Thread: How to find a photographer?

Not quite sure if this is the right place to post but im sure someone will be able to help out.

I'm a novice to the scene as far as being infront of the camera is concerned and want to find a decent photographer in Kent to work with me on some sets.

I don't want to pay a small fortune for some of these 'professional' guys and end up with very dull photos but I still need someone who can give me the right kind of directions as to how to play to the camera.

Hope someone out there can help me out

Pumpkin x

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What you are looking for really is someone who will take the photos of yourself and give you some copies at little cost, this is usually refered to as work for prints and is not uncommon for both new photographers and models, the photographers get a model they don't have to pay for and the model gets a set of prints for her portfolio.

The only thing you should ensure is that any model release form details how those pictures can be used, a number of celebrities have when they were younger done similar shoots and regreted them in later years as they had no control over picture use.

There are a few different options for you to think about:

TFP = time for prints
TFCD - time for images on a cd
Paid - you pay for a set number if images.

TFP/TFCD - you need to agree in advance with the photographer about the number of images you will receive and where the photographer will use the images. Some photographers give you images straight out of the camera which will be no use to you unless you can edit them yourself to a professional standard - other photographers will edit a set amount.

You can advertise for TFP/TFCD - usually you will get photographers with little experience, like you wanting to build their portfollio up. You may on occasion, drop on a professional photographer that is looking for a specific look that you fit into and be willing to do it for TFCD/TFP rather than charging as it will benefit their portfolio too.

Always ask to see samples of their work - check out their website, flikr pages etc. Ask if they have been published, if so, where.

Photographers offer both studio and location shoots - again ask for samples of their work for both. I have seen recent work of a great location photographer who has produced substandard studio work due to their lack of knowledge about lighting etc....the key thing is always ask for examples of work.

As for pricing - photographers all work to different charges. Some will charge you a one off studio fee which may/may not include some images; other photographers dont charge a studio fee which leaves you to purchase the images you require.

Ask the photographer how long you will be in the studio; how many outfits you can take; will they do your hair/makeup or is there a MUA available at an extra cost? Ask how long before you see images to choose from.

Finally, if the photograher asks you to sign a model release form - read it before signing.

Hope this helps,
Deb

id sign up for a model mayhem account (its free) and then post a casting call stating that its tfp (the tog can use your pics in his/her portfolio but you arent paying for their services)

obviously check references of togs and always tell someone where you are going etc (tpyed that in a mum voice haha)

Thanks for all the help guys - I was wondering what exactly all the abbreviations I kept seeing were!!

Been in touch with a few photographers now with your suggestions so hopefully it will all go smoothly