Lets Shoot Tomorrow Gk68

LET’S SHOOT
TOMORROW!
How to attract TfP models and work together successfully
Michael Zelbel and Daenarios VC.
LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

Copyright © 2019 Zelbel Ltd & Co.KG, Krefeld, Germany
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chap ter 1: “ We H ave to Pos t p on e i t . . . ” 1
Chap ter 2 : Why T f P is D e a d 5
Chap ter 3: H ow I D is c ove re d Wi n - Wi n fo r Me 9
Chap ter 4 : S uc c es s B a s ic s 13
Is it a win-win situation? 16
Is it safe? 17
Is it the right thing to do? 18
Do they pay attention? 18
Chap ter 5 : C onv in c in g C om mu n i c at i on 19
How Humans Make Decisions 19
The Lymbic Operating System 21
Your Message 23
Building Blocks of the Pitch 23
References (if you have them) 23
Chap ter 6: Op p ortun ity M e e t s P rep a rat i on 25
Chap ter 7: Who’s a Tf P m o de l? 29
Friends and Family 30
Kate and the Dragon Tattoo 31
Strangers 34
Lara, Inspiring Us for Bodyscapes 34
Social Networks 37
Pia, the Tattoo Artist 39

Associations and Social Clubs 41
Cocoís First Adventure in Germany 42
Adult Communities 44
Claudia Exploring the Joy of Nudes 45
Photographers 46
Samara, a Talent Behind and in Front of the Lens 47
Hobbyist Models 49
Schuschu, Femme Fatale and Bombshell 51
Professional Models 54
Sophia, an Elegant Mermaid 55
Clients 56
Mrs. Wang, Bride to Be 57
Chap ter 8 : M o d el C om muni t i e s 59
Model Mayhem 60
Model Management 61
Chinese Modelling and Photography Communities 61
Chap ter 9 : D e a l in g with Rej e c t i o n 63
Chap ter 10 : NO SH OWS 67
7 Steps for Avoiding No-Shows 69
Step 1: References and Reviews 69
Step 2: Factor No-Shows and Lateness Into Your Planning 69
Step 3: Discuss Cancellation Options Up-Front 70
Step 4: Start Communicating Early and Build it Up 72
Step 5: Coordinate Closely on Transportation Plans 73

Step 6: Set Up Public and Peer Accountability 74
Step 7: Get your TfP Model to Invest in the Shoot 75
Does Not Work: Retainer Payments 76
Chap ter 11: H e l p in g he r Fe e l C o mfort ab le 77
What Has Worked 78
A Clear No-Touch Policy 78
Having Women at the Set 79
Connecting Her with Previous Models 80
Let Her Shoot a BTS Video 80
Share the Shoot Plan Upfront 81
Sharing the Model Release Upfront 82
Caring for a Changing-Room 83
Heating up the Studio in Winter 84
Being Vulnerable 84
What Didnít Work So Well 87
Providing Food and Drinks on the Set 87
Playing Music She Likes During the Shoot 88
Let Her Bring a Chaperone 89
Chap ter 12 : H ow to S ay No G ra c e fu lly 91
Lastly, It’ s s til l a num b ers ga me 94
Ackn owle d gem e n ts 96
AB OUT TH E AU T H OR 97

CHAPTER 1
“ We H av e t o P o s t p o n e i t . . . ”
T
he response to my new project was
amazing. Every photo model I pitched for
collaboration raved about the concept.
The photo project I approached them
about, “Minds Unveiled,” would showcase them in a
way that projected inner strength and confidence.
When I showed them my sleek and stylish, designer-
created website, it helped to win many of them
over. The work that had been put into this reflected
a refined concept that was ready to move off
the ground. The models themselves only needed
to spare ten minutes of their time for inclusion in a
fresh, ground-breaking project with a social and
empowering message.
Yet the expected response just never materialised.

Four weeks from launch turned into four months, and
the number of participants I had photographed
remained the same: a big fat zero. Despite all the
contacts and encouraging words, not a single
model managed to join the project. Things always
came up at the last minute. Last minute excuses
My project aimed to feature many became no-shows and indefinite postponement.
people who were proud of themselves Finally, these became complete cancellations. After
and their body. The viewer had to all the work I had put into starting the project, and
“unveil” them with a click. after all the enthusiastic responses I had received
at the beginning, the true results were demotivating.
LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 1

I was unwilling to just give up and call it quits. so much nudity saturates our media. We fixate
Something nagged at me to find out why my on that person’s nakedness, and perhaps some
project could not get off the ground. In order of us may appreciate the beauty of the human
to understand why, I needed to go back to the body. But what is often overlooked is the state
beginning. of mind of the model in that act of nudity itself.
What does he or she feel, at that moment, right
before the click of the shutter? What could he
My name is Michael Zelbel, and I am an amateur or she possibly be thinking? It is an ironic thing
boudoir and glamour photographer. I am in love that the most intelligent species of creature on
with the female body, not only for its own sake, planet Earth can, in general, feel so much fear
but for everything it also represents. From its and anxiety over the natural state they were
femininity to its sexuality, and most importantly, to born into. Is this shame, fear, and guilt over the
the people these bodies are an intrinsic part of, human body a natural state? Some people are
the female form represents beauty to me. I aspire certainly invested in that idea, but I think that this
to communicate this beauty in all my work. When is an artificial condition that has been imposed
I photograph women, I feel like I photograph on us.
and celebrate life itself.
From my years of experience photographing

I have been doing this for 10 years, and I also friends and clients for boudoir and glamour
publish “Good Light!” magazine, where I and photography, one insight I have gained is that
other experienced photographers provide when no more clothes separate our bare skin,
useful tips to budding photographers to help and we no longer hide from the view of others,
them on a rewarding journey. Beyond this, my the self-confidence and strength of mind of the
wife Emily and I are also relationship coaches, naked person becomes evident. This is not to
and we guide couples interested in forming rock say that everybody whom I have seen nude
solid, playful and loving relationships with each has been fearless, powerful, and invincible. All
other. I mention this because it is going to play a of my subjects have at various stages eventually
role in this book, not because I want to promote discarded those external sources of judgement.
our service. That’s a valid excuse, isn’t it? They got over it, even if only temporarily. They
were finally able to acknowledge the beauty of
who they are and also come to terms with their
One of the things I have noticed in my years own vulnerability.
of boudoir photography is how much self- In our years of relationship coaching also, my
confidence and assuredness is needed to be wife and I have seen how inhibitions can impede
naked in front of others. Perhaps when we see a a life. They hinder even something as basic as
nude today, we might feel a little jaded because honesty and openness with a partner. We are
2 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

not judgemental because these are conditions an online exhibition so that viewers would be
anybody could find themselves in. We are able to participate at their own comfort and
interested in helping, and one of the ways we convenience. The exhibition must also have
do this is by encouraging baby steps. an interactive concept. At first, the models and
subjects in the exhibition would be veiled and
shrouded. The viewer would be invited to unveil
Baby steps were on my mind because one of the the model, and with the click of the mouse,
things I have wanted to do is to help free more he would reveal not mere nakedness, but the
people from their externally imposed inhibitions. beautiful mind and all its aspects reflected in
Why, for example, should they continue to feel the faces and bodies of the nude, such as its
guilt, fear, and shame when these things may no joy, its vivacity, its desire, the confidence, the
longer control their lives unless they choose to happiness, serenity, love, and benevolence. My
allow it? I became more and more convinced project and exhibition would be called “Minds
that it truly takes a good deal of strength and Unveiled.”
a lot of courage to overcome the harmful
conditions and education imposed on us in
our childhood years when we were eminently I was so confident that this project would
vulnerable and impressionable. This strength be successful that I started right away on the
and courage and the desire to overcome and website. Within a short time, I had managed
be more than our limitations alone planted the to set it up. I shot a few photos with my
seed of the idea in me that we possess beautiful existing friends and models and used them as
minds. It soon became an obsession for me to samples I could show to others. Then, I started
find the perfect way to capture and represent approaching anybody whom I thought would
the beautiful mind, in the same way I have be confident and strong, who would fit the
striven to photograph the beauty of the human archetype of the person I would showcase in
body. But how does one represent and show my exhibition. The response from these confident
something that is known to exist, but cannot be and strong people was amazing. The idea
seen? I wanted to make this visible. My plan was and concept were groundbreaking. They had
to present people with role models they could never heard of something like this before. Yes,
aspire to. they would certainly want to be a part of this.
When I showed them how they only needed
to spare the time for a quick, ten-minute shoot
I came up with an idea to choose models in my studio to be portrayed in unique ways,
who were mentally strong, confident and their budding excitement convinced me that I
comfortable with themselves and able to face would enjoy runaway success. But many of them
their vulnerability before the eyes of others. did not even make appointments to show up.
This became my photo project. I decided on Or they promised me they would put it on their

to-do lists. Others made appointments, but something Why could none of the models I approached even
always got in their way at the last minute. Then they spare 10 minutes to take part in a project that they
wanted to postpone it but could not decide on a had raved about, which had been set up for their
date in advance. The variety and number of excuses complete ease? Why was the reception to my other
mounted as the weeks turned into months, and it was shoots, such as in Schuschu’s example, much better
a crushing experience. For some time, I felt like I was on received to the point that they were willing to invest
the verge of being defeated. time and effort into making it happen? I needed to
delve deep into psychology and science in order
to understand how people make choices. At first,
One day, when I had time, I had a moment of clarity. I I thought that this knowledge would help make my
contrasted the response I received to my project with pitches for projects more successful instead of getting
that of my other, lesser, easier to implement photoshoots. demoralised by rejection after rejection. I succeeded
One of my models, who didn’t have time for Minds beyond my expectations, and now I would like to
Unveiled, was Schuschu. I will talk more about her later share with you what I have discovered about this
in the book, but for now, it’s the cliff notes. I had gotten process. Get ready, as what you will discover in the
to know Schuschu from a mutual friend on Facebook. following pages will completely change the way you
Schuschu’s friend, Pia, had mentioned that Schuschu think about TfP collaborations and boost the success
would love to do a Jessica Rabbit styled photo shoot rates of your pitches.
but didn’t have a suitable costume. I picked up on that
and joined the conversation. I said that I could get Kaori was one of the
one such costume for her if Schuschu would be willing very few TfP models,
who actually found the
to arrange the logistics for the rest of the photoshoot. time to participate in
The main thing Schuschu needed to do was to get MindsUnveiled. She was
permission from the owners to shoot inside a stylish a proud mother to be
and loved her baby
and suitably themed bar. Apart from that, Schuschu belly. I made up for that
had to source for accessories to complete the look, by shooting some more
such as high heels and long purple gloves. Schuschu beautiful baby belly
photos for her and by
went out of her way to make the shoot happen. featuring her in an article
When the day came, we both had a lot of fun, and in Good Light Magazine
Schuschu and I now have Jessica Rabbit-themed Issue 06.
photos for my magazine and her portfolio, respectively.
In many respects, my experience with Schuschu was
typical of most of my shoots. In comparison with my
Minds Unveiled project, the models I approached
invested a lot of time and effort into making these
other shoots happen, even though the ideas and
themes behind them were not as extravagant.
This started me thinking on what had happened here?

