Independent Modeling, IndependentModeling.Com. Published in Tampa Bay, Florida

Independent Modeling - "Changing the business of modeling"

Model Store

BOOKS - DVD'S

This is the Independent Modeling Store section for models. Models can purchase modeling industry books and DVD's from this section. In the future, models will be able to purchase everything from custom portfolio cases, composite cards, and even more from here.For now, select either BOOKS or DVD'S from our library.

MODELING BOOKS

Click on image to look at book and read description before buying it.

DVD'S

Model related DVD's for work and just kicking back with a bowl of popcorn.

Search:
Keywords:

NEXT PAGE - BACK PAGE - START PAGE - ADVERTISE - TERMS OF USE - CONTACT US

EDITORIALS - NEWS - JOBS - TOOLS - FEATURES - SEARCH - FORUMS - MODELS - REFERENCES - STORE - CONTACT - MODELING - ACTING - PERFORMER - SOCIETY

paid advertisement

A1-M

CLICK HERE FOR ADVERTISEMENT RATES AND TERMS

Web site design and marketing by EOS MediaArts, a Tampa Bay advertising agency. For page photography credits, click on images. Images used under license or by permission from copyright holder.

Want to contribute to this site? Click here for details!

Usage of this web site binds you to the terms of expressing our professional opinions and providing information. All users of this site are required to read our TERMS OF USE.

Independent Modeling is not an agency, and it is not intended to be used as such. This site is a web resource for the use of independent models, businesses that book independent models, and model photographers. Independent Modeling is not licensed to nor does it make claims to offer legal services or private investigation services. Independent Modeling is familiar with, observes, and respects the laws of the the State of Florida. We are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. Information on regulated professions and techniques associated with such professions are provided on an informative basis only, and Independent Modeling does not express guarantees or interpret laws that apply to regions that may effect the ability to legally do activities described on this site. Please check your local or state laws in regards to compliance when you attempt anything described on this site. Parties accept all legal responsibility for the viewing and use of all content on this site. Independent Modeling is not responsible for referrals, recommendations, how the information presented on this site is used, or the usage of any information or content on this site. Parties using this site do so in accordance to these terms, and may not hold Independent Modeling liable for slander, libel, legal, criminal, or civil issues that may be encountered. Information on this site consists of opinions from professional sources, and Independent Modeling makes no claims or guarantees as to the accuracy of statements made, information presented, or the credentials of the professionals who contribute to the content of this site. Parties using this site assume all risks and potential penalties, and hereby waive Independent Modeling from all responsibility.
Parties that feel as though this site has inaccurate information, has misinterpreted the facts, or misrepresents them in any way are invited to address it by E-Mailing us details of their concern. We have a grievance and online arbitration system in place, and we will look into any matters of concern. If concerns are found to be valid, we will remove or correct the information and issue a public apology. If concerns are not valid, the information will stand, and further arbitration will be referred to our attorney if the party continues with their issue. Usage, which include viewing any content on this site, releases Independent Modeling from any and all claims of libel, slander, defamation of character, cyber stalking, losses in business due to claims of bad publicity, or any other civil or criminal infraction. The intent of this site is not to harass or to be malicious toward any party, but rather to help genuine professionals and the entertainment industry. We will defend our right to free speech as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States of America, and will fight to maintain our integrity, credibility, and the right to make a difference using free speech. All information on this site consists of opinions from industry professionals. Interviews on this site are fair and unbiased to the best of our intentions, and reviews are the sole opinions of the reviewer or reviewers. Interviews and reviews are protected free speech.
Sponsors of this site, contributors, advertisers, referrals, and endorsements are in accordance to the professional respect earned by the models and professionals that advise us. Usage of this site does not obligate anyone to use any services or pay for anything, and the parties that contract such services or purchase anything assume all risks and consequences. Independent Modeling is waived from any and all claims of liability for any referral. Additionally, our sponsors, contributors, and advertisers are also waived from any liability associated with the content on Independent Modeling, as views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of our sponsors, advertisers, contributors other than the author, or any other party that works with this site.
Need to know more about our terms and conditions? Read our TERMS OF USE.

photographer, photography, model, modeling, models, composite, comp, zed, card, web, actor, acting, headshot, dynamic, look, stock, studio, portrait, event, wedding, restore, restoration, retouching, retouch, correction, aurora, photo, photoarts, pictures, frames, photograph, photographs, bikini, swimsuit, fashion, editorial, glamour, runway, commercial, catalog, art, gallery, stock, looks, calendar, layout, design, tampa, bay, clearwater, saint, pete, petersburg, palm, harbour, brandon, plant, city, lakeland, orlando, sarasota, bradenton, daytona, beach, miami, south, deerfield, fort, lauderdale, key, west, north, east, palm, spring, break, bikini, services, guaranteed, price, prices, rate, rates, value, fee, TFP, time, prints, test, agency, management, occasion, maternity, family, child, graduation, prom, senior, high, documentary, school, location, search, model, venus, body, parts, vogue, glamour, new, york, scouting, scout, survey, surveys, ybor, city, tampa, tampa bay, brandon, ybor city, clearwater.
Model Job Types

