This is a blog post that I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. I’ll talk about Models wanting to collab (TFP: Trade for Print) with Photographers in this post. I’d say it’s more so targeted towards beginner models, but who knows it might be helpful for a number of creatives.
The definition of a collaboration is “The action of working with someone to produce or create something”
The key word is “with” in the definition. Both parties or everyone involved needs to contribute and pull their own weight in the collaboration. For me it’s like a group project for example: Yes you’re in the same group. You’re “working together” but it’s not really a collab if only one person (the photographer) is doing all the work.
A collaboration with a photographer does NOT mean you’re getting a free photoshoot. Both the model and photographer should benefit from working together on a collaboration. Please don’t expect the photographer to always have a studio, MUA or high fashion clothes ready for you.
I can’t speak for all photographers on what they expect or look for in a model, since everyone has their own aesthetic and different preferences. Here I’ll just be sharing the basic things that I expect from a model if they wanted to collaborate on a shoot with me.
To start, it doesn’t matter how “pretty” you are. I don’t care how photogenic someone is because anyone can be a model and modeling isn’t all about your looks. I need a model that knows how to expressandemote for the camera. You need to know your body and how to work your angles. Your poses don’t have to be super dynamic, but knowing how to pose on your own is preferred.
You honestly have to be able to act without words. Even if I was showing you how to pose or how to do your facial expressions, the photos still wouldn’t be usable for my portfolio if you’re not 100% confident or in character. As a photographer I can only do so much to help you, I can tell you what to study and what to work on etc.
But at the end of the day it’s your job to hone your craft. If you want to model, then dedicate time to polishing your skills. Photographers don’t want to work with someone who isn’t striving to improve and deliver to them what they want/need from them for a shoot.
I’d suggest: Researching some acting lessons on YouTube, as well as “how to pose” videos and model facial expression videos. Practice your Facial Expressions and Poses in the mirror. Have a friend be your practice photographer and also research modeling of course. Don’t knock America’s Next Top Model either, that show has tones of great advice and tips!
Oh and if you’re able to do your own makeup or at the very least, wear BB cream or a tinted moisturizer with a translucent face powder that’s very helpful. The camera really gets every detail and having makeup makes things a lot smoother in the editing process for photographers. Trust me I’m not a huge makeup person, but if you research Vegan makeup that’s a good way to start out and also just take care of your skin in general.
If you’re a creative of any kind, your account needs to be public. Nobody has time to follow your Private account to see what your portfolio looks like. Make two accounts: One for your Personal Life and one for your Portfolio, if you don’t want certain photos to be seen as public.
If you ask to collab with a Photographer and they can’t quickly see what images you have on your social media or you don’t have a link to send them to your Portfolio page. Most of the time they’re just going to tell you to book a session or not waste time trying to see what’s on your private account. So please make sure your account is setup where photographers can easily see what you look like. Make sure you have both headshots and full body photos. And it also helps to make a Model Mayhem account as well.
It’s okay if you don’t have professional photos, just make sure the photos on your Model Profile are good quality. Cellphones these days take really good photos, you just need to make sure: You look put together, The lighting is good and There’s no messy background or distractions in the photo. As long as the photographer can clearly see what you look like, that’s all that matters.
Alright. If you’re asking to collab with a professional photographer over Instagram, they’re not going to care how many followers you have or how many likes you get on your photos. It’s because they’re not doing photography for fun or as a hobby, it’s their job and they have bills to pay just like everyone else.
Just because you have more followers than the average person, doesn’t mean that’s going to benefit the photographer or make them want to shoot with you. Even if some of your followers end up following the photographer, that doesn’t mean that they’re going to book a session with them. Followers and likes don’t equal paying clients for the photographer, they can’t live off of “exposure”
They spend years honing their craft and photography skills. Learning how to use their camera, equipment and editing programs, which costs them thousands maybe even millions of dollars to invest in. It takes a lot of money to hold up a photography business, photography in general is expensive to get into. So why would someone put in all that time, money and effort just to shoot in exchange for a few social media likes or followers?
