I'm not sure if this is exactly the right place to post this question, but oh well. I have been asked to do a bondage photoshoot with another woman for about a 3-4 hour session. What I want to know is, how much should I expect to be paid for this? This is my first paid gig, and the photographer wants me to give him a price range first. Have any of you done this type of work? How much should I ask for?
Opinions needed!
- Thread starter B_Kshelby67
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It really depends. What is it going to be used for? How much experience do you have with modeling? How much is the photographer willing to pay? How experienced is the photographer and what is the approximate budget of the shoot?
You may want to look at Model Mayhem or One Model Place (websites) and sign up-- they may have some general guidelines for you.
When I use models for my own shoots, I generally do time-for-print where they get paid in prints of the shoot for them to keep for their portfolio or other promotional work-- comp cards, etc. Honestly, I've had more models pay me to shoot them than the other way around.
If you are doing nude work asl for more. If it's clothed or semi clothed, ask for less. If the work will be for sale to the general public, ask for more. On the other hand, if this is fine art or work for the photographer's portfolio, ask for less.
If I was doing something for my portfolio, I'd offer the model $100 to $150 for the shoot, provided he/she has some experience, paid or not. If I was shooting for something where I'd get paid or where I was selling the work to a website, for example, I'd offer a bit more.
To make my long, rambling point in a concise way-- start at $150 and adjust from there. If you want, post in this thread or PM me and let me know as many details of the shoot as you can and I'll be able to give you more of a ballpark. Pay rates for models can be infinitely variable.
You may want to look at Model Mayhem or One Model Place (websites) and sign up-- they may have some general guidelines for you.
When I use models for my own shoots, I generally do time-for-print where they get paid in prints of the shoot for them to keep for their portfolio or other promotional work-- comp cards, etc. Honestly, I've had more models pay me to shoot them than the other way around.
If you are doing nude work asl for more. If it's clothed or semi clothed, ask for less. If the work will be for sale to the general public, ask for more. On the other hand, if this is fine art or work for the photographer's portfolio, ask for less.
If I was doing something for my portfolio, I'd offer the model $100 to $150 for the shoot, provided he/she has some experience, paid or not. If I was shooting for something where I'd get paid or where I was selling the work to a website, for example, I'd offer a bit more.
To make my long, rambling point in a concise way-- start at $150 and adjust from there. If you want, post in this thread or PM me and let me know as many details of the shoot as you can and I'll be able to give you more of a ballpark. Pay rates for models can be infinitely variable.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
Since you are a female in BDSM porn, shoot for more than $ 100-150 for a 3-4 hour shoot, that's a lowball number. Year's ago that's what males usually got paid when given the opportunity to be with a known big name female in the industry. I used to work for a guy that did stock photography, modeling agencies charged $ 75-100/hour regardless of experience. Modeling Agency submitted the model's cards, photographer picked who and what he was after. As for a release, make sure the release has your best interests. You'd be surprised how long the revenue life cycle is for stills and in your case, video.
B_ScaredLittleBoy
Experimental Member
A modeling agency may charge $100-$150 an hour, but they get a fairly large chunk of that. When you go with an agency, there comes with it a few benefits that you don't get with someone not affiliated with one and you pay a premium for it.
At any rate, there are so many variables that I would need to know to make any sort of assessment. $150 was my minimum and that was for portfolio work, not for anything that was to be commercially released.
The other complicating factor is that photographers run the gamut from pretty much hobbyists that aren't doing big budget shoots all the way to ones that get tens of thousands of dollars for a shoot.
More data needed.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
Let's not fool ourselves, business is business and this BDSM shoot is no different. Those involved seeking to lure others in are trying to get it done for rock bottom cost to maximize their return/profit. It'll be 3-4 hours of being directed, the sex won't be about models who actually enjoy female-female BDSM, so if you think you'll be there to have a great time sexually, think again.
As for still photoshoots, the modeling agencies have no idea of who's going to be the next hot model and they'll send you anyone that comes up with the money for modeling cards. Regardless of the benefits of the agency vs self-representation, the rate is the rate. If the photographers need a certain person/look, they need to pay the rate. Nobody likes being low-balled. You'd be surprised how much money is really available for any project regardless of whether you think others are on a tighter budget because that's what they portrayed it to you as. What they don't spend, they pocket for themselves and those people don't lose any sleep over whether the model ever gets paid beyond minimum wage or whether they even get another shoot after they get what they're after. There is such a phenomena as oversaturation for models, that is having a photographer having too many pictures of the same model. The guy I worked for, he was something else when it came to playing the "no money" in the budget song and getting whatever he could out of those that worked on a shoot, yet when he was depositing and spending the royalty money, that wasn't any concern. I will say many of his clients were Getty Images stock photo shoots. Trust me, Getty doesn't send anyone work that loses money.