Print Modeling
Editorial Print- $200.00 day rate.
Catalog- $150.00 to $300.00 per hour. Day rate $1,200.00 to $3,500.00 and up.
Fashion Print- $150.00 to $250.00 an hour. Day rate $1,200.00 to $2,400.00 and up.
Commercial Print- $75.00 to $150.00 per hour. Day rate $400.00 to $950.00 .
Advertising/ Product Print- $100.00 to $200.00 an hour and up. Day rate $500.00 to $1,200.00 and up.
Swimwear/ Bikini Modeling Print- $500.00 to $2,500 day rate or the rates for lingerie/ underwear.
Lingerie/ Underwear Print- Double standard rates ($400.00 day rate editorial. $2,400.00 to $7,000.00 day rate and up catalog)
Nude or Sheer Modeling- Triple standard rates ($600.00 day rate editorial. $3,600 to $9,500.00 day rate catalog)
Full Figure/ Plus Size Print- $100.00 to $200.00 an hour. Day rate $500.00 to $1,000.00 .

Specialty Modeling
Parts (hands, feet, teeth, etc)- $300.00 to $500.00 per hour. Day rate 1,000.00 to $10,000.00 .

Ethnic Modeling- Standard Rates.

Runway Modeling- $250.00 per hour and up.

Fit Modeling- $150.00 per hour and up.

Showroom Modeling- Day rate $1,000.00 and up.

Promotional Modeling- $12.00 to $30.00 per hour, for at least four hours. Day rate $100.00 to $200.00 .

Trade Show/ Convention Modeling- Day rate $1,000.00 to $4,000.00 .

Glamour/ Boudoir/ Nude Modeling
Not at all recommended for local markets such as Tampa and Seattle. Triple normal rates. Quadruple in Tampa or Seattle.

Model Job Markets

Fashion Capitals
New York in the United States, Milan in Italy, and Paris in France

Secondary Markets
Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami

Local Markets
Tampa, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Boston, and other large cities

Model Job Rates For Service Markets
Both Tampa and Seattle are considered to be local markets with a close proximity to secondar markets, which leads to a healthy mix of work. Tampa is a short drive from Miami, which is a secondary model market, and Seattle is up the Pacific coast from Los Angeles, another secondary market.

All copyrights that indicate "Tampa Bay Independent Model" apply to Independent Modeling

UPDATED: - Saturday, November 8, 2003 -

Get an unfair advantage that very few models have- Our full support!

Independent Modeling is looking for twelve qualified, professional level models to help out with the substantially larger site that is about to be unleashed. To be considered, models need to send us a composite card which demonstrates a range of looks, a resume showing a smart, ethical work history, and a cover letter written specifically for this opportunity. Models MUST have professional level composite cards, resume's, and cover letters to be considered. The cover letter needs to be written by the model, with no help, as prospective models need to be able to write well. If E-mailed, we prefer that the E-mail includes a link to a composite card image on the model's professional web site or located elsewhere on the Internet. Please, no file attachments or ZIP files. Models will work part time at the most to contribute to this web site and help improve the industry, as well as boost their professional credibility by showing that they are the working experts in the modeling industry. Models selected will receive a sponsorship package with over a thousand dollars in free services and exclusive tools. Package includes two full portfolio photography sessions (for samples of the quality, look at the pictures on this site done by our sponsor), up to three composite card design set ups, tear sheets, web site consulting, and other assorted career boosting services at no cost. Models will be required to contribute material to this web site on a part time, flexible basis. Sponsorships will be for one year, with renewals possible for outstanding models; those models that do really well will be offered paid staff positions at the upcoming Independent Modeling national magazine.

We will not consider any models who do not have a professional level of experience (models MUST have composite cards and a well composed professional portfolio, as we have no desire to try to "sell" anyone anything, which would be unethical. These positions need professional experience), models who are unprofessional or unethical in any way, or models who are associated with any known model scam (and, yes, we do know who the scams are). Submit by going HERE.

Due to a massive work load preparing the launch of the new site, our response and other updates may be delayed.

Other Updates:

Early version of the "Trident menu" drafted with some humor. Not the new title menu- This is just for fun., and, no, we are not anti agency or the evil ones waving pitchforks. Lighten up.