CHAPTER 2
W hy T f P i s D e a d
This book is about “TfP” shoots. Originally a TfP has not worked for many photographers for
collaborative concept, the meaning of TfP has a very long time. TfP seems to have attained a
changed and evolved over time. TfP used to questionable reputation in the industry. I have
mean “time for prints” or “trade for prints” or even seen career models bashing the practice as
“time for pictures,” which meant an arrangement “unprofessional.” Perhaps they are worried
where a model would trade her time and her about hobbyists and amateurs destroying their
modelling skills for the pictures produced by the livelihoods by charging nothing for their skills. I have
photographer. Wikipedia provides hints1 that also seen photographers referring to the practice
many agencies will nowadays use it rather as as just “trade” rather than TfP. Might they be trying
an acronym for “test for prints.” This means that to separate themselves from the mostly amateurs
it would be a “test” shoot that would be free and hobbyists for whom TfP is still a mainstay for
of charge for the model at first, the costs being collaboration?
initially absorbed by the agency, to be recouped
only after the model has received payment for her
first booking. Many photographers, especially those just
starting, complain that it is now difficult, if not
downright impossible, to find models who are fine
I love the idea of TfP because of its purely working on a TfP basis. Your own experiences
collaborative nature. Photographer and model may or may not confirm this. TfP is certainly dead
alike work together to create art, with the art for those photographers who have become so
itself being the goal rather than monetary discouraged by the lack of responses that they
compensation. The more heart and soul both have given up completely, or worse, become
parties put into it, the more they would mutually jaded.
get out of it. However, this picture perfect, blue-sky
postcard view of TfP as a means of cooperation
is tainted by looming, dark storm clouds of reality.
1 Wikipedia, Time for print, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_for_print

Why did TfP work for a previous generation of SINGLE day, 95 MILLION pictures and (even
models and photographers, but not today? In videos) are being shared on Instagram alone.2
order to understand this, we should revisit the past. Photography hasn’t just been democratised.
In the 15th century, when an artist invested the It has also been “de-materialised” in that the
time to paint a person, this service was probably enjoyment, consumption and even production
worth a small fortune to the model. Skilled, of photographs no longer depends on print,
accomplished and renowned painters were very chemicals, and physical materials, and can
rare so that only the richest and most influential instead be accessed via the smartphone, via
members of society could afford art and being the internet and via the “cloud.” Photographs are
immortalised in paintings. Then, in the 19th and no longer the scarce resource they once were.
20th centuries, when a photographer created a Today, our lives OVERFLOW with them. There
photo of someone, it was a very laborious and are so many photographs today that people
time-intensive process to create photographs in a scarcely spare them more than a single glance.
chemical darkroom. This necessity for specialised Many photographs are not even looked at, much
technical skill was out of reach for the majority less remembered.
of people. Being in a good photograph was
definitely worth the model’s time. Depending on
its impact, it was even worth a lot of money. Now, let’s think of the value of photographs to
a model. With a mobile phone, she could easily
take flattering selfies. Her circle of friends and
However, things are very different in 2019. family most certainly includes a photographer
Technology, via digital cameras, smartphones, and hobbyist who will take photos of her and
image editing tools, and the next wave: AI assisted share them with her for absolutely free. If she has
digital editing, has democratised photography worked as a model, she would already have a
by making it cheap and easily available to the catalog of photos of herself in various poses
man and woman on the street. Megapixel counts and costumes. What do you, as a photographer,
have increased dramatically over the course of offer to the model that she could not easily and
a decade, and statistics show that now, every reliably get for herself over the course of her
2 Mary Lister, 33 Mind-Boggling Instagram Stats & Facts for 2018 (July 10, 2018),
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/04/20/instagram-statistics

natural, daily life? If this scenario already sounds We have to adapt to reality, or we will become
discouraging, what I am about to say will only irrelevant like the dinosaurs.
make it worse. While photographers are plentiful,
After telling you the bad news, it is time for the
and photographs are so easy to get they are
good. Realise that you needn’t be a dinosaur
practically a commodity, there is still only just one
like those who refuse to change. It’s so easy to
of her, and she is trading the most scarce resource
adapt that you could even do it with a big,
of all with you: her time. Steve Jobs condensed
happy smile on your face! This is what this book is
the essence of our current age in the sentence
about: a method for TfP that works and comes on
“It’s really clear that the most precious resource
like Gangbusters in today’s world.
we all have is time.” Like everybody in the modern
world, your potential TfP model has got more
duties than she can handle and a laundry list full
of open to-do’s that just haven’t been done. The key is that we are going to create a win-
win situation in every single shoot we undertake.
We are not giving just “images” to the model
unless “images” is really what she is after. Instead,
Does it seem like a fair trade when time, the
we provide her with an experience that she
most valuable resource we have, is exchanged
really wants to have. What experience that is
for photographs, a nearly worthless commodity?
varies from person to person and from situation
This is how the traditional approach of TfP is
to situation. One person might love to have a
perceived by models, and it is also why the
professional makeover, which we can arrange in
traditional approach does not work anymore.
a TfP agreement with a makeup artist. Another
person would give their left kidney to see their
image on a magazine cover. We could create
The common response among photographers is
opportunities for collaboration based on these
to lament and complain about this. They invested
unfulfilled wants and needs. In the following
a lot of money into their gear. They also have
pages, I will share my approach in more depth
put a lot of time into learning photography and
and detail, along with examples. I am going to
getting experience. All true, but the complaints will
show you how everything is put together to offer
not help these photographers take more pictures
the best TfP trade to your prospective models
of people or help bring their projects to life.
and collaborators.

For Pia, it was a precious experience to appear on a magazine cover. It was not a trade of her time
for pictures. Her shoot was a win-win situation for all of us.

CHAPTER 3
H ow I D i s c ove re d W i n - W i n Fo r M e
M
y personal trainer, Lyen Wong,
had what we’d call a “high quality
problem.” She had just won the Miss
Universe title in the Shape category.3
It was now official: She was the fittest woman on
the planet. Her physique was incredible and so
too was her humor and sunny, lighthearted ap-
proach to life. She was of Cuban and Chinese
ancestry and a STUNNING beauty. Thanks to
winning the coveted title of Miss Universe Shape
in 2005, Lyen became a big name in fitness.
Supplement and equipment brands started
approaching her for sponsorships. But instead
of leaving it all to others to build up her fame,
she took the proactive approach in personally
building her brand.
When I met her for a personal training session after

her victory, she was in the middle of creating a
fitness DVD for her fans. Her DVD, titled “The Wong
Way” would give viewers some insight into how
she acquired her incredible physique, as well as
Not only did Lyen need dramatic
what it took to maintain it. She had an entire film
photos for the cover of her DVD, but she
team working on the content of the DVD. She
needed video sequences of herself in a
played an active part in organising the sets in
professional bikini shoot.
which the film crew would film her in glamorous and
high energy scenes. During our workout, she told
me about one of the biggest and most immediate
problems she was facing in her production project.
3 Wikipedia, Lyen Wong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyen_Wong

One scene that was planned for the DVD should I tried to sound as cool and confident as possible
show her doing a photo shoot in a fancy studio. when I delivered my answer. “Ahem,” I cleared my
It had to be something like a bikini shoot. It should throat. “A little-known fact about Michael Zelbel,
look fashionable while her body was visible in yours truly. I am a photographer.” I let that sink in,
all its beauty. But she had never produced or then continued quickly.
organised a photo shoot before. Ever.
“It’s just a hobby, but if it helps you, I could do

“I need to find a photographer with a studio big a bikini shoot for you with your crew filming us. I
enough for my crew to film me during the shoot. could do it for free if you could help me with a
But I’ve burned through nearly my whole budget! photo or two for my upcoming portfolio of artistic
I can hardly pay a photographer, let alone find nudes. You would look spectacular in it. Or would
one with a suitable studio.” it be too wild for you to pose nude in front of a
camera?”
I could not believe my ears! The sunny and

beautiful, ultra-fit bodied Miss Universe Shape I had presented to daredevil Lyen the exact
did not have a photographer for her project? kind of challenge she could never say no to. She
My heart jumped up in excitement, and then accepted it without hesitation, and in an instant,
right into my throat. Have you ever had one of her biggest problem was solved. She was very
those moments where you wanted to jump at a happy. She was ecstatic. So was I, except for
chance, but also knew you were not quite up to a tiny matter: I had absolutely no idea on how
the game? By pure luck, you find yourself looking to do a bikini shoot. Michael Zelbel, for whom
at a once in a lifetime opportunity that you can’t photography really was “just a hobby” was not
take because you’re not quite ready for it. This lying when he said that. I had only just started,
was one of those moments for me, and what I did had attended two workshops in a camera club
next was about to bring me to a major discovery that I had recently joined and had exactly one
that changed my entire way of thinking about nice photo of my girlfriend to show for it. I thought
collaborative shoots. that was not bad for a beginner…

… but I felt dread when I realised I had to use free access to a professional studio where he
studio strobes for the shoot, of which I had exactly sometimes gave photo workshops. I decided to
zero experience with. call Herbert with a special pitch. It went something
like this:
My natural reaction to this situation would have

been to be paralysed by the fear, but I pride “Hi, Herbert! I managed to get a Miss
myself on quick thinking. At the camera club Universe to model for a shoot next week! She
that I had joined, I had made friends with a needs a bikini photo shoot for fun, but it needs
photographer who was a very seasoned veteran. to be filmed by a film crew for her new DVD. After
Herbert Wannhoff had been in photography the filming, we’re going to shoot a few nudes, but
for many years. He had amazing collections of without the crew. What do you think of us shooting
photos on display and in exhibitions, and he had together? You could help us set up the lights and
As for poses, we simply let Lyen go through the poses

of her Miss Universe Shape program. This way, my non-
existent posing skills did not show in our shoot.

help me a bit with the posing?” also being filmed by another videographer. As I
went through the motions, I had no clue if what I
I was relieved when Herbert went all-in on the
was doing made sense or if I was screwing it all up
idea. When we talked later to work out all the
and would end up looking stupid and feeling the
details, he even managed to bring in a bikini
same. If it hadn’t been for Herbert, I would have
brand that he was affiliated with. The brand
made an excuse to run away in three minutes of
would sponsor the shoot with their latest line-up
the shoot starting. That was how overwhelmed I
of exclusive beachwear if they could use some of
was. Somehow, I managed to muscle through it
the photos. When I told Lyen of the development,
all, and the photos turned out to be quite good.
she was ecstatic about it. Our shoot was showing
I can’t take any credit for it though. Even though I
a lot of promise. It was slowly turning into a
was the one pressing the shutter, it was all Herbert
major enterprise in its own right, rather than just a
and Lyen’s expert work. Herbert truly helped me
sideshow. The only question then was, could we
out a lot and gave guidance for everything I
deliver? This gave me some nerves.
needed to do or know. Lyen was a natural and
genuinely enjoyed the process of creation.
When the day of the shoot arrived, I knew it was

going to be complicated. But I didn’t expect it
After the video portion was done, what followed
to be SO complicated. To tell the story behind
next was the session for our artistic nudes. The
the creation of a single image, the crew of
video crew had packed up, and we had time to
professional videographers needed to shoot
relax and get ready. We were already stoked by
scenes from many different angles. Among others,
how good the photos from the previous session
these scenes were of the model posing for the
turned out, and we were in a very relaxed and
camera, of me shooting the model, of me directing
creative mood. The experience was amazing. I
Lyen, of how the both of us interacted and the
had never done a nude shoot before, and this
images from the back of the camera. The list was
was my first time ever. It was an amazing start and
endless. One funny moment was when I had to
Lyen’s photos today have their proud place in my
pretend to shoot the model when I was actually
nude art portfolio.
shooting the videographer in front of me, while

When we wrapped our shoot up, all of us looked 1. The film crew won, and they managed to
hungry. I ordered pizza for everybody. Even capture all the angles for all the scenes they
the calorie conscious Lyen found that she now wanted.
deserved a few slices of pizza. We sat around a
2. Lyen won and managed to complete a scene
big meal table, happily munching on pizza and
for her DVD without exceeding her budget.
filling our tummies. It was an atmosphere where
everybody was smiling and satisfied with the 3. The bikini brand won and managed to get
results of the day. photos of a celebrity using their latest and
most exclusive designs.
4. My friend and mentor Herbert won and
I put this moment down to that single point of
managed to get amazing nude and glamour
time where I realised I had discovered something
photos of a Miss Universe Shape title winner.
profound, a new concept, and later-on, the
number one tool I would resort to when trailblazing 5. I won too, because not only did I have
through the challenges of complex photo projects. enough photos to start my nude art portfolio,
I had organised a win-win situation for everybody I had also learned and acquired an amazing
at the table. If you’d like to be precise, I would amount of experience from this single shoot.
call it a win-win-win-win-win (pentuple win) situation.
Before the shoot, I was absolutely terrified that

something would go wrong just because of the
need to coordinate all the people involved in
our shoot. What I saw instead was that having
so many determined people in a team creates
incredible momentum. It is exactly this same
momentum which I use to create win-win scenarios,
and which I then use to bring to life many of my
TfP shoots.
Lyen felt so in love with our nude- and bikini

photos that she featured quite a number of them
on the DVD cover.

