HOW TO FIND A MODEL
The creative industry has changed a lot over the past 10-15 years. It’s now easier than ever to cast for a range of different projects. Before, a photographer’s only option for booking a model was to contact a modelling agency. Now, in addition to modelling agencies, there are also model-photographer networking websites as well as social media. This means there are plenty of professional models having successful freelance careers, something that was never before possible.
I’ve been a professional model for 10 years now, and I’ve connected with many different photographers in a variety of ways. In this blog post I’m sharing all of my top tips on how to find a model. Let’s get to it!
How to Find an Agency Model
Start by looking for modelling agencies in your area. You can do this with a simple Google search in your city or region, and then start digging through the results. Some agencies may have model rosters available on their websites, in which case you’ll be able to browse through model portfolios and see stats and measurements.
If you’re looking to hire a model for a professional project, you’ll want to browse through an agency’s regular model roster. If you’re looking to test (an unpaid collaboration), you’ll want to start with an agency’s “new faces” section. These are models who were just recently discovered and have little to no experience.
Keep in mind that when working with agency models, the agency will act as a liaison between you and the model. The agency will handle all bookings and transactions, and the models may have restrictions on what projects they’re able to do. All agency models will be agency standard height and size, but the rosters may not offer the diversity you’re seeking. There are both pros and cons to working with agency models, and it all depends on your needs as a photographer.
How to Find a Freelance Model
Model-photographer networking websites can be a great place to find freelance models. The most popular website in Canada and the U.S. is called Model Mayhem. These types of websites will allow you to create a profile, showcase your work, put out casting calls for your projects, and message models you’re interested in working with.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are also a great way to find freelance models. Nowadays, they are arguably even more effective than networking websites. On Facebook, there are plenty of private Facebook groups offering networking opportunities for portrait photographers and models. Search for a Facebook group in your area and request to join. On Instagram, you can search for freelance models using the explore page and/or targeted hashtags. In addition, word-of-mouth can be a valuable tool. Start networking with other portrait photographers and see which models they’re working with.
Keep in mind that when working with freelance models you have direct contact with the model, and you aren’t restricted to the confines of an agency’s policies. That being said, you will need to check references and vet models yourself. Freelance models can be outside agency standard height and size, but that also means you will find more diversity outside of agency rosters. There are both pros and cons to working with freelance models, and it certainly depends on your aspirations as a photographer, and what projects you are casting for.
It’s useful to consider whether you’ll prefer working with agencies, or directly with freelance models. Many photographers do both depending on what they’re working on. Whichever option you choose, there are a lot of wonderful models out there.
I have worked with agencies during my modelling career, but I have primarily been a freelance model for the past decade. In my experience, whether or not a model is signed to an agency, has little to do with how talented and professional they are. When you’re casting for your projects, I suggest staying open to simply finding people who are the best fit.
If you’re looking for more resources on how to find models and how to work with models, be sure to check out my e-book.
HOW TO WORK WITH MODELS: A MODEL’S GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
With an in-depth look at model photography, this guide book teaches photographers everything they need to know about working with models. As a professional model with a decade of industry experience, I’m providing the important perspective of a person on the other side of the camera. How to Work With Models: A Model’s Guide for Photographers offers expert advice on how to make a professional model-photographer relationship result in the best work possible. The comprehensive guide outlines the entire creative process including before, during, and after a shoot, and will equip any photographer with all the tools they need to feel confident working with models.
I’ve been in this industry for a decade now, and I love working to educate photographers on how to work with models. At the start of 2019, I was invited to be a guest speaker in the photography program at Langara College in Vancouver, Canada. I gave a presentation to a class of new photography students about how to work with models, and what it means to cultivate a positive model-photographer relationship. I really enjoyed speaking on the topic, and quickly realized that there are very few resources on the subject. Even fewer of them are offered from a professional model’s perspective. I decided to turn my presentation into an in-depth e-book for photographers, and now here we are!
A PDF download is available directly through my website, and a Kindle version is available through Amazon. If you give it a read, I would love to know what you think!
Please tag me at @kaitlinchapple #howtoworkwithmodels and let me know your thoughts.
As well, stay tuned for my other blog posts about working with models.
