Models ...

[Halo_n_horns]

Maybe I'm too picky. Maybe I'm just perceived as some sort of creepy little pervert. Maybe its my approach. Maybe its not me at all?

Every once in a while I happen across a woman who I would love to have model for me. There's been a few here in the boards and a number of them in my day-to-day passings.

I've never really found a woman who was truly interested, and worse yet, most seem repulsed by either the idea, or seemingly, me.

My approach, with the women I meet in the real world, is one of humility and concerted effort to make them NOT feel as though I'm pressuring them or being pushy in any way. I say, and this was rehersed a great deal, "Hello, my name is Christian and I'm an artist, " as I'm handing them a business card, "If nothing else I hope you'll take this as a compliment as I'm looking for models for my projects and I think you'd be great for a couple of them (or whatever I have going on at the time)."

Sometimes the conversation progresses and I'm able to build something of a trust on the spot. I also happily divulge that I'm married and my wife usually helps me with set-up and props. Yes, obviously I'm trying to sound old-hat at all of this when I'm really not. But I figure the women I speak with would rather think this is from someone with some experience than not. Sometimes the conversation doesn't get passed the compliment and the giving of the business card. Never does it go to actually having the women model for me.

In the past any models that I have used were girlfriends or lovers, and then my wife. But the restrictions of body types and different types of beauty quickly bore me and I always would like to have a fresh face and/or body in front of me.

I'm sure that If I were a woman this would probably be too easy to get past. But I'm cursed with being of the male gender.

Ladies especially, what's your take on this? What would you like to hear from an artist or photographer that would put you into the right frame of mind to want to do sittings for them?

Inquiring artists and photographers want to know.

 

[MissBri]

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I've posed for artistic partial nudes and countless photos before. If I get good vibes from a person who approaches me, I'm game. If s/he seems creepy, I'm outta there. *shrugs*

Probably not so helpful, huh?

That's pretty much the way I figured it was with those I've asked.

 

[RazorSplitClit]

Maybe it would help if your wife is present when you approach them.

 

[MissBri]

 

[Halo_n_horns]

Maybe it would help if your wife is present when you approach them.

Been there. Tried that. The biggest problem is that she can't be everywhere I am and visa-versa. More often than not a artist or photographer has to do the prospecting all alone. Its worse than a friggin' crap shoot.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I'm a pretty good judge of character, particularly when meeting someone in person. Some women do tend to be paranoid and think all strange men are creeps.

That's really the impression that I've gotten from the few women I've asked on this site. Rarely has it happened in the real world, but it does happen.

 

[pattydraws]

In college finding models (either sex) willing to pose in studio even though I was a nursing major & jock & not an art major was no problem. All I had to do was offer a meal. There was a small group of us studio rats who got by this way. We also took turns being models when the pool of willling students got shallow.

Since then, since I'm so far outside any artistic loop, living in suberbia in a very small town, and so without means to pay for models, that my husband and I have improvised. Digital camcorders and still cameras in our bedroom now and then has gone a long way toward giving me muse.

Yeah it can be very daunting drawing from images of my own intimate life, but I wonder if maybe that isn't part of what makes it possible for me to capture the feeling that people seem to like about my work????

It's certainly feels very exposing when I share my work...

If you have the means to pay a model, advertise officially, if not take time to make sure your artistic purpose is well known and recognized among your friends. Keep it in the open that you need models & yes if you have a wife or husband, keep it up front that they're involved in & aware of what you're up to.

Otherwise, do what I do. Nut up and make home videos of your sex life and do your best to keep from puking as you draw your reality ....

http://www.creativespankedwife.com/images/bj1.jpg

The internet is a wonderful source of images too.

 

[entitled]

It might help to let people know if others are welcome. Have them bring a 'bodyguard' of sorts - boyfriend, husband, burly paid guy on steroids, whatever. i've done some modeling in the past and would always refuse ANY sort of offer if i couldn't bring protection along.

