Calendar Tips

Its that time of year again. The time of year when we decide its time to get a NEW calendar. After all the whole YEAR changes, the dates shift, is it a leap year, full moon, BLUE moon...etc. It is just this same time of year when people decide they want to put out calendars. So here are a few things to consider and tips.

1. What does Christmas and GREAT Calendars have in common? The both happen during the summer! If you are interested in composing a calendar, understand that average turnaround time for PRINTING, is normally about 60 days when editing is involved. Also the best calendars have 14 months. and go from December of the current year, to the January of the year after. That's 14 months. For photogs and promoters, that's at least 15 models to shoot! For the models, do you have 15 different looks?

2. That being said, why would someone WANT your calendar, much less buy it? What is so much different about yours? This is a question that needs to be asked, along with how many would you have to distribute to make it even worth while. A good calendar could cost anywhere from 600-800 per model on the low end, and then of course it goes up from there. That is for Female models though. Male models usually run a hundred to two hundred less, mostly due to hair and makeup. That being said, who is more likely to buy your calendar at a premium?

3. Last, but not least, what is the PURPOSE of your calendar? Why should I want to buy it over someone elses? Once you plan, have a price, and a purpose then you should be able to have a great calendar!

To Pay or not to Pay.... THAT is the question...

"What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?"

This is a paradox that has pondered man for a long time. But I think it goes right along with, "What happens when a model who doesn't "pay for pictures" meets a photographer who doesn't "pay models?" Does a shoot still happen?

I bring this up, because every once in a while, whether its on Model Mayhem, One Model place, or other modeling/photography websites, I see more and more models saying that they "do not pay for shoots." I also see photographers who say that they do not pay models, but yet I see many of these model/photographer teams working together...hmmm.

So here is my two cents. YES, instantly I will take the side of the photographer. It's not that I have a problem paying models, its that most of the models who make that kind of demand are not "experienced" models. They do not have the portfolio or the creative offerings (i.e. nude, shooting in cold weather/adverse conditions, etc...) to demand payment. I mean would you pay a photographer $500 for a shoot who shot with a disposable camera and didn't have a portfolio to back it up?

When I see that on a profile, its almost a red light to me because it makes me think "DIVA!" Most photographers have a big enough ego as it is, and doesnt want to have anything to do with more on a set. For me I just move on to the next profile no matter how much I might have wanted to shoot with that person. It just leaves off a bad impression. Conversely I feel as a photographer, that if there is a shoot that I want to do, and I can't find a model who would want to work on it whether TF, or to save that idea for a paying shoot, that I should be able to pay a model. With that being said, there is no such thing as "Pay me, but I wont do..." If you are getting paid you are getting hired to do a job.

The photographers that you work with have not only invested the time, but they have invested a lot of money in the continual process of trying to make people look their best. I know of photographers who do great work with $1000 cameras, and we consider that cheap, when you have photogs out there who shoot with $60K cameras. Price and quality often go hand in hand.

All that being said. If you are only shooting once a month, because you are waiting for paid gigs, or maybe once every two months... are you getting better at your chosen skill?

Getting Started: Models

So, you want to be the next supermodel, but don't know where to start. You can go to Barnes and Nobles, and Google search the web for information on modelling and you will be there till your grand kids' grand kids were graduating from high school. The following is my two cents and take it for what its worth.

1. Understand, there is a difference between modeling and BEING a model. Anyone can be a model, but very few people model. Whether its clothing, automobiles, food, or car insurance, a model is only effective when they can create an emotional response to an audience. What many models fail to understand is that modeling goes far beyond the model. The expression, pose, and posture have as much to do with a shot, if not more as the look of a model.

2. This is work! Every time a model steps in front of a lens they must remember that they are adding to their resume. A model should always be conscious of WHY they are shooting whatever they are shooting and the message they want to convey. Whether its a paid shoot, a contracted shoot or a TFP/CD shoot, the model must bring IT!

