Finding models
The dilemma of taking people's photos has always been finding a model. To find someone to photograph, someone who isn't afraid of being in front of a camera, someone who is willing to take a chance on something new, someone who is 'cool' so that it's 'easier' to photograph that person, you get those once in a while, and it's impressive to shoot them!
It was easier to find models in my youth, in the 80s, specifically for me. When I was in college, many of my peers and friends were there, and once they saw that I could create some decent images, most were willing to try modeling. Social media didn't exist, and neither did computers. Well, they did, but computing wasn't how it is now.
You know how lots of 'older' folks always say the phrase, "It was easier then!" Well, it may have been easier to find models in this case. We went to our friends and acquaintances, and, in my case, girls who were in some of my college classes, and after a bit, you got a reputation that, yeah, he does photography, and he does a good job, so obviously, word of mouth helps.
The effect of social media and the rise of better smartphone cameras has enabled everyone to become a photographer, so like with most things, you have to do it better so you have something to show to a potential model.
So, I want to talk about how to find models in today's world. I have always embraced new technology, even if I didn't fully understand it. I went for it and tried and tried and failed AND failed again, but I kept at it until I finally figured it out, and it worked for me.
So, I use social media, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, and any other way I can get my message out to the masses to say hey, I'd like to take your photos if you're interested. I also individually resort to contacting local models I find on Instagram; there are quite a few. I don't always get a response, but for the most part, I do.
I do, on occasion, still approach people I see on the streets, but that's usually a short, quick shot or several shots, and I have found that this method works for me as I am 'under pressure,' if you will, to create some outstanding images. In this day and age, I suggest walking around with a female friend if your sole purpose is to find faces to photograph, as this eases the tension when approaching a stranger. Some may call me out on this as being sexist, but it has always worked for me and eases things from the get-go.
The photos above are from women I found doing the old messaging them on Instagram and doing an old-fashioned open casting call, well, not so old-fashioned as I did it on social media.
