I always hear from beginning photographers how difficult it can be to find willing models, especially if they're trying to do nude work. Well, that's because in this age of cheap digital cameras, everyone is trying to do nude work. And unfortunately, a lot of these would-be photographers don't have the best of intentions.
I hear constant horror stories about photographers who, at some point during their contact with the model, made it clear that art wasn't all that was on his mind. So models have their guard up these days and it's getting harder to a beginner to find a willing model, especially for nude work.
Establishing credibility is all about building a foundation first. Here are a few tips that you'll find helpful.
1.Study and study, then study some more.
There are a lot of online and print guides to taking better photos. Get all the information you can about the operation of your camera, lighting and exposure, composition and posing, shapes, and perspective. Having a good grasp of the basics will help you when you start to...
2.Take photos. A lot of photos.
Hand and hand with reading about photography is practicing photography. Get out and start taking photos. If you can't find people, shoot things. Landscapes, animals, abstract concepts, anything that interests you.
3.Magic can be done in "post."
A lot of newbie mistakes can be cleaned up a bit afterwards in the computer. If you can't afford a powerhouse like photoshop, use one of the many online photo editors like pixlr ( http://pixlr.com/ ).
4.Get online and get social.
Create a website and social accounts for your new vocation. Don't worry if you have no experience creating sites. Use Tumblr, or blogger, or Wordpress, or any of the other simple methods you'll find online for quickly and easily creating a website. It may not look top-notch, but do what you can for now. Upgrade your site as your time and/or finances will allow.
If you'd like something a bit better than the do-it-yourself options, hire a freelancer. Dozens are on Vworker, Elance and Craigslist.
Most site creation options allow for the linking of your social network accounts. So after you create your Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts, make sure all are linked to your main website.
5.Watermark your photos.
When you put a photo online, it's almost impossible to keep track of where it's going to go (although reverse-image search engines like tineye.com can help). That's why all images you put online should be "watermarked" with your name and website. Yes, a determined individual can and will be able to remove your watermark if they really wanted to, but having it there certainly increases your chances of being contacted by someone who may want to work with you.
6.Don't be afraid of video. Video is your friend.
When you get the opportunity to work with a model, record your shoots. Edit your video down to about 10 minutes in length and put them up on Youtube, Facebook and whatever other social media accounts you have that will allow video posting. Windows Movie Maker and iMovie on the Mac are perfect for beginners. Your video account should link back to your website.
7.Don't be a stranger.
Use your new website and social accounts to let everyone see what you're doing and how you're progressing photographically. Without fail, at some point someone will contact you for a project or a job.
Don't make the same mistake as so many other newbies to the field. Spend a bit of time building a "foundation" for your craft first and you'll find it much easier not only finding models but paying clients as well.
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