I started shooting in 2019, and had no connections, network or links to find muses. I was not even from the large cities where fashion/ shoots were being done. I built my work entirely by reaching out to people on social media, attending some workshops, and then taking it up from there. One thing leads to another, and that to me is the only way to create a body of work.
During these years, I ve had feedback, discussions with both sides of the camera, photographers and muses, and I think there are some very common traits, that make it difficult for photographers to find creators willing to agree to their vision or willing to work with them.
How does it work when you ask someone to work for you, what do they look for, what do they expect, and what are the red flags ?
Your Body of Work
A healthy body of work, representing the genre you are proposing to create with them is important. Also there needs to be a place where they can see this body of work at their own place and convenience. A statement like I shoot a lot, but I am not posting or sharing it, either comes across as lie or creepy. And both will not work in your favour.
And nothing really works like the truth. If you do not have a body of work, be upfront about it, express your interest in starting in this genre and wanting to test waters. It is a better idea to pay some professional models, attend workshops, or find muses who are willing to do paid collaborations. This will get to started.
A major failure is when you insist on a TFP Collaboration without a body of work. You need to ask yourself, why would a muse/ model invest time and energy for something absolutely unknown style of work? They need to atleast see a style of how you shoot to be able to decide interest.
Building a body of work requires investment. You need to invest in Gear, In Travel, In Learning, and also in Muses. Most people has some false sense of whatever it is when it comes to paying a Muse. If you really really are keen to shoot with a muse, you need to treat her intelligence with respect. You need to appreciate her fees, and if it is beyond a budget it is only logical to find someone else of your budget.
Once they see your work and it interests them, the next step is how keen are they on it. If your work is something they love, they may offer you a better deal. If they do not like your work, but like your vibe and you as a person come across as good to work with they may offer you a different deal. If they do not like it, they may refuse. And to keep insisting upon to someone to work with you is not the solution to this, the solution is to find someone else, improve yourself.
Once they like your work, they will then analyse your communication, your temperament, your references. If I were you, I would know that these creators have a very high sense of intuition, and will pick up any hint of behaviour that could be trouble at the shoot, after the shoot etc. Also I would always try to send references that are in line with what is on their feed, and in fact if it is the first time I would always err of the safer side. Also once you have a feedback on the references act accordingly. I would never try to convince a muse other wise. Many a times muses complain of photographers sending references that they would not be comfortable doing, and in fact back it up by saying, " I did not send you anything sexual DEAR" It is an absolute deal breaker.
I think most people who are wanting to create for reasons other than photography, have a habit of trying to be opportunistic. Dont be an ass, be the nice guy, trust me you'll have it much much easier, and it is more fun too.
Start by asking for boundaries
Then ask them for some references in case of TFP
In case of Paid Collabs, send them some references, well within the confines of the boundaries
Discuss Fees and other expenses
Share some more references
Shoot within boundaries
Shoot again with same people and if you vibe right you will be allowed larger boundaries.
Do not shoot your self in the foot while discussing, shooting etc.
Muses / Photographers talk, and word of mouth spreads really fast, so do not think you are in isolation, one bad move will lead to a cascade.
Basically, be the good guy. good guys have all the fun.
Yours Truly
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