It turned out that my first TfP shoot would
also be the start of my nude art portfolio.
CHAPTER 4
Success Basics
A
t its most basic, to get a successful TfP Is it a win-win?
collaboration, you need to make a Is it safe?
good pitch to your potential model.
The pitch can be made through Is it the right thing to do?
many channels, such as in written casting calls Do they pay attention?
on modelling communities, or on social media.
You might make your pitches directly to the Do you pitch them the right way?
model by direct messages, or you might do it in Take away this key point: these checkboxes
person in a face to face interaction. You might should be ticked from the point of view of your
pitch to total strangers, or you might be able to potential model. You must be able to see things
do it when you are in discussion with them. The from their point of view. Experience and open
channels are diverse, but the requirements for a discussions with your potential model helps in
successful pitch share many things in common. making such an assessment, but a share of it
might be covered by common sense.
Let’s look into this in a little more detail.
Shasha is a TV actress in Beijing. She plays characters in a number of traditional Chinese dramas.
She is in front of cameras all the time. She is crazy busy. Would it be of value for her to get more
photos of herself? Not at all. But would it be interesting to be featured in a Youtube video that
gets the attention of tens of thousands western photographers? You bet!
Is it a win-win situation?
We have touched on this point on the value
of free photos in Chapter 2, but let’s go into it
once more in more detail. Free photos would be
a win for your clients who would otherwise have
to pay you for their photos. Would the subject
“
you are pitching to fall into this category? Would
they normally have to pay you for photos? If they
would not, this suggests that the photos would
not have any monetary worth to them. This means
the offer you make to them would not have any
She will get value to them, in and of itself. It’s not worth their
resources.
awesome
You may have a clear idea that you want them
photos for free!
”
to model for you, or otherwise, you would not
have pitched a TfP shoot to them in the first
place. But what’s in it for them?
This is where it’s best to communicate to your
potential model to find out what is a win for
them. It’s going to be very different things for
different people. It could be as simple as the
entertainment that comes with a photo shoot.
The story of Coco I will tell in a later chapter
is an example of that. It could be as complex
as creating film material for a documentary. We
had this in the example of Lyen Wong, related
in the previous chapter A lot of times, it will be
something that you might be able to arrange if
you go the extra mile. A free hairdo from a star
hairdresser, a professional make-over, a free
consultation on the best colors and shapes of
clothes with a stylist. Your subjects will often desire
very basic things, so don’t over complicate it.

Is it safe?
Think about this scenario. A model who may not 1. On the photo shoot, I will be working
know you, with little to no clothing on, is posing in together with my wife, who will take care of the
your studio with you, in front of the camera. The two styling and makeup.
of you are alone. How would that scene probably
2. We have models who have worked with
feel to her? It could feel like a very vulnerable,
us often. They appear in our publications multiple
exposed and to a certain extent, potentially
times. New models are invited to contact them
dangerous scenario. You may have the best of
and ask them about their experiences with us.
intentions, but you may also be taking that for
granted. How would others know this? This is key to 3. There is a lot of behind the scenes material
know. If modeling for you feels unsafe, or unknown out there showing how a photo shoot with us looks
in terms of danger, the potential win and payoff like. I provide at least one link to a relevant video
for her would have to be tremendous to even for potential models to check.
motivate her to consider it. This is not achievable
in a TfP deal. This is why we should actively remove
as much risk as possible in order to give your pitch There are many other ways you may make a
a better chance of success. potential shoot feel more safe. For example,
you could state clearly in your pitch that you
follow a strict, no-touch policy in all your photo
I use a couple of ways to remove risk. I will bring up shoots. I touch on these steps and much more in
all of them in my pitches. I tell my potential models Chapter 11.
the following, unique to my circumstances:

Is it the right thing to do?
We come to another question that we must the right thing to do. You have to provide logical,
explore from the model’s point of view. believable reasons why participating is a good
move and a smart choice. One way you could do
this is to offer something uncommon and prestigious.
Few people want to do things that others Perhaps you are working on a publication. Would
will disapprove of. This is important to keep in being a part of this be something your potential
mind when it comes to anything that may be mode might want? If so, it could be a good offer.
controversial. Also, nobody wants to be seen as There are also other means of offering value and
having made stupid choices, and your models prestige to your model that we will explore in later
are no exception. This means your pitch has to chapters.
bring across the idea that shooting with you is
Do they pay attention?

If you pitch to someone who does not pay are potent contestants in the daily battle for
attention to your pitch, it is probably not going attention too. On an instinctive level, we know
to work. As trite as it may sound, it’s a trap that that someone listening to you with one ear while
many photographers run into. Sometimes, they keeping their eyes on their Instagram feed will likely
are not aware of their prospect’s attention and not remember anything you have said. Perhaps
wonder why they are not getting a response. At they have already decided that whatever you
other times, they are painfully aware, and they get are saying is not even relevant to them down the
frustrated and bitter because they feel ignored. line, no matter their answer at the very moment.
There is no reason for this.
Grab their attention from the beginning! Present

The truth is that nowadays, there is very fierce something exciting and new to them, and mix that
competition for attention. Everybody who wants in with an element of urgency. To master this recipe
to move anything on this planet is battling for the in your particular pitches, you should understand
attention of those they wish to collaborate with. the mechanics behind it. In the next chapter,
The daily flood of attention-grabbing advertising I will explain in more detail how and why these
and the addictive, behaviorally optimised elements will work to get you the effect you want.
endless scrolling feeds of social media platforms

CHAPTER 5
C o nv i n c i n g C o m mu n i c at i o n
T
he chances of someone collaborating these principles, it will be easier for you to
with you on a project depends more on communicate and send the right signals to your
successful communication than on the merits potential model, thereby increasing the chances
of the project itself. Later in this chapter, I of collaboration. In the next sections, I will not
will give you actionable tips and methods that bore you with volumes of academic research
you may incorporate into your communication and citations, nor esoteric forms of knowledge like
strategy, but more important than these simple tips Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Instead, I would like
is an understanding of the underlying psychology to speak in general terms in a way that can be
and why these methods work. If you understand easily understood.
How Humans Make Decisions

Deeply hidden in our brain is a small part that There is a tendency to think of humans as rational,
is so important that it influences us in ways we logical beings, but we do not actually employ
are seldom even aware of. It is the Limbic system, logic or rationality in handling the hundreds of
also called the «reptile brain» because, in decisions - big and small - we have to make every
evolutionary terms, we inherited it from our pre- day. For example, when we drive cars, we do not
human ancestors, before we were even apes or put conscious thought into stepping on the gas
mammals. Successive layers of the brain evolved or the brakes. We do such tasks on autopilot.
with our ancestors, over the Limbic system to finally On a typical journey by car, you would have
produce the minds that we have today. For millions stepped on the brake or gas hundreds of times as
of years in the past, this reptile brain was the key appropriate, but once you have arrived at your
to our survival. However, is it superfluous today, destination, you would not be able to remember
now that we have clearly evolved beyond the any specific
simple creatures? I would argue that this is not so.

instances of putting your foot on either of them - brain. By filtering out most information that would
assuming nothing out of the ordinary happened. otherwise reach our neocortex, it actually saves
our brain from being completely overwhelmed.
The first function I mentioned above is also known
Your brain works on auto-pilot in order to save
as fight or flight reflex. The Limbic system effectively
your logical and conscious brain from overload.
checks if a piece of information looks like something
While driving, you might even be able to have a
that hints at a situation that might be dangerous
conversation with another passenger in the car
for us. The main goal of the system here is to avoid
while operating the pedals, the steering wheel
pain. If information of any sort matches this pattern,
and other controls with little to no effort.
then our Limbic system deals with it by preparing us
to run away or to get ready to fight. This happens
without the involvement of our logical brain. When
I will over-sell you on the Limbic system in this we get shocked, afraid or when panic takes over,
book because there may be a subconscious there is nowadays seldom a logical reason for it.
bias to see the Limbic system as a primitive part The mechanism works on a “better safe than sorry”
of ourselves. This system might seem stupid and basis. Evolutionarily, this function of our brain has
outdated. We might feel we must «trick» it in served us from before even the stone ages. One
some way to get what we want. But that is not hundred thousand years ago, when a sabretooth
an accurate or useful understanding of the Limbic tiger was approaching our camp, we had to start
system. When understood properly, it helps us to running as soon as possible. If our brains had,
see ourselves and how we make decisions, and is, instead, taken a moment to think logically about
therefore, a valuable ally. the best thing to do at that moment, then that
moment would have marked the beginning of
the tiger’s lunchtime. That is why “danger” signals
Our Limbic system has two main functions. First of all, make us decide and react much earlier than our
it enables us to react with lightning fast speed in logical brain can even start thinking about them.
situations where time is of the essence. Secondly, it
acts as an information gatekeeper for our logical

Speaking of the logical brain, it can actually only all billboards, even if they are a hundred times
work because of the second function of the Limbic bigger than the traffic signs. Is this because traffic
system, which is to be the gatekeeper and filter signs have particular colors? Maybe not. When
of information. In a way, this works the other way we drive sedan cars, we also manage to ignore
round than the fight or flight mechanism. While the all the signs that apply to big trucks only, as well
former makes us act upon dangerous information as the billboards. This “selective ignorance” and
immediately, the gatekeeper function makes sure filtering function of the Limbic system helps us to
that we don’t act at all upon things that are not concentrate on tasks that need our attention.
exciting to us in some way. If information is old, These dual functions of the Limbic system are still
boring, and trivial, then we are not going to think vital for us, even today.
about it. Marketing people hate this fact of life.
It’s the reason why we don’t even notice most of
the advertisements they put in our way. It needs But it could also get in our way when we pitch to
a gazillion people to look at an ad to have a strangers to participate in our TfP shoots. If our
handful of them actually processing the ad in their pitch is not exciting in some way, guess at the
logical brain to potentially do what the ad wants chances of it even reaching the logical brains of
them to do. When we drive a car, we have an our listener. Yes, unfortunately, the answer is close
excellent focus on all the traffic signs we come to zero.
across. At the same time, we completely overlook
The Limbic Operating System

If our reptile brain controls what messages go how our Limbic system works. Let’s call this the
through to our logical brain, it is worth having a «Limbic Operating System.»
simple representation to understand how it works.
• If it’s not dangerous, new or exciting, ignore it!
With this representation, we may craft messages
that pass the filters of our potential TfP models. • If it’s new, summarize it as quickly as possible!
Filter away the details!
• Only if the situation is safe, but unexpected or
Rather than explaining scientifically, I would like to
out of the ordinary, send it to the neocortex
use a simplified model which helps us with practical
for problem-solving!
applications. In his book «Pitch Anything,» 5 Oren
1
Klaff proposes a simple and useful model of
5 Oren Klaff, Pitch Anything (February 16, 2011) https://glm.tips/pitchanything

The first time we met Shasha was in our hotel room in Beijing. My wife and I thought
that it would be awesome to win her over as our photo model. We convinced
her to take a few photos in lingerie that day. She had not done any nude photos
before in her life, so we did not go that route right away. But our first spontaneous
photos gave her a lot of trust, so that a few months later, it was pure fun for her to
do
22
the most crazy photo shoots with us.LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW
Your Message
A typical attempt at persuasion would be quite
You don’t want to take a long time to write an
a long and elaborate process. The persuader article because when you blink, their attention
would come out with a long list of logical reasons
passes and your opportunity to interest them in
why a course of action would be good. your idea evaporates into thin air. To build up
a successful pitch real quick, use the building
blocks of the pitch I will show you in the very next
When you craft a pitch to a stranger, you section.
don’t have time to create the perfect pitch.
Building Blocks of the Pitch

The Limbic system may seem like an unforgiving • “We play by high standards…”
gatekeeper ready to slam the door in the faces
Let’s see an example of a pitch using these
of all pitches before they can move through and
building blocks in a standard email template
reach the logical, reasonable brain. Happily, it
that you could send to individual models.
is also extremely predictable. Its strength is its
consistency. This means we can use a simple
template to communicate key messages that
will pass through the filters and be welcomed I just wanted… (One sentence proposition
for logical analysis. Use the following elements in that is simple to understand): “I just wanted to
creating your pitch: ask if it would interest you to be featured in a
photography education video. If not, you may
ignore the rest of this email.”
• “I just wanted…” My expertise is…(A short, one sentence
introduction): “I run the video channel ‘Good
• “My expertise is…”
Light Clips’ for photographers and have one
• “What just became possible is…” hundred and twenty thousand subscribers.
• “The big idea is…” What just became possible is…(Opportunity
and novelty): “I’ve just come up with a do-it-
• “Maybe not for you because…”
yourself lens filter that photographers can use
• “What we would do…” to easily create effects that were not possible
before.”
• “It’s urgent because…”
• “There are others…”