PussyWellington
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Snoozan- Thank you for the info. The guy contacted me through onemodelplace. I'll getback to you with all that info.
transformer99- It isn't a porn shoot. Just simple bondange, topless, with no other nudity. Still photo- not video. Thank you for your imput though.
transformer99- It isn't a porn shoot. Just simple bondange, topless, with no other nudity. Still photo- not video. Thank you for your imput though.
Most photographers aren't shooting for Getty. There's a lot more going on in the photo business than what you're talking about. In fact, many photographers aren't in business at all. That's why I asked for more information.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
Kshelby67, don't be fooled by who contacted you and thru what agency or medium. The guy I worked for used them as well as many other modeling agencies. Granted those weren't porn shoots, but everyone of them was a photoshoot obtained thru Getty Images. On some shoots, he even advertised thru craigs list.
dirtyde, name dropping would be a good description if only it fit. what I indicated is the truth. I witnessed it firsthand as an employee.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
Take your pick of who shoots for themselves or whoever else. It's the same game. What you're implying is like saying that health insurance isn't the same game with BCBS, just because we're talking about United Healthcare ? The industry is what it is.
PussyWellington
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As I mentioned to you in the PM, maybe this joke is too subtle for the American style of humour.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
Please don't lecture me on the industry that I've made my living in for the last 10 years.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
I've been around that industry since 1987 in one form or another, I guess that would mean I have about 20 years firsthand knowledge of it thru several photographers and have seen this same pattern of behavior from each. The formula/business model works. It's quite successful. It's one that is emulated because it's successful. I'd dare say that even before my witness, even knowledge of it, it's been the same and long after I'm gone, models will be handed a blanket photo release at the end of every photo shoot. That's why when someone asks my opinion, go after every penny you can get out of it. You never know what end/means the pictures will be used for.
if i just say you're right will you stop PMing me with the names of the photographers you've worked for and telling me how much more you know about my business than i do? let's try that, shall we?
ok fine. you're 100% right, and i am wrong. you understand the photography business much better than i do. i am now vacating this thread having said what i felt was appropriate.
ok fine. you're 100% right, and i am wrong. you understand the photography business much better than i do. i am now vacating this thread having said what i felt was appropriate.
transformer_99
Experimental Member
I send you a single PM because you challenged me openly in this topic with your post, what I said is true and you turn it into this ? I wasn't after being 100 % right and you being wrong or even running you off from the thread. I'm certain you are very knowledgable about how business is conducted in the industry as you've been in it for 10 years successfully.
Hollywood is called the "boulevard of broken dreams" for a reason. Someone embarking on a modeling career needs to be told up front how the game is played, otherwise they become a candidate for failure just the same. Understanding the game and your adversaries doesn't ensure success or longevity, but it does give another a fighting chance at success. The original poster asked for advices, we all gave the best we had to offer. I was surprised the photographer she indicated didn't already have a figure quoted to her.
The PM was the only one you'll ever receive from me, it's not like I asked you to rate my penix ?
transformer_99
Experimental Member
One last word of advices, you need to ask yourself why you are being approached for this type of work ? Do they see a fresh face/body, one that is marketable ? The other girl, you need to understand her role in all of this, is she also a rookie or a seasoned veteran ? Because although you may never see the still, photo layouts are marketed globally. Magazines, videos of BDSM and other "fetishes" are easily published abroad. It's not everyday you get approached to do certain photoshoots. If this is a career option/choice, approach it with the same professionalism you would as an accountant, lawyer, doctor, nurse or engineer. There's a lot going on in this world and knowledge is power.
Edit: And one last thing I forgot to mention, as a model, require that you get a copy on dvd of all digital raw images or video footage from the photoshoot, that way you have a copy for yourself and the right to use them for any purpose you see fit, make sure whatever release you are given has these privileges written into them. You'll find that will work for your portfolio, even if you so desire to start a website of your own with subscriptions. Know any lawyers, they may help you out with a review of any contracts you will be approached with.
kshelby, I'm glad you are asking questions before saying "yes."
I can't address the commercial issues, since I am amateur in the photo area, and there are obviously several who have inside info on the industry.
I will make a point (I've seen from your posts that you are pretty bright, so this is most likely just reinforcement:biggrin1: ) that has not been made so far: Check the photographer's credentials VERY thoroughly, and keep yourself safe. You could even ask the photographer if you could bring your boyfriend along. It doesn't matter if you have a boyfriend or not, but it would be nice if you could have a male friend there.
I can't address the commercial issues, since I am amateur in the photo area, and there are obviously several who have inside info on the industry.
I will make a point (I've seen from your posts that you are pretty bright, so this is most likely just reinforcement:biggrin1: ) that has not been made so far: Check the photographer's credentials VERY thoroughly, and keep yourself safe. You could even ask the photographer if you could bring your boyfriend along. It doesn't matter if you have a boyfriend or not, but it would be nice if you could have a male friend there.
Thank you so much everyone. I really didn't want to ruffle feathers 
Everyone's imput is really going to be useful to me. I cannot tell you all how much I appriciate it.
Everyone's imput is really going to be useful to me. I cannot tell you all how much I appriciate it.
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