Build your portfolio without spending a dime?

I know, what an inflammatory title to start out a blog with. Especially in an industry where not only is time money, but the value of investment may have exponential returns, or losses. A model or an agency might invest $5000-10,000 on a model's initial marketing portfolio, to then be featured in a major ad campaign bringing that model several thousands of dollars, and that agency, and client much more as well. A Photographer, could spend $4000 on one lens, and earn 10 times that over a lifetime. There is that old adage, "it takes money to make money;" but what if you don't have any money or are very limited on resources? If one would traverse the many model sites out there online, you will see a constantly reoccurring phrase. TF*, which in most circles means "Time For" or meaning that you trade your time as a photographer, model, stylist, makeup artist or other participating party in exchange for images. What used to be referred as TFP, Time For Print, is now often referred to as TFCD, Time For CD(I wonder if it will change to TFFD, for Flash Drive? I digress). Now, TF isn't anything new. I am pretty sure it has been around for hundreds of years. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a little 5x7 of the Mona Lisa laying around in some Italian wine cellar.

The rising problem with TF projects though is that more and more participants are not looking at these as "trade" shoots, but more or less, as free shoots. The problem with this philosophy is a premise of noninvestment. Once someone on a team is divested in that project, they have a tendency to not perform to his or her best. Think back to high school or college when you did that first group project. There was one person in the group, if not more, that really didn't do any work but got the same grade as everyone else. Heck, that person might have been you! That person knew that they had nothing to lose and everything to gain. They were betting on at least one person in the group to want to get an "A" which would balance the lack of performance. I see this in today's world of photography a lot. Photographers giving models not only "tons" of photos, but either "untouched" or badly edited photos which if the model was a paying client, they would never even let the model see, much less give them away. The same as models, who go to these shoots with bad hair/wardrobe/makeup/attitudes, and a host of other drawbacks.

So here is where the dilemma lies. If a model, wants a great start to a great port, how would they go about getting one if they had no money. PAY THE PHOTOGRAPHER! Or hairstylist, or MUA, or other support member. "But wait, Leighton, you just said you were going to tell me how to build a port without spending a dime!" That, I did. Remember that the oldest form of currency, is not cash, and it isn't even gold, but that of the Barter System.

You see, while a photographer may not be open to doing TFs, there are some photographers who are open to having an assistant or two for a shoot. If a photographer shoots weddings as well, they may pay an assistant anywhere from $50-150/day on average to assist. That means holding bags, umbrellas, stands, going for this, going for that. Yes, a lot of work, but work that you would be compensated for. Either a rate towards your shoot, or partial rate and pay depending on the arrangements between the parties. Let's say for example, you want to do a $2000 portfolio shoot, but don't have any of that. Working for that photographer twice a week for two or three months, may REALLY get you closer than you may think.

Now I know some of you might be thinking that two or three months is a long time to work for photos, but think of the alternative. Going YEARS and never really developing a good portfolio, i.e. what is the cost of a weak resume? Now, understand, not all photographers will work this way, but some might. And in this day and age, having a model who is so serious, and so hungry that they are willing to "work for food" is a good sign. Another benefit is that it will really show you how that photographer works during a shoot. Are they a jerk, are they helpful, do they give good instruction, are all questions that can be answered by observation. Along that note, I would advise having a written agreement, and a clause that states what happens if one of you decides that the arrangement should not go forward, that you should still receive monetary compensation for work provided. This way, the relationship will not become abused. Some may think this is a radical approach, but it really shouldn't be. This should be fundamental. If you can't pay for it, work for it. And you may be more impressed with the end result.

Remember, if this is a business for you, then all business has a cost associated with it. Sweat equity is still equity!

Liberated...

I love this! Lisa is a beautiful woman who just shines through. Her personality is in her photos and they are amazing. For any one of us to have to hide who we are is a shame, but often a necessity. I remembered when I was growing dreads, it got to the point, that I felt I had to cut them, not to fit in with my friends, but to fit in with my clientele. I say that to some of my fellow photographers out there, because even though we are artists, we are professional. As long as you are neat and your beauty shines through, it rarely matters what your "style" is, as long as you have one. Yayyyy LISA!!!

Have Your People Call My People: The Manager vs. The Agent

As a photographer who routinely works with models, I have seen a lot of models lose out on potential gigs for the simple fact of what can be seen as "bad representation." Very rarely is the representation malicious, but simply a circumstance of the model and their representation are confused on what their roles are as it pertains to the model. Almost anyone involved in the entertainment industry will interact with one of the following or a combination of an Agent and/or a Manager. While many think that they are interchangeable, they are not, and they serve two totally different functions in a model's career. I will start simply with the Manager. The Manager's role in your career as a model is to simply MANAGE. They are there to make you better. If you need to learn posing, walking, speech, expressions and a list of other skills that are crucial to a model's development the main role of the manager is to arrange those critical events. A manager can also give you advice on how to handle your money, as well as what gigs to take or to pass on. A manager CAN get you jobs, but that isn't necessarily THEIR job, but that of the agent. What an agent should do though is promote you as much as possible. The Manager should be the one to organize your portfolio, comp cards, business cards, and other promotional material. A superior manager will have agents and potential clients seeking you out, as opposed to the other way around.