 

[tolyk]

I've never actually asked a woman in person to model for me, but on Wednesday I met someone new with a group of friends and we were all talking and my photography came up (due to my friend, not me) and the new chick asked me if I do nudes, straight out. I told her I've not had very much practise with people, and my equipment is rather limited at the moment, but yes I've been known to do some. She wants to pay me to do artistic B&W nudes of her... How's a guy to turn that down??

As for your problem Halo, I haven't a clue.. You seem to be going about it in a very proffessional way.. a lot of guys use the whole modelling thing as a pick up line, but it doesn't sound that way from what you say.. I dunno man.

 

[MissBri]

 

[Halo_n_horns]

It might help to let people know if others are welcome. Have them bring a 'bodyguard' of sorts - boyfriend, husband, burly paid guy on steroids, whatever. i've done some modeling in the past and would always refuse ANY sort of offer if i couldn't bring protection along.

That's something that I offer every time the conversation goes far enough. I'm starting to think that its just me. It might be better if I dump the idea of using live models altogether. I know I have the abilties, its just nice to have something in front of you that can help inspire something else that may not have been thunked up otherwise.

 

[CopyCarver]

Maybe I'm too picky. Maybe I'm just perceived as some sort of creepy little pervert. Maybe its my approach. Maybe its not me at all?

Every once in a while I happen across a woman who I would love to have model for me. There's been a few here in the boards and a number of them in my day-to-day passings.

I've never really found a woman who was truly interested, and worse yet, most seem repulsed by either the idea, or seemingly, me.

My approach, with the women I meet in the real world, is one of humility and concerted effort to make them NOT feel as though I'm pressuring them or being pushy in any way. I say, and this was rehersed a great deal, "Hello, my name is Christian and I'm an artist, " as I'm handing them a business card, "If nothing else I hope you'll take this as a compliment as I'm looking for models for my projects and I think you'd be great for a couple of them (or whatever I have going on at the time)."

Sometimes the conversation progresses and I'm able to build something of a trust on the spot. I also happily divulge that I'm married and my wife usually helps me with set-up and props. Yes, obviously I'm trying to sound old-hat at all of this when I'm really not. But I figure the women I speak with would rather think this is from someone with some experience than not. Sometimes the conversation doesn't get passed the compliment and the giving of the business card. Never does it go to actually having the women model for me.

In the past any models that I have used were girlfriends or lovers, and then my wife. But the restrictions of body types and different types of beauty quickly bore me and I always would like to have a fresh face and/or body in front of me.

I'm sure that If I were a woman this would probably be too easy to get past. But I'm cursed with being of the male gender.

Ladies especially, what's your take on this? What would you like to hear from an artist or photographer that would put you into the right frame of mind to want to do sittings for them?

Inquiring artists and photographers want to know.

You might want to try putting together a mini-portfolio of some of your previous work that you could show prospective models. If nothing else, it would prove that you're serious about art, not just short of pickup lines.

It also helps a lot if a woman can see that you made someone else look good. Many inexperienced models are more nervous about looking bad than about meeting Jack the Ripper.

 

[Fahima]

I have never been approached to model before, but I have volunteered based on a photographer's portfolio and style.

 

[sweetnpetite]

In addition to what's already been stated:

Make sure you are listed in the Yellow Pages. (this helps you look 'legit')

Try to have some sort of webpage (again)

Join any sort of artists association. Especially local. (then they could call and ask about you)

Do anything else that would make it easy/possible for a perspective model to check up on you. Check out any sort of art school or college that is nearby- maybe they have some tips of some sort.

I was approached on the steet once by a man who said I had an interesting look or something of the sort and gave me his card. He said he wanted to photograph me sometime if I was willing. All I have to say is that it was difficult for me to believe that he didn't have some other intent. Even if I wanted to, it seemed quite nieve to believe a story like that. If I could have found him on the internet or the phone book or something, I would have given it a little more thought- but what does it take to print up 'business cards'?

