I have written previously about what I think of models asking for free professional photoshoots from pro photographers.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the above classified ad from Craigslist.org.
I do not follow other professions as close as photography and modeling but it seems like photographers are especially frequently solicited for free high quality professional services.
… I would like to update my portfolio and need a professional, talented photographer to collaborate with. I am mostly interested in doing swimsuit but open to other ideas related to fashion. No pay, trade for time/prints …
It would have been nice if the above model provided in advance a “legitimate website” or show “previous work done in the past” (as opposed to future previous work?).
If it is a “no pay” deal it is just fair to give the same to the photographer what is asked from him or her. Why waste the time of the photographer by making him go through the the correspondence process … what if he or she does not even like the model?
Many times just like here the model assumes her look is wanted and marketable therefore she makes the demands without putting anything on the table (her website address or sample photos in the ad).
This would be unthinkable with other professions which brings us back to the usual argument concerning photography not being viewed as a serious profession and the gray area which the so called semi professionals occupy between the clearly professional photographers and the clearly armature shutterbugs.
Imagine the same attitude in a different context:
Female looking for professional car mechanic to fix my car.
No pay, but you can take a photo of my car and tell everyone you fixed it! It will be a good learning experience as well!
Well something along those lines, many examples can be made up using other professions. Yup, this is the current state of affairs between some/many models and photographers.
Just visit the ModelMayhem.com profiles of countless professional photographers if you do not believe me and see for yourself many of them start with: STOP ASKING! NO TFCD! I DO THIS FOR A LIVING!
Related previous articles:
Flaky Models, Zen and Green Skies
Why Pay Fashion Photographers?
Nice Models Who Cannot Act Dramatic
Modeling Advice
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October 15th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Great comments. I guess you can’t blame them too much for trying to get something for nothing, especially when there are so many men with low self esteem who will do anything for a semi-pretty face. P.T. Barnum was right.
Your photos are top notch.
Scott