The big idea is… (What’s the win for her?): For me, it’s all about educating my subscribers.
“I would like to use this filter to shoot some So, if photographers contact me to get in
romantic scenes with you as a model. I’d like to touch with you for bookings, I will forward their
film the shoot and present it as a tutorial on my requests directly to you. I don’t want to stand
video channel. in the middle. With all that said, I would love to
hear back from you.”
Maybe not for you… (Grab her attention
again): “Maybe romantic scenes are boring to
you, in which case we should forget the idea.
The elements of the template above were all
However, I think you have a look that would be
designed to overcome the limbic filter function
absolutely perfect for this shoot.”
of the recipient via three key mechanisms:
What we would do… (What is her reward and
how to reduce her risk): “I can arrange a 3-hour
photo shoot in my studio which will be filmed for Offering something new and exciting
the tutorial. You sign a standard Getty Model
Release, and I grant you the rights to all images They lose the opportunity if they don’t act now
so that you and I can publish any photo without Making it safe for them to say yes
charging each other. You will receive a copy of
the JPGs right after the shoot and 4 reworked tiff Sometimes, you will have to make your pitch
images within the next 4 weeks. When the video shorter than the above template. You will
is published on my blog, I can add a link to your combine multiple template sentences into
website if you like.” one or leave out some of the points. That is
perfectly fine. Just make sure that you meet the
It’s urgent because… (Call to action, time key requirements above. Let’s say that instead
pressure): “I would love to take a couple of of an email, you’d like something short to post
weeks to organize this shoot, but my video to your Facebook page. Meeting the three
release schedule will not let me do so. I need requirements could mean something short like:
to decide on whom to feature by this Friday.”
There are others… (Let her decide, but you
do not depend solely on her): “If this is too short “We are looking for two TfP models on
notice for you, I understand. However, it is what Friday for a creative shoot with professional hair
it is, so if you are keen, do get back to me by and makeup service.”
today because I have to move on and talk to
our other candidates if you can’t make it.”
The creative hair and makeup service adds
Play by high standards… (Assure her on an element of excitement to the Tfp Shoot,
risks and safety aspects): “When featuring you the presence of the makeup artist makes the
in a video, I have no intention of earning any proposition reasonably safer, and the two
commission for gigs which arise from the video. spots introduces scarcity.

CHAPTER 6
Opp ortunity Me ets Prep aration
I
would like to instil in you the importance of always being
prepared to shoot a great photo of anybody you
meet, anywhere, and at any time. The famous master
persuader, trainer, and author of over thirty books, Zig
Zigler, once said, “Success occurs when opportunity meets
preparation.”6 In my years of involvement in photography,
I have seen this to be true, time and time again. Life
offers fantastic opportunities for people photographers.
Unexpectedly, and completely out of the blue, a person
will appear to you who will be a wonderful subject in
one of your photographs or photo projects. You might
chance on them during a walk in the park or at a festival
or an art event. Perhaps, a friend or mutual acquaintance
expresses admiration at a photo they saw that you have
been wanting to take. If you hesitate, the moment passes.
The opportunity is lost. You might have to spend more
time waiting for the “perfect” moment to pitch your idea to
them. By always being prepared, you will be able to seize
chances the moment you see them.
In a previous chapter, I had already related how I was

able to get Miss Universe Shape Lyen Wong as my TfP
model, just because she needed a photoshoot of herself
One of the first photos I took of Xiao in a bikini, and how I was able to turn that into a shoot for
Su happened simply in the corner of my fine art nude portfolio.
our hotel room using the standard GL
Method for light- and camera setup.
I will also relate here in brief another example of opportunity
arising from chance. The gym is a good place to be when
6 Zig Zigler, Wikiquote, https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Zig_Ziglar

you would like to invite opportunity to your creating that photograph the very next day, it
doorstep. When you are at the gym, chances will allow both of you a bit of prep time. It’s also
are you are with people who are proud of how immediate enough so that it’s rather unlikely that
they look and would value their beauty being something else gets in the way.
captured in a photo. The first time we met our
model Lara, she was entering the sauna in our
gym. In Germany, people enter the sauna in the One of the things that help me in being
nude. It became obvious to my wife and me that prepared is my love for simplicity. I believe
Lara has a really photogenic vulva. Talking to that the simpler I keep things for myself and
Lara subsequently led to the production of one my collaborators, the more we can achieve
of the most iconic and beautiful bodyscapes together. I created for myself a simplified
I have ever had the privilege to photograph. technique for shooting glamour images, where I
More on this later in Chapter 7. may set-up within five minutes with a small set of
gear that can fit in the hand luggage section
of an airplane. With this method and simple set
Even with all the opportunity in the world of equipment, I am so mobile that I can set up
though, there is something else you need to turn and take photographs of people in almost any
that opportunity into successful photography. location or setting. I name this method my GL
That element is preparation. Imagine meeting Method of photography.
your next supermodel by chance. You are
unprepared, but you pitch your idea to her for a
TfP shoot anyway. The best outcome you would As an example of how simplicity and preparation
probably get is that she agrees to do a shoot help me to maximise opportunities, let me share
“someday.” But it’s like they say: someday never a story from a few weeks back. My wife and I
comes. You have just been politely refused. The were visiting the city of Foshan in China. A friend
chances for a different outcome would have from Guangzhou took the chance to catch up
been much higher if you had made your pitch and visited us. He brought his female friend Xiao
with a clear idea of what you want to shoot, Su with him, and she wanted to model for some
how you want to shoot it, and when you want to photographs. A different photographer might
shoot, just like how I showed you in the previous have begun to search for the perfect location
chapter. By being prepared to make a rock- and setting to take jaw-dropping photos, but
solid pitch, you could get your photo right we didn’t have much time, and we didn’t want
away, or you could make a clear appointment to exhaust ourselves on holiday. So we took
with someone you’ve only just met. “Let’s shoot glamour photos for Xiao Su right in our hotel
tomorrow!” When the two of you agree on

room. We took innocent portraits of her in a bathrobe,
then boudoir scenes on a bed, and with the time we
saved, we even managed to take experimental photos
in a milk bath that night. The photographs all turned out
amazing, but the very first pictures we took of Xiao Su
were in a corner of the room, using my GL Method. In
less than three minutes, I had set up the off-camera flash,
posed her and taken a shot of her. I then showed her
the first photograph on the LCD screen of my camera,
even before I had looked at it myself. The image was
good enough to “wow” her and planted the seeds
of confidence so that it grew and grew as the shoot
progressed, even though she had never done boudoir
or glamour photography before. As her confidence
grew and she became more and more comfortable, we
became open to taking more daring and experimental
photographs. We had a lot of fun, just because we
kept things simple. Instead of spending time looking
for and arranging the ideal setup, where every part of
the setting is perfect, we started with something simple
Xiao
Xiao Su’s Su’s during
expression but which looked amazing, and the shoot and the
our spontaneous photoshoot experience became better and better from there.
expression during
became more and more
our spontaneous
confident. She felt like a
professional
photoshoot photobecame
model, and The GL Method of photography is something that I
it showed in her photos.
more and more actively teach, and by today, I am proud to say that
more than fifteen thousand photographers across
confident. She felt like the world use this method in their photography. They
a professional photo are able to shoot high-quality glamour photographs
model, and it showed of their subjects in virtually any location or situation,
without much effort. If this has interested you enough,
in her photos. you may check out the method with this subscription link:
http://bit.ly/freeguide01.

It takes a lot of confidence and trust for a woman to have a photo taken of
her vulva from behind. The requirements rise tenfold when the photographer is
a stranger she has only met just a few minutes before, and when the scene is to
be shot in a milk-filled bathtub of a hotel. By always being prepared to shoot
anywhere and anytime with my “GL Method,” I was able to build up this trust
and confidence in my model in a simple matter of minutes

CHAPTER 7
Who’s a TfP Model?
T
here are more potential TfP models out actually be that there are too few potential TfP
there than we can ever collaborate with models out there. It may actually be that there are
in our entire lifetime. Yet the funny thing so many, we become lost as to how and where to
is, our minds can often come out blank reach them most effectively.
whenever we need to think about who we could
approach for our next TfP project. There are
billions of people on the planet. Thousands are So let’s proceed with this exercise. The idea
living within your immediate vicinity. Out of all of behind this is to think of categories first, and
these people, there are surely some who would only then of the people who might fall into them.
like to have some unique photos for themselves. Thinking in terms of categories also helps us keep
But when it comes to the implementation and we our minds open so that our preparation can meet
ask ourselves, “Who could model for me in this opportunity.
new project?” Our minds often don’t come up
with answers, so it makes sense to break this huge
question down into smaller questions to prevent Let’s look at some categories of people in my life
ourselves from being overwhelmed. It might not that I have managed to get TfP models from.
I needed two models for this picture. So I asked Ajiao, the main model, if she could bring a friend
for a the photo that we wanted to make in the Kangi Grassland in Beijing. She certainly did. It was
not hard for her to convince her friend to join this crazy shooting with a western photographer.

Friends and Family
Negative self-talk can be deadly to and it does not matter. It only matters that you
photographers. “Am I ready?” “Am I good enjoy doing it.
enough?” “What if the shoot goes badly and
my photos all suck??!” “What will my model think
of her photos? Will she be disappointed? With that perspective, friends make good TfP
What will she think about me?” This doubt can models. When I ask my friends if they are up to
make you hesitate and procrastinate. When trying something new with the camera, we are
it affects your confidence, the doubt has a going to have fun, no matter the outcome. If
direct negative effect on your performance the photos turn out great, we feel good about
and increases your stress levels unnecessarily. it. On the other hand, if the photos look really
Self-doubt is poison. silly, we can just laugh about it. Friends make
wonderful TfP models!
When shooting with friends, the goal is simply
A good form of therapy against this is low-stakes
to make them feel happy or to show them
practice. Low-stakes practice means practising
appreciation. This feels good for you as
your photography when the consequences
well. This is a wonderful way to leverage your
of mistakes and failure are non-existent, so
friendships and your craft to create win-win
you can use them as opportunities to learn,
situations. Make your photoshoot with friends a
rather than as fuel for self-attacks and doubts.
fun event for all of you.
It is like practising free basketball throws in the
backyard. You can miss as often as you like,

Kate and the Dragon Tattoo
“Kate! Your dragon wants zhao pian!” Zhao pian
is Chinese for taking photos. Kate’s dragon was
a ten inch long, intricate tattoo of a Chinese
dragon that started from the middle of her right
buttock and stretched sensuously up her loins.
She had gotten the tattoo a few years back,
but she had not shown it to many people. Her
dragon was kept safely out of sight, tucked
underneath all her clothes. Our friend Kate was
a Polish lady in her thirties, living in Germany.
One of the main themes in my photography is

to find and portray bridges between the East
and the West. A tattoo of a Chinese dragon
Our friend Kate has given place and rising sensually from a Western
a lovely dragon lady’s buttocks was the perfect subject for me
to capture! When I pitched the suggestion to
tattoo on her her, she certainly agreed that it was a fitting
subject. However, I could sense her nervousness
back. It’s sitting at at the idea of me zooming my camera in on
position where only such an intimate and private part of herself.
I was certain of one thing, though: A photograph
few people will of her tattoo would be the perfect gesture
ever see it. of appreciation I could give to her. Getting
such a tattoo on her buttocks that stretched
up towards her lower back took a lot of
courage and confidence, but because it was

in a place that would not normally be seen, she
seldom received many compliments or looks of
admiration for it. I thought that on a deeper,
emotional level, she might be hungry to receive
some recognition and appreciation for the
feminine beauty of her body and art.
The idea itself was new, it was exciting, and it

was even a little dangerous. Because we had
known each other for seven years by now, she
could feel a little safer with me than if the photo
were taken by a stranger. Even so, she needed
In our photo session a logical reason to take that next step… and
for her tattoo, we also she provided one, herself.
“I actually happen to need a portrait of myself
created a number taken. My mother asked for one, but I’ve been
of portraits. This way, absolutely terrible at taking a selfie so far.”
“Kate, you have really beautiful features, and
the session was we’ll be able to take amazing portraits of you.
not only about her Let’s do it in the same shoot,” I told her. Kate was
smiling from ear to ear. She looked excited for
buttocks. It made the the shoot and relieved at the same time.
shoot so much more

People are complex creatures. Human beings
agreeable. need logical reasons for fulfilling things they want
on an emotional level. If your TfP model wants
something on an emotional level, then help them
with some logical reasons to have it.