Trident Job Board Almost Ready

Updated November 7, 2003

The new Trident Job Board is almost ready, and reports indicate that the new resource will have as much work going into just that as the original Independent Modeling site. The new board will undergo final assembly the weekend of November 15-16, and being the final component of the new site this puts the launch toward the end of November. Trident is designed to be the best job board available on any modeling web site in the southeast, and it is being designed from the beginning to be transitioned into its next incarnation in the Fall of 2005. As planned, the section will make up half the size of the Independent Modeling web site. The numbers are in, and we have thousands of models a week looking on our job board for leads, which means that we have the traffic and the audience to make using this new job board and the rest of the Trident job resource worthwhile. There are two reasons why there are not many jobs listed on the present model job board and the new Trident job board. One reason is that we screen for obvious scams (we KNOW that there are legitimate modeling jobs out there, and they are not that enthusiastic about posting on public job boards yet only because they don't want unprofessional models flaking out on them. Well, we have that fixed already, and this is the reason for the Professional Model Bureau! That's right, it's safe now, and we are going to do a lot of work getting the word out). Another reason is that we want to keep the posts to a minimum because we want genuine modeling jobs and want to minimize the competition of other job posts for those that do post. At first glance, most might think that the board is not that great because there are not that many posts. What most cannot see, however, is how many great models regularly visit our job board and send their information to the companies that post there. This will only get better when the new site is unleashed, and Trident is the most updated part of the Independent Modeling site. Best of all, there is NO CHARGE to post on or use this board or Trident. They are free! We leave you know with an excerpt of an E-mail that one company sent us about the old (present) model job board.

"By the way, I was impressed with the models who worked with
us by way of your site. As a local actress, I can't begin to tell you
how invaluable your web site is. Keep up the good work and
thank you for the connecting my company with some pretty
impressive talent."

To post a job on the present board as well as the new Trident, go HERE.

We worked with an experienced independent model by the name of Laura and signed her to our staff over the weekend, and many more will be signed in the weeks to come. Laura received a free portfolio photography session from our sponsor, and was orientated with what we are working on. Her pictures and full profile will be in the new site launching this month. We have also made some site updates and added to our Editorial archives (hint- why are portfolios important in a go see?). See if you can find the other updates, as they are clues to what the new site will be enhanced with!

Job Board: Go See For Maxim Magazine In Miami

The model job board has had old posts removed and is preparing to be moved to a new area in this site as we work on Trident. We are still accepting, screening, and posting jobs and go see notices.

Model References: E-Mail us for free references on Tampa Bay, Seattle, Florida, and Washington State Models. We have over 400 models on file and a rating system that represents their professional history.

The new Independent Modeling web site is coming in November, 2003! Until then, feel free to explore what's here, and celebrate the passing of a legend that has made industry history. Material on this site will be available, and is included, in the new Independent Modeling site now being created by a team of models, photographers, agents, attorneys, and other industry professionals who are aiming to make a difference.

THE ONLY MODELING SCHOOL YOU WILL EVER NEED,

Copyrights and Trademarks are aggressively protected by our legal team. This includes the registered Trademarks "Tampa Bay Independent Model" and the slogan "Modeling has a new look". Independent Modeling is based and published in the Tampa Bay area of west central Florida.

MODEL PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY RATES

Suggested Model Photography Service Rates for Tampa Bay

Suggested Model Photography and Service Rates and for the Tampa Bay Metro Area. Suggested rates are also good for Florida, Georgia, and the southeastern United States. Rates suggested are low for markets such as New York and Los Angeles, and models can expect to pay more in those markets. If a photographer claims to work in those markets and wants to charge high rates because of that, they should work in New York instead of here, and they would be working there, instead of here, if that were the case. They have the right to ask for those rates, but models in Tampa Bay don't have to accept it. There are a lot of good photographers out there who charge fair rates which are appropriate for the Tampa Bay model photography market.

01. TFP/TFCD PHOTOGRAPHY
02. MODEL TESTING
03. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LOOK
04. ACTOR HEAD SHOTS
05. THREE (3) LOOK MODEL PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY
06. FIVE (5) LOOK MODEL PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY
07. SIX (6) LOOK MODEL PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY
08. SEVEN (7) LOOK MODEL PORTFOLIO PHOTOGRAPHY
09. MODEL PHOTOGRAPH PRINTS (COMING SOON)
10. MODEL PORTFOLIO BOOKS (COMING SOON)

A. Why model portfolio photographers charge high rates.
B. Use Caution when rates are too low!

NOTE: These are suggested rates for model photography in general for the Tampa Bay area. These are not our rates for photography, as we are not a photography company and do not offer photography services. To start your search for a photographer, start in our modeling resources section for photographers who models recommend. After you find the photographers that you want to work with, make them bid against other photographers to get your business and SAVE MONEY!
These suggested rates were compiled with the help of respected Tampa Bay model photographers.

Any photographers who do not like these suggested rates and our reverse auction system that models can use to get low rates from photographers can thank photographers who have been abusing models. Don't get mad at us, as professional models had no choice but to crack down on the photographers who are ripping people off, and we are now in the position to self regulate the model portfolio photography industry in Florida until the State of Florida wakes up and imposes regulation on photographers just like they had to do with model agencies.