Please keep in mind that if you “Just want a few photos” or aren’t trying to seriously model, the photographer isn’t in the wrong for not wanting to collab with you or sending you their rates. If you really like their work and they feel like they can’t benefit from doing a TFP (Trade for Print) shoot with you. Show them that you respect them and what they do by booking a session; who knows it might end in you collaborating in the future.
And if you don’t have the money to book a session, keep it classy and respectful. Photography is a luxury service, just like going to the salon or spa. It’s not for everyone and that’s understandable, but plenty of people save up for it or invest in it if it’s important to them or their lifestyle. Don’t complain about the price because they’re charging their worth. Simply thank them for answering your inquiry and live your best life.
Contacting the Photographer
I feel like you should always email the photographer if you’re trying to contact them about a shoot or collaborating. You don’t have to write an exact business format email. I don’t like it when people sound too robotic when they contact me, always show some personality if you can. Just be sure to do the basic things: Introduce yourself, explain how you found their work, ask if they’d like to collaborate on a shoot with you and leave a link to your portfolio so they can actually put a face to who they’re talking to.
If you try to contact them on IG or social media, I feel like they already have a lot of people trying to contact them and DM’s aren’t for serious conversations. Especially if they’re very popular, then there’s no way for them to answer every single person trying to talk to them. DM’s are cool if you’re just trying to get to know them or have a regular conversation. But don’t harass them about a shoot if they’ve already turned you away or act like you should get a free shoot, just because they’ve talked to you a few times.
Also keep in mind that photographers have different niches that they shoot. Don’t go to a portrait photographer asking for boudoir photos if you don’t see any boudoir photos in their portfolio. Some photographers are open to shooting different genres, they like being able to switch things up or “shoot everything” and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Personally for me. I feel like I could shoot anything, but prefer to shoot what I’m most passionate about and that gets me excited. If I shoot something that I don’t vibe with or don’t really like doing, then that’s going to result in me not giving the shoot my all. And I don’t want to do a half-ass job because I wouldn’t want to disappoint the model or client’s expectations.
Alright, I think the best way to prep for a shoot is to really communicate with the photographer. Meeting them beforehand to talk about the shoot gives you both a chance to get to know each other and clear everything up on what’s going to happen the day of the shoot. If meeting in person is too out of the way, FaceTime or a phone call is also very helpful.
Ask them to send you the Mood Board for the shoot. Ask if there’s anything you need to bring, how you should dress, how to wear your hair or makeup, if there’s any props you could help bring etc. Whatever you’re wearing or need, lay it all out for the next day and have everything ready so you’re not scrambling in the morning. Be sure you know where the shoot location is and leave on time to get there at least 10-20 minutes early.
The day before make sure you have your model bag ready. A model bag is basically a bag that you pack anything essential that you might need during a shoot. I highly recommend researching what to keep inside it on YouTube, but the main things are flesh or nude colored undergarments. Personal hygiene items. Any medicine you might need. Black heels and comfortable flats. Any beauty or hair products for touch ups. A power bank for your phone. And of course water and healthy snacks.
When it comes to prepping your skin, please make sure you exfoliateyour face!!! It really makes a difference and you should be doing it at least once a week anyway. Also doing a face mask helps, along with an acne treatment if you think you need one and a facial toner. And don’t forget to shave and moisturize your body as well.
After the Shoot
After the shoot, please do not harass the photographer over when the photos will be ready. If it was a collaboration (TFP) shoot, that means they took your photos for free and will edit them as a courtesy. Their clients photos come first since they were ahead of you and have already paid for their photos to be edited. Ask the photographer what the turn around time should be for when you receive the edited photos and they should email them to you within the timeframe they gave you.
