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Model Calls: Why I do them and what other reasons to do them.
Photographers; Why you should do model calls
What are some of the reasons why photographers do model calls?
I do a lot of model calls, especially during my slower months. I want to talk about why I do them and why other photographers do them. They can benefit both the you and the models involved. Here are some key reasons why other photographers and why I do model calls:
Portfolio Building: Model calls can provide you with opportunities to expand their portfolios. By working with a variety of models, you can showcase your versatility and skills across different styles and genres of photography. Remember to photograph what you want to shoot. If you want to photograph equestrians, don’t use families or bridals for example (unless they include a horse of course) in your model calls.
Not always but I do prefer to use model call images on my marketing materials.
Skill Enhancement: Working with different models challenges you to adapt your techniques and skills. You can learn new posing, lighting, and composition strategies, which ultimately improves their overall proficiency as a photographer. I prefer to use my models to try and develop different poses. Do use different body types and don’t limit to only female.
Creative Exploration: Model calls encourage you to explore new concepts, themes, and ideas. You can experiment with different looks, moods, and settings, pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
Skill Exchange: Model calls can be a platform for skill exchange and mutual learning. You can share their knowledge and expertise with models, while models can provide insights and feedback from their perspective. If you are working with an experienced model, they can provide you with an easy session where you can pick up some great poses. If you see something you. like, ask them to breakdown the pose.
Marketing and Promotion: Model calls can be used as marketing tools to promote a your work. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, final images, and testimonials from models can attract potential clients and increase visibility. You can even use your models to promote you. Listen to this podcast on one of my methods.
Some photographers use model calls to make money through various strategies and approaches. Here are some ideas to help you monetize model calls. Although I know longer do this, I did use a model program as I talked about in the podcast for Seniors to promote my business. I also did another program to make money. My model team was require not only to promote me to earn images, they could also pay for their images. I much rather them to earn them.
Now the main reasons I personally do model calls
Practice. Never stop practicing. especially after slow months. Helps you get back into shooting shape. I almost always do a model call after a slow period.
I am traveling to a beautiful location and want to do a shoot.
Trying new poses. I do not want to experiment with a client. I want to test it out and tweak it as necessary. I may try the same pose with different body types, some poses do not work for all.
I need models for mentor sessions and styled shoots. When I did workshops I needed them for those as well.
I do several commercial shoots a year and need models.
As i get older, I am moving more to passive income and am building a large library of stock images and so model calls to get subjects.
Where do I get models from?
I have a page on my website for model applications, in fact it is the most popular page when it comes to internet searches. Occasionally I will make a post on social media to get more applications, I also have the link in my link in bio on Instagram. After they fill out the application I invite them to my private Facebook group. At the moment I am just shy of 200 models.
Do I need to pay models, or should they pay me?
I personally do not charge even if they lack experience and all my models sign releases. I do give social media images. The amount depends on how much effort they go into prep or how much work. Getting a horse ready is no small task and if they have to haul to a location, that is not cheap. In some case where theyhave to band or braid, I will give a high res image in exchange.
A contract is also a good idea so models know what is expected of them, what they get, what they can do with the images and so forth.
Photographing the Solar Eclipse
Photography tips for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Honestly I am not an expert, but as rare as solar eclipse are, I know of no experts. But I am planning a shoot during the eclipse with an epic silhouette, so I have done my research. Here are a few tips.
Photographing a solar eclipse can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you capture this celestial event safely and effectively:
Use a Solar Filter:
Never look directly at the sun through your camera's viewfinder or with your naked eye. Use a solar filter to protect your eyes and camera sensor.
A solar filter specifically designed for photography or solar viewing glasses can be placed over the camera lens. I have the one I have listed on my Amazon Store Front
Choose the Right Equipment:
Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for better control over exposure.
Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during the long exposures required for eclipse photography.
A telephoto lens will help you get a closer shot of the sun. The ideal focal length will depend on your preferences and the available gear, but a lens in the range of 200mm to 400mm is a good starting point. This will also more compression if you have a subject in the foreground.
With a proper filter you can use your iphone for some great behind the scenes photos and video.
Manual Settings:
Set your camera to manual mode to have control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Use a narrow aperture (high f-stop number) to reduce the amount of light entering the camera.
Start with an ISO setting of 100 to minimize noise in your images.
Exposure Settings:
Experiment with different shutter speeds to find the right exposure. Start with faster shutter speeds and adjust as needed.
Bracket your shots by taking multiple exposures at different settings to ensure you capture the eclipse's various phases.
Focus:
Focus your lens manually on the sun if your camera cannot lock on. Use live view mode if available to zoom in and achieve precise focus.
You can use tape the focus ring down once you have achieved the correct focus to avoid accidental changes.
Compose Your Shot:
Plan your composition in advance, considering the landscape or other elements you want to include in your photos. Don’t just take a photo of the eclipse; there will be plenty of those. Add some elements to the foreground and make it stand out.
Use the eclipse glasses or solar filter to compose your shot before totality, as looking through the camera's viewfinder may damage your eyes.
Be Prepared for Changing Lighting Conditions:
The lighting conditions will change rapidly during the eclipse. Be ready to adjust your settings accordingly to capture the different phases.
Test Your Setup in Advance:
Practice setting up your equipment and capturing the sun before the actual eclipse. This will help you familiarize yourself with your gear and ensure everything is working correctly.
Remember to prioritize safety when photographing a solar eclipse. Protect your eyes and your camera equipment by using appropriate filters and precautions.
I already have a model and location, and will also do a trial run at the around the same time the eclipse is happening. Start planning now. Find your secondary subject and a location that has some higher ground. Remember the sun will be high, so you will need to be much lower than your subject to get both in frame.
Visit my Amazon Store for items to help with your eclipse photos.
