Quote:
Originally Posted by shirleyann
Just out of curiosity, how much is an average nude modeling fee? As an amateur photographer (with decent equipment.. Canon Rebel EOS, 50mm and 300mm lenses, multiple flash units, etc... ) I'm interested to know how much money I'd need to invest in decent models.
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It's hard to get started shooting art nudes without an existing portfolio - many models will not work with rank amateurs who don't have some kind of portfolio they can examine, and they will still likely insist on a chaperone. The younger, less experienced models will go for maybe $50-$75 an hour. They tend to be flaky and will be the ones who will insist on a chaperone, who will likely be a jealous boyfriend (oh and 'flaky' means likely to cancel at the last minute, or just not show up). Many more experienced models are willing to work with newbies, but they will likely be more like $150 an hour. You still have the issue of studio space, or a hotel room, to shoot in too. The model is not likely to be willing to come to your bedroom for a first shoot.
I found that the best way to break into art nude photography was to become part of a 'meetup group' (google 'photography meetup-group'). That way, someone arranges for some models and some studio space with studio lighting and sets, and you get to shoot for a couple of hours with an experienced model, with maybe a half hour as the 'director' of the shoot. You get full releases from the model, too, all for about $100. No problems. I've seen photographers show up at these shoots with everything from very high-end Nikons to iPhones.
It becomes very surreal, because within five minutes, you become kind of immune to the fact that there are three completely naked women walking around the room, and doing so very naturally. As the photographer you become very focused on getting great shots, and not the fact that your model is nude. The models will pose at your direction, and put on or take off props as you wish. You can exchange casual conversation, but the photography (and not the model) is a big distraction to any banter. Some models come with a bag full of props - shoes, lingerie, jewelry, etc., and some come without. I've brought some of my own, too.
One good thing is that the meetup-group posting will let you know in advance what the model's style is. Some will do erotic (legs apart, etc), some will not. Good to know
Since they do several of these group shoots back to back, when your shoot ends you generally wind up shaking hands with a completely naked woman - certainly the first time I've ever done that.
Please do not ask me to post any of my art nudes here. I won't. They are technically against the rules anyway, since someone was paid for them to be taken.
And no PM's asking me to email them to you either. What I will do, if I can figure out a way to crop or blur out the other people milling around in the studio, is a behind-the-scenes photo of one of the models, nude, perusing the lunch menu, which kind of personifies how casual the models are about being naked.