangers of being thought of as one. They seem to be everywhere, infiltrating our ranks like a disease, making us all look bad in the process.

You know what I mean: ‘Those’ guys. The GWC - Guy With Camera.

Giving the right impression in your profile

Even if you are newbiest of newbies and consider yourself the amateurest of amateurs. If you are just dipping a tentative toe in the water, your profile text is the first thing I will ever know about you. It might be the last.

Photographic Copyright - what does it mean, who has it and who doesn't

A summary of the law of copyright describing: authorship and ownership, acts restricted by copyright, certain moral rights that are relevant, and licensing.

Using Shoot Plans For The Important Stuff

A quick overview of using shoot plans to communicate everything your model wants to know about you and your ways of working.

Taking the Plunge - Arranging an Outdoor Photo Shoot.

A rough guide for your first attempt at outdoor model photography.

Got a question to ask in the groups? Check this list first!

As Purpleport continues to grow many new members, both new and a little experienced, may have a question they want to ask in regards to photography/modelling. Although there are a vast number of things people might need to know, there is also an increasing number of the same questions being asked over and over again. Many newer members might not be familiar with the search system, or simply do not know how best to search for what they want to know, so here is a list of the most commonly asked questions, along with the most unbiased answer you could possibly have.

No references? No experience? NO PROBLEM!

If like me you started on PurplePort with no references, never having worked with a model, and a less than thrilling portfolio, then you may be wondering just how to get started. Models won't be keen to work with you if you have no references, and you can't get references without working with models. You feel stuck. Here is how I went about making a start.

Deposits, Payments and Cancellation Fees!

Some helpful advice to protect yourself from financial loss when paying people in advance and when something goes wrong.

How to treat a model on location shoots

Do you know how to treat a model and look after them on an outdoor shoot. I have heard some horror stories recently so thought I would jot down some basic principles as a guide. 

The dangers of beautiful watery locations and a few things to make them easier.. :)

A few helpful and essential safety tips for shooting watery locations such as waterfalls, rivers, coast etc.. :)

Quick Guide for newbie models :)

 includes tips for those who are considering modelling or are new to modelling and wanting to get ideas about building a basic profile...hope its helpful!

Adding PurplePort emails to your Safe Senders list (or Whitelist)

Depending on what email platform you use, you may experience issues receiving emails from PurplePort. Adding us to your Safe Senders list or Whitelist will resolve this issue. Here's how to do it.

The PurplePort Guide to Member Created Groups

A quick guide to PurplePort member created groups.

Here’s why you should use PurplePort for your shoot communications

Here are some key reasons for using PurplePort for your shoot communications.

When the sunlight is good enough

I love using off-camera flash and additional lighting, but it's also important to recognise when the available light is good enough.....

Group participation suspension and ban policy

On PurplePort we have the ability to suspend group participation from 1 day right through to permanently.

Cleaning up top heavy light: On-Camera bounce flash

On-camera flash work does not have to give you harsh shadows and distinctly obvious 'flashy' results.  

Here's how thoughtful use of on-camera bounce flash can improve unflattering or poor quality available light!

Emoticons :)

An introduction and brief reference to Purpleport's emoticons