Friends can be awesome models especially
for experimental photo ideas. I had no clue
whether or not this scene would work with
Kate’s tattoo until we simply tried it out.
Strangers
There’s many reasons I love being a photographer done and artful nudes, it sometimes triggers
with my own particular philosophy. Being able a question if she could have such beautiful
to strike up a conversation and approach any photographs of herself, too.
stranger that catches my eye is one of them.
When I see a beautiful woman whom I would like
to photograph, there is nothing wrong for me to Trust is the key ingredient here. When I talk to a
simply ask her about it. Whether she’s up for it stranger, I show her these photographs at the very
or not, at least I gave her a little ego boost by beginning. I make it clear that I’m into photography
considering her for a beauty shot. Depending on and not a creep that wants to hit on her or an
how the conversation goes, we might even end excuse to see her naked.
up talking about nudes in our first conversation.
Now, the majority of women are hesitant of this at
first. We haven’t established a bond of trust yet. If it weren’t for my photography and art, I would
However, when I show her a set of photos on my not usually have the courage to start up
phone and it includes showcases of beautifully conversations with strangers.
Lara, Inspiring Us For Bodyscapes

Sometimes excitement takes over me so much that curves of her feminine beauty. The Mons Veneris
I feel like a little boy. One of those moments was of her vulva stood out beautifully amidst that light
when I was sitting in the sauna of the gym with as if this bodyscaping light was meant to highlight
my wife, Emily. Saunas in Germany are typically it. This was what made me feel like a little boy,
mixed sex, and people enter them in the nude. awestruck with wonder and excitement. I whispered
A woman entered the cabin through the glass to my wife that this lady had a very photogenic
door, and my eyes were immediately attracted vulva. She agreed. One thing led to another,
to that area between her legs: her vulva. I was and we struck up an easy conversation with the
mesmerised, and hypnotised. Now don’t get me stranger. The subject came to photography. All of
wrong. We see dozens of genitalia of strangers us agreed that Lara, our new friend, would make
in German saunas every time we enter one. After for absolutely amazing photographs. Lara had
the hundredth time, it can become boring. But never modelled for photographs before. With
this time, it was different. The light from outside the the inspiration I had only just received purely by
sauna silhouetted her and spilled inside the cabin chance, I knew I could create absolutely stunning
like very well-designed photographic lighting, bodyscapes of Lara.
sculpting her form and accentuating the soft

Emily styled Lara
and made her wear
a Miao-chinese
head jewelry. This
not only boosted
Lara’s self-confidence
tremendously, but it
also served as a great
before-after photo
example for Emily. LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 35
The photo that Lara wanted to
have of herself was a classic photo
on a posing block.
One type of photo that Lara had always wanted Lara, my wife Emily and I did an experimental
was a classic, black and white artistic nude photo session in our home studio. Emily styled her with
taken on a posing block. This jogged my memory Chinese jewelry. This added the subtle Asian
because, in my small home studio, I had a small element that I was looking for in most of my photos.
white rolling cupboard from Ikea. I used it to store All of us had a lot of fun, and the photographs
my lighting equipment. I decided to repurpose came out absolutely amazing!
that cupboard to act as a posing board to
make Lara’s wishes come true.

Miao jewelry decorating the shaved vagina of a western
woman. This was the type of provocative bridge between
China and Germany that I love to build by that time.
Social Networks
If there’s one thing that has changed the world Facebook is all about networking. You connect
since the advent of the internet, it’s the social with friends. You get clued into posts and
networks. Billions of people worldwide have comments from friends and friends of friends.
joined social networks like Facebook in the It’s like a giant cocktail party where you mingle.
West and Weibo in China and have started Facebook’s features are optimised to bring
interacting with each other. If there’s a single people together. Simple features such as the
place where millions of potential TfP models thumbs-up “Like” button allow even introverts
have registered, described themselves and like myself to break the ice and connect
uploaded photos of themselves, look no further with interesting strangers. On the off-chance
than Facebook. Of course, it’s not as easy though, what if not a single friend you have is
as typing in “TfP” models and getting a list of on Facebook, and you only want to connect
potential candidates in your area. More effort with potential TfP models? Don’t worry, I’ve
is needed to find your TfP models among the got you covered too. On Facebook, there
millions and the billions in these networks, but are thousands of discussion groups on almost
the process can be fun. any imaginable topic. In every large city and

metropolitan area, there will be at least one group
dedicated to photography and modelling groups in
that city, and maybe even TfP groups. You just have
to use the search feature and type in “TfP” or “models”
along with your city name. Join the available groups
and take part in the conversation. Post photos that
you have taken to give the members of the group an
idea of the photos you produce. Read through the
posts in the group to see which hobby models are
talking. Ask them if they are up for taking part in your
photo project. In previous chapters, I taught you the
mindset and methods on how to create the perfect
pitch. Facebook’s social groups are an excellent
place to practice what you have learned. Use the
scripts from those chapters to turn strangers into your
models.

Pia, the Tattoo Artist
Pia was very active on Facebook. She posted a lot
of selfies, many of them showing her beautiful body
in underwear. This is not unusual. But what I found
interesting was that she posted these pictures without
the addition of beauty filters. In a time when hobby
models and the common person would stack layers
of beauty effects on their selfies, I found it refreshing
to see someone posting pictures “straight out of
the camera.”.To my mind, this signalled a lot of self-
confidence. When I reached out to her, I was not
disappointed. As part of her professional life, she ran
a busy tattoo studio, but she remained a humble and
down to earth person in our interactions. One of the
things she made clear to me was her frank message
that “I’m not your typical skinny supermodel.” I assured
her with a simple affirmation, “Don’t worry about this.
I got in touch with Pia on You look great! You’re perfect for my magazine, and
your photos will come out just amazing.” How did this
Facebook. It did not take conversation come about? I had been talking with her
long until her photo ended about the possibility of featuring her in some photos
for my photography magazine. A few days later, we
up on the cover of one of
made the shoot, and photos of her were published.
my books. This was not the last shoot we made together.

The first photo shoot that Pia did with me was a
lingerie shooting. We explained the usage of a large
umbrella as light modifier. This was published as an
article in Good Light Magazine.

Associations and Social Clubs
Associations and social clubs are great places influenced the social clubs and associations I
to meet TfP models. In these institutions, common joined and participate in. Do you have things
interests bring people together and give them you are curious or passionate about? Are there
a chance to socialise and get to know each clubs and associations that cater to these
other. Over time, deeper bonds of friendship interests? If so, this would certainly be an avenue
and trust can be built. I do voluntary work in to explore for TfP models.
the German Chinese Friendship Association
On the other hand, perhaps you are already
(GDCF) and the Asia Social Business Club in
a member of some clubs and associations, but
Dusseldorf, Germany. These clubs bring Asian
although you enjoy being a member, these
and German people together for all kinds of
clubs don’t really have the type of TfP models
fun activities. Any interest that members have is
and photographic subjects you would like to
fair game. My main responsibility in the German
pitch to. In that case, I suppose it would be
Chinese Friendship Association is actually a
okay to explore other clubs and associations
boring one. I am the cash auditor of this non-
that may have the TfP models you’d like.
profit organization. However, because my main
passion is photography, one of the things I also
do is to offer photo shoots for potential models
I would like to feature in my photographs. Take a leap of faith! Look around, join clubs,
and take part in the activities. You might even
I have a great love and curiosity for Asian volunteer to help in a function. This will help the
culture, particularly that of China, and this other members of the club to get to know you.

Coco’s First Adventure
in Germany
Coco was new to Germany. She had just come
from Korea, and she didn’t even speak a word of
German. Moving to Germany was a major life event
and serious adventure for her. I got to know her the
first time she joined one of our club’s meetings. She
had a wonderful idea to promote cross-cultural
appreciation and friendship by introducing Korean
cuisine, and wanted to do this by cooking Korean
food for the members of our club. I thought this was
a wonderful idea. Secretly though, I thought I had a
better one.
I had been planning to shoot photos for a new

photography magazine I was about to publish.
Coco looked like a potential cover model. In fact,
A fairytale for most girls: she looked like she could be the PERFECT one. I
Traveling to another told this to her. She was excited and said “YES!” in
a heartbeat. This was the kind of adventure she was
country and ending up after. The photo shoot was so much fun that she was
on a magazine cover literally dancing for joy in between the scenes. Sure
enough, a photo of her appeared on the first issue
within a few days. of my new magazine, and I had gotten my perfect
cover girl.

Coco’s photo shoot actually happened
in the small, white dressing room of our
apartment in Düsseldorf. It served as a kind
LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW of 4 square meter studio. Enough to have 43
a fun photo shoot with beautiful results.
Adult Communities
My passion is boudoir and glamour photography. living where you do. Or perhaps they might have
Let me tell you, it does require a certain amount discussion groups focused on your geographic
of confidence to bare everything in front of area. Many members of these sites also have
a stranger. I have found that in looking for TfP nude photos of themselves in their profiles so
models for sexy photos and nude scenes, I have you could get a good idea of their body shape
to find people who are comfortable with their before your shoot.
own body and who will have fun showing it.
Where to find such people? One of my favourite
places is online communities for adults. This is However, let me also offer you a few caveats
where people, most often couples, search for to avoid frustration. Communities like these are
other people to have fun with. Many of them mostly about dating and sex. Photoshoots
are swingers. An example of such an online certainly do have their place there, but they are
community - a huge one - is SDC.com. A smaller not the main objective of most of the members.
but wilder community is Spicymatch.com. My wife Besides that, there are also certainly a fair
and I love interacting with people from these number of established photographers in the
communities because most of these couples communities you are checking out. Many people
have a particular kind of positive outlook on life. use these communities anonymously. They don’t
I have found them to be confident, fun-loving want photos there that show their faces.
people who are very open to new experiences
and to me as a photographer.
When members there look for photo shoots, they
might be looking for photo shoots that will lead
For boudoir and glamour TfP models, being to a date or sex. Nobody is ever obliged to
comfortable with yourself, being proud of your have sex with anybody, but the potential for
body, and enjoying displaying its beauty are all misunderstandings could arise. Your intention
excellent qualities. If this is also something you may be to purely shoot glamour and nude
are comfortable with, and if you are like-minded photographs, but the other party may read
and open to it, why not search for TfP models into your conversation the expectation of a hot
in these communities too? It’s very handy that evening with adult play. So, if you choose this
these websites allow you to search for members path, know exactly what you are after, know your

own boundaries and be upfront and spam and other unsolicited advertisements.
communicate them clearly to the people you
Keep this in mind if you are a single male or
interact with.
female entering these communities for the first
Lastly, adult communities tend to be couple- time. As a single man, you might have to write
centric. Couples want to interact with other a lot more messages just to be seen because
couples. Singles are at a disadvantage, most of your messages will not be read. As a
especially male singles. Single men are single female, you may want to post only a
typically not accepted into conversations or few photos of yourself at first to keep it at a
groups. That’s typically because good-looking level where you won’t be overwhelmed with
couples and single women are messaged by messages.
an overwhelming number of single males that
they are just not interested in. The flood of
messages can be so overbearing that people If your interests intersect or align with these
might be moved to block or ignore messages groups, it can be a lot of fun once you find out
from single men the same way they would with how to navigate your way through them.
Claudia Exploring the Joy of Nudes

Tom and Claudia lived in Germany, just like alongside me. Claudia was looking forward
Emily and myself. But in Joyclub.com, the German to being photographed. We talked details
online community for fun-loving couples, we did during lunch. Claudia was concerned about
not find each other via the typical way that photographs of her face appearing online to
is the regional search. We found each other connect her with the swinger scene. Like I usually
because we both posted on Joyclub about do, I suggested sticking to bodyscapes for our
Club Spice on Lanzarote being our next holiday upcoming shoot. She was really happy about
destination. It turned out that we all would be that. We took our cameras and went into a
there at the same time! So we met up on that playroom that doubled as the studio for our
sunny island. Tom was a hobby photographer shoot. Then we focused on Claudia’s body.
too. He was looking forward to shooting

Claudia, Emily and myself had a lot of fun
making experimental nude photos.
Photographers
Have you ever had the thought that it would things possible. We photographers learn more
be wonderful if your model also had an when we experiment and push the boundaries
understanding of light, posing, and scene? of our knowledge. This is why I highly recommend
Where could one find such a model? You’ve teaming up with a fellow photographer who
guessed it: a fellow photographer. could also double as your model. Also, because
photographers typically do not charge each
other when collaborating, technically, the both
When two photographers model for one of you would be doing TfP! If you could find a
another, there is a special dynamic. The mutual fellow photographer willing to be on the other
and deeper understanding of the art makes side of the camera, leverage on that.