Another possiblity- talk to some of your former models and see if they would be willing to serve as 'references.' Give potential models some way of checking you out before making a decision.

If you can get your work shown anywere, or get published *particularly if you can get someone to interview you w/ picture* that also might help ease minds that you are who you claim to be.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I also wonder if an advertisment of some sort might be more helpful than the direct aproach. Allowing the model to approach you might be seen as more non-threatening.

 

[arienette]

My take on the subject...Fuck, I want to be a model for artists and photographers so I'd be all about it.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

In addition to what's already been stated:

Make sure you are listed in the Yellow Pages. (this helps you look 'legit')

Try to have some sort of webpage (again)

Join any sort of artists association. Especially local. (then they could call and ask about you)

Do anything else that would make it easy/possible for a perspective model to check up on you. Check out any sort of art school or college that is nearby- maybe they have some tips of some sort.

I was approached on the steet once by a man who said I had an interesting look or something of the sort and gave me his card. He said he wanted to photograph me sometime if I was willing. All I have to say is that it was difficult for me to believe that he didn't have some other intent. Even if I wanted to, it seemed quite nieve to believe a story like that. If I could have found him on the internet or the phone book or something, I would have given it a little more thought- but what does it take to print up 'business cards'?

Another possiblity- talk to some of your former models and see if they would be willing to serve as 'references.' Give potential models some way of checking you out before making a decision.

If you can get your work shown anywere, or get published *particularly if you can get someone to interview you w/ picture* that also might help ease minds that you are who you claim to be.

There are ... complications ... with advertising and becoming a member of the local artists guild that I would simply rather avoid. With that I know that I'm shooting myself in the foot and that's just something I have to reckon with.

You're correct about the business cards, and many a woman has been conned by many a maliciously intented man. That's something that every artist and photographer simply has to contend with.

My former models, as I mentioned, are ex-girlfriends, ex-lovers and my wife. While my wife has no problem giving endorsements for me, anyone who is my ex will be beyond wanting to endorse me for anything positive.

You do have some other good thoughts in there that I'll have to go over. Thanks.

 

[kbate]

I have sat as a model 3 times, twice while in college for art classes and once for a private artist.

The art class sittings were acquired as referrals from my own school.

The private artist approached through my school as well and was referred by my own professors. He offered the option of having a friend in the room if I wished and he only required me to remain nude for the time required to draw my body, my clothing (robe) was never more than a hands reach away. All in all, it was a great experiece and was handled with complete professionalism.

Had I been approached on the street, by an unknown person, I may not have been quite as pleasant during our negotiations.

Good luck.

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I have sat as a model 3 times, twice while in college for art classes and once for a private artist.

The art class sittings were acquired as referrals from my own school.

The private artist approached through my school as well and was referred by my own professors. He offered the option of having a friend in the room if I wished and he only required me to remain nude for the time required to draw my body, my clothing (robe) was never more than a hands reach away. All in all, it was a great experiece and was handled with complete professionalism.

Had I been approached on the street, by an unknown person, I may not have been quite as pleasant during our negotiations.

Good luck.

This is one of the great challenges I face. Because I am not part of the artistic establishment here, and because my artwork not requires nudity but also eroticism, approaching women I see out of the blue is pretty much the only tool at my disposal for finding such material to work with.

 

[kbate]

You will probably have to associate yourself with a gallery, or with a school or with some artistic establishment if you expect to (1) have a supply of attractive models willing to pose nude, and (2) remain unincarcerated for sexual crimes (real or imagined).

You should plan on meeting the model in a gallery, where some person can vouch for both your artistic ability and for your integrity.

Pay also makes a difference, if you can offer your model a fair day's wage, you will find more women willing to pose. There is no glory in art for the model, few who see the works I posed for believe it is me in the paintings; a decent day's pay might change the mind of otherwise hesitant prospects.

Oh, and if the eroticism requires the artist be naked as well as the model, well, you can probably forget it.

 

[BlackSnake]

It had always been ups and downs with me. The thing that I did find was that get all the poses that you can in a hurry, because once the mood changes its over. The "we can continue later" doesn't happen to often unless you are paying. If they think about what they are doing, more than likely they will change their mind.

Best is to work with a woman, and let the woman do the talking. They are much better at girl talk.

 

[Black Tulip]

My take on the subject...Fuck, I want to be a model for artists and photographers so I'd be all about it.

I take it that means the same as what I had to say on the subject. LOL

I'd be flattered no end, but nobody has ever asked me.

 

[Anne_Prospere]

I understand your plight, I've been on both ends of the camera

The thing is, I've been asked to model a few times before and I have never ever taken the person up on the offer.

In my head its a case of not wanting to feel scammed, bamboozled into selling myself. People say for the sake of art or whatever, but I bet they say that to the girls face down and ass up on assparade.com too. So it's also a matter of self esteem, most girls feel average in their attractiveness to begin with, while they might be flattered and tell their friends you propositioned them, deep down they don't feel like a model and will list their own defects in their minds. Leading to the conclusion that you wanted something from them, you want to take advantage of the average naiive girl and she would NEVER fall for that

your best bet is real models. Your wifes friends also. Any female you know who can talk you up and spread the word, its almost better if it doesnt come straight from you.

Maybe, talk to your wife about being your recruiter, it could be her job to find you talent that you can pick and choose from. She can say something along the lines of
"Hi, my name is _______ and I represent _______ photography. I'm a street scout and I'd like to speak with you further about modelling opportunies. There is no charge or strings attached, here is our card, call us to set up an appointment."

 

[Halo_n_horns]

I understand your plight, I've been on both ends of the camera

The thing is, I've been asked to model a few times before and I have never ever taken the person up on the offer.

In my head its a case of not wanting to feel scammed, bamboozled into selling myself. People say for the sake of art or whatever, but I bet they say that to the girls face down and ass up on assparade.com too. So it's also a matter of self esteem, most girls feel average in their attractiveness to begin with, while they might be flattered and tell their friends you propositioned them, deep down they don't feel like a model and will list their own defects in their minds. Leading to the conclusion that you wanted something from them, you want to take advantage of the average naiive girl and she would NEVER fall for that

your best bet is real models. Your wifes friends also. Any female you know who can talk you up and spread the word, its almost better if it doesnt come straight from you.

Maybe, talk to your wife about being your recruiter, it could be her job to find you talent that you can pick and choose from. She can say something along the lines of
"Hi, my name is _______ and I represent _______ photography. I'm a street scout and I'd like to speak with you further about modelling opportunies. There is no charge or strings attached, here is our card, call us to set up an appointment."

Your insight sounds right on the mark, in part. I once asked a young woman I was working with if she would help me conduct a little experiment. She's a very beautiful and natural redhead with a pleasantly voluptuous build, and I thought she'd be great for some ideas I had. But I was more curious about what thought processes she would have when I asked her. I wanted the insight more than I wanted the model.

I told her my thoughts and asked her if she could basically list off everything going through her head in regard to be asked to model. After a day or so she handed me a piece of paper folded in half and told me it was easier to put on paper than simply say.

What she handed me looked like a business plan for a multi-level marketing company. There were circles friggin' everywhere with lines connecting them all to a central circle which contained the question of nude modeling. Family; friends; lifestyle; money; religion; being pretty enough(???), etc., etc., etc. I've tried to find that piece of paper, it was definitely something to see and I know I kept it ... somewhere.

Anyway, she covered the spectrum of what I was expecting, and then some.

Now, I understand the fear response. What if the guy asking has intentions beyond creating artworks of nude women? But really, is it as complicated and seemingly over-thought as this other young woman illustrated for me?

Also, I've attempted using my wife to prospect women that she happens across. This woman has made a pretty good living selling stuff that was beyond being a bitch to sell, but help me prospect women for art? Absolutely uh-uh.

Thus, I am alone in my endeavors.