RELATED LINKS

POST A COMMENT - TERMS OF USE - GET LOW PHOTOGRAPHY RATES - ABOUT US

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why model portfolio photographers charge high rates.

This is not a fashion capital, but yet many photographers try to charge New York rates in the Tampa Bay area or rates that approach commercial photography rates. We have seen many photographers outright scam models by charging high rates and lie about their experience and industry connections. These photographers will say or imply that they can get the model magazine print work if they have their portfolios done with them, and may even offer to "manage" them. Some of them go so far as to make up fake tear sheets or steal the work of other photographers and present it as their own.
Some photographers are just greedy, and some don't really know how much a fair rate for their work should be.
We are not saying that every photographer that is charging rates that are too high is unethical. It could be a warning sign of other things that are wrong. Sometimes, the laws of supply and demand come into play. If their work is low quality and useless for the professional model, the photographer may not be getting much work. In that case, the photographer will have to charge higher rates in order to make up for their small number of jobs. The few models that are sold are usually misled with false claims or promises that they never intend to keep. The model gets emotional and loses their objectivity, and they pay little attention to the actual work of the photographer and more to what they say. Either way, why should models pay for the inexperience or the unethical conduct of a photographer?
Be objective when you negotiate rates with any model photographer. Leave your emotions at home. Emotional decisions will cost you. As a consumer, or a buyer of the photographers services, you have the leverage to call the shots. You are their boss.
Photographers who promise a model future compensation to sway their decision to book services from them are unethical. Such promises should be made AFTER the model has booked and worked with them. Walk away from any photographer who tries to convince you to book their services with offers of jobs or managing your career. In Florida, it is against the law for a anyone to make money by booking a model into a job unless they have a model agency license. If they have a model agency license, it is against the law for them to make money from services that a model would buy such as portfolio photography. See the conflict? If the photographer cannot legally make money by booking models into jobs, then there is no incentive to do so and follow through on their promises. If a model wants to be managed, and the rational behind such a desire makes no sense in today's modeling industry of independence, then they should seek the services of a model and talent agency after they get their portfolio done.
A wise thing to do is to check the photographers references before you book them. Be safe. There are forms that you can take to the consultation which you can make the photographer sign, which will give you leverage in checking their references. The form that we are talking about is called a Photographer Reference ASA. You can get these forms for free from our friends at Independent Modeling, IndependentModeling.Com .

RETURN TO RATE MENU

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When to use caution with photography rates in Tampa Bay.

Too high, too low. Too hot, too cold. Look around to find a photographer who is just right for you.
CAREER RULE: If is seems too good to be true, it usually is, and needs to be scrutinized!

Use caution if you experience or notice:

01. A photographer who is cheap.
02. A photographer who is expensive.
03. Unbalanced work in their portfolio.
04. Model agencies who limit your photography choices.
05. A photographer who seems way too interested in you.
06. A photographer who offers to manage you.
07. A photographer who you cannot get along with.
08. A photographer who bad mouths their competition.
09. A photographer with a bad reputation.
10. Pictures that remind you of others you have seen.
11. A photographer who lies to you.
12. A photographer who seems too good to be true.

RETURN TO RATE MENU

A photographer who charges rates that are cheap.
Often, you get what you pay for. Model portfolios are an investment. Would you buy into an investment which has a low chance of paying off? This kind of photographer might have trouble getting models to work with them because of quality, ethical, or professional issues, and they pitch their rates super low to try to get work.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer that charges rates over $600.00 .
These photographers either think they are better than they actually are or use deceptive, manipulative tactics to trick models into buying their services. To the untrained eye, their work might look like it is high quality, but that may not be the case. Usually, these photographers convince naive models into booking services with them with false claims or promises of work. Another reason that their rates could be high is that they may not be getting that much work, and have to charge more. Either way, the model spends too much on services that should cost a lot less.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

Too much of one thing.
If you see too much of one thing, such as studio pictures, pictures all taken with the same look and/ or composition, or too many of one type of photography (such as nudes, glamour, or work that is not model photography such as wedding), then be careful. The photographer may not have the skill or the creativity to give you the variety of different looks that you need. Do you really want to limit your appeal to art directors who book models into jobs with a composite card or portfolio with pictures that all look the same? Don't handicap your ability to market yourself as a model!