Samara, a Talent Behind and
in Front of the Lens
I believe Samara reached out to me via email. She was
new to photography and wanted to know how to make
great photos. It was early days with my involvement in
social media, so it was quite a surprise that Samara
managed to find me. In our conversations, we got to
know that she didn’t live too far away, and she wanted
to know if it was possible for her to photograph
together with me. She wanted a live experience of how
photographs were made. I suggested she drop by for
a coffee meet.
When we finally met in person for our coffee meet, I

noticed that she looked absolutely beautiful. After our
get to know you’s, I broached the subject when I had
the chance: “How about we model for each other? This
meant we could play around with lights and settings
and try new things, and we wouldn’t be disappointed if
the photos turned out badly.” I could tell my suggestions
were appreciated from her enthusiasm. Being new to
photography, she was certainly concerned about
taking bad photos, and she was happy to agree.
Samara was a
beginning hobby When she started posing in front of the camera, we both
discovered that this was a lot of fun for her. She wasn’t
photographer. I shy. We even created some amazing nude photos
showed her how together. We quickly thought up some experimental
scenes with her and my wife, which turned out fantastic.
to use flash in Finally, my wife Emily also posed for her, so Samara had
both a male and female model for her photographs
photography. in her very first session. This shoot with Samara remains
in my memories as one of my most memorable and fun
sessions ever.

Being a photographer herself, Samara sees
the value in experimental photo shoots. In
this scene, she is posing together with my wife
Emily under a piece of wet fabric.

Hobbyist
Models
TfP is still a common mode of cooperation amongst
hobby photographers and hobbyist models.
Even though photos alone are not as valuable
nowadays compared to before, there are still a lot
of hobby models who actively look for TfP shoots.
They could be adding to their portfolio or just
doing it for fun. Maybe both.
Working with models who do it as a hobby has

advantages over working with non-models.
Hobbyist models have experience posing in front
of a camera, and they are certainly not shy. They
know how to look good, and they think it’s fun!
Often, they even have fantastic ideas for photos
and can give constructive suggestions to the
photographer.
I also like to engage with hobbyist models for their

networks. They are often in touch with makeup
artists, studio owners, and other people I may one
day wish to collaborate with.
As a stylist, Emily is tailoring a custom made dress for

hobby model Shushu. This way, all parties get really
invested in the upcoming photo shoot.

Unfortunately, I have increasingly found some many reworked images a hobby photographer
downsides to working with hobby models, but will provide to them, within a certain time frame.
such is life. There are often negative experiences With this contract, the hobby model now at least
to go along with the positives. One experience has some legal leverage to get the photos.
that hobbyist models have is that they work with
photographers who simply never give them the
photos they promised to give. After the shoot, Although I can understand where they’re coming
when the excitement is high, the photographer from, I have a rule to never work on or sign custom
promises to deliver the photos after retouching, made contracts. What I sign with my TfP models is
and then life gets in the way of that work. The the standard Getty Images model release form.
photographer never gets around to completing Nothing more and nothing less. The reason for
and delivering, and this can be incredibly this is because I simply cannot evaluate the legal
frustrating for the model. There’s nothing she can implications of every unfamiliar contract that I
do with someone who keeps putting it off. As a sign. Therefore, I am unfortunately not able to work
result, some hobby models have joined a trend with hobby models who insist that I sign special
to create TfP contracts that specify exactly how contracts.

Schuschu, Femme Fatale and Bombshell
Pia had been featured in my magazine twice, and now we were Facebook friends. One day,
I noticed a post from her on Facebook. She was asking if anybody had a Jessica Rabbit
costume. I thought, what an interesting request. By the way, for those not in the know, Jessica
Rabbit was the femme fatale in the live-action animated film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” One
of her lines in the film, “I’m not bad. I’m just drawn that way,” has become one of film history’s most
iconic quotes. Her iconic red dress was designed to epitomise the sultry bombshell lounge
singers of the roaring forties. When Pia asked for the dress, it wasn’t for herself though. It was for
her good friend Schuschu. They wanted to borrow the costume. Schuschu’s dream was to have
a shoot of herself as Jessica Rabbit, and Pia wanted to help make it happen.
Being curious, I checked out Schuschu on Facebook and discovered that she would indeed
make an incredible Jessica Rabbit. My next stop was Amazon to search for a Jessica Rabbit
costume. Was it easily available? Yes, there were many costumes on offer. Would it be
expensive? Not really. It looked like we were all set to make it happen, so I messaged Pia to
say that I could get a costume. While getting the costume and getting the look down right
wouldn’t be a problem, finding a suitable location for the shoot might be a bit tricky, so I asked
if Schuschu or Pia might know a suitable location to match the theme and feel of the shoot.
Schuschu said she knew a lovely bar in Wuppertal about 15 miles away from us that would
be perfect for it. I told Schuschu that if she could arrange for permission to shoot in the bar,
then we were all set and ready to go. She promised to work on it, and my wife Emily decided
to create our own Jessica Rabbit costume because her design was so much better than what
was offered on Amazon.
Schuschu managed to get permission for the shoot, and we managed to book a time slot. On
the day of the shoot, we had a blast! I managed to get amazing photos that I published in my
Good Light! magazine, and a couple of days after the shoot, Schuschu won the title of Miss
Wuppertal in a beauty competition.
At the time of the shoot, Schuschu was a college student. Like her friend Pia who ran a successful
tattoo studio, she modeled only as a hobby and for fun. With our passion, our collaboration
produced something truly extraordinary.

Model Schuschu is trying the dress dummy,
posing at the wall. The dummy dress has
a simple linen cream color while the final
dress will be screaming red. But posing with
the dummy dress gives all parties a very first
idea about how the cut is going to work.

The dress that Emily made
for Shushu worked beautifully
in the actual photo shoot.

Professional Models
Yes, you read me right. Working with professional approaching professional models for a TfP shoot.
models on a TfP basis. If your instincts say it sounds I’d like to help make sure you don’t waste time with
too good to be true, you’re spot on about it. But hopeless pitches, though. You should try to focus
if you wonder why not, let me tell you what hurdles on things that at least have a chance of working.
stand in the way of doing TfP with models who do
it as a profession and who are paid for their talent.
Such chances exist as a win-win proposition is as
attractive to a professional model as it would be
A professional model has to be in tip-top shape to any other human being. The caveat is that it has
all the time, and her daily routines are as rigorous to be win-win from the model’s perspective. Let’s
as her bookings calendar. Apart from taking care brainstorm a few ideas that might work. Do you
of her skin, her body and her diet, she has to juggle have a social media presence that would help her
it with shooting and travelling schedules that are to gain more followers? Might your work be able
exhausting. She may have to apply for thousands to help get her more paid bookings? Are you an
of jobs to get just a few bookings to fill up her up-and-coming photographer with a unique style
calendar, so she goes through her fair share of of photography that would enhance her visibility
disinterest and rejections. To top it off now, she by working with you? Would your work help her
might have to manage her Instagram and social with a social cause she believes in and wants to
media accounts just to remain visible because support? Could you arrange to have something
visibility now affects her net worth. happen which coincide with her needs and wants?
We had Sophia wearing a wedding dress

If a professional model doesn’t get enough before jumping into the swimming pool.
bookings, her earnings fall. Perhaps that could
aggravate their annoyance with TfP requests.
She might be swamped with requests for TfP that
wouldn’t do anything for her because it either takes
time away from what she needs for paid shoots or
doesn’t help her put food on the table. It’s worse
when the photographers who proposition her with
a job try to trick or pressure her into a TfP shoot
instead of being upfront about it. The requests
come in all sorts of forms and ways and could even
come across as sleazy or dishonest. If you ask a
professional model to do a TfP shoot, how do you
separate yourself from the crowd?
I’m not trying to discourage you from ever

Sophia an Elegant Mermaid
So you can see, if the answer to these example fashion brands, we could do something a little
questions are a clear yes, and not merely a yes different, and have her represent the natural
that you merely want to believe, then the chances beauty of the island, which Lanzarote was not
of the pitch working increase substantially. short of, with its warm weather, crystal blue waters,
magnificent volcanic peaks and pristine beaches.
I was just about to pitch for a one-minute
If we did this, she could become known as Sophia
commercial to promote a resort on the holiday
of Lanzarote, the unofficial face of the island. I
island of Lanzarote. The marketing manager was
told her I had a crazy idea.
very excited about it. Her friend Sophia dropped
in on our chat and joined the conversation. We
exchanged a lot of fruitful ideas, and then after
“What would you think if I took a picture of you
my pitch was done, Sophia made one of her own.
underwater in this magnificent swimming pool, and
«Next week, I will be here for the runway show of
you are wearing a white wedding dress that is
an upcoming fashion brand. Do you think you
flowing all around you?” I turned to the marketing
could film that, too?» Well, as it turned out, I could
manager of the resort. “Would this be possible?”
not because that brand did not have the budget
for it. The question made me more interested in
Sophia, though. She was beautiful and elegant,
and she towered above me in her heels. Naturally, “If we could use the photo as well, I could certainly
it turned out that she modelled for several fashion arrange that,” she said.
brands as well as for catalog photos.
Sophia looked a little uncertain for a moment and

We got talking, and she revealed one of her pet then was quiet, deep in thought. I thought it was
frustrations to me. “My big disadvantage is that I okay to leave on a high note and with something
live here on this island. People don’t see me. They for them to think about, but before I could say
don’t notice me, and they don’t consider me for my goodbyes and leave for my next appointment,
gigs.” I paused to think about her dilemma. Could she broke her silence. “Let’s do it!” she said. I was
her presence on this holiday island be turned thrilled! A few days later, my first ever underwater
into an advantage? Instead of representing just shoot was done with her.
Living on a small island does not have to be

a disadvantage. Model photos underwater
were exactly the special thing that Sophia
needed to turn it into her advantage.

After we made a couple of beautiful
photos in a wedding dress, Sophia was
pumped. Now she wanted to make
additional photos in her small, red dress.
Clients
What’s better than shooting on a TfP basis? This gives you a lot of leverage in your pitch, but
Getting paid for it, of course. But then again, you do have to be careful in the way you go
the things we are paid to shoot might not be about approaching your clients for TfP projects.
things that we would shoot for our own pleasure. Our clients are valuable. If their experience with
us is great and remains great, they could be a
source of recurring income as well as referred
I bring up clients to highlight our special clients. Don’t spoil their experience by pulling
relationship with them, though. For our clients, them into TfP projects that might not be a good
our photographs are so special they will pay experience for them. Err on the cautious side.
money for them. If we offer to feature them in one But then again, if you’re always looking for new
of our projects, this would be extremely valuable angles and creative shoots, there’s no harm in
to them, and even more so because they would matching the plans for a shoot you’ve kept in a
get photos that they would otherwise not have drawer with someone who would really like to
gotten. Especially not, if they didn’t pay for be a part of it. There’s no harm in keeping your
them. This is a fantastic deal that can be hard eyes open.
to refuse.

Mrs. Wang, Bride to Be
Mrs. Wang had an appointment with my wife This would be without obligation, of course,
Emily in our home studio. She was there for a but she could see how she’d look as a bride
test session, to see how she would look in bridal on her big day. Moreover, this was a dress we
makeup. Mrs, Wang was such a natural beauty had gotten new, and she’d be the first to wear
that the makeup and dress for her big day would it and try it out. I wanted to have a beautiful
only enhance and accentuate it. But how could model wearing it, and she was perfect. Mrs.
I show this to her? I complimented her, first. Then Wang’s eyes started sparkling. This was much
I asked if we could get a few photographs of more than she had expected from her test
her to show in our before and after gallery. The makeup session that day. We followed through
photos, I told her, would clearly demonstrate with our proposals, and Mrs Wang went home
the difference my wife’s makeup would do for with beautiful photos of herself in a wedding
her. That made good sense to her, and she dress. In exchange, Emily and I received
was keen on the idea. I expanded on the idea. amazing before and after photos of a natural
After the makeup photos were taken, would beauty as well as photographs showcasing
she like to try on some of the bridal dresses we our new dress with the perfect model for it.
had on offer for our prenuptial photo sessions?

