ByTor’s Brain

Well, if there’s anything you want to know, you should find it here. If you don’t just ask me and I’ll try to answer.

Photographic

1. What are your fees for a shoot?
2. Why won’t YOU pay ME to model for you?
3. Would you consider a TFP (Time for Prints/CD) shoot with me?
4. Would you pay for my travelling expenses?
5. Where is your studio?
6. Can I bring a chaperone?
7. Where do you find models to pose for you?
8. My boyfriend/girlfriend and I want to get some adult images of us “together”.
9. Can you help me get more modelling work?
10. Why does it sometimes take such a long time to get edited images from a shoot?
11. What age do you have to be for a modelling shoot ?

1. What are your fees for a shoot?

   Well, my normal rates would be £180 for a long shoot, which would include a makeup artist/stylist and 10 final images. If you’re happy to do your own makeup/styling then it would be £100. The images would come on CD at full print resolution for 12x8” - you’ll also get copies with copyright marking for use on websites, etc..

   If you wanted actual prints too, I can do them at £3 each for as many as you want - no obligation to take all or any as prints. They’re professional quality glossy 12x8” prints and would take about a week to get back after the images are complete. I can do other sizes - 10x8” is the usual size - but that may take a little while longer as the images would have to be cropped and altered to fit the smaller size.

   I can do a “tryout” shoot for £40 which means a couple of hours shooting, 2 final images on CD, no makeup/stylist provided. That way you get to try out whether you enjoy being in front of the camera and you can see whether you like what the camera shows without spending huge amounts.

   NB: I have been let down so many times by “models” from Bebo, MySpace and other similar sites that, if you’re new and I can’t check references on some of the main modelling sites, I will be asking for a non-refundable deposit of £50 to be paid in advance of the shoot. If you turn up, it’ll be taken off the shoot fee. If you don’t turn up, it will be used to cover my lost time when I could have been shooting someone who’s serious.

   If you’re not willing to pay when asked, then I can’t confirm a booking with you unless you’re an established model and someone I know I can trust to turn up for the shoot.

   NB: Rates negotiated for social and commercial work on an individual basis.

   ALL photoshoots will be audio recorded in order to protect us both should any confusion or miscommunication arise during or after the shoot.

2. Why won’t YOU pay ME to model for you?

   The images I will produce for you will be of a reasonably high, professional standard. A lot of time and work will go into producing them, even after you’ve left at the end of the shoot. Can you offer the same quality and quantity of time and commitment for the shoot?

   If you went into Tesco, would you ask THEM to pay YOU to shop there? Would you expect the dentist to pay YOU before you leave with your new teeth? No? Then is it fair to ask ME to pay for YOUR images, after all the time, effort and expense that I’ve already gone to to create them?

   There are some circumstances where I will approach a model to ask them to work with me or a model will approach me for work. Under those circumstances, if the model has something very special or unique that I want in my folio, then I may offer a TFP or TFCD shoot - effectively a joint collaboration to produce some excellent images.

   Under rare circumstances, I may be willing to pay a model for a shoot, but only if they have something exceptional about their look or style, a proven strong track record and impeccable references from a number of other photographers that I know and respect.

   Otherwise, would you say it is fair for you to ask me to give my experience, knowledge and time away for free but pay for your inexperience?

3. Would you consider a TFP (Time for Prints/CD) shoot with me?

   I have done so many TFP shoots, I would only consider it now if I felt there was a huge benefit to MY portfolio, i.e. a new style that I would love to shoot, a model that I really want to work with or in an amazing venue/location.

   Honestly, the chances of these conditions being fulfilled are slim - out of close to 200 shoots so far, I’ve covered most areas that I want to shoot for my portfolio.

   So, to answer the question…probably not, no. But it never hurts to ask ‘cos you never know, you could offer that “something special” that I’m looking for.

4. Would you pay for my travelling expenses?

   No. Would you pay my travelling expenses if I came to you? I doubt it. So isn’t it a little unfair to ask me to pay yours?

5. Where is your studio?

   Actually, I have done about 90% of my shoots from my home. My 2nd bedroom is laid out as a studio with lights, backdrops, etc.

   The main bedroom gets used as a changing/dressing room - it has an ensuite toilet/shower, full length mirror and the door can be closed for total privacy when changing and getting ready for the shoot.

   At last count, over 135 shoots with more than 75 different models, most of which have taken place here. If you’re still unsure about this set up, then there’s nothing else I can say or do to reassure you.

6. Can I bring a chaperone?

   As long as they don’t interfere with the shoot, then yes.

   If they interfere in any way, the shoot will be halted immediately and either they will be asked to leave, or you both will, any payment that may be due to you will be forfeit and you will be liable for a fee of £150 for wasting my time.

   By “interfere”, I mean if they object to a pose or outfit, raise their voice in any way to you, me or a MUA, touch any of the equipment without permission or you both have any form of argument, or any other objectionable or discourteous behaviour as I define it.

7. Where do you find models to pose for you?

   Try Net-Model.com, UK Photo Models, Model Mayhem, AMZ All Model Zone or Dark Arts if you’re more interested in alternative/goth models. There are quite a few websites out there to contact models.

   Or you could get some business cards printed and hand them to anyone you think might be suitable as a model for you.

8. My boyfriend/girlfriend and I want to get some adult images of us “together”.

   If you mean pornographic images, then the answer is no, sorry.

   If you want some subtle artistic erotic images together, then that would be fine.

   However, no “full-on” sex shots. I’m not interesting in photographing a sweaty pair having sex - it isn’t any fun for me to watch, and no-one really wants to see it in stills.

9. Can you help me get more modelling work?

   Simply put, no.

   I’m sorry, but I’m a Photographer not an Agent or Business Manager. I have no interest in becoming either of those. If you want more work, either employ someone to find it for you, or look for yourself.

   The best I can do is give an honest reference for you based on my own experience with you, should another photographer or an agent/manager ask for one.

10. Why does it sometimes take such a long time to get edited images from a shoot?

    The simple answer is because I don’t usually do “mass editing” like some other photographers. I like to work one by one through images and do what I feel works best for that image.

    Sometimes, I’ll also leave the images for a while so I can come back with a fresh view.

11. What age do you have to be for a modelling shoot ?

    The simple answer is…you can model at any age, though there are a few conditions, especially on the style of images you are allowed to create. These apply to the UK though, check for specifics relating to other countries before modelling in them.

    If you’re under 18, you must get signed consent from a parent or legal guardian as under 18s are not permitted to sign a binding contract.

    Under 18, you can model for any style of image except topless, nude or anything sexually suggestive. So swimwear would be OK is long as it is not too revealing and the poses are not overtly sexual. Lingerie could also be permitted but under the same conditions. Topless and nude are out under all circumstances, as would be fetish, bondage and other well defined “adult” themes.

    That said, if you are 17, very close to 18, the conditions become a little fuzzy. Topless, nude and the rest are still off limits, but “implied-” topless or nude may be allowed. This is where you appear to be topless or nude but actually you’re not. This is a gray area and could be a legal minefield so most photographers tend to steer clear of this, though some tabloid papers would allow it as they have clear and defined guides on what is permitted within the law.

    After all that, I can’t give this as a legal opinion. It is only my interpretation based on my experience, so if you have the slightest doubt, seek proper legal advice from a professional.

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