Got ants in your pants waiting for Summer? Now is the time to plan for upcoming shoots by working through new ideas and finding the perfect models to book for them. Hit up CraigsList, ModelMayhem and of course OneModelPlace to track down models that want to update their portfolios or who charge within your project's talent budget.
Send them enough information so they know what they are getting into but leave out any details that would give away your idea. I know several photographers who have fallen victim to models gleaning ideas and shooting them with other less creative or less expensive photographers. Most of the time, you'll find the models pleasant and great to work with. Another method of finding top notch, established models is to hit up your local photography club and ask for models that might be interested in working with you.
The best way to introduce yourself is to meet out of the studio at a public spot for lunch or coffee. I know this sounds bizarre but I've had several experiences that could have been avoided by meeting first. Let's just say I don't appreciate a model bringing along her "OG" to case my studio while she tries to distract me. I've also met several models that were incredibly nervous and meeting them in a non-professional atmosphere took the edge off. So meet your talent in the best way for both of you. Don't just lean toward what is convenient to you, compromise a bit and you'll find the model will be much easier to work with.
Once you've broken the ice it's time to start brainstorming. I like to work in collaborative environments and I appreciate input from the talent I work with. I'm not saying that you always have to modify your shoot, just know that most people like to participate and if you give them a way to have more fun by being part of the creative process they will be that much more interested in the final outcome of the photo session. I'll usually bring up my idea and bounce it off the model, then I ask the model what she envisions and see if we are on the same track. If we aren't, I do my best to explain what I need from her to make my vision happen and if her idea is sound I offer to shoot that as well. Again, it's all about having fun and opening up creative channels.
