DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Tips for finding models if you have no budget or portfolio

Jun 26, 2018 by Dunja Djudjic 1 Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

So, you want to get serious about portrait or fashion photography. But alas: you still don’t have a portfolio, and your budget is tight for professional models. In this video, Chelsea Nicole shares some tips for finding models even if you have no budget, so you can start building a portfolio and get your career going.

YouTube video

1. Friends

It’s probably the easiest to start with friends, friends of friends, co-workers, or family. This is something I do when I want to practice photographing people and break my awkwardness when directing them. When you make at least 6-8 awesome photos like this and create a part of your portfolio, it will be easier to reach professional model for collaborations.

2. Model websites

You can also look for models on websites like ModelMayhem. At the point where you’re just starting to build a portfolio, you can connect with new, aspiring models and collaborate with them. They are looking for someone to help them expand their book, and you’re looking for someone to help you create a portfolio, so it’s a win-win situation.

If you opt for this method, Chelsea recommends two methods. The first is to put out a casting call and make sure to include these elements:

  • The compensation: note that it’s TFP (trade for pictures) and that you don’t have a budget
  • The look: if you’re looking for a specific look, vibe or style in a model, make sure to note it
  • What’s included: you can offer wardrobe, hair, and makeup, or you can note that the model should provide their own
  • What’s required: note some specific things you expect, like clothing, nail color, makeup and here (if they’re providing it) and so on.
  • Mood-board: if it’s possible, also add a mood-board to the ad to show the general mood and vibe of the shoot and make sure everyone’s on the same page.

The second method Chelsea recommends is using the Browse feature. This can be more time-consuming, but it lets you filter the models by very specific parameters and choose the perfect ones for your shoot.

3. Instagram

Another way to look for models is Instagram, and it can be pretty convenient. You can search for models by using hashtags. For example, type in #losangelesmodel if you’re looking for a model in L.A. You can also contact fashion bloggers: they always need new content and it can be a win-win situation for both of you.

When you find the models/fashion bloggers you’d like to work with, engage with their content and contact them with a proposition for collaboration.

4. Facebook groups

There are a lot of Facebook groups for all kinds of stuff – so it’s logical to assume that you’ll find some for connecting models and photographers. You can easily find them by typing, for example, “Los Angeles model” and browsing through the “Groups” tab.

5. Facebook ads

If you run a Facebook page to promote your work, you can also use Facebook ads to search for models. These ads are pretty cheap and you can target very specific groups you’d like to collaborate with. Make sure to include the link to your website where people can find more information and apply for the shoot.

Although I love portrait photography, I rarely photograph people because of the awkwardness I feel when I need to direct them. But precisely because of that awkwardness, when I decide to do some portrait photography, I reach out to my friends and family. But if you’re more serious about portrait or fashion photography, I believe you can find all these methods useful for helping you build your portfolio and jump-start your career.

[HOW TO FIND MODELS // with no $$$ or portfolio | Chelsea Nicole]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

10 tips for finding ideal models for your portrait photography From Scratch To Portfolio In One Hour – A Test With ADOBE Portfolio Models Beware! Warning and safety tips for new models Tips for finding and shooting abandoned locations in an unknown city

Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: model

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.net

About Dunja Djudjic

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

« The DJI Mavic Pro II may be announced as soon as July 18th
This new technique recovers even the most damaged daguerreotypes »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Learn photography

Recent Posts

  • SmallRig x Mikevisuals Tracking POV Kit is an interesting if niche camera rig
  • Modern-day Snow White wins International Wedding Photographer of the Year
  • The slow death of creativity in modern photography
  • Holiday Gift Guide – Our favourite gadgets and accessories of 2023
  • Stability AI’s new AI generator creates images faster than you imagine them

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy