Model photography

[chassyp]

I`ve been asked to take some photos of a mates daughter who is 16yrs old. I am an amateur photographer and have never done this type of work before. He says she wants to get into modelling but hasn't the money to use a pro for her portfolio.!!
I have a top spec camera/lenses etc but no lighting. Obviously I wont be charging for my services as it is an old mate so I need to keep the costs down to a minimum. Where do I start?? This link shows the sort of stuff I like to do..http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x318/myphot osarehere/?start=40

Any help would be great thanks.

[andy-hughes]

I'm afraid Zacmaster is correct.

In an extremely competative world like modedlling, first impressions are everything, and any girl who turns up with anything less than a professionally shot portfolio won;t get past the receptionist of any reputable agency.

Your mate needs to shell out for some pro. shots - have a word with a good local agency and find out the name of a good professioanl snapper.

[chassyp]

Thanks for that.
I do understand.
However I feel that this is more about fulfilling a young girls desire to be taken serious about her looks. I am aware that amateur shots will be seen as obviously that. But thought that an agency looking for a particular look, would be more interested in the subject than the quality of my photographs!!
Anyway, nothing ventured, nothing gained I say.

[Integra]

Get her to join (FREE or paid)

http://www.net-model.com

The only thing I will say is in the UK a lot of photographers will not take pictures of under 18's as the law is very strict.

Insist on her having her mum as a chaperone and get a model release signed by her mother.

Many photographers offer work initially on a TFP or TFCD basis (taken for portfolio) where the model gives their in exchange for prints or CD. Work may be limited until she reaches 16 but I do one or two under 18 models who have very supportive parents and do quite well. If she goes on this site she will be known by the time she is 18, but make sure a parent or guardian is prepared to accompany her at all her shoots.

From your message you cannot beat natural light use a reflector to fill in shadows.

[Integra]

Missing words in the above message

Many photographers offer work initially on a TFP or TFCD basis (taken for portfolio or prints) where the model gives their time in exchange for prints or CD. Work may be limited until she reaches 18 but I do know one or two under 18 models who have very supportive parents and do quite well.

If she goes on this site (Net-model) she will be known by the time she is 18 and will have built up a good portfolio using different photographers, but make sure a parent or guardian is prepared to accompany her at ALL her shoots.

A good quick way to build up a portfolio is to attend a NM group shoot where you get different styles and get known by many photographers.

One of the biggest problems photographers get is models not turning up to a shoot (I've had it and many more photographers have had it) it is usually done to death in the forums. Punctuality and reliability sort out the amateurs from the professionals.