7 Tips For Every Hobbyist Model

So you love modeling and don’t want to monetize it. You want to keep it more “fun” than “business.” Modeling is your creative escape on the weekends, after work, or when you come up with a creative idea. If this sounds like you, you might be a hobbyist model.

If your goal is to collaborate with other creatives to come up with fun stuff to post on the ‘gram, this blog is for you. So- looking to up your modeling game, connect with more people, and seal the deal on some solid shoots? Read on.

1- Networking is your best friend.

Attend meet ups. Follow accounts of creators that you would like to work with. Be the first one to reach out (but do so respectfully- if you see that someone only does paid shoots, be ready to pay if you really want to work with that individual). Be open to rejection. You won’t want to work with everyone and not everyone will want to work with you. That’s perfectly fine. On the flip side of things, remember that you don’t have to say “yes” if you just aren’t feeling it.

2- Ask for references.

It never hurts to ask around. Reach out to other models who have worked with the people you would like to work with. Ask if they are reliable- in other words… Do they show up on time? Do they have a consistent quality? How long do they take to send out photos? How many edits do they send out? Are they fun to work with? Are they respectful? Or are they a disaster to work with and should be avoided?

3- Conduct yourself in a professional manner.

Show up on time. Reply to messages in a timely manner. Arrive with hair and makeup done, and with a wrinkle free wardrobe. Don’t flake. Make sure that your car isn’t on the verge of breaking down the night before a shoot (and if it is, have a backup form of transportation at your disposal).

4- Get creative with themes, posing, and facial expression.

Perhaps the greatest part of not having a professional portfolio to worry about is having the freedom to shoot whatever you want. That’s right. You can shoot any style, any theme… You can try to recreate a cool image that you saw in your feed last week or come up with something you have never seen done before (reference the photo of me in the bath with my dog and a slice of pizza. Thanks, Matt Archer!).

5- Be open to ideas from other creatives.

Pinterest Boards are an awesome way to share your ideas. Create one that both you and the photographer can add ideas to. Talk about themes that interest you. The real magic happens when both model and photographer are into a shoot. It shows if either party isn’t feeling it.

6- Nail your “introduction” posts.

When posting in FaceBook groups or reaching out to individuals on other platforms, you want to write something that makes you stand out. Simply writing “Hi, my name is X. I’m new to modeling. I am looking for a photographer to collaborate with and help me grow my portfolio” just isn’t eye catching enough. Tell people who you are and what your goals are. Highlight some of your BEST work. Direct them to your portfolio and let them know how excited you are to work with photographers. Post about what kind of style you are looking for.

7- Communicate your visions effectively.

Use that Pinterest Board! Collect poses, lighting styles, outfits, etc. that reflect your vision. Reach out to photographers who can shoot in the style you are looking for (i.e. if you want an image that has high key lighting, don’t reach out to someone who specializes in moodier looking portraits).

Have questions about modeling that you are having trouble finding the answers to? Feel free to email me and ask!

Photo by Mile High Captures

Photo by Mile High Captures

Photo by Mile High Captures