3. Pay your dues. Many models start out not knowing WHAT they want to shoot. Whether its Fashion, glamour, editorial, industrial, pop art...etc, many models just throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. While for some this may seem great, it can also prove to be a great usage of valuable time. Have a plan. If you are unsure of what you want to shoot. Find a local photographer and schedule a shoot with a sufficient amount of time time to achieve 4-6 different looks and see what worked and what didn't. If you are 5'1 102lbs you probably will not be a lead candidate for runway or high fashion type modeling, but you might be great for print and catalogue fashion. Conversely, if you are 5'10 and a size 3, you might find a lot of fashion work, with very little print or editorial work. It all depends what a prospective client is looking for.

4. Pay to be Paid. As stated earlier, a starting model can find many outlets to getting photo shoots. Some will be free, some will go close to $2,000. The difference will be not only the quality of the shoot/photographer, but also the amount of control. A photographer that you pay works for you, and is trying to get you the best shot that they can possibly get. The same that you are trying to get yours. When you do a shoot, invest in a good make up artist (MUA), and hair stylist. I tell all models, at worst have an MUA, for ANY and EVERY shoot! It does make the difference.

5. Have a book. In this day and age of iPhones, online websites, and Model Mayhem, many new models forget the importance of having a hard "book." That hard portfolio can go with you anywhere you go, and creates a different effect for a multitude of reasons. It lets a potential client/agency to see you IN PRINT so they can get an idea of your versatility at arms reach. Also it adds a great level of professionalism. But the greatest in my opinion is that it IS your resume. It should have your best shots, and focus to a particular style or styles. While comp cards are great, I feel that a model should always have a port with them. I always recommend to my female models to have an 11x14" and a 5x7" portfolio. The larger can stay in a bag, car, ...etc, and the smaller is easy to carry around in a purse.

The goal of many models is to become agency signed. The agency creates opportunities that it might be hard to come by on your own. If a model takes the time to map out where they want to go, and how they will get there, the path to being the next supermodel becomes more in reach.

LDP

Getting started: Photographers

So, you want to be a photographer. You have seen countless books, LIFE magazine, copies of VOGUE, and you have every season of America's Next Top Model. The problem is, you don't know where to start. What kind of camera should I buy, Canon, or Nikon. What's the difference between diffusion and bounce, and what is this DOF that hear people talk about? Those are common questions that are asked.

First thing is to understand, What IS photography, and I'm not talking about the art of putting light on paper. I often use the analogy that "football is life, and life is football." Many things in life translate. Well if that is true, then Photography is GOLF! It goes beyond mere physical talent, but expounds on the mental, and the financial as well.

Just like golf, the best way to learn is to have someone teach you and then practice constantly. Also like golf, photography is not the cheapest hobby to take up. You can easily find yourself carrying around a backpack with over $10K worth of equipment. There are always new technologies and new goods coming out that you GOT to have. So where do you go?

Go to another photographer. Find someone who has nothing to gain from you taking up photography, buying a certain camera, or better yet someone that will take you under their wing. They will show you the ins and outs, and various techniques.

My recommendations. Find a good point and shoot...why? because many point and shoots like a cybershot or a power shot, are psuedo SLRs (Single Lens Reflex) and can give you great shots. Enough to the point where if you decide you dont want to be a photographer, and you just want to take pictures, you haven't put out too much.

But for those whose intent is to take this seriously, YOU MUST GET A SLR! These days its more practical to get a DSLR (D/Digital) due to overall functionality and price concerns in the long run. You can find many good entry level SLRs on sites like Craig's List or Ebay for a few hundred dollars. Many Photographers will tell you to spend your money on lenses over bodies. That whole topic is another discussion.

Lastly, you are going to want to shoot subjects. This is a touchy subject. Trade shoots (TFP/TFCD, time for prints or time for CD) are a great way to get subjects to shoot for your portfolio. Just remember to always put value on your work. If you are known as the "free" photographer, it will be hard for you to rid that reputation. Conversely, if you price yourself out of your market, it would be hard to get a subject to shoot.

And remember, just like Golf, you have to constantly be working. Coming up with new ideas, and then find something that you enjoy doing. Whether it be weddings, portraits, events, or even models. Touch on others, but focus on what you're good at and you will make this hobby into a career! Good luck and happy shooting.