Getting Professional Pictures and Headshots

A girl on Myspace sent me a message that said, "I AM INTERESTED IN TAKING PROFESSIONAL PICTURES. I LIKE YOUR PICTURES! I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH IS A FULL BODY SHOT AND A HEADSHOT. IF U KNOW OF ANYONE THATS GOOD. PLEASE ME KNOW! THANKS!!!! I REALLY WANT TO GET INTO MODELING."


My Answer:

You can pay anything from $100 up for a good headshot with a professional photographer. Make sure you get everything in writing, when it comes to working with a photographer for headshots. Read this blog post I wrote on Usage rights, alot of models run into problems sometimes if you do not discuss everything ahead of time, such as how many pics you get, are any of them touched up, etc:

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/models-finding-photographers-good-and.
html

You don't have to settle for crappy pictures. But do be prepared to research to find a good one. Some photographer that are very reputable test models, and the best thing to do is to research and try, let the photographer know your budget upfront, maybe you could discuss a reasonable rate.

It is worth a try. When I started out and was seeking a good photographer I experienced this work when I had something to offer more than just shoot me. Like I brought a cook dress or shoes, or researched a location for us to shoot in. Found a great makeup artist.

The main thing when it comes to working with a photographer is meeting them ahead of time, knowing they are professional, not full of crap. Too many people who are "guys with cameras" so even if it takes longer, it is better to work with someone who knows what he/she is doing!

When approaching a photographer: Stress your interests in modeling, the area you want to work, commercial print photos, headshots, etc, your focus, and be prepared to afterwards make a compcard and mail it to some commercial print modeling agencies: ..www.compcard.com is pretty affordable.

And SKIP model sites, seriously!

You will have better luck going to the yellow pages, or a photography school, or a photo lab and asking if they can suggest a photographer, if you go to the photo store Adorama on 18th street in NYC (google it) you can see in the pin board there is a list of headshot photographers.

When it comes to the style of photos for commercial print see this blog:

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/01/naturally-photographic-models-are-not.html

And this one:

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/creating-commercial-print-photos-do-it.html

I also enjoy cropping a photo and making it into a headshot, it looks more natural sometimes.

:)I hope this helps, Strive hard and goodluck girl,

Isobella