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A model agency who limits your selection of photographers.
While there is the change that an agency can be making money by splitting fees with a photographer or getting kick backs for photography referrals, the risk is reduced if the agency is SAG affiliated. It is against the law in the State of Florida for an agency to make money from photography or photography referrals. A main reason that agencies are regulated today is that, in the past, there were lots of "model agencies" set up to make money from model portfolio photography and composite cards, and these agencies made money that way and not by actually getting models the jobs that they promised.
Today, there are fewer agencies breaking the law and in situations that are conflicts of interest. The biggest concern is that agencies, like all of us, tend to play favorites. There are some great photographers out there that are overlooked by agencies because of politics, and the model could be limited if they get a photographer through an agency referral. If you must have a model agency recommend photographers to you, make sure that they give you a long list of different photographers who do not work together. Also see if other agencies recommend the same photographers, as that can be a good sign.
A model agency should NEVER recommend against a photographer if the photographer is not doing anything unethical.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who seems way too interested in you.
Some photographers get into the model photography business to meet beautiful women and date them. Others are model molesters who want to take advantage of models and use them for sex. Either reason is not only unprofessional, but it is a violation of trust and is unethical. Many of these kinds of model photographers have psychological issues and low self esteem, and use the company of beautiful women to feel better about themselves and brag to their peers. They need to grow up.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who offers to manage you.
Photographers are not licensed to book models into jobs and get paid for it, and if they are licensed as an agency it is against the law for them to make money as a photographer. If they promise you jobs or magazine work if you get your portfolio done by them, you need to realize that they cannot legally make money booking you into any work. What motivation do they have to follow through on their promise? Think about it.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who you cannot get along with.
If there is a personality clash with a photographer and you cannot get along with them, it is not easy to get good pictures when you work with them, as your discomfort will show up in the images. Find a good photographer who is easy to work with.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who bad mouths their competition.
Unless the "competition" is breaking the law, hurting models, or doing something unethical, talking bad about other photographers and their work is unprofessional. Why is the photographer talking bad about others? If you just met the photographer and do not know them, you have no idea how credible their opinions are.
If they just met you and talk bad about others, what will they say about you to others in the industry?

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer with a bad reputation.
If you hear bad things about a photographer from several different sources who do not work together or know each other, you need to investigate and find out if there is any truth to what they are saying.

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

Pictures that remind you of others you have seen.
Some photographers don't know what they are doing or just plain don't respect the property and the rights of others who are professionals. They will copy the pictures of other photographers, and will sometimes ask a model to bring pictures with them for "ideas".
Such photographers may not be creative enough to give you the variety of pictures that you need. Do you really want pictures that are copies of work done by real professionals? Do you really want to look like every model that they have worked with? You don't want to look like all the other models and pictures that people have already seen. Don't buy a cliche. What is the advantage of that? Strive for pictures that are different and show your best looks. Quality is good, but the best deal are high quality, creative images that no one has seen before.
Set yourself apart from the pack and make people notice you by finding a photographer who is fresh and creative!

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who lies to you.
If the photographer lies to you, what else will they do which is dishonest? There are way too many trustworthy, honest photographers out there who know what they are doing and do excellent work. Keep looking- We recommend looking for recommended photographers listed in the links section of Tampa Bay Modeling or in the TALON database of Independent Modeling, IndependentModeling.Com (notice that these recommended photographers do not always work together and that they are competitors in many cases- that is a good sign for us. Feel the trust growing?).

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

A photographer who seems too good to be true.
If their portfolio shows too MUCH range, they could be using the work of other photographers and passing it off as their own. If the photographer is a big fashion photographer from New York, why are they working here and not there? If the photographer is a commercial photographer who can get you jobs that they are working on, why are they shooting model portfolios, which is work that is considered to be a step backwards in their career? If they have been published in major magazines, can they show you the physical magazine with their credits on the page (not a copy, as that can be faked)?
If it's too good to be true, it usually is. Check their references and ask questions!

RETURN TO CAUTION MENU

RETURN TO RATE MENU

Welcome to depth of field, the section of independent Modeling for model photographers, models who want to learn about model photography, models looking for photographers, and model photography in general. When Independent Modeling launched on September 4, 2001, it was just a model resource which taught models how to promote and manage their own careers. A lot has changed since then. The new Independent Modeling web site that launched in early 2004 was expanded and refined, and is now a resource site for models, model photographers, and the businesses that book them.
Did you know that photographers can be scammed and ripped off just like models? There have been reports of other photographers and models scamming ethical photographers. That is why we are going to help photographers from now on. If you are an ethical model photographer who cares about the career of the models that you work with, we are your friend. This section is for you!

What areas will this section have? Well, there are three, and here they are!

PHOTOGRAPHERS

A listing of model photographers that can help the career of the professional model. Includes information on evaluating photographers and doing background checks on them.

NEW FACES

Aspiring models can upload their snapshots here, and they can have their looks evaluated and scored by professional photographers. Interested photographers can contact the faces that interest them and set up test shoots or TFP's.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographers can learn how to do better photography and obtain tools to help them in the business. Models can go here to learn model photography, too, if they are interested.

What kind of tools will this section have? Well, here are a few for starters.

