"I Want to Shoot You"...

If they ask you to model for them, they should either pay you or allow you to also use their shots.

Or at least give you a set of the shots.

Professionals are always paid. People that just have shots made for fun, are not professionals. They are just having some fun..

My husband is a professional Photographer and he always pays the models or comes to an agreement about the use of the photos with the model, like trade. He allows them to use the photos or gives them a set.

The only question you should be asking is how will she will using the photos and if you have any say etc etc; perhaps see if she can have a contract for both to sign. You NEVER ask how much you owe, when she is the one that asked you.

So if I am understanding this she used the same line everyone else has that is trying to build their portfolio? I think you are safe to assume there is no cost for you. If at some point she brings up money you should point out, I thought I was doing you a favor, I don't need pictures and I will not be paying for this.

There are a lot of up and coming photographers who act like they are doing a photo shoot to trap people in a sale. Thing is they are very aware they are being deceptive. They will try everything to guilt you into paying but in the end they know they are scamming.

If someone asks you to model for them, then you should be compensated in some way... either $$ or obtaining copies of the photos.

If you pursue a photographer to shoot you, then you pay for his/her services.

I would be shocked if you were modeling for someone as a favor to build their portfolio and then they expected you to pay for the session. Not cool....

As a former model... If someone is asking to shoot you, they're EITHER asking you to pose for free OR will be asking your rate or offer a flat shoot fee.

I've had ONE person try to drum up business this way. Since I did this all the time for friends for free, and to build my own portfolio, or for pay... When they told me what I 'owed' them, I demanded all rolls or I was calling the cops.

You NEVER offer to pay for being shot. Ever. Ever. Ever.

It's like offering to pay for sex.

Bad juju.

<grin> and if someone was shanghai shooting, you call the police and demand your film or memory cards & all digital masters or copies.

((booking a shoot, like family portraits, is different. You ask/HIRE, you pay. You get asked they pay. Or you can choose to not accept payment.))

You aren't wrong. Any photographer that pursues you for their pictures or to build up a portfolio would NOT ask you to pay. You are their model. A good one too. Don't sell yourself short, girl. You photograph really well.

R.:

I think you are both helping each other out and you shouldn't have to pay her.

I might get a contract with her to make sure that your pictures don't get used without your permission...especially if/when she makes it big with your great pics!!!

Of course you don't pay anything - you're not building YOUR portfolio, you're building hers!

If anything, ask if this is a paid gig. If you want to be vague, ask "Is there any compensation involved?" which is open-ended and will solve both "do I pay you" and "do you pay me" questions. I'd ask a whole bunch of questions about what she envisions the format to be, the setting, the clothing expectations/needs, the time involved, and how the pictures will be used. If she's making money from them, you're entitled to a percentage. If this is a start-up operation and you want to help someone build a portfolio, that's one thing. I think, if you are interested in doing this as a career, you can ask her for some copies to use in your own portfolio in exchange for sitting for her.

Why would YOU pay for her to do photography of you?
I don't get it.

And you;re right to be wary of how these photos might end up being used.
For example, if it was to be used in an ad, brochure or something, then wouldn't YOU want to BE paid?

You need to establish how the images can be used. You may be asked to waive your rights to them--or not. That seems to be the bigger decision here.

I would say, "Are you using my shoot to build your portfolio?" If she says no, I'd want to know what the heck the pictures are for, and who's footing the bill!!

No, in that situation she should not ask you for money. I have done a few shoots, both as a model and as a stylist and the model never pays. I would ask her, "What do I get in return for the shoot?" It should either be cash, or free prints. It should be spelled out int eh contract/permission of use form.

I would ask. You don't want her to present you with a bill as soon as the sitting is over. She may have simply been trying to start a business and was offering to set an appointment up for you.

I would try to be ambiguous in the actual question so it could be answered either way....such as:

" I am wondering about the fees for this".

If she's thinking of you being a model for this she may say something like "I was thinking about paying you $20 an hour". If she is thinking this is a photo appointment she may say " I charge $XX for the sitting and then if you order pictures there are numerous packages you can choose from". Or she may say "There's no charge for the sitting if you let me use your shots in a professional layout to promote my business".

Never assume! There is doubt in your mind so just be upfront about it and ask her. I would just tell her that in the past you have been requested to sit, to build other photographers portfolios. Tell her you dont want to waist her time and she should save the appointment time for another paying customer if that is not her intention.

Hi, R.:

You can ask if she is offering you a job?
If yes, then explore what the details are.

If not a job offer, why is she asking?

Good luck.
D.

I don't think you pay. Unless you are asking someone to shoot you, you don't pay. When you have your appt. just say I know this sounds silly to ask, but are you charging me for this session or is it complementary because they are building their portfolio. Good luck and have fun!!!

I wouldnt think you would pay anything, but some people are weird, and since you dont know her well, I would ask.
I would just say "Hey, sorry if this sounds silly, but I dont have a lot of extra money right now, this wouldnt cost me anything right?"
I would rather say that than finish up the shoot, and they are like "Thanks, that will be $300."
These days, I never assume. People are nuts!

As a photographer, it is my job to make sure my clients don't have any questions when it comes to payment and logistics. She approached you and should be bringing this up. But since she isn't ( shame on her) you need to. Just ask what is the deal. You also need to know how she is going to use the images, do you get copies of them either in print or digitally, If she sells them for a profit do you see any of that money, and you both should be signing a contract that outlines this. All my clients sign an agreement so there are no questions. Get the details in writing. That way you aren't surprised when she sells your likeness to a company for thousands of dollars and you don't see a penny. (it can happen)

Http://www.doriehowell.com

no, you shouldn't pay. you're working for free. she's lucky to get you!
:) khiarete
S.