Models

[Former_Member]

Do you use models in your product photography?

Why or why not?

If you do, how did you go about finding your model(s)?
Do you pay them? If so, with trade or money?


I've found more and more lately that I'm less likely to buy from people who don't have models in their shots- at least then I know how it will look on a person. I'm also more likely to NOT buy if it is just on a mannequin. If the mannequin has a face, no way. I get creeped out. Now, that's just my personal reaction... but I've heard that from many buyers as well. But I have a problem - my shop has no models! I rarely model for myself (mainly because I don't have a tripod and can't take photos of myself easily) and I have any friends that would be right for my brand (most of my friends are pretty goth, hah). So I need to go about finding a model for my shop, but I'm kind of at a loss of how to go about finding the right model for me.

How did you all find your models? Are you glad you did? Did you see a small jump in purchases?

[Former_Member]

I guess it depends on the person. I prefer mannequins to models when I am looking at buying something. With a real person, I am always kind of grossed out if they are wearing something I am planning to buy. (Like is the model clean, it's summer are they sweating on it a little, and it's worse if it's jewelry like earrings or nose rings because then it's poked through.) I like to know it hasn't been worn, even by a model. Then again, I am a bit o.c.d. about stuff like that so it could be just me.

As far as using models, I mostly sell perfume and jewelry so I don't need them much. Can't help you there. :)

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

Emily, I found a great photographer through our local camera club(it is a good way to meet models too). Free! They host monthly "shoot outs", where all members can show up, and shoot pics of the models that day. You can volunteer to bring some of your products, in return for photos. It will take a while-unless you are really luck!-to find the right photographer for you. I was lucky, and thanks to building a good working relationship with a photographer, she just got me invited to a specialty shoot. I will be taking one of my dresses, and will get some great (I hope!) glamour shots. It takes longer to find the right photographer, but they usually have models they prefer to work with, so you don't have to search for them too. I also signed up with Model Mayhem. Unfortunately, there are tons of girls that want to model, but that doesn't mean they are good in front of the camera. Don't be afraid to stick to the look that you think will work best for your products, when you are choosing a model.

[NomadicKnits]

That is a good point you raise Amy, I never thought about the fact that people might get turned off by their items being worn..... but I guess that's because I buy all my clothes from thrift stores so every thing I wear has been worn by someone else. :)

So I guess it does vary from person to person, but I'm definitely with Emily on this one.... I much prefer real models to mannequins. BUT if I really liked something it definitely wouldn't keep me from buying something just because it was modeled on a mannequin. BUT it would definitely keep me from favoriting an item if a creepy mannequin was looking at me. :) But that's just my personal preference.

Also for me I think that it adds to the charm of the shop when the shop owner models their own work. But maybe I'm biased, because that's what I do and I know how much work it is. :) But the plus side to modeling your own work is that you don't have to go through the work of organizing a photo shoot, finding the right model, finding a time to meet, etc. etc. I'm much to impatient for all that. This way when I excitedly finish a project I can get the photos done right when I'm ready. The only thing holding me back is waiting for the right lighting.

So it might be worth it to get a tripod for that reason, Emily. But between you and me... I can't afford a tripod so I don't even use a one. I have a make shift tripod made out of things I can stack. ; ) Not the most professional method. But I use a digital camera that's flat, so this make shift method probably won't work for most cameras. ; )