How To Find And Hire Models
When you’re just starting to get into photography, you’re probably going to be so immersed in the process of both learning your equipment and practicing lighting and composition techniques that you’re not going to be concerned about the networking and business aspects of your craft.
Sooner or later, though, you’re going to look beyond the landscapes and skyscrapers in your viewfinder and begin to seek out others that share your passion for photography, whether they prefer to be behind or in front of the camera.
However, when you’re new to the industry, you’re probably not aware of all the avenues at your disposal when it comes to hiring and collaborating with models, so it’s essential to educate yourself and know which resources and tools you can rely on when the time comes.
Although it’s probably the most apparent method that creatives will gravitate towards, knowing how to utilize Instagram and other social media platforms to network within your niche is an incredibly valuable skill to have, especially if you’re a beginner and don’t have the disposable income or project scope to justify hiring from a modeling agency, which we’ll cover later.
There are two different ways I like to go about searching for models on Instagram:
The first is to find local community and feature pages that frequently repost the work of both photographers and models in your area, then check the tagged accounts and scout your preferred talent from there.
For example, as a Charlotte, NC-based apparel and lifestyle photographer, @cltshooters is a page that comes to mind, and I would recommend them to other creatives in my area looking to hire talent.
If you don’t live directly in a major city, then I'm searching for feature pages relevant to the central city that’s closest to you, as that’s likely where all the local talent is gravitating towards.
The second way you can use Instagram to find models is by using keywords.
Using myself as an example again, I might search for something along the lines of “CLT model”, “Charlotte North Carolina model”, or any other term that I think a local model might include in their profile’s bio to draw relevant accounts towards them.
These days, hashtags are far less relevant than they used to be, and it’s much easier to find accounts in your niche by utilizing keywords in the search bar instead of hashtags bogged down with dated results and spam accounts.
Modeling Agencies
Although I frequently source models through personal connections and social media for casual work, sourcing through agencies is a fantastic option if you have the project budget to justify it.
Agency-signed models typically work at either a half-day or full-day rate, with some pricing variations depending on the use you plan for the work you want to create with them.
For example, images that you plan to have utilized in storefront and/or billboard advertising are going to be significantly more costly than images you plan on just uploading to your socials and personal portfolio.
Two reputable agencies near me are Directions USA and Marilyn’s, but you should almost always aim to source models through the closest reputable agency to you.
Otherwise, you can expect to pay a travel fee and possibly a lodging fee.
The main benefit of utilizing agency-signed models is knowing that you’re working with the best of the best.
Their models are usually required to have consistently updated digital images that reflect their current aesthetic and skill set, and to undergo training to be adequately prepared for commercial and advertising work before being listed in the agency’s catalog.
In-Person Networking
The slowest, yet most reliable, way to build a variety of models in your arsenal is to attend relevant networking and social events.
Fashion Week, local runways, creative meetups, photo walks, and any other situations where a signed or aspiring model might be found are great ways to find and engage with relevant creatives in your niche.
Although you can reach out to a model over social media or email, having that in-person interaction is a great way to establish your personality and intentions up front, as well as eliminate any potential awkwardness or discomfort that might come from a model hesitant to meet and work with a new photographer that they have never met before.
Whether you’re sourcing models for your first campaign or refining your approach as an established brand, the right creative direction can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to elevate your visual presence, reach out or book a session!