Okay, so you’re tired of taking pictures of yourself in the bathroom mirror and you feel that snapshots of your dog doesn’t fuel your artistic soul. You feel ready to take that picture that you’ve always dreamed of taking, but a self timer just isn’t up to scratch. If you’ve finally grown out of your vanity, you’re ready to accept models into your artistic life.

Why are you looking at me like that? Models are great! No, I’m not talking about those pouty stick figures in magazines. Besides they cost a lot to just stand there and whine at you. take a look around, there are potential models everywhere. The tricky part is finding the right one. Now, lets not get too ambitious here, don’t immedietly jump on the hottest girl in your class because you know she’s photogenic, getting a model that suits you is much more than that.

Now Lets start with the basics.

Lets see…

Who can you exploit without having to pay them?

Your friends of course!
(I mean seriously what else are they good for?)


---Alex (one of my best friends) had always been a bit camera shy, but I had conviced him as a friend to model for me. Now he loves getting his picture taken. This is his first photo called “Do I seem Familiar?”---

For those of you with stubborn friends (or no friends at all) this is a great way to meet new ones!


---Claudia was the roommate of my best friend, when I asked her to model for me, I gained a new friend during the shoot of my piece “Gatsby’s Girl” ---

Listen, this is the important part. The way you ask is everything. Imagine you’re walking along and an acquaintance of yours confronts you and says

“Uh, so, uh, I was wondering, if Um… CanItakepicturesofyou?”

Not only do they sound stupid, but you probably think they are some rare form of pervert.

Don’t e-mail the person, don’t call them on the phone, don’t text them and don’t ask their friend to ask them. Go and find the person, as them for a minute of their time and tell them what this project means to you. When people see how devoted you are to your craft I guarantee they’ll be flattered you had chosen them and be more than happy to help you.


---E. Leigh is the little sister of Alex and she was more than happy to help me because she knew how much photography meant to me and modeled for my piece “Letting Go”---

Ok, so you’re happy as a little girl, you’ve got your model, now what the heck do you do with them?

Hold it there shirly, before you start snapping away There is a golden rule that exists between photographer and model. It’s long and arduous to explain but to sum it all up into the immortal words of Aretha Franklin. RESPECT.

If you want your model to cooperate and respect you as a photographer, you in turn must respect them as a model. (Even if they are being dumb and immature) Don’t yell at them, make them feel as comfortable as you can and provide them with a very chill setting for you both to work in.


---Even though Rachel had no idea what to do in front of the camera, I was patient and respected her as a model and for giving me her time, and in turn she respected me as a artist. Our mutual respect turned out this picture “My Only Memories of You”---

Another important thing to remember about working with models is that they are probably nervous. You are taking pictures of them and ordering them around so it’s good to remember to be as encouraging as you possibly can. (write it on your hand if you have to) make your model part of your process, don’t just order them around, ask for their opinion, two heads work better than one after all. The more you work together as a team the more rewarding the process will be.


--- My friend JJ models for me in the woods near my school, this particular shot was his idea, and now is one of my favorite photos called “Hero”.---

Note: Working with younger models, I find that it is much easier as they are more willing to listen to you. (2 years younger should do it)

Another Note: The more confient you seem about your work during the shoot, the more confident your model will be.

Allright! So you asked the cute classmate of yours to mdel for you, it went great and you had a wonderful time and got some kickass pictures from it. Now, do you want to add another one?

Hey! No panicking!
I know what you’re thinking.
“Omg why do you want me to do 2!? Wtf that was hard enough already to get one to listen to me, two will be impossible!!!”

But like most problems this can be solved with food. (I’ll explain later)

Now when working with 2 models, especialy with romanticaly themed pictures, it’s super important to find two people that you know won’t be uncomfortable working together. (either good friends, couples or just people you know are chill with that sort of thing)


---Taking pictures of Blaire and Travis (Also Known As: Blavis) was so easy because they were a couple very comfortable with their feelings towards one another, their emotions are clearly expressed in one of my favorite pieces called “Stripey banner of Love”---

Plus, this might even be your chance to play cupid. Once again do remember to be very personal with your asking, with couples I’d even suggest to go so far as to take the both of them out for coffee (I’d especially reccomend jthis if the two don’t know each other)

Okay, now you’re feeling good, on location, but your models suddenly are a bit stiff.
90% of the time it’s because you are staring at them intently, leave them alone to talk for a few minutes while you fiddle with your camera, chances are they’ll feel more comfortable after a while.

Another tip, I always bring my ipod speakers with me to a shoot. (this goes for single models too) it’s a wonderful way to set the mood and tone of your piece, plus who dosen’t love music?


---Michelle and Brian were a bit stiff when we first started out, but after a few minutes of just chilling with music and talking, they were more comfortable and now are my favorite couple to take pictures of because they are so camera confident. This is their first picture together intitled “When I’m With You”---

If all else fails and they still refuse to get close, offer to buy them a pizza. It’s suprising what teenagers will do for pizza.


---Micheal and Hayley were very very reluctant to do anything before I offered to buy them pizza. After that it was all hugs and kisses between the two in one of my favorite pieces “Your Kiss Might Kill Me”---

If you stick with this, using different models each time, not only will you have more friends, word will eventually get around and people will start asking YOU to take THEIR pictures. If you want to get more advanced, find a person who does the stage makeup for your schools plays, buy them an ice cream cone and ask them for help. Find the person that holds the keys to the costume closet and you’ve got it made.

Now one last thing to pester you about my little photographers. Do not forget to credit your models, makeup artists and anybody else you feel necessary in your artists comments. It only takes a few words of appreciation and it will go a long way.

I hope I’ve helped you out in some way. And link your photos here because I want to see them!
Good luck!
-Anna