Amateur Photography - Advice Please

[James C]

Hello to the bgafd forum community.

I'd like some genuine advice, and you are definitely the people to speak to, so I will apologise in advance if I sound like a complete idiot, moron or letch.

I'm now a young professional in my mid twenties, and like your selves have had more than a passing interest in porn. I have myself worked as a nude model, for photoshoots which ended up published on the gay media. I loved doing it, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would now like to get behind the lens, and photograph other men and women with their kit off. I'm not going to be pretentious, and say its about art, or some other poncey reason. I just like seeing people naked, and am happy to pay the going rate, or perhaps over the going rate, to take photos of models.

The only thing is, am I sleazy? Is what I want to do 'wrong'? I haven't got a string of references from models saying that I'm sound and trustworthy. i haven't done any photoshoots (of other people) yet.

Some people love to go to the pub to drink, others play football with their mates, others love partying. I'd love to photograph other people naked. I wish I had a healthier, more traditional interest than this, but I would like to start doing it.

I am not fussed about taking brilliant photos, amazingly well lit, and very professionally done. I want to act professionally to people I work with - that is a definite must, but photos I take are probably slightly on the sleazy side, rather than artistic.

I have heard stories about sleazy amateur photographers who abuse what they are doing, and the models they have hired to work with them. I desperately don't want to become one, and would rather never do it than become one of them.

I'm very happy to pay whatever rates and travel expenses are necessary, and I'd pay full/generous rates too.

Any feedback you can give me would be helpful, including telling me where to go, and to forget about it if I come across as a letch. Ideally I would like to build up a few good references from different models, and then have the full credibility that I was sound, so that I could hire models to come over to my flat near Knightsbridge for a shoot. I've only ever met photographers, not other models, so I really don't know if that's something which people would be happy doing.

Have a good weekend one and all, and any advice or criticism would be welcome, as I do need to get some perspective on whether this is something perfectly fine to do, or something I should give a wide berth to.

Thankyou.

[Joe A]

A suggestion for you..

Visit or

They're the best sites for photographers and models. I'd go to Net Model first as it has a large UK presence. The models and photographers are mainly very helpful to newbies.

[ecucamman]

I would make a slightly different suggestion. Try one of the many studios around the country which can offer proper facilities, such as sets , lighting and help. They will also have a model register (including i suspect many of the regular models on here) When youve done a bit of that, you could always try working at different locations with girls who by then will know you and appreciate you're legit

[Paul L]

Hi James,

Totally agree with Joe that net-model.com are good.

Once you have a few shoots behind you, you should then be able to use the first models as references.

A good idea maybe to do the first shoots at a recognised studio, then the models should feel a lot safer.

When approaching a new model now, I always make a big point of the fact I am very happy if they bring someone with them to accompany them on any shoot. And also offer lots of models as references. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it is not as daunting as it may seem.

Personally, I would also suggest that your first model should be someone who is an experienced model. The last thing you want if you are nervous is to have a first time model who is probably more nervous than you and doesn't know what to do!! If you are working via a studio this should not be a problem. I think I was very lucky that my first ever shoot was with the wonderful Petra Morgan who is ultra professional and really helped to put me at ease.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Paul.

[Joe A]

ecucamman....

James C is looking to get started and signing up at N-M will enable him to read and learn a lot more before booking in to a studio etc. and spending any money

Your comments are good for step 2 in becoming a photographer.

Paul.. As it happens I work with an agency who usually send me new Anglo Indian models for their first shoot if they haven't been sent to F-C first, as they know that I'm relaxed about a shoot. If I get them after F-C they can be a little wary and that's all I'll say.

James.. #1 priority when you get to work with models is to make them feel relaxed.. I book girls for a 2 hr shoot but tell them they might need 5 hrs the first time as I talk to them for an hr first then do the first pics. I show themm the results and work with them slowly.. you'll get a lot more from them than if you rush them in, strip them, go click, click click and goodbye. Working this way, most have my models have done more than for any other photographer, due to their relaxed feeling and now many are friends..

For those of you going to the Bafia awards on Sunday.. I'll have Sahara2 with me.. Those who met her at the last BGAFD party will be pleased to know... LOL

[videokim]

Hi James

Be wary of offering over the top hire prices because.

1. models think its a con.

2. make sure you have a market / outlet for your work before you spend your hard earned money.

3. start off your photography at home or on location e.g. the models home before hiring expensive studio's.

Put some off your work on various web-sites to get known, relax & enjoy what your doing because if it becomes stressful then you know your working to hard & this can reflect on your work. Most of us do what we do for the same reason as you we love sex, watching filming etc, we have to because theres not much money in this business unless your very lucky.
Having been a model yourself it helps when taking photos of naked/sexy pics of people so good luck & enjoy yourself.

Kim

[SammieB]

Hi James

Mail me for a chat- I'm a professional model and will help you

SammieB
xx

[Paul L]

James

Sammie would make a great first model for you to use, she knows what shes doing and looks great!!

Cheers

Paul

[Spook]

I'm an amateur photographer - and am more than happy in my lechery!!

Seriously though - taking photographs of beautiful naked woman is an excellent past-time. There's nothing inherently sleazy about it. All the models I've met have been charming, natural people - they clearly aren't unhappy about being photographed kit-off, otherwise they wouldn't have become glamour models. Providing you treat the models with friendliness and respect, then I'm sure you'll have a fun time.

I'd certainly go to a recognised studio first. The studio owner will help you on your way - you'll be a new punter so he should want to treat you well and put you at ease so that you'll want to make further bookings. He'll also introduce you to the model so things are a bit less awkward. If you're paying ?50 per hour for a model, then a further ?15 per hour for the studio is not an outrageous extra expense.

You should certainly go for a popular, experienced model. A popular model will have achieved that popularity partly because they are friendly and easy to get along with so that photographing her is fun rather than an embarrasing 2 hour silence. An experienced model will know what they are doing even if you don't - so you'll hardly have to give them any instructions at all, if any, and you'll end up with some great pics.

First model I shot was Lana Cox who said something along the lines of "don't feel nervous or embarrased, I don't feel embarrased about taking my clothes off, so there's no need for you to worry". This advice was most welcome at the time. She's retired now, but other models that I think would be excellent for a "first-timer" are Teresa Scott and Lucy-Zara.

Be up-front that it is your first time - its not at all unusual and the studio owner and model will surely be happy to help you through your first session.

Taking up Sammie B's offer may well be a good move. Then you could have a bit of an e-mail chat before booking her so that any awkardness at first meeting a model would be much reduced.

Everyone bloke I know likes looking at pics of naked women - so wanting to take those pictures certainly doesn't mark you out as a freak!!

[Spook]

On re-reading your post - I'm not sure what sort of level of photography you want to do.

Some of the pics I've taken can be seen at

http://www.teresascott.org/dildop/index.htm

(not sure how to do the clickable link thingy)

These certainly aren't art, but they're not at all sleazy either (although the disciples of Mary Whitehouse may disagree). They're just some half-decent glamour pics done by me pointing the camera and clicking whilst the model does all the hard work.

If these are the sort of the pics you had in mind then my advice stands - but if you want to do harder stuff (don't like the word sleazy!!) then others will be far better able to advise you than I can.