Photography contracts and anti scam agreements
These were originally developed for models, but we have made some for model photographers. These new agreements and contracts are for photographers who want to protect their rights and reputations when they work with models, other photographers, and businesses. We've seen too many photographers taken advantage of by con artists, unprofessional people, unethical models, and businesses. We are now going to help photographers deal with these business threats.
Want to clarify the working arrangement that you have contracted with a model who gives you a bad vibe? Does a photographer want to network with you, but you suspect that they are after your clients, pricing lists, models, and ideas? Does the business that wants to contract your services at a rate that is too low? These contracts are here for you to print out and use, and they are free as long as they are used as specified in our terms of use! These tools are indexed in our photography section!

Photography Articles and Tutorials
This is a section for professional photographers and aspiring photographers who want to truly grow in their career field. Besides great information on photography techniques, we will have features on how to make it in this business. Coming features include shooting model portfolios with an eye on range of looks, marketing strategies, photographic composition techniques, studio lighting, location photography tutorials, and creating effective, high quality composite cards in Photoshop.

Model Photographer Database
These are ethical model photographers that models recommend. We are especially proud of our endorsement of the talent portfolio photographers of the Round Table Photography Association. This association is highly ethical and can deliver the most professional tools that the model needs. Our advice? Go through the listed photographers, visit their web sites, weigh out their portfolio range and the quality of their work, and pick out the one that you want to work with. You cannot go wrong with any of them!

A New Faces section for aspiring models looking for TFP offers from photographers
While this was supposed to launch in January of 2004 with the rest of the new Independent Modeling site and this section, we are still working on the database, and will have it available soon. What will be in this section? People who want to be models! This is an area where people can upload a picture, and photographers can rank their potential based on the picture and the introduction essay that they write and upload. People who want to start modeling can go here to be seen and discovered. Photographers can go here to find new faces with potential, get in contact with them, and maybe set up a test shoot! Models and photographers are encouraged to let us know how these test sessions go so we can follow up.

We have lots more coming to this section as it grows, and you can bookmark this page as your menu to all of the great content and model photography resources. Enjoy using the Depth Of Field Model Photography section of Independent Modeling, IndependentModeling.Com!

Not listed here and you want to shoot with them? Here's how you evaluate them!

If they are not listed here, we either have not had a chance to evaluate them or models have not recommended them. If you are reading this, we are going to assume that someone referred you to a photographer or you found them, like their work, and are interested in working with them. Don't worry, independent model, we are here to help you figure out if it is worth it.

Get References- and check them all!

Don't be a victim of a con artist, as words need to be backed up with proof!
There have been a lot of problems lately with shady photographers claiming that they work or have worked with "major magazines", and drop names as references. If they do this, this is a red flag, and you need to be cautious.
Photographers who claim to be famous and have been published in major magazines.
Make them clarify the major magazines by name, and make them show you tear sheets of their work. If they "don't have them", you have every right to be suspicious. All professional photographers, ESPECIALLY ones working in smaller markets like Tampa Bay, WILL and DO have their tear sheets in their portfolio. To be verified of their authenticity, all tears should be accompanied by a photography credit NAMING them and matching the page that the tear sheet is from, along with the volume and issue number of the magazine. If they have this, then that is fine. If they don't, you need to pick up an issue of the magazine, call them from the contact information to verify the photographer has worked with them, and if they have not then the magazine needs to know about their fraudulent claims! Don't allow other models to be taken in by false references if you manage to avoid the scam.
If a photographer claims to have been published in a major magazine or magazines, the professionally responsible thing to do is to see proof. If they cannot prove it, or make up some silly excuse, then they should not have made the claim to begin with. The model has every right to walk away, and we recommend that they do in this case. If they are going to lie to you about their work references, what else will they do to deceive you?
We have something even better if the model wants to work with the photographer. They can't show you tear sheets to back up their claims? For a written agreement that clarifies a photographers magazine references, go HERE. The model has the photographer list the magazines and sign it before they work with them, and it gives the model permission to contact the magazine or magazine for references. The model needs to look up the fax number for each magazine (don't trust the photographer to provide these). If the photographer signs it and it is found out that they lied, then the photographer has committed FRAUD, and can be prosecuted by the FTC and in civil court for deceptive trade practices. In other words, they are caught red handed for making false claims in order to lure a model in to book a job, and they tried to trick you.
Another form that the model may be interested in is a REFERENCE VALIDATION FORM. This a form that is filled out and signed by the photographer so the model can fax it to the magazine and verify them. Use these with the MAGAZINE REFERENCE AGREEMENT listed above. Use one Reference Validation Form per magazine reference claimed, and please check all references! You may regret it if you do not.
If any photographer refuses to sign these forms, the model needs to find out why. The professional photographers who advise us have no problem signing these forms, as it is the professional and ethical thing to do.
Happy hunting!
Photographers who drop names of models, other photographers, and industry professionals as references.
This happens a lot, too. We have heard of photographers who freely use the good name of other industry professionals as a way to build their credibility and imply an endorsement from those people. Do they compliment other professionals in their statements? When they compliment others, do they say or imply that they work with them, have worked with them, or they are friends? Pay attention! What they say or claim may not be true. Words are cheap.
There are some so called photographers running scams who drop good names as references just to lure the model into a false sense of security. The model ends up falling for the scam, bad things happen to her, and the good names of the references are tarnished by the actions of the scam photographer. Why do models let these things happen?
Well, there is a way to prevent it from happening. If you cannot get them to state their references in writing before the consultation or go see, here's how you do it.
The model needs to add REFERENCE STATEMENTS and REFERENCE VALIDATION FORMS to their go see kit. They also need to pack a small CASSETTE RECORDER like the ones used to take notes in college classrooms.
If the photographer starts naming industry professionals as references or "friends" of his during the go see or consultation, they model needs to make them sign a REFERENCE STATEMENT and list all of their references. The REFERENCE STATEMENT authorizes the model to record the verbal statements from the photographer, and the model has the photographer fill out one REFERENCE VALIDATION FORM for every reference while they record the statements from the photographer. The model then faxes the Reference Validation Forms to the references BEFORE she works with the photographer or commits to working with them. The model then keeps the tape for safe keeping to be used as evidence if it is ever needed. We recommend that the model takes the recording (called a verbal disposition in court) and digitally records it as an MP3 file on their computer. The model then takes the MP3 file and backs it up on a CD ROM and/or sends it out to the references for their records.
There will be more on this in our VERIFYING REFERENCES TUTORIAL.

