A
Message to Models
An
Editorial Contribution
It's about YOU - NOT a
schmuck who calls himself a "photographer".
Let me cue you in to a fact
that will change your life: Photography was, once upon a time, a
technical art & science which required that the photographer had an
intimate understanding of how light interacted with photographic
film. During that time frame, a photographer needed to know his sh!t
or his images would be incorrectly focused, exposed & his work would
generally suck.
Then technology happened
and the SLR camera was created. Suddenly, with the most fundamental
skills, anyone could take decent photographs because the computer in
the camera did all of the technical work making sure the best
aspects of the image was recorded at the settings chosen.
And suddenly, every loser
who failed at fast-food prep wanted to be a "photographer". And many
did. You can usually spot their work because it lacks any semblance
of good composition. These hacks literally throw a bunch of paid
models up against the wall of odd-poses & see what sticks. You know,
- the schmoes who'll bring a box of donuts to the shoot & then get
the "idea" to have you stick your d!ck thru one for a picture
(because they didn't prepare a real shooting or posing plan). And
you'd be astonished at how many complete wastes-of-skin do this. And
do you know how they pull it off? How are they knocking down the
paychecks to afford the cars, equipment & the travel while you lose
the weight & cut up because the fridge is empty? Their "skill" is
not the reason for their success; - guys like YOU ARE! You need to
realize that MOST of the guys waving cameras around are hacks
who are trying to build their self-centered kingdoms of fraud on the
back of your hard work. Please stop letting them!
Brothers, you are the ones
taking raw genetic potential, & applying a level of discipline
worthy of an award! With work, work, work, diet, diet & more work -
YOU are shaping your body into a literal piece of living, breathing
art. You are the masterpiece. And you need to protect your image
from the many schmucks who are more than willing to ruthlessly
exploit all of your hard work for their own selfish interests. Pick
your professional associates carefully. Those who broadcast
arrogance due to their position, profession or associations are to
be avoided as you would any narcissist or sociopath!
So, here's the strategy you
should consider: Don't sell your image. Syndicate it. Every actor
knows this. Now it's your turn. What does this imply? You get PAID -
every time your image gets commercial use. Your photographer should
be your business PARTNER, NOT your EMPLOYER. By insisting on such an
arrangement - you'll eliminate most of the assholes who want your
ball-busting work to finance their laziness. If you have good
self-esteem - you can kick them to the curb in good conscience.
So, what does a "deal" look
like? If you're getting started into the business, -you may be able
to do your own photography. You do need to know a few things about
cameras & lighting. An intro photography class may be your easy
ticket into self promotion. However, if you want a photographer who
can remove the odd blemishes, correct color, edit out the cat in the
background & other post-production feats of image improvisation -
then find someone who has a balanced sense of win/win & is willing
to give as much back to you for the privilege of photographing you.
I am a model photographer and I only work win/win deals with the
people I work with. One of the arrangements is whenever I get paid
for the use of a model's image, the model gets paid. Every time.
Forever. My model releases contain ongoing royalty language. Do you
think my models like that? It's about THEM. I'm just the
photographer.
This type of arrangement
may come with a trade-off. If you enter into a royalty agreement -
expect less money paid up front for the shoot. However, if you're
just breaking into the profession - a decent human being who happens
to be a photographer will want to see you make it professionally &
will work with you expending their own TIME to get your
portfolio off the ground. This is exactly what happened to actor
Chris Pratt. A
decent person who was a photographer did a gratis photo-shoot &
built him a head-shot portfolio with no strings attached. The
love & kindness of God does shine through people who value such
attributes themselves & having such people in your life is
priceless.
This should go without
saying: Do NOT violate your conscience or your principles in
order to enter the scene. Some priceless parts of you are intangible
& should never be compromised. DO NOT REWARD UNETHICAL PEOPLE by
providing them with your image in some shady deal. Those types of
arrangements NEVER work out for your good. Your ethical core is too
high a price to pay for commercial "success". |