For your client, it can be very
valuable to get additional
photos for free in a TfP shoot.

CHAPTER 8
Mo del Communities
We found Amelia
when searching
for TfP models in
the Chinese online
community
fengniao.com.
A
part from the types of TfP models
I listed in Chapter Six, I would like to
dedicate a chapter of this book to
online modelling communities. They
are, after all, the most obvious place to look,
with millions of photographers and models
alike in them. The downside to them is that
these online platforms are very crowded. Many
photographers compete for the attention of the
models on these platforms, and the models may
be overwhelmed by requests for shoots. If it feels
that you’re not getting a lot of positive responses,
don’t feel discouraged. This is the norm. To keep
your spirits up, contact the models without much
expectation. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t
get an answer.
With that said, let’s look into the subtleties of

some of the online platforms.

Model Mayhem
Website: https://www.modelmayhem.com/ or hotel wall photos are ok but try and show
us something more.
This is the grand-daddy of all modelling
communities. Model Mayhem has been around
since 2005.
I like this platform for its truly international reach

Before you use the website, you have to set up combined with decent search functionality. There
your profile as a photographer. Model Mayhem was one time when I needed to find a TfP model
discourages spam and fake profiles by imposing on short notice on the tiny and remote island of
some requirements on potential members. As of Lanzarote in Spain. I was able to find my model
20th June 2018, the requirements posted on instantly with Model Mayhem.
their website state:
The average skill level of the members there is

high. This is true for models, makeup artists and
photographers alike. (But, of course, there are
• Photographers must have at least 4 different
always a number of exceptions.) This degree of
photos specifically of adult human models.
skill and professionalism can be both a blessing
Snapshots, children, cars, landscapes,
and a curse. There may be an elitist attitude, and
animals, etc. do not count. Please show us
this might get in the way of fruitful cooperation
your best work – we need to see examples of
or team dynamics. However, if your work is of a
your photos in relation to adults “modeling.”
high standard, you should absolutely set up a
profile on Model Mayhem and start networking
with potential models there.
• Show Us Variety
When setting up your profile on Model Mayhem,
only upload your best photos. Don’t bother
• Please provide at least 2 different models or uploading your mediocre ones for the sake of
2 different locations. Stock-style white-sheet completeness, variety, or anything else. Anything
less than your best will not do you any good.

Model Management
Website: https://www.modelmanagement.com/ notify new photographers about new models
in their country.
The community was founded in 2008 by
Another great platform with international
Andreas von Estorff (https://www.crunchbase.
reach is Model Management. I like the modern
com/organization/modelmanagement-
interface and functionality of the website. They
com#section-overview.) It has a big user base
have a very useful alert function that helps to
that covers all parts of the world.
Chinese Modelling and Photography

Communities
Photo models in mainland China, especially http://www.fengniao.com/
hobby models, are under-represented on
http://poco.cn/
international modelling communities. In some
cases, this might be due to a language barrier. http://www.moko.cc/
In other cases, it may simply be because there
are Chinese-language online platforms that Many of the models here may not want to
are more appealing to these models than their model for free. However, the fees they request
international counterparts. Hobby modelling is are usually reasonable.
a huge scene in China. There is a chance that you don’t speak
Chinese, in which case you would face a
language barrier. In this case, you might need a
I’ve had very good experiences with the Chinese speaking person to help you out with
following online communities: setting up your profile on these platforms and
for messaging potential models. Fortunately,
you can find Chinese speaking assistants easily
on websites such as Fiverr.com.

What we had to offer in this cooperation was the
designer dress that Emily had previously made,
professional styling and makeup, a cool location in a
bar and most of all, publication in my magazine.
CHAPTER 9
D e a l i n g w i t h R ej e c t i o n
Rejections are never nice to experience, but they In his book «Models,»7 Mark Manson provides a
4
are unavoidable anytime we make a decision to great technique to deal with rejection before it
stick our heads out to try to set up a meaningful ever happens.
collaboration. A “no” from a person who would be
«The first step to overcoming rejection is to
the ideal collaborator can hurt. It would probably
accept you’re going to get rejected. Yes, it will
feel wrong and bad, but it is the right thing to
suck. But no, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll be
happen. That person might have other things to
fine. I want you to tell yourself right now, ‘I’m going
do, has got other things planned in the future, or
to be rejected a lot, and it’s going to be fine.’
possibly has different points of view or ways of
Go ahead, say it to yourself. See? Don’t you feel
doing things. If you make a pitch and get a “no,”
better already?»
most often the “no” has very little to do with your
proposal or your person and more to do with the
things going on in your potential TfP model’s life.
Mark’s book is not about attracting TfP models for
photo shoots but about dating. I think his advice
on rejection is fully applicable in our context
When you look for models for unpaid gigs, be
because I think the two topics of approaching
prepared that more models will say «no» more
women for a date and approaching models for
often than «yes.» This is the norm and is perfectly
a TfP shoot is more interwoven than it appears at
alright. Once again, what I want you to keep in
first glance.
mind is that their “no” in most cases has nothing to
do with your project or with you as a person. More
likely, it is a standard response that the model
learned to give as a default answer. Besides If you are looking for female TfP models, the
the obvious showstoppers like an overwhelming chances are that you’ll choose particularly
amount of obligations that does not leave her any beautiful women to make your pitches to. But what
time for TfP photo shoots, there could be a much does the life of such a woman look like? More
more subtle mechanism at play: Self-protection. than anything else, she will be perceived by most
people around her as an attractive, potential
sexual partner. This could cause a number of
effects.
7 Mark Manson, Models (28. Juli 2011) CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Jasmine was a portrait
client. She has got a
wonderful body. I was
able to win her for a
few photos with erotic
touch but without any
real nudity. Also, her face
was supposed to be
obscured on the photos.

keep asking and keep trying until it becomes
bothersome, and her patience snaps.
Typically, she will be looked at and observed
by men throughout her day. Most of them want To shortcut the whole dreadful scenario, she
to hit on her because they find her sexually would have most probably learned to deliver
attractive. Most of them will find an indirect way the harsh “no” right away in order to avoid all
to do so. They will approach her under the guise that time wasting and perhaps actual dangers
of ordinary everyday things to mask their sexual that might come from a polite “no” that others just
interest so as not to scare her off immediately. do not take seriously, and instead interpret as a
One of the most common methods men have “maybe.”
used to approach beautiful women indirectly is
to propose a photo shoot, when, in fact, they
actually want the opportunity to interact more So, the next time you receive an unreasonable
with her and hopefully hit things off. Do note thatharsh rejection or even a normal rejection,
I’m not saying whether this is a good or bad thing;you know that this stems more from her life
I just want to bring this point to your awareness. circumstances and not from your proposal or
your person. You could wear a smile, and say
“No problem.” Then you may move forward to
Then, there are people who are not keen on interact with your next candidate, who might be
friendship but want to leverage the model’s more open to collaboration in general.
beauty to achieve other goals. These goals are
many but could include their own self-promotion
purposes. Again, a photo shoot would be Rejections could happen even during a shoot
proposed. For the purposes of this book, I decline the model has already agreed to do with you.
to say whether this is good or bad. Just be aware Imagine a scenario where you are already
of this aspect of human behavior. working together on a voluntary basis, but she
rejects a suggestion that you make. For example,
perhaps in your sexy bikini shoot, you ask if she
How would an attractive woman respond to all would like to go to the next level with topless shots.
of these proposals if she is neither interested If she prefers not to, don’t take it personally. It has
in sexual intimacy, friendship, being seen to be little to do with you and more to do with her own
endorsing or seen to be associated with the values and boundaries. It’s important to respect
person proposing the photo shoot? One way they this as much as you’d want others to respect your
would love to respond is with a nice and polite own. If she would not be open to exploring her
no. She would love to wear a sweet Cinderella boundaries, and you are not up to the long and
smile on her face when she says no, and she patient process of coaching and encouraging
would love for the other person to respond with her (with her knowledge and permission) to do so
an understanding smile in return. Unfortunately, either, it is better and more convenient for you to
the reality is that more often than not, the other accept her “no” with a smile. This is actually good
person will not take her “no” seriously. They will for both of you.

While Jasmine was up
for some suggestive
photos, she rejected
a TfP nude shooting.

CHAPTER 10
N o S h ow s
M
y model Stefanie and I had discussed
all the scenes we would shoot in detail.
I had then spent one week preparing
for the shoot. On the day of the shoot
itself, I had spent all morning inflating some dozens
of balloons and mounting them on sticks. Emily had
prepared by getting her hair done according to
the specific style required for the shoot, as well
as getting the costumes. We were to meet up
at a location in the city of Krefeld. On the day
before the shoot, Stefanie still wasn’t sure whether
she would be taking the train or if she would be
coming by car. But that was a small matter I was
sure she would be able to handle, so I left it to her.
One hour before the shoot, I messaged Stefanie
on Whatsapp to ask if I should pick her up from the
train station or if we should rendezvous somewhere
else instead. Her reply, when it came, was short, but
not so sweet. I reproduce it here ad verbatim for
your amusement too: “I will not come. I have some
girls problems. Cannot explain u. Sorry.”
I find the experience funny today and a little

cute, but at the time it happened, it felt dreadful,
especially after a whole morning blowing up
balloons and wrestling them onto sticks.

Unexpected things happen in all collaborations, appointment that isn’t binding or that doesn’t add
but they may happen more frequently in TfP to their bottom line. If this unfortunately happens
shoots. Most of us have very busy lives filled to the photoshoot they scheduled with you, be
with commitment and too little time for ourselves. aware of this facet of human nature. It’s seldom
Young people, in particular, can have a fair bit about you and more about the things going on
of chaos in their lives. Be prepared for no-shows in their life. It is more helpful to be understanding
happening. It is helpful to understand, though, than angry because being angry benefits
that this is typically not because people do not nobody, least of all yourself, when you dive into
respect your time. The reason they are late or do negative feelings.
not show often has nothing to do with you at all.
Usually, it is because they over-committed more
than they could afford or something unexpected So, just for more emphasis. If she had to cancel
popped up in their life. the photo shoot at the last minute, for example,
because her period had started, and her body
doesn’t feel good, it was not because she did not
Nowadays, we live in webs of entanglements that respect the time or effort you put into preparing
get tighter every day. The dentist mails us that our for the shoot. She cancelled because her own life
bi-annual teeth cleaning appointment will be on got into her own way, as it does with all of us.
Monday. On Tuesday, we have to be at home
when the chimney cleaner does the inspection.
Wednesday is our spinning class at the gym. We Just food for thought: what if you responded to
have Thursday afternoon free after our day job. a late call or no-show with a calm, “No problem,
That’s when we can schedule a shoot. Two days let’s shift the shoot to another time. How about
before the shoot, the car signals that we have next week Saturday, same time?”
to change to winter tires, and the only available
appointment at the local garages is booked full
for the next four weeks, except for one slot this It doesn’t actually mean that you will shoot with
Thursday. her again and potentially suffer another no-
show. It may mean that if you’re able to be calm
enough to remain civil, you will be calm enough to
If you work a full-time job, you will know this rat race evaluate the situation and next course of action
quite well. If you have children, you will know it’s in a more unattached manner. I find this to be a
next level. very helpful approach for my own benefit.
Your models are caught up in obligations as well. With that said, there are some things you could
It’s possible that occasionally, some of them may do to reduce the likelihood of no-shows for TfP
not be on top of all their duties. When there is a shoots, or at least reduce the costs of a failed
clash for what needs attention, it is human nature shoot.
that people will tend to cancel or postpone an

7 Steps for Avoiding No-Shows
I have boiled down into seven steps the things
I do to avoid no-shows.
Step 1: References and Reviews