Do they have range?
Look at the photographer's online portfolio on their web site first. Do they have range? Allow us to explain what this term means. Just like a model needs to have a range of marketable, tasteful looks demonstrated on their composite cards and in their portfolio for prospective bookings, a photographer should have a range of shooting styles, model types, and different types of photography work demonstrated in their portfolio. Do they only have pictures of models? If so, are they only of a particular style like glamour or nudes? The photographer is only as good as the photographic range that they demonstrate. Possible range segments include casual, editorial, fashion, commercial, swim suit, glamour, and runway. None model types of photography include things like event, commercial, and wedding photography. Bonuses include tear sheets, samples of composite cards, and other types of work that demonstrate the final output of what they do. Remember- If you need them to give you pictures that you can use as professional tools, you have every right to be selected. After all, you are the client, and you are hiring the photographer to give you what you need in regards to range of looks. You are the boss!
Just like a wedding photographer may not be suited to do modeling portfolio work, someone who specializes in glamour and nude photography, with little to show in other categories, may not be suited to do the job that you need done. The better the demonstrated range, especially with model portfolio work, the better job that they will be capable of doing for you.
Look at their compositional range in their model portfolio photography samples. Do all the models look the same? Are they all in the same poses? Are they all in the same locations? Are they all done in the studio with the same backdrops? Limits in this range can indicate that the photographer is not as good as their first impression, and can also indicate a lack of creativity, a photographer who copies the work of other photographers, and poor compositional skills. Additionally, all photographer with a large amount of studio work in their portfolio need to be able to demonstrate that they can get good portfolio results on location shoots, too! It is not possible to shoot a good, solid portfolio in a studio, as all of the pictures tend to look the same and have the same "feel". A photographer who cannot demonstrate photographic range probably is not going to be able to do a good job shooting a model portfolio.
Photographers who do most of their work in a studio may be doing it to cover up a lack of skill and talent. It is far easier to shoot in the studio than it is on location, as location work requires a trained eye and compositional talent as well as skill.
THE MAJORITY OF PORTFOLIO PICTURES SHOULD BE LOCATION SHOTS.
You can afford to be selective, as there are plenty of other great photographers out there who can do a better job at a better rate! Remember: You are hiring them to do a service for you. They have to be able to sell you their ability based on solid work and a well ranged portfolio. They depend on clients like you to make money!

Check your gut feeling.
Do they do any work which will not reflect on you well?
Are they ethical?
Is it really a TFP photography offer?
Do they promise to find you jobs or offer to manage you as a model?
Set up a meeting in a public place. Do not meet at their place or let them know where you live.
Get the terms in writing- and take one of our model release agreements along.
If they do not cooperate with your requests and do not respect you as a model, feel free to walk away, LET US KNOW ABOUT IT, and count yourself lucky. Better safe than sorry.
For more help, go HERE for some articles and tutorials which will expand your knowledge on how to deal with photographers. Not all photographers are who they seem, and a model cannot be too careful. Please let us know of any unusual experiences that you have with photographers by CONTACTING US. If you suspect that they are a scam or are trying to scam or otherwise deceive and mislead you, go HERE to cross reference their actions against scam patterns. If they are a scam and they either tried to scam you or have scammed you, go HERE for help with reporting them to the authorities, dealing with them, and finding an attorney.