Some photographers choose the photos to edit on their own and others like myself, let the model choose a few favorites that they’d like edited. When the photographer sends you the preview photos to let you choose which photos you’d like edited, please do NOT post them!! Those photos are unprocessed and do not reflect the photographers true work, if you do so they probably will never work with you again.
So the best thing to do is be patient and allow the photographer time to edit your photos. Usually the finished edited photos are better than the unedited ones that they sent you to preview anyway, so it’s worth the wait. Trust me, the photographer wants to see the final images as much as you do.
And once you do get the edited photos, please be sure to back them up! Save them in at least three different places: flash drive, email, google drive, iCloud, Amazon Photo, Facebook etc. The photographer most likely will not still have them weeks later because they’re always taking photos. It takes up a huge amount of space on their laptop and they can’t keep anything that’s not important for their portfolio or website.
When it comes to posting the photos, be respectful of how much work the photographer put into taking and editing them for you. If you want them sized for IG, ask if they’re able to do that for you ahead of time. Do NOT put any filters on their photos, alter them in any way or edit them yourself.
If you take the time to watch any YouTube tutorials on Photoshop Retouching, editing photos takes a good 3-5 hours depending on the type of photo and how the photographer edits. Please do not ruin their hard work and slap them in the face by manipulating their photos. I would hope that you wanted to work with them because you liked their editing style in the first place. It makes no sense to work with them, just to change what makes their work so special.
It also violates the Federal Copyright Act of 1976, which states that the creator of the photographs owns the photograph as soon as they’re created. The photographer retains the right to make any changes or copies unless they specify otherwise. That means if you do alter the photographer’s photos, you’re breaching that photographer’s copyright. Whether they filed their copyright with the Secretary of State’s office or not.
So to avoid any drama or never being able to shoot with them again, just post the photos how you’ve received them.
Crediting the Photographer
When you post the photos, please also be sure to credit the photographer. It doesn’t have to be an advertisement, you don’t have to make a huge deal about it. Simply at the end of your caption type “Photo by…” or “Photography by…” and @ their username + tag them in the actual photo. And if there was a makeup artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist or creative director please be sure to tag them as well.
Everyone involved in the shoot should be credited, that way it opens more opportunities for them to get work or collaborate in the future. And if you worked with more than one photographer on a collaboration, please be sure to only tag the one photographer who took the photo you posted. Do not tag both in a photo, if you don’t know who took it just ask for clarification.
Good Luck!
I know this is a long ass read, but I put a lot of effort into making sure I shared as much information as possible. Please be sure to click the links I’ve provided, they’ll give you even more tips and advice that I wasn’t able to get into. For 2019 I want to get a little more personal on social media and Tumblr has always been very encouraging of me expressing myself.
Here’s to creating and improving as much as possible as creatives and remembering why we fell in love with our craft in the first place~
This can’t be it. This isn’t my dream. This won’t be my forever. I refuse to sit and dwell here. I refuse to give up. I refuse to settle. I’ve come to far to get to this place, although I’m passing through. I gave up so much of myself, although, I needed me too. But, this isn’t it. This can’t be it. This isn’t what I expected. This isn’t what I want or need. This isn’t it. I swear, it isn’t.
To those in need of some encouragement & inspiration while stuck in a dark & twisted space, those questioning & seeking answers, those alone & lonley suffering in silence, those without a voice or depressed, or those contemplating a world changing decision…I know the pain, emotions, and experiences are real. I know the pressures, situations, circumstances, challenges, and hardships are taking a toll on you. I know the constant battle of debating & defending yourself is difficult. It is, there’s no denying it.
