Festus Loc: North Dakota

Everyone has offered good advice, so far. So here comes the rant. How did you ever become a "Captain firefighter/medic"? Your typing leaves a lot to be desired! My suggestion is, before you send out any business letters or requests, get some instruction on proper tying and spelling. ~:)

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

That might be ok for practice, but it won't do much to build credibility and demonstrate professionalism. If you go that route to start, don't put it on your resume. Just saying.

JBRIII

Irrelevant but:
This is one of the first posts I've seen on becoming a money making operation that seemed feasible to posters. Most make it seem like one would be trying to enter and exit a blackhole or the abiss. A large print film near us just shutdown more than half of it's operation permanently because of the loss of it's contracts with school photographers.

Nicholas J DeSciose

Contact a reputable modeling agency. Show them some samples. Offer to take test pictures of models

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

There is no instant or magic way to simply"get" modes to pose for you. First of all, you have to understand that in this day and age you may be suspected of ulterior motives and you can also unintentionally or inadvertently expose yourself to all kinds of legal jeopardy and unwarranted scandal. This may all sound very unseemly and somewhat paranoid but nonetheless, things like this have occurred.

So, what to do? The first step, as others have mentioned is to establish youse in a professional framework. Perhaps consider joining a professional association such as the Profession photograher of America or the A.S.M P. both of which offer many benefits, educational opportunities and codes of ethics.

There are many resources of professional models- agencies, schools etc. You will need to invest in establishing yourself creating a portfolio. Hire a few models, various ages and types, male and female and create your portfolio.

You should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the legalities pertaining to model releases, usages of your photographs and prepare all the necessary forms.

Once to have someof these foundational things in place, you will have to promote yourself. If you are going to serve modes and aspiring models, you need to find out what kind of products are required by the agencies in your area- J-cards, Composites, prints, digital media, whatever. These are the visual tools modes use to secure work. The next thing is to approach the model schools and agencies and offer you services. Soe agencies produce "head sheets" that they distribute to their clients- photograhers ad agencies, advertising departments of retail chains etc. the fols who hire model on a regular basis. They need headshots. A composite is a printed (by lithography or Xerographic means) with images of the model in vario outfits, roles, etc, showing their specialties or versatility.

You will need to understand what various agencies require as to style, digress of retouching and enhancement, and light and background specifications.

You need to establish a fee schedule. In the beginning, if you want to trade off modelling services for prints in order to build up your portfolio, that is OK to a degree. Eventually, you do not want to be known for that kind of arrangement. Once you get to be known as the go-to guy for good work and ethical service, you will have more models coming your way!

Please remember, these are suggestions based on my experience. You can use any part of this "plan" as you see fit and that accommodates your needs and location.

pego101

Easy model mayhem

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

Doc716

It's too premature to worry about business matters such as registering a dba, etc. as I didn't read anything about you looking to get in business yet.

First things first! You're looking for models! You need a portfolio of your previous best work. Have one of portraits and non-revealing boudoir images (at least 12) and another file of implied and nude work if necessary. It might include full-length, fashion, bathing suits, bridal, etc. You can show your work on a tablet or iPad but it's more "professional" than small images on a cell phone and/or additionally, you can have a printed 8 1/2x11" portfolio. To create credibility, you also need a website with an "About page, personal history and photo and your photography vision as well. You can do this easily with a free wix.com website or another company. Business cards with images are needed too.

Check modelmayhem.com as someone suggested earlier. I believe they too offer free pages but only allow 4 images to be posted unless you opt for a page with more features and allows more images to be posted One feature is "Casting" where a member can solicit other talent (models, makeup artists, retouchers, etc) or answer other members postings as well. You can browse for local models and also check the MM "Traveling Models" postings as well.

Another source of models is checking and joining meetup.com (free) for model shooting events in your area. Here in NYC, there are a plethora of events, as there are close to a dozen groups that sponsor them. They range from freebie shoots (not often) to well-organized studio and outdoor events which are both reasonable and some higher end. In the bigger cities, "Meet & Greet" multiple model shoots happen too and sometimes are a good event for networking.