Modeling Scams And Unethical Models

Independent Modeling Florida Model Scam Analysis Data Base

Revision 2.14 - NOVEMBER 2004

Scam index in order of date posted and threat level threshold. There are fourteen model scam categories and four unethical model categories, for a total of eighteen scam categories. A new scam category about PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION SCAMS is due this month. Click on entries in categories for more information. These observations are professional opinions from modeling professionals. If anyone has reason to believe that these opinions are incorrect or inaccurate in any way, let us know, and we will look into your claim. This scam analysis section is intended to help the modeling industry and promote fair, ethical business practices in the industry. We are sure that true industry professionals appreciate this, comprehend what we are doing, and respect this service. We are doing the right thing, and will fight to protect our rights. If anyone knows of a scam or have been scammed, please REPORT IT .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MODEL SCAMS - UNETHICAL MODELS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Model Scams- Not always easy to recognize or easily defined, a scam is basically defined as someone profiting at the expense of another using deceptive tactics, or, in some cases, taking advantage of the less informed. Even if the services or product is legitimate, deceptive trade practices alone makes it a scam! Don't take these scam categories as hard definitions- many scams are combinations of two or more of the following defined categories, and none of them are good for the career of the model. These are brief definitions that will help you identify the basic patterns of scams. At the bottom of each category, there are special buttons for you to use. These buttons are samples, and although they are displayed as active they do not work. The real buttons are below. Faded buttons are non-functioning and "on" buttons are linked.

REPORT A SCAM - You can report a scam if you know of one, and this will lead you to a tutorial on who to contact and how to go about it.

MORE ON SCAM- This button will lead you to a tutorial expanding the scam definition and educating you more about that type of model scam.

GET SCAM TOOL - This will take you to either an ASA Anti Scam Agreement designed to counter the scam or a menu of various counter-scam tools. These tools are powerful, help undermine any scam scheme that could be used against you, and are available to you free of charge.

Remember: While these model scam definitions are in the context of con artists scamming models, any industry professional can be scammed, and they are being scammed every day. These scams can be applied to photographers, businesses, and other industry professionals as well as models. Also note that the best way of fighting any scam is to educate yourself with the knowledge on this site and to CLARIFY and VERIFY any business relationship that you are in.

MODEL SCAM PATTERN ANALYSIS

Click On a Title Or Description Synopsis For Expanded Information

MODEL SLANDER AND DEFAMATION SCAMS - DO THEY TALK BAD ABOUT SOMEONE? CONSIDER THE SOURCE.
MODEL JOB SCAMS - IS IT A JOB GO SEE OR A SALES PITCH FOR USELESS SERVICES?
MODEL EXPLOITATION SCAMS - DO THEY WANT TO MAKE MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF YOUR REPUTATION?
MODEL SCOUTING SCAMS - DO YOU REALLY HAVE MODEL POTENTIAL, OR ARE YOU JUST A SUCKER?
MODEL AGENCY SCAMS - DO THEY MAKE MONEY FROM BOOKING MODELS OR SHOOTING PORTFOLIOS?
MODEL MARKETING SCAMS - JUST BECAUSE IT IS ON TV OR THE RADIO DOES NOT MAKE IT THE REAL DEAL!
MODEL SEARCHES AND MODEL CONVENTION SCAMS - THE GREAT SET UP TO CASH OUT.
MODEL MANAGEMENT SCAMS - DO THEY GET PAID FROM GETTING MODELS WORK OR MAKING THEM PAY?
MODEL SCHOOL AND MODEL CONSULTATION SCAMS - DO THEY HURT MORE THAN HELP? THE BAD INVESTMENT EXPLAINED.
MODEL FRAUD AND CRIME AGAINST MODELS - THEFT, CONS, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND WORSE. GET THE SCOOP HERE.
MODEL WEB SITE SCAMS - IS THE WEB SITE THE REAL DEAL? NOT EVERYONE CAN BE LIKE US, AND MOST ARE NOT.
MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY SCAMS- PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH NO REAL SKILL WHO LIE ABOUT THEIR REFERENCES, AND MUCH MORE.
MODEL CON ARTIST SCAMS - IT'S ONE THING TO RIP OFF MODELS, BUT IT'S WORSE WHEN THE MODELS BELIEVE A LIE.

NEW! MODEL SCAM ENABLERS- UNETHICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO SELL OUT AND ASSIST MODEL SCAMS - ADDED 9/13/04.

CLARIFY AND VERIFY ™
Be professionally responsible in your modeling career.
Independent Modeling cares about your career, and you should, too.

INDEPENDENT MODELING - TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - SINCE SEPTEMBER 4, 2001

ndependent Modeling, Independent Modeling.Com . Published from Tampa Bay, Florida.