However, may I say…You’re here for a reason, with a purpose, & given a choice to live the best life you can in & through these horrid trials & perils. Please, don’t give up. Please, hold on. The world is brutal & the experience is mind blowing. I won’t argue with you about that but it’s still good. With all of the bad things that occur. The same amount of good is still evident and occuring around, to, through, and for you. We’re all better and worse off than each other at any given moment. It’s no fair no equal. No, but, it’s life. And, it’s still worth living, regardless. Please reach out to someone. Communicate & seek the proper help for your current situation. I know humans are messy & crazy but, there are still people in this world that will be willing & able to help, assist, provide, protect, maintain, & manage your crisis. We want to help! You aren’t in this alone. Be your own hero, save yourself by letting someone know you need help. You need you. Just like your family, friends, and those you encounter in this world - we all need you. We all want you. And, although it may not seem that way at times…it’s true.
Each and every day, we’re choosing to do more for ourselves and each other. So, we’re here and every day we’re going to choose to show up, be present, be aware, & stay conscious of this gift of life until we can’t anymore. We will support & protect you the best of our ability. We will love each and every part of you and encourage you to do the same. Not because we’re obligated or have too. No, because we want too and know that regardless of how any of us feel, we are all the same and in need of the same things. We’re all connected. And, without you - we’re all missing something that we could’ve, should’ve, would’ve had and experienced but, never got a chance too.
Please, reconsider your decision. Evaluate your feelings. Know your experience is vaild. However, so it your purpose. Please, choose to be alive. Not just alive but, to truly live & not just survive. Live your life abundantly. Seek the help & support you need. Find a community that will uplift, push forward, hold down & keep you accountable. Be responsible & kind to yourself & others. Because, things are going to get hard & be difficult. There will be major struggle & resistance to the process of recovery & healing. Some days will be better than others. Sometimes, things will drag & suck but, things will get better. I believe in, am praying & rooting for you. Don’t give up. You got this!
I come from a background where so many people have wandered in and out of my life, speaking to, at, over, and into me and my journey. Some negative and some positive. Some curses and some blessings. Some false and some true. I really struggled with comprehension and gaining a proper understanding of their impact. It wasn’t until I listened to the small whisper and discovered my own narrative, that I was able to “chew the meat and spit out the bones” of what occurred in the past and come out of it a better person.
So, cheers to the struggle, the discoveries, and the journeys this life has brought me. I am proud of myself because I did everything everyone said I never could. I became everything I’m not to truly become everything I am and will become…Now, I can add self taught “Writer, Poet, & Author” to my resume. Except, this isn’t just what I do but, a part of who I am. This dream is now a reality. I have seen something spiritual become physical and manifest it’s blessings to those around me.
My first poetry collection - ETHEREAL LOVE by Kid Gills - coming really soon.
Never delete. Never read what you’ve already written. Pass Go, collect your $200, and keep going.
This is the literal best writing advice I have ever read. Period.
Special note: “Kill someone” means kill someone in the story. Please do not kill random real life passers by every time you hit a block. My lawyer says misunderstanding writing advice is not an acceptable defense. See you all in 25 to 50 years.
This is so fantastic… You’ve helped me get over a writing block I’ve had for over a month!
Okay, so this is how I outline. Keep in mind that I am somewhere between a plotter and a pantser - I like a loose idea of what I’m going to write BUT I don’t want to know everything.
As an example, I’m going to outline the next chapter of a YA I’m working on about a demon huntress. In it, the main character is being harassed by a boy’s parents to come see him and decide if the behavior he’s exhibiting is because of a demonic possession.
Step 1. Brainstorm What do I want to happen? It can be as superficial as you want, as specific or vague as you want. “Something fluffy” would be a good thing to list. “Character A to punch Character B”. “Something blows up.” All good. Here’s my list:
parents are visiting from out of state, so the “consulation” is in a hotel
Watcher Angel Avedas makes appearance
parents are aggressive
Officer Denton drives her
Madeline declines at first
Son is not possessed, but suffering from a medical condition
Madeline confides in Officer Denton about her abilities
Step 2. Arrange in Chronological Order Forpantsers, this might be getting too “into it”. For plotters - this is where all those jumbled ideas can come together and start to form the outline. Yay timelines!
