How to Hire a Model Portfolio Photographer

Photo by Bob Pardue – All Rights Reserved

Model is Crystal

A question about price… Is the price of a modeling portfolio as important as the results? Well, yes and no. It depends upon what you consider a bargain. We live in a price oriented world today and having model pictures done is no exception.

Are you really concerned about price or cost? The difference is that you can find products and services cheap but will they last or be what you expected? If you have to do it over the cost is greater than the more expensive one to begin with!

With that said, here is the question and my suggestions about the price of a model portfolio …

Hi,

 

I really love your newsletters and enjoy reading them! I had a question that I was hoping you may be able to help me with. I recently answered an open call about a photographer who neededs models to update his photography website.

I met with the photographer and he seemed nice and helpful. However, my look is not what he is looking for his promotion but he said he wants to help me build a portfolio for a discount price because he thinks I have the model look and that I can go somewhere.

I looked at his work and I really liked his style.

Do you think 4 looks for $200 and then composite cards for $2 each is a good deal or am I being ripped off?

Please let me know.

 

Thanks!

Arpita

 

Thanks for reading the newsletters and I hope they will help in your career.

 

Photography rates are a touchy subject. There are so many factors involved such as

 

- area or state

- what’s included such as makeup artist or hair stylist

- number of looks (outfits, hair, makeup)

- number of photos

- delivery method.. CD, prints or both

- number of images retouched

- usage rights (be sure you are able to use images for promotion in print and on the web)

 

and on and on.

 

So, to really sidestep your question, price is many times irrelevent.

 

When I do a portfolio session, my rates are higher than the $200 but I only shoot one session per day. We do the makeup and take whatever time is necessary to make sure the model gets the images he or she needs for the portfolio. Then, all images are retouched and airbrushed for a “magazine” look.

 

This is the only way we can offer a 100% guarantee. The model doesn’t feel rushed and has a lot of fun and the pictures reflect that.

 

Please consider all these factors before choosing a photographer and ask lots of questions.

 

Then, if you like the style and results from this particular model photographer set your appointment and don’t worry too much about price as long as it’s reasonable and within your budget.

 

Hope this helps!

Bob

bobpardue.com

Professional Model Portfolios

“We Focus on You”

Tags: female model, female photographer, getting ready, girl model, girl modeling, hire a model portfolio photographer, model, model photographer, model shoot, modeling, modeling portfolio, modeling shoot, photo session, photo shoot, picture session, price of model portfolio