NEW MODELS - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page
Posted below are a list of commonly asked questions, especially from new/amateur models just starting out that I have received over the years. In the interests of not having the same conversations with people multiple times, I have compiled these questions and answers for you to read through. This list should provide you with everything you need to know. If you have any questions that are not answered here, or you think should be asked and answered here please feel free to contact me!
QUESTION #1 - DO YOU PAY MODELS TO WORK WITH YOU?
ANSWER:
Generally the only time I pay models to work with me is when I am hired by a client and they would like me to supply models for that particular job. Even then I would prefer that the client pay the model directly and leave me out as the “middle man”. Some clients that I work with will also barter for modeling services instead of paying them cash. (ex. Free clothes or other products in lieu of “pay”)
The only times I would personally pay models for modeling services is if I had a specific project in mind that I intend to sell/profit from, or if I am looking for a nude model. I seldom photograph nudes anymore, so very rarely would I need those services.
Too many times I have had potential “amateur” models approach me, with no professional images to show and ask to work with me. Then send me over their “rates” for modeling. Great if you are an established model, not so great if all you have are Instagram selfies in your portfolio.
I am willing to work with new models to help build portfolios, as it can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. However I am honestly too good and experienced of a photographer to need new models to work with, therefore no need to pay amateurs.
QUESTION #2 - CAN I BRING AN ESCORT/CHAPERONE WITH ME?
ANSWER:
Of course you can! In fact I encourage it. Nobody should go out to remote locations with someone they have never worked with before alone. Sometimes that even applies to myself, and I reserve the right to bring someone with me as well if I feel the need.
I will however make the following suggestion. You should bring someone with you that is on board with the subject matter that we are photographing. If your “significant other” may not be happy with the type of swimwear you may be modeling for example, that person may not be the best person to bring along with you. You may wish to reconsider being photographed in that type of clothing if that person, or your family, would strongly object to that style of photo shoot. Make sure that whomever attends will be ok watching whatever you and I plan on for wardrobe. Also possibly help you change outfits, and may be put to work with assisting with lighting.
In addition, all persons that I work with will be required to sign a model release, and bring government-issued photo ID (ex. driver’s license) with them to the job. That ID will be photographed and kept with your records in my office. All persons under the age of 18 will also be required to have a signed parent consent AND bring a parent to the job with them. THESE CONDITIONS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE.
QUESTION #3 - I AM NOT FEELING WELL AND/OR MY GRANDMOTHER DIED CAN WE RESCHEDULE?
ANSWER:
Yes of course we can reschedule. I am not a monster. We all get sick, myself included. However by this point we should all be treating each other with professional respect. I can not tell you how many grandmothers that I have never met passed on to the other side in the name of modeling. In fact one modeling client had the same grandmother die four times while trying to arrange to work with me. If we schedule a day/time to work together in advance, and the day approaches and you are not feeling well communicate with me. Try to give me some kind of advanced notice so I can book someone else for that time frame. If there are chronic cancellations however I will no longer accommodate a booking with you.
QUESTION #4 - WHEN WILL I GET MY IMAGES FROM YOU?
ANSWER:
The answer to this can vary from client to client and from shoot to shoot. As I mentioned before I do not pay models to work with me. So if this is a collaborative thing, my paying customers naturally have to take priority over a free shoot. That being said if there is an image or two that we both really like I try to get that edited right away so you can post as soon as possible. The bulk of the images that I edit through should be delivered to you no later then a week from the shooting date, usually much much sooner.
QUESTION #5 - HOW WILL YOU GET THE IMAGES TO ME?
ANSWER:
About 95% of the time I will send you a shareable link to a folder on my Google Drive account. Only the people who have that link will be able to see your images. The images will be up for a limited amount of time (usually two weeks minimum) before I have to clear space for other work, so it is suggested you download all your images as soon as possible. On occasion, if we had a prolonged shoot with many images, I may deliver your images to you on a USB drive. It is usually easier to send someone a link to an online gallery though, instead of trying to schedule another meetup.
QUESTION #6 - WILL YOU GIVE ME ALL THE IMAGES FROM THE SHOOT AND/OR THE RAW FILES?
ANSWER:
No you will not get ALL the images from the shoot. I will go through the images and pick out/edit the best ones and supply them to you. Sometimes I even send you a proof gallery of unedited images to look through first so you can pick out the ones you like. In the end the final images are a representation of the photographer’s (and model’s) artistic and technical skill. You and I want nothing but the best images put out there for the world to see.
No you will not get ANY of the RAW files. RAW files are HUGE and contain all of the sensor data. These are the files I work with when editing to give you the best quality final result. You will receive high resolution JPG files which are the most commonly used/shared/posted files types. Most people who are not photographers do not even own the software capable of editing a RAW file anyway. The concept that you should receive ALL of the RAW files from your photographer has been misinformation handed down from one amateur model to the next throughout the years.
QUESTION #7 - IF YOU SUPPLY ME WITH A PROOF GALLERY TO LOOK THROUGH, CAN I POST THOSE IMAGES?
ANSWER:
No you may not post the proof images. In fact when you see the images they will have a watermark that will say something like “EHLPHOTO PROOF - DO NOT POST” on them. As I stated in the question above the final images are a representation of the photographer’s (and model’s) artistic and technical skill. You and I want nothing but the best images put out there for the world to see. Proof images are often unedited and low resolution and will just be used to pick out which images you would like me to perform the final edit on. They will be nothing you really want anyone to see. Have patience and you will be rewarded with “post worthy” images soon enough.
COMMON FORMS
AMITYVILLE • LONG ISLAND • NEW YORK
(631) 464-0461 Text & Phone (Google Voice)