The agent's responsibility is to provide and arrange potential jobs for the model. Your agent is crucial as a liaison between you and an employer. Your agent's responsibility is to bring work to you. Simply put, if your agent doesn't find work for you to do, your agent doesn't get paid either. One thing to keep in mind, is that the agent/model relationship is a more of a two way street than with other support staff. In other words, an agent can not only be fired, but an agent can fire their client. One of the main reasons for being fired by an agent is simply refusing to work. If an agent provides you with several 'go sees' and castings, and you fail to show, an agent may drop you for conflict of interest reasons.

So what REALLY is the difference?

The simple truth is that ANYONE can be your manager. A photographer, another model, your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or whoever can manage your career. There are no regulations that require any kind of training, accreditation or anything. The advantage of this is that ANYONE can be your manager. There are no hurdles to jump through to represent someone. And while managers, as well as agents, should only get paid when you get work, that's not always the case with managers. Some managers will ask for retainers for their services, and some will ask for about a 25% commission on your work. Once again an incentive to help you get work. One major drawback to managers comes from many don't have the experience to adequately represent you. They don't have the connections to schools, agents, courses, and other resources to be required. Also many managers may have a conflict of interest with your career if they are emotionally or intimately close with you. For this reason, I not only do I strongly advise against having a significant other as a manager, but I also strongly suggest that you should have a manager who manages other models. Their experience and desire to have a successful brand will almost always be to your advantage. Their desire to be successful will definitely be a push to you in the right direction.

An agent on the other hand, in most jurisdictions, MUST be licensed, and many have to be bonded and insured. Almost always, you will have a contract with an agent. An agent's job is to find work for you. A booking agent might even have a Power of Attorney, to be able to represent you on your behalf and to sign contracts in your name. An effective manager may have a POA as well, but be careful, there are no penalties for a "shady" manager, but there are tons of penalties for a fraudulent agent. An agent may require 10-15% of your earnings from gigs, as such; their desire is to keep you employed, as often and as long as possible.

Along with these two, you may have a business manager, a publicist, a brand manager/agent, or a whole slew of support staff, but the importance is to know the foundation and make sure it is a solid one. Hope this helps.

LeightonD

The Beyond Sexy Collection

Some beautiful shots from one of my Proteges hailing from the Emerald Coast of Florida!

Model Monday. Tina: The makings of an L-Session.

For those that know me, they know that I always love shooting new themes and new looks. I have been fortunate to have been able to work with GREAT models, and those models usually enjoy working with me over and over again. But when a model asks me to do one of my consumer shoots, I take that as a compliment, and not only am I more than thrilled but I am extremely humbled by their sincerity.

Orlando model Tina B. approached me last spring about doing a more intimate session, than one of her normal fashion or print shoots. I explained to her the boudoir session. Roughly translated, boudoir is a lady's privacy or changing area. Boudoir and pin-up photographer used to be really popular as in the early 50's and even into the 60's. As something that was seen to be somewhat 'taboo' or "for his eyes only," boudoir photography has now mad a resurgence in modern-day.

A boudoir session, recorded well, can be a great gift for a soon to be groom, the night before a wedding. To give him something to "look forward to." Another occasion is possibly as a Valentine's Day gift, or even, "JUST BECAUSE!" Maybe you would like to feel beautiful and sexy just for YOU!

As you can see, Tina made for a GREAT model. Fully at ease, she was able to produce some great looks. Everything from classic beauty fit for a Hollywood movie set, to the modern art of seduction, Tina shows how diverse a L-session can be.

Some tips for a great L-Session for your boudoir:

Hire a professional MUA. I cannot stress the importance of great makeup. Not only will you feel better and more confident, your photos will look amazing. Along with that, having your hair done just for this session is not a bad idea either. Tina's hair and makeup was done by Makeup by Jilly out of Orlando, Florida.

Bring meaningful props to your session. An object may look great to me or someone else, but if there is no connection then the mood might get lost down the road. Maybe his old shirt, or the teddy bear that he gave you on the first date, something to signify meaning goes a long way.

Make sure your lingerie fits as well as possible. You are investing a considerable amount for a well done boudoir session, and no matter how great everything else, nothing feels worse than bad fitting underwear.

One last tip. Relax. Have fun. Hopefully there is a great connection and comfort between you and the photographer. This is your time to have that inner diva come on out. Enjoy the moment.

Model Mondays are Coming Soon!

Starting with the first Monday in August, I will post a blog about a different model or beauty shoot. I am always open to submissions, but for the most part, it will be of models that I have worked with. This will serve two purposes. One, to get those models more exposure, and two, as a buildup for an amazing giveaway that I have planned at the end of the year!

I can't go into much detail right now, but consider it my own version of a top model competition. A great way for a beginner to have an awesome portfolio, or even the most seasoned model to have a great addition. Stay tuned and begin your sending your submissions and why you should be featured as a model for Model Mondays.

Thanks!

LeightonD