Photography

Paying Nude Models – Two Methods of Compensating Your Erotic Models

Paying nude models is typically done in one of two ways. The most common way to compensate models for their time is with a monetary payment. Usually, you and the model will agree on an hourly rate before the shoot begins. At this time, you will also want to give her a fairly accurate prediction of how long the shoot will last. This enables both of you to go into the shoot with a good idea of what the total payment will be.

It’s also possible to agree on a predetermined amount for the entire shoot. However, I’ve found that this can lead to complications when the photographer and the model have very different ideas about what length of time constitutes a “shoot”. For example, if a model thinks that a shoot will last two hours and agrees to a rate with that amount of time in mind, it can get a bit uncomfortable if you continue shooting well past the two hour mark.

I strongly advise you to work out an hourly rate with your models. I think it’s best to have as many details as possible clearly defined before the shoot begins. This will lead to a much smoother shoot and will enable both of you to feel as comfortable as possible.

The question is, “What amount should the hourly rate be?” Unfortunately, this question has no single answer. The rate will differ greatly based on a number of variables. Just a few of these variables will include the experience of the model, the experience of the photographer, the amount of nudity involved, the explicitness of the poses, whether a modeling agency is involved, and the final use of the images. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may now seem. With a little thought and communication, you’ll easily come up with a rate that will satisfy both you and the model.

I’ve been doing this type of photography for a long time and I’ve dealt with all types of models and agencies. I will share with you what I typically pay models for the types of shoots I do. Keep in mind that I am based in Los Angeles. Average rates may differ slightly depending on where you are located (if you’d like to get many more details regarding this and other aspects of nude and erotic photography, visit my site at http://moneyshotsbook.com).

A large percentage of the work I do consists of shooting solo models in a very explicit style. This type of shoot requires full nudity from the models as well as a variety of explicit, open-leg poses. Since it is a solo girl shoot, no sex acts other than masturbation (real or simulated) take place. However, this type of shoot is still more sexually suggestive than what is traditionally referred to as “Erotica”. For this type of work, I typically pay models between $100 and $125 per hour. Since my typical shoot lasts about three hours, the models end up making between $300 and $375.

This rate is fairly standard in Los Angeles for freelance models doing this type of work. In this sense, “freelance” means a model who books her own shoots and does not have an agent. When you work with agency models, rates can differ in a number of ways. An agency may charge the photographer an “agency fee” on top of the model rate. This fee is usually $50 to $100 per shoot. It is also quite possible that an agency will charge a higher hourly rate for the model.

The information I’m giving you regarding specific rates are for explicit, solo shoots. The rates will be higher for shoots that involve more than one model, sex scenes, or shoots involving video. On the other hand, rates for less explicit nude work will often be lower. The numbers I’m giving you should be used only as a guideline. Certainly, rates can change over time.

Working with freelance models is usually the least expensive way to go. These are the girls you will meet through online modeling sites, from your ads, or on the street. However, as you progress in the business, you will find that some shoots require models with a good deal of experience. For example, models who are affiliated with the top agencies in Los Angeles tend to be very attractive and very experienced. Because of these qualities, they can help you in obtaining very high quality pictures. They pose well, take direction well, and be very comfortable in front of the camera.

On the other hand, when you shoot a freelance model without a great deal of experience, you will have the advantage of shooting a “new face”. Photos of new girls are always in demand (especially in the “Amateur” and “Girl-next-door” niches). However, these types of girls will usually not feel as comfortable during the shoot as their more experienced counterparts. Because of this, your ability to make them feel confident, as well as your ability to direct them well, will be very important in determining the quality of pictures you are able to produce.

As I said, different types of shoots will require different types of models. It’s equally true that different types of models will require different types of shoots. What I mean by this is that you will have to use your creativity and imagination to determine how an individual model will best be photographed in order to bring out her strongest assets.

At the start of this section I mentioned that there are two main ways of paying models for their work. I just covered the first way: Money. However, in photography, there is an additional method of compensation that can be used. This method is called “Time-for-print”, or simply, “TFP”.

With TFP, the photographer compensates the model for her time by giving her “prints” from the shoot they do together (hence the name, “Time-for-print”). As you may have already guessed, the digital age has changed this practice slightly. Because most images are now shot digitally, it is usually easier for both parties if the photographer simply gives the model digital copies of some, or all, of the images from the shoot. If you are planning to sell the images from the shoot you will need to make it clear to the model that she is to use her copies for personal use only. You don’t want her to turn into a competitor when it comes to selling the pictures.

Beginning models will often agree to a TFP shoot if they are in the process of building a personal portfolio. This is most commonly done by models in the fields of fashion and commercial photography. In these cases, models must build a portfolio that shows potential agents, photographers, and clients that they can pull off a variety of different “looks”, as well as work well in a variety of different photographic settings. However, TFP is usually a less popular option for models who are doing nude or adult work. This is because models who are willing to pose nude realize that they are able to make money even when they are just starting out.

In fact, this is a major reason why the “adult industry” is such an appealing market to get involved in. Virtual beginners (both photographers and models) can make money almost immediately. There isn’t nearly the amount of “dues-paying” and “networking” that is required if you are going to be successful in the fashion or advertising fields. Consequently, because you will be able to pay your models and while still making a good profit from the shoot, it’s not all that important to find models who are willing to do TFP work.

About the Author

Michael Charles is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles. For over a decade, he has shot exclusively in the world of nude, erotic, and adult-oriented photography. His work has been featured in hundreds of national and international publications and appears on a wide variety of prominent websites.

From his years spent photographing the world’s most beautiful women, Michael has acquired a definitive knowledge regarding what it takes to succeed within the field of nude and erotic photography.

To learn much more about the art and business of nude and erotic photography, visit Michael’s site: http://www.moneyshotsbook.com

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