Working with Models

Several times a week I get emails from readers inquiring about where to meet or hire models. Although I normally recommend new photographers to work with friends before they venture out and hire a model, I know that eventually the day will come when many of you will run out of friends and need someone for a specific project! Below I list four sites that can be useful in finding and working with models.

1. Modelmayhem.com – Currently this is the main site most amateur and advanced photographers, makeup artists, fashion artists and models gather to meet, share and work with each other. Although a newer site, about 5 yrs old or so, it has gained a large following. Mainly because the site and community tries to keep its members all focused on photography. Those who sign up and don’t add photos of models to their portfolio will not be admitted to the site. Here, you will find some very amateur photographers showcasing their pictures, but the majority will be advanced to professional photographers. As for models, you this will vary from state to state and country, but its large enough that you should be able to find some near you. But remember, its a photography/modeling site, not a dating site. The best way to get the most out of this site is to show a few of your best pictures and keep it professional whenever contacting models, especially amateur ones. You will learn not only from the models but also other photographers. The site is free to join but does have an option to upgrade as a paying member. I suggest a free account.

2. Onemodelplace.com – One of the oldest and largest model websites, this was one of the first sites I ever joined. It is still very popular but expect to see a lot of “one timers”. Its free to join but the free accounts are very limited. They have several member packages that allow more “features”. This site gets many members but in the last several years, it is really necessary to become a paying member to get the most out of the site. There are many members on this site so I’m sure you can find compatible models to work with in your area, but a word of caution, because there are so many first time models that most will sign up for a free account then never return to check on it. For some reason due to the general way this site recruits models, it is visited by many people in the mainstream not necessarily serious about modeling. On onemodelplace.com your best bet is to focus on the models with a paid account, at least this way you know they are serious about modeling!

3. Craigslist.org – Although not a photographer/modeling portfolio site, Craigslist still manages to be a source for hiring models/photographers. Pick your city then go to gigs>talent for a list of photographers and models looking for work. Recently, Craigslist has been in the news for other than good news, but due to its high number of posts I thought I had to mention it here. I’ve used this site in the past with a small degree of success, but now I have primarily used the usual portfolio sites rather than this classified type website.

4. Meetup.com – This site is more of a source to meet other people in your area that share the same interest. In the U.S., you can search for photographers on the site and in most states they have groups that get together and have events. A sort of “group shoot” that may involve all types of photography with some focused on working with models. A good way to get some experience working with a model in a group environment with other new and advanced photographers. The events may require a fee, ask before joining or attending.

Obviously there are many other websites out there, but most don’t have the large number of members to make it worth joining. I suggest visiting one of the top two and joining with a free account, then see which one best fits your style. Craigslist works more for established photographers and Meetup can be a place where you can meet with other photographers and get some hands on experience working with models.

I hope this information was helpful. Many years ago when I started to do research online for models it was a hit or miss for months/years before I found the sites that work for me. For a while I had an account on onemodelplace then moved over to modelmayhem. I now primarily use modelmayhem and have a few accounts set up there. Its simple and easy to use, works for me very well. Try both sites and stick to the one that best works for you.

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