Book a Model For Your Next Photoshoot Using this Simple Tip

When I first started out in photography, I would take self-portrait after self-portrait, slowly building up my skills and learning creative techniques until... My sorry ol' face just wasn't cutting it anymore. The glorified selfies that I'd been taking may have helped me get to grips with my DSLR, but I had no idea how to direct and organise a photoshoot outside of my bedroom. It was time to start working with actual models.

You may be in a similar position. Perhaps you're bored with self-portraits, or maybe you've nagged your friend to be in your photos one time too many. You're ready to start working with models.

But where to find a model?

You might be thinking, surely I can't just start emailing modelling agencies, with little more than an Instagram account and a dream?

You'd be right. You need to work your way up and build a portfolio before contacting the top-tier modelling agencies.

First, you need to find some slightly-less experienced, but eager and outgoing, models to work with.

Leveraging the power of Facebook groups is a great way to do just that.

Here’s what you need to do...

Go to the search bar on Facebook and put in a search keyword. To begin with, try ‘[your location] models’. Hit search and then make sure to select ‘groups’ on the left hand side to filter the results so that you only see groups.

You can also search for photography groups in your area. Many aspiring models join these groups because they know photographers are always looking for new faces to work with. Try searching for:

‘[your location] TFP’

‘[your location] photographers’

‘[your location] photography’

If your location doesn’t have many relevant results when you search for models or photographers, don’t worry. You’ll just need to think a little outside the box to find models. Try these search terms instead:

‘[your location] creatives‘

‘[your location] actors’

‘[your location] artists’

‘[your location] musicians’

You’ll often find that there are outgoing people in these kinds of groups who are outgoing and would be interested in modelling for you.

Once you’ve found a few groups where models could be lurking, go ahead and join them. I would advise joining three of the most relevant groups that also have a substantial number of members, ideally 1000+.

Now that you're in, go ahead and post in the group. Say that you’re looking to work with a model on a TFP basis. TFP means Trade for Portfolio, which ultimately means you'd both be working for free in order to use the final images on your social media and in your portfolios.

Make sure to include a link to your work, even if it's just an Instagram profile with a few self-portraits and photos of friends. Also, make sure it’s clear how potential models can get in touch with you. You can include your email address, or simply ask them to shoot you a private message; just don't forget to check you 'other' inbox on Facebook Messenger!

I also recommend posting one of your own photographs along with the text. This will make your post more eye-catching and this will likely lead to more models reaching out.

It might take a couple of different posts across different groups, but eventually you’ll start getting responses from interested models. Now you can continue the conversation over email or private messages, and start organising the shoot!

Remember to use the save function to bookmark your posts in these groups. This way, you can keep a list of potential models to work with, for future shoots, not just the shoot you’re working on at the moment.

There you have it! A simple way to find models to work with for your next photoshoot!

If you'd like more tips to help you secure model for your photoshoots, sign up to my free course: How To Find a Model for Your Next Photoshoot Using Social Media