Paying Models
The topic of paying nude models comes up a lot on forums such as Model Mayhem and elsewhere. Nobody thinks they should have to pay and thinks they should always be paid- model and photographer alike. Well, here’s my two cents on why you should be paying art nude models, especially if you are serious about creating art rather than naked photos.
First is talent. Sure, you could get a brand new model to work TF for your first shoot. Good luck with that. As my friend Dastardly Dave likes to say “Newb + Newb = Fail”. If both you and the model are uncertain, nervous and hesitant, it’s going to show in the images. Experienced models know how to pose, know their best angles and have usually worked with beginners so they are comfortable even if you may not be.
Second is confidence of someone who has posed nude previously. I want someone who can assume a particular pose and is comfortable while I move around them with a camera. If the model is nervous with my every move, then I end up nervous about spooking them. The last thing I want is for a model who “wants to try nude modeling” to realize that it isn’t their thing five minutes into a shoot. It’s a waste of time for us both.
Third is reliability; experienced (and paid) models are far more reliable in my experience. I spend a lot of time planning and preparing for photo shoots. If someone bails on me it is a lot of effort wasted. Give me someone reliable any day!
The fourth reason for paying models is a Karmic justice thing. Let’s face it; most of us have a day job. Unless you are a true starving artist-as in living illegally in your studio space and using the gas station on the corner as a bathroom- you are probably funding your photography/art gig with another line of employment. Even if you are a professional photographer, I’m going to bet art nudes are not paying the rent. We create art to compensate for the dullness of our real jobs. Many art nude models work out of sheer love for the form, to fund their own art, or to pay the rent on that studio space/illegal apartment. By paying experienced models you contribute to the entire artistic ecosystem.
Finally, ask yourself if you really want to grow your portfolio. If the answer is yes, try this test. Open the B&H catalog to that lens or body you have been lusting over. Now ask yourself whether spending that coin on the fancy f 2.0 zoom or on sessions with an experienced model, is more likely to result in a better art nude portfolio? Get out and shoot!