Are you tired of photographing your friends and family members? Would you like more variety among your models? Are you searching for models for your photography, but don’t know where to look? Are you a novice photographer who can’t afford to pay top dollar for professional models?

At our last meeting, Preston Photographic Club member Joe Conte shared two excellent resources that he uses to find models for his photography: Model Mayhem and StarNow.

Both Model Mayhem and StarNow are job websites for models, photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists, actors and so forth. Both are great for connecting photographers of all levels with different kinds of models with varying degrees of experience. Many models that are just starting out are willing to pose for free in exchange for images they can add to their own portfolios.

Here are some tips for using these sites successfully:

• Fill out your profile as much as possible. The more complete, the better.
• Upload samples of your work with models so other models know what to expect from you. These are not website for showcasing your work with landscapes or wildlife.
• Be honest about what you’re looking for.
• Follow through. If you promise to give a model prints or digital images in exchange for posing for you, be sure to do so. Your reputation will grow and it will either help or harm you.

Thank you, Joe, for these terrific resources.