Some of you will know my work from the art nude photographic category. I sometimes get requests on how to go about finding, and treating, live models. So here's some advice on how to make things run smoother when you hire a live model.

Bear in mind that the following is offered as advice only. I'll point out now that this isn't a guarantee of getting a model to work for you. These things have worked for me, and others, here in Australia. There may be local laws you should check in your area before asking a model to pose for you. This isn't legal advice, nor is it established practice. I'm not a lawyer, please don't treat this as advice from such.

First off, one of the things a model (and this applies to males and females) wants to know is WHO are you?? Remember, many internet models get lots of sleazy enquiries, and there are some really weird folks out there who can pass themselves off as being semi-professional. Be prepared to say who you are, e.g. "I'm a part time photographer, but I work day to day as a pastry chef."

Next thing, is how much are you paying? Most models have fixed rates that can vary from $50 to $200 per hour for artistic nude work if you've got that in mind. Will you be paying in cash? Can the model cite or show your work in her portfolio? Are you prepared to pay a deposit up front? And no- you can't "owe it to them". Payment on the day BEFORE you start work is the norm. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a model who may model just for the art, with just a few dollars to cover expenses……but this isn’t common, so don’t expect it. And don't offer them $200, and then decide to pay half that if you don't get what YOU want. Set a fee and stick to it.

Another thing that many will want to know is are you established? Do you have a portfolio they can view? Are any of your works on exhibition, or have they won prizes? What this means is basically are you serious about what you're doing, or are you just looking for an excuse to get the model alone somewhere? Don't blame the model for being cautious - most of them have been burned plenty of times by sleazebags. YOU have to prove you're NOT one of the sleazy characters.

If you don't have a portfolio, don't despair - say so! Tell the model that you're new at photographing or sculpting from a real person. Many of the models I know are quite keen to help out folks if they can, but you must say what you expect them to do beforehand. If you want the model to pose in a cloak with arms folded, say so; if you want them to pose naked in a bathtub full of ice cream, tell them! Above all, don't say beforehand "you'll be fully clothed, dressed as Batgirl" and when they arrive, say "Oh, I think this would work better with you in your underwear, would you mind?" They'll walk out the door, and won't come back. Be prepared to give references as well. If you don't have any in the sculpting / modelling industry, try your boss at work!

Give the model whatever safeguards they require. For example, if they want to meet you a few days beforehand for coffee, why not? It gives both of you a chance to say hi and discuss ideas. If they want to bring a chaperone or a friend, give it serious consideration! I've worked with several models who have brought chaperones, and while they make some folks uncomfortable, I've never once had a problem. Remember, a model who is relaxed and at ease will work so much better for you.

Other things - Where will you be working? If it's your home studio, be prepared to give out your address before the day. I don't know of too many models who would agree to be picked up by someone then taken to a place where no-one knows where they are. Be prepared to provide a verifiable home or studio phone number and street address, regardless if you are working at home, studio, or out on location. if it’s a studio, make sure the studio / room is well heated - you don't want the models goosebumps to show on your shots, do you? And a model who is freezing cold won't hold a pose for long. Likewise if it's a hot day, have the airconditioning going.

Most models advertise what services they offer, such as nude, lingerie, fashion, etc.; ask them to do something they don't do, such as nude work, not only gets you a refusal, but gets you branded as sleazy. Word gets around very quickly - the rumour mill is faster than a broadband connection!

Make sure the model has somewhere private to change, and have a robe on hand for them to slip into when they're on breaks. You may be paying them to pose for you, but they aren't there for you to perve on, no matter how much you're offering them. And bear in mind that unless you're working with "life models" who often pose for art classes, most models can't hold a pose for more than a few minutes. Even with life models, give them a break every fifteen minutes, and have coffee / tea / cold drinks / juice etc. available for them. (Hint : I haven't met a model yet who didn't love chocolate!)

Important : Don’t offer your model alcohol! It will probably give the impression that you’re trying to get them drunk, which will brand you as a sleazebag.

Age. Do NOT engage a model who is under legal age in your area! And if you're not sure, check the model's ID to ensure this! Regardless of how many friends / chaperones, etc. they say they'll bring, DON'T DO IT!

If you're engaging a model to pose as Lara Croft or Dracula, tell them how many people they'll be posing for. If you lead them to believe it's just you, and they turn up to find seven people in the room, don't be surprised if they refuse to work, and hand your money back. Let them know if you're holding a class, or it's just for your own work.

Finally.....if the face of the model is going to be recognisable in the work you're doing, you may need a Model Release, which both of you sign otherwise trying to sell your work, or exhibit it anywhere other than in your portfolio, may be illegal! Again, check your local laws. Samples of these model releases are available on the Internet, use your favourite search engine and type in "model release" to get a few. If you're going to adopt a model release, get it checked over by a good lawyer first. Laws in Australia differ from other countries, and they vary from state to state.

I suppose what all of this boils down to is BE HONEST AND OPEN in your dealings with models, and TREAT THEM DECENTLY. If you hit on the model, embarrass them, ridicule them, or act sleazy, you not only may never get another one to work with you (the grapevine among models is incredible) but you may also get a visit from the local Police, and deservedly so.

REMEMBER : To have someone turn up and pose for a total stranger is a very courageous act. If you're a relative unknown, the first time most models work with you, many will want to bring a friend or chaperone, or will ask for references to make sure you're on the level. Be ready to provide them!

Oh yeah - make sure the name the model puts on the release is her real and legal name. Many models (quite sensibly) use a pseudonym for dealing with people over the internet.

I hope this is of some use to folks out there. Like I said, this should be taken as a guide only!