Secrets to Successful Model Calls
We all know the importance of having a good portfolio for our business. At the same time, it is not that easy when started (or changing genres) to get into the new market and start to book clients. This is when model calls become crucial. However, I hear about these common struggles all the time!
Not sure where to cast the model call
Only attracting bargain seekers wanting free stuff
Not getting the results we needed
Here are my secrets to running a very successful model call.
Why are you running model calls?
It is actually really important to know why you need to run a model call. The goal for the model call is to help YOU build your portfolio. It is the number 1 priority to get what YOU need out of a model call than serving the models. Of course, your models need to be compensated in some way but you are not here to meet their needs.
I do model calls when I am getting into a new genre. Or if I need to update my portfolio for some reason--like, covid paused Fresh 48 in-hospital newborn for me for a long time and I wanted to have new images to reflect the current situations. Or I had to do a model call for some of my projects.
If the model's vision and your vision don't line up, unless you are open to experiment with their ideas or suggestions, you don't have to bend towards them for model calls. They can always pay someone who is a better fit.
Be very specific about YOUR requirements.
To get what you need for your portfolio, you have to be VERY specific. By listing all the specific requirements in your model call, you will have a much easier time finding a good fit. It will save both you and the applicants' time as well.
Why you are running a model call (portfolio? project? commercial?)
What type of photo session
When the session will take place
Where the session will be
What wardrobe requirements you have
Age, family size, ethnicity etc of the model(s)
If you are providing wardrobe/hair and makeup or if they are responsible
What their compensation will be
Any other specific requirements you have
Know what is a must and what can be negotiated and stick to it.
Model release is a MUST.
Since the reason why you are running a model call is to have images to use for your portfolio or project, a model release is a must. And you need to have them sign the release before you take the photos. The last thing you want is after going through the whole process to find out that your models don't want you to share their images.
I also try my best to be on the safer side and get both parents' signatures when working with minors for model calls. You also don't want to get involved in the potential drama of one spouse approaching you to claim that he/she does not give permission and it was all the other spouse's doing. This can get a little tricky when the birth parents are divorced and are not on good terms. Good thing is that I found it relatively rare for things like this to happen during a model call. However, it is something I have ran into quite a few times for my regular paying clients so I am always aware of this and trying to be proactive about this.
Where to run model calls?
My first choice is always my close friends. I know I can trust them and they know they can trust me. It is much easier to find someone who is willing to give you full creative freedom. I will also ask them to refer me to someone who might be interested.
Over the years, I have build up a good email list and past client base. That's where I run my model calls the most. My photo sessions are not cheap so whenever I have an opportunity for past/potential clients to get images at a discount or even free, they will run to get it! Also, these people already are interested in my work so I don't need to spend extra time explaining my whole philosophy.
If I somehow cannot get any leads through my existing network and resources, I will run my model call on social media. I still try to avoid the buy/sell groups on FB in general because that's literally where people go for bargains and it will be really hard to get them to go the extra mile to help you. (I love thrifting but that is just not the best resource for model calls IMO. )
Free of charge always?
I hear these question quite often--are model calls supposed to be totally free? How many images should I give for free?
There is no one right answer to this. From my experience of doing commercial works, the photo session expenses usually comes out of marketing budget and models the sessions are compensated. So for smaller businesses or our own business, model call sessions are part of our marketing investment/budget.
In some ways, I don't mind doing sessions totally for free in exchange of total creative control and the usage of those images. I am paying with my time and some other hard costs. But in the grand scheme, you are making money off these images so they worth quite a bit to your business.
With that being said, it doesn't mean that you have to give everything away for free and then add some. I only promise very minimum amount of images especially if it's a session for me to experiment. And I have also tried to upsell the rest of the gallery with great success. (To do this you will need to set the expectations straight in advance, letting them know in your initial model call that you will give them X amount of images with the option to purchase additional images. No one likes a bait and switch. )
Another favorite way of doing a model call for myself is to charge a discounted session fee but including the original price(valued at XYZ) in the description. This way, others know what they are getting is of great value. And you will still be able to get some compensation for your time and costs right away.
After the model call.
I always add in something as a way of showing my appreciation. Sending them a thank you note at the end of the year or a small print from their session can go a long way. It might turn them into your actual paying clients.
Another way to take advantage of the model call is to follow up with the applicants. They submitted their application because they are somewhat interested in your service. I have offered a small discount towards booking an actual session with me before. Or at least used their info to build my "potential client/models" email list. (I also make it known that they are opting in my email communication when sending me the model call application.) At least I know who I could contact for my next model call.
