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Modeling Opportunities

Click here for downloadable pdf file of Modeling Release form.
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Click here for more information about the release form.

What characteristics am I looking for in a model?

Many fine art photographers will tell you that a model’s personality and reliability are more important than his or her appearance. I look for people who communicate well and who are very reliable. You should also be able to relax and have fun in front of the camera. People who have had no prior experience can be a bit nervous at first, but this is nothing to worry about.

Looks are also relevant but you do not need to be tall and glamorous to be successful in fine art photographic modeling. It does help if you look interesting or attractive in some way, or are physically expressive. There is no preferred body type or hair color. Most of the people I shoot are between the ages of 19 and 40, though >40 is not ruled out. It also helps if you like the water, as I do some shooting in very shallow, warm water. Athleticism and flexibility can also be assets. I also enjoy shooting people who own and wear imaginative clothing.

Attributes that do not make for a successful modeling relationship are limited availability, poor reliability, and an inability to learn to relax in front of the camera. Prominent tattoos and non-removable jewelry are problems for some shots. Please do not apply if photographic modeling will lead to personal problems with others in your life.

Where would the photographs appear?

Photos of you would most likely appear in art galleries, fine art publications, and juried art shows. I do not make photos for dealers of pornography.

Where do the sessions take place?

Most shooting takes place outdoors during the months of May-October on Cape Cod. The trip to a shooting location is 1-2 hrs by car from Boston. Common sites include areas with dunes, ponds, meadows and forests. The best shooting time is the late afternoon, but I also shoot at night and early in the morning. Sessions with new models take place in public locations during the day. The sessions typically last 1-1/2 to 3 hours. It is possible to schedule several sessions during the same day if you are traveling and want to make more money.

What is the pay scale?

The pay is $20-$25 per hour depending on your level of experience. I occasionally pay a higher rate for experienced professionals or for people who have to travel. I occasionally shoot two models at once and the pay in this case is $15/hr./person. For long sessions I may negotiate with you for special rate for the whole session. I do not pay for book cover work but agree to split the fee ($400-800) with you should the image be accepted as a cover.

Are portfolio prints available?

For people interested in developing a personal portfolio, I can provide prints on CD of any good images that come out of a session.

Clothed vs. nude?

The photos in the image gallery should give you a good idea of how much skin my regular models show. Some work is clothed, some is nude and some is simulated nude. I always make sure in advance that what is needed for a particular shoot is going to be acceptable to the model. I do not pull surprises that would put you in an uncomfortable position. Your limitations will always be fine with me.

References?

If you would like, I am happy to put you in touch with any of the models that I have worked with. They can give you a direct account of what it is like to work with me.

Men vs. women?

I enjoy working with both.

What legal issues are involved?

Before I can take your picture and pay you, you must sign a release form that cedes all rights to the photos to me. Among other things, the release gives me the freedom to display the photo wherever I want and entitles me to 100% of sale profits. Generally speaking, I check with models in advance if there is any question in my mind about the venue in which a particular image is to be displayed. The release form can be altered to include individual concerns; just write your restrictions right at the bottom of the form.

How would we get started?

Prior to any shooting, I would like to interview you in person. Meetings can take place in my office at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution or at a place like the Coffee Obsession in Falmouth. Please read the release before you come and be prepared with the exact language of any alterations that you would like to make.

Click here for downloadable pdf file of Modeling Release form.

About the Release
The release that is downloadable from this site is based largely on language used by the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) in their standard release form. The release stipulates that in return for the hourly wage you will receive, I retain all rights to the photographs and am entitled to all the profits resulting from their sale. The release can be modified to include specific concerns that you may have.

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