Madeline declines at first.
Family is aggressive.
Officer Denton drives her.
Madeline confides in Officer Denton about her abilities.
“Consultation” is in hotel room.
Son is not possessed.
Watcher Avedas makes appearance.
Step 3. Ask Questions I want you to ask yourself the questions that popup when you look at the timeline you just made. Ask the questions you don’t know the answers to:
Why does Madeline give in to helping the parents, if they’ve been super stalkerish and aggressive thus far towards her?
How does Denton react to Madeline’s abilities? Does she believe her?
If the son is not possessed, what is wrong with him?
What is the parents’ reaction to Madeline’s “diagnosis”?
Avedas has been gone for five years! Why is he back all of a sudden!?
Step 4. Expand Great job talking to yourself. Now use those questions in Step #3 to expand on the timeline in #2.
Madeline declines at first. ↪ She gets officer Denton and tells her that they are harassing her again.
Family is aggressive. ↪ Madeline agrees to help once they promise they won’t bother her about their son again.
Officer Denton drives her. ↪ Didn’t want Madeline to go with them, and insists on being present for the “consultation” just in case something goes wrong.
Madeline confides in Officer Denton about her abilities. ↪ Officer Denton admits that her Jamaican family have always believed in the supernatural, that she isn’t phased by Mad’s ability, and adds that America isn’t as accepting as other cultures on the occult.
“Consultation” is in hotel room. ↪ Before going in the room, Madeline “flips the switch” to entities that may be present, including any that may be around their son.
Son is not possessed. ↪ She tells them she doesn’t see any demon or dark energy around him. ↪ They become enraged and accuse her of being a fraud. ↪ Madeline suggests he see a doctor, because there is something wrong with their son - however nothing spiritual.
Watcher Avedas makes appearance. ↪ Madeline doesn’t want to talk to him. ↪ Avedas says he’s been waiting for her to “wake up”, because he needs her help. Cliffhanger?
There you have it. An outlined scene. It’s probably a little more detailed than I normally would have done, but that’s only because I decided on this scene a while ago and it’s had time to simmer.
Depending on what you prefer - less or more detail - is up to you if you use this method. My own preference changes from scene-to-scene. Some write themselves. Others have to be prodded and baited.
Do you know how to find important information for your vehicle? Such as air filters, the proper psi for your tires, how to read your tires, which oil filter, etc?
If not, would you guys like a quick adult guide for things like that? Is there anything you want to know? Any life questions?
The best part of being authentic is that there is no image to maintain. You will delight some and disturb others, and none of it will concern the truth of your being.
Draw from life. This is the best way to learn to draw. Drawing from life teaches your mind to translate 3D objects in your vision to 2D shapes on paper. Learning to think in 3D will give your drawings a visible confidence and consistency. Draw people at the cafe, on the subway, in church. Draw your pets while they’re sleeping, draw your own feet, visit a zoo and draw the animals, set up a still life on a table and draw that. It doesn’t really matter what you draw; as long as you’re drawing from life, then you’re exercising that 3D-to-2D muscle in your mind.
Draw from photos. Drawing from photos doesn’t help you practice thinking in 3D, because you’re translating a shape from one 2D surface (the photo) to another (your sketchbook). However, photos can introduce you to shapes that would be difficult to find in real life - cool stuff like castles, tigers, planets. Sketch any photo that interests you - and it is totally ok to trace things just for practice.
Draw from your imagination. This is where you develop your personal voice. When you draw from imagination, you’re not just copying what you see, but remembering things you’ve seen before and interpreting them in your own way. Keep this fun and light; don’t try any complex crowd scenes or else you’ll get frustrated. The more you draw from life and from photos, the more material your imagination will have to work with, and the easier it will get. All three practices feed into each other.
(If you liked this post, I have more advice and tips for aspiring artists at my blog!)