Post on Craigslist.com

Ask your friends, relatives and colleaques. Post "Wanted" and "Availability" signs at schools and colleges (not good now due to "plandemic"). See if there are any agencies in town, theatre and dance groups, etc.

I've shot with over 1200 models since the late 60s and have used all of these methods.

Be well! Ed

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

First, you appear a bit foolish, but a simple solution based on knowing where you are. On the Hog there is a sub forum that deals with photographs of women with few or no clothing, the nude forum. In addition, there is a sub forum for portraiture. So move this discussion (re-post) to either of these forums.

Next, there is an old rule in England that states, you can't get a job until you have a job and you will only get a job if you have already had a job. Silly, but it is about understanding the 'business' that you want to be in. So, where do you find models, why other women (mostly models).

Where will you find models? A place called Model Mayhem is a good start. You can join for free and you will need to build two things, a portfolio and more importantly, a reputation.

Oh, don't expect to just go on MM and find models, mostly you will fail. Remember, to find models you need a model to help you get to models. It is as simple as that.

On MM you will find what are called traveling models, that will be were you start. Models know models, so you turn to these models to get to be 'known' as a person doing photography. This is where the reputation part become critical. A recommendation from another model that you are 'kool' is what you need. It is also helpful to have known models giving out recommendations.

Now, you may not know this (surprise!) but you are close to the southern avenue traveled by models, especially in the winter. Next, you are in close proximity to Texas, don't laugh, it is central to the photographic world in general. Dallas /Fort Worth is quite close to Tulsa, and the other two are Houston and Austin Texas. Models are going through and using these Texas locations.

So, on Model Mayhem you will find Liz Ashley, hire Liz and get the portfolio started (she is considered one of the Grand Dams of internet modeling). Yes, MM is a pain to use, so you Google Liz Ashly and it will give you the link to her on line MM profile so you can get right to her IF you have a MM profile.

Right now there is another model traveling in the area Charlie Kristen, she has been around a number of years and does the traveling model circuit. She is a good model to get hooked up with, but your vary best would be Liz Ashley, she knows and net works with all the quality models. Just Google Liz Ashley and select 'images. Be in be sure to plug in Liz Ashley, nude and the hit images. Liz can do nudes, fashion and everything in between. She is also great to work with new photographers. Funny thing, she knows more about lighting and studio practices than your average photographer and she is a true female, vary nurturing.

Talk to the models and get started, and have fun.

JBRIII

Internetships, volunteering, and the like can help with needing a job to get a job.

pego101

Again Model Mayhem

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

Yes, Model Mayhem. It is a great resource if you know how to use it. It has changed over the years. It is not as it was in past years. Like any modern internet tool you must be aware of the time one is in and then use the tools as they exist in the times that are current.

For my own history, before the modern internet existed, before Model Mayhem existed and other venues that came into being there were methods of locating models. I had access to unlimited numbers of models and at prices that many now a day would think absurdly inexpensive. But that was then and this is now.

It is 2020's and things have changed as things often do. Model Mayhem is now a minor resource, it is almost useless, but it is still there and can be used to advantage. ANY tool, no matter how old and out of step with the main stream can still provide a way into what is needed.

I use Deviant Art as a free platform for a portfolio, but it too is being replaced as the cutting edge of modern internet platform. The large point is that everyone needs to have a starting point. MM is not a great location but it will not be the best, but one does need a starting point and it is not a bad place to begin.

Vroger Loc: CA

Hiya Simple. Go to Modelmayhem.com. Join as a basic member (or better) and browse for models in Tulsa. I'm sure there are scads of beautiful women looking. Tulsa on business some time ago, was the only place in the world that the bellman said, "Would you like a lady for the evening sir?" I'm sure they're beautiful.

Vroger Loc: CA

Sorry, I didn't see that MM had been recommended by others. I'm in the LA area so finding models through MM is not a problem. I take issue with those that intimate that it's either hard, or ineffective. It's easy, and by and large the models are very responsive. VRR

pego101

I use mm all the time it's not perfect nothing is but it works for me.

Charlied123

Model Mayhem works for me. Start with a free account. You can do a radius in your area and contact models you are interested in.