Model: Andree de Villers. Photographer: Doug Winsor. Circa: 2007.
Once you have decided what type of modeling you want to do, you need to know what the different types of shoots mean. When you are just getting started and looking to build your portfolio, typically you will pay for shoots, then you start doing some trade for shoots, then you build yourself up to the point where you start charging for shoots. The exception to this general rule is working with a GWC!!
Model Pays for Shoot - There are several things to consider when you are looking to purchase photos to begin your portfolio. Ensure that you do your research, make sure that you are looking at the photographer's work and choosing someone whose work really inspires you. We would definitely recommend getting full make up and hair on your first shoot as well. If you can swing it, get a model coach there too! If you are going to pay to have photos done, you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck, and that this one set will get your phone ringing with TF bookings!!
Trade For (TF/TFP/TFCD) - This is something that you will start doing early in your career and keep it going likely for the rest of your career! Anytime that you can get an opportunity to work with an incredible photographer that will absolutely add to your portfolio, you definitely want to try to get a TF deal on the go!! There are two main types of agreements, Trade for Prints (TFP) and Trade for CD (TFCD). TFP is when there is no cash exchanged for the shoot between the model and photographer, but the photographer provides the model with a set number of prints in exchange for their work. TFCD, the most common nowadays, is when there is no cash exchanged for the shoot between the model and photographer, but the photographer provides the model with a CD, usually with a set number of edited images, in exchange for their work. Remember it is up to the photographer's discretion whether or not they wish to include high resolution photos, so make sure you ask those questions ahead of time.
GWC (Guy With Camera) - If you look a a photographer's portfolio of work and it is not excellent and the photographer is offering you money although you aren't experienced, you've probably run into a GWC. Two things to note with GWC's, they can often be unprofessional so be careful and get references. If you are not able to bring an escort with you, then ensure that people know where you are and set a time to call and check in. The second thing is to see it for what it is, yes you will get paid and probably well, but you are going to have terrible images of yourself out there, so read the model release carefully. Ultimately remember, if it is not going to help your portfolio then ensure you are getting paid.
Nude/Implied/Fashion Hourly Rates - It is tough to say what your rate should be, as it all depends on your experience, skill and what local competition is charging. Generally speaking however, $8-25 an hour for art figure modeling, $25-50 an hour for a clothed shoot and $50-100 an hour for a nude shoot. Please keep in mind this is once you have a portfolio under your belt. In the same way that you would never pay a photographer to shoot without seeing inspiring work from them, you should not be expected to get paid just because you are taking your clothes off.
Commission on Revenue - This will be worked out on on a case by case basis between the photographer and the model. Ensure that you are protected in the contract and remember that you may end up doing this project for free if it does not generate any revenue!
Ultimately, the best thing to do when deciding what rates you are going to charge is look up what the competition is charging. Ensure you are being realistic, nude modeling is not just about standing naked in front of a camera, it takes skill and experience. If you are not yet experienced, understand that you need to gain those skills before expecting a pay cheque.
Please keep in mind that it is a new world out there with internet modeling. It's important as a model to be able to spot the 'BS' right away. There are many photographers that will agree to a TF agreement and never deliver on photos, there are photographers that will sell your image without your permission and there are photographers who turn out to not be photographers at all. You have a gut feeling for a reason. In this business, you need to learn to follow it.
Please keep in mind that it is a new world out there with internet modeling. It's important as a model to be able to spot the 'BS' right away. There are many photographers that will agree to a TF agreement and never deliver on photos, there are photographers that will sell your image without your permission and there are photographers who turn out to not be photographers at all. You have a gut feeling for a reason. In this business, you need to learn to follow it.
xoxo
Andree & Sarah