The first thing I do is to check for references and reviews on my potential TfP model, as far
as is possible. References and reviews are not a foolproof method for assessing reliability
and ensuring no-shows. However, they can help alert you to things you might want to know
about. A bad review or negative reference, for example, may push you to find out if they
have any basis. Perhaps someone complains that the model did not show up at the last
minute or had an unfriendly attitude. This gives you something to be aware of. For me, a
more telling sign in bad reviews or references is the person’s response to it. If there is no
response to a bad review or bad reference, it’s as if for some reason the person just allows
it to hang there unanswered. If there is a bad response to the bad review, such as one
that is rude and combative, that is an even bigger warning sign. How a person responds
to things can be a better indicator than what other people say about them. Sometimes,
the best thing to do to avoid a bad experience is just to avoid people with a risky history.
Step 2: Factor No-Shows and Late-

ness Into Your Planning
Just like bad weather ruining a shoot or a traffic accident causing congestion, be aware
that no-shows and lateness can happen and try as much to factor that into your planning.
It would probably not be possible for you to have backup models on call for a TfP shoot,
but there are other things you could do to make no-shows less costly and painful for you. I
would like to give you a few examples.
If you need to book a venue, try your best to avoid bookings that cannot be cancelled
without cost in case of no-shows. Perhaps you could try to book venues that only impose a

charge when you show up and which you can cancel at any time, which some hotels allow
for their rooms. If you manage to do this, do not check into the venue until everybody you
need for the shoot has arrived. If that is not possible, perhaps you could have the model
book the venue in her name. (Of course, if it turns out that you are the one who became the
no-show, you should refund her the money she lost for the venue.)
If you work with other partners and providers that expect to be paid for their time on
the shoot, this could be harder. I have managed to work with many makeup artists and
hair stylists that are okay with not being paid if the model doesn’t show up, but your own
experience with this may differ. Try your best to go for an arrangement where everybody
bears an almost equal and acceptable (to them) level of risk.
The idea behind this is to have a Plan B in case someone is late or does not show up.
When it happens, you have already covered your bases and know how to move on from it,
instead of having to think about what to do at that exact same time, which could lead to
a lot of stress. Being ready for a no-show will take away the sting when it happens.
Step 3: Discuss Cancellation

Options Up-Front
With TfP models I will work with for the first time, I discuss cancellation options upfront with
them. I tell them that they have the option of cancelling the shoot for any reason up to 24
hours before it happens. I assure them that this is enough time for me to make different plans
and to reschedule things. I leave the option open for them on the table. I also encourage
them to give me a call if anything comes up and gets in their way, and that she should do it
without hesitation so that we can reschedule the shoot to a better time, and I can plan for
something else in the meantime. This is part of my communications strategy that I will apply
in conjunction with steps 4, 5 and 6 below.
There’s one more thing I do for cancellation options that I don’t necessarily do with every
model. Essentially, after following through with my communications strategy, if she’s a model
I haven’t worked with before or don’t really know, I tell her in advance that I will check in on

her again two days before the shoot to confirm that she is okay with going through with it.
When that day comes, two days before the shoot, if I have to leave a message, I also tell
her that if I don’t hear back from her within 8 hours, I will assume that something has come up
and that the shoot is off, but that it is completely okay, and I will simply reschedule my plans.
I bring up cancellation options in order to achieve two goals.
By giving them a lot of time to cancel, if it must happen, the chances are higher that it
doesn’t happen at the last minute. By letting them know a cancellation is perfectly normal
and, in fact, a good thing for me the earlier it is done, I let them know that there won’t be any
bad feelings or disappointments, so they don’t have to be afraid of a bad interaction and
avoid telling me until the very last minute or perhaps never at all. If that happens, I would
end up waiting at the venue with camera in hand, clock ticking down on my venue booking,
with bored and perhaps angry makeup artists for company. That would be stressful. As long
as I have advance news, I will be able to reschedule all my activities so that I can still use
my time for something enjoyable.
In addition, “buyer’s remorse” is a common thing and sometimes, people don’t feel the same
way about things over time. Letting them know they can cancel also assures them that their
“yes” now is not an over-commitment that they have to rush out of quickly, further down the
line. By giving them the option to opt-out, I encourage them to make their decisions in a
calm and safe, no-stakes manner, which is better than them trying to avoid or power-through
whatever is getting in the way of their participation, only to finally back out at the last minute.
In this way, discussing cancellation options up-front ironically reduces the chances that they
turn out to be no-shows.

Step 4: Start Communicating Early and
Build It Up
Building further on the “buyer’s remorse” I touched on briefly in step 3, it is human nature to
feel differently about things as time passes. I’m sure you’ve been through a situation where
you became very excited over something and made a commitment on the spot, only to
feel less excited about it as the date gets nearer. This is just life and other priorities getting
in your own way again. With a TfP shoot where most people do it in their spare time for no
monetary reward and only for the love of participation and some modest rewards if the
excitement dies off and other priorities take over; the chances become high they never
follow through. So I use communication to keep the date of the shoot within their mental
space and to build up excitement.
I give my models and co-partners frequent updates, just to let them know things are
progressing towards the date. If we have arranged for catering, drinks, and snacks, for
example, the first point of order is perhaps I will ask them for feedback for what they would
like to eat, drink or snack on the day of the shoot. This gets them thinking about the day. After
that, an appropriate time later, I could inform them when we take delivery of the props we
will use to make our shoot special and different. Think about the time when your friends and
family got excited over Christmas and Halloween decorations. This works for TfP shoots too!
Closer to the date, I could perhaps update my models and shoot partners about major
completions, such as the completion of a major costume for the model, or share with the
others the model’s new hairdo or nail polish that they’ve gotten just for the shoot. The day
before the shoot, I could inform them of the catering company’s confirmation of the menu or
show them the picnic basket or snack bag. The possibilities are endless, and you only need
to parcel out the updates just to let participants know things are progressing, and they will
soon be part of the big day.
But apart from updating my partners and participants, I will also use different media to
build up the excitement. I might start with just text messages and conversations, but later, I
will update with photographs, and later, even better still, videos. Photographs and videos
invite the viewers to watch and makes them feel as if they are there as a witness. This helps to
get them ready as participants. If they respond frequently and sound excited, the chances
are very high that they will show up on the day itself.

Frequent, open and close communications also help for the next step, an equally crucial
thing to consider.
Step 5: Coordinate Closely on Trans-

portation Plans
Problems with commute and transportation are a major contributing factor to no-shows.
Things like a long commute and travel time, perhaps like two hours one way, or unplanned
travel, drastically increases the chances that someone will not show up. Travel is hard, and
we can use communication to make it easier.
One of the things I try to do is to coordinate so that the model and my shoot partners travel
together as a team because travelling together usually means showing up at the venue at
the same time, as well as going back when everybody is done.
I use the open communication methods in the previous steps to also plan our travel together.
For example, I may discuss with the model the best route to take by car or train to the venue,
or a rendezvous point where I may pick her up. We will find out together how much the train
fare or a cab ride would cost and how much time it would take, so we can budget for
the cost of travel. We could search for parking spots and their costs near our destination
(Parking information is always useful). If we carpool, we could decide how much to chip in
to share the cost of fuel, carriageway tolls, and parking costs. This sets the stage for the
next thing.
We agree to notify each other on crucial travel timelines on the day of the shoot itself. For
example, we will agree to notify each other when we leave our driveway and begin travel,
or when she reaches a stop at the train station at a certain time. This is so that we can more
closely estimate and track arrivals, and better coordinate so that everybody meets up on
time. In addition, unexpected things do happen during travel. There could be congestion
from an accident, or a train delay, or someone waking up late. Instead of waiting fruitlessly,
at least you will be updated, and you could get a coffee or something while you wait, or
even move to a Plan B.
You would at least know whether the shoot is still on track, or if the delays mean it will be
better to cancel. Either way, more communication means more options.

Step 6: Set Up Public and Peer
Accountability
Building up excitement, opening up communications, making travel easier, and letting
the model decide on her participation is the “Pull” part of the equation. You make them
attracted to the idea and want to participate.
But sometimes, there also needs to be a “Push” element, just to sometimes give a helping
hand to push people out of bed on a bad morning, or to help them take a small step out
of a small funk.
For TfP shoots, there is a softer way of “pushing” the model and participants to be
accountable for their promises, and that is simply by helping them cement their reputation
as reliable. We can use peer pressure and social networks to do this.
If we are on the same modelling platforms, I prime my TfP models and partners by bringing
up the reviews we will leave each other after the shoot so that it becomes part of the
process. This is a non-confrontational way of setting up accountability. A good review feels
rewarding. A bad one where your teammates say you just never turned up will feel bad
enough to be a strong deterrent.
If we use the same social platforms and have some overlapping social networks, I will post
about the shoot we will do together. This will help build up group excitement. Conversely, if
the shoot doesn’t happen because of a no-show, this raises uncomfortable questions for
the absentee.

You may also be able to raise the stakes even higher by introducing the upcoming shoot
and the participants to people outside their circles. By doing so, you would indicate that
their no-show will be known even outside the circles of people they know and are already
comfortable with.
I’ve referred to these methods as “push,” but, in fact, they could also be “pull” factors. People
feel good when they are recognised for their efforts and can get their five minutes of fame,
not to mention build their reputation, so there is a push and pull effect here by leveraging
social, hobby and professional circles to highlight accountability.
In an ideal TfP shoot, the more the individual participants give and put into the effort, the
more the collective gets out of the collaboration. What we want to do is to give “just
enough” push so that all the other attractive factors we’ve set up feel even more like the
right choices to make.
This brings me to the last and perhaps most important step of all.
Step 7: Get your TfP Model to Invest in

the Shoot
None of the steps I have listed will work on their own to minimize no-shows, but perhaps the
single most important thing I can do to minimize it is to get the model to invest in the shoot. I
get my TfP model to invest in the shoot beyond just showing up with what they already have.
Early on in our discussions, I will find out from them what they could contribute to the TfP
shoot. Perhaps for the look that they want, they should get their nails or hair done to match
the style. Perhaps they could source a new dress and costume jewellery to go with it.
Perhaps they could make use of their contacts to get permission to shoot at the perfect
venue. I do not ask for a lot; only just enough to help make the model feel she is a key
player in making the shoot happen. I get them to contribute in a way that they are most
interested in so that they will feel excited and happy doing it. It’s human nature to be more
likely to follow through with plans when we are invested in the outcome and have made
commitments towards it. I believe this is the main reason why I experience fewer no-shows
than many of my photographer friends.

Finally, after sharing the seven steps I use to reduce no-shows to almost zero, let me share
with you my opinion on something that is almost guaranteed not to work.
Does Not Work: Retainer Payments

No-shows can be so frustrating and demoralizing they are difficult to deal with. One reason
why I’ve dedicated a chapter to this is to help others not experience the desperation that
frequent no-shows can create. Photographers try to deal with no-shows in ways they can
think of, but sometimes these ways don’t work well. One thing I have seen some photographers
resort to is asking for upfront payments from the model that will be returned at the completion
of the shoot. I have never seen this kind of request actually working. In my opinion, the majority
of TfP models will never make up-front payments to the photographer because it just looks
suspicious to them. What if they make payment but the photographer never shows up and
just disappears with the money? How do they get their money back? Moreover, naive TfP
models need only be burned just once for them to avoid such arrangements permanently.
Besides, many other photographers do not insist on upfront bookings for TfP shoots. Why
would they add a layer of complexity on a collaboration that can only work based on
chemistry and trust in the first place?
I guess that I cannot completely discount requests for retainer payments ever working.
Ultimately, you have to judge its feasibility based on the genre of photography you practice
at your geographic location. I do not recommend it and think it is more sensible to get the
TfP model to invest in something that makes more sense and has more value from her point
of view, which I touched on in the previous step.

CHAPTER 11
H e l p i n g H e r F e e l C o m fo r t a b l e
Y
ou might go through a lot of trouble with you. This chapter will take a look at some
setting up the perfect shoot and things that have worked for me, as well as some
paying attention to the details such as suggestions that are commonly advocated
the props, the lighting, and the scene. elsewhere but which have not worked out so
You might even have gone through the trouble well in my experience.
to make sure the logistics of the shoot were
impeccable and planned the travel, food and
venue arrangements to be perfect. Screwing up Works well for me
in just one aspect will ruin the entire shoot. That
aspect is making her feel uncomfortable. When • A clear No-Touch policy
she feels uncomfortable, a negative vibe will • Connecting her with previous models
be visible in all your photos. The tension in her
body and the expressions on her face will tell • Having women at the set
the viewer that something is wrong. If everything • She can shoot BTS video
else in the photograph looks good, but your
model looks uncomfortable, this signals a major • Sharing the shoot plan upfront
disconnect and can be alarming enough to
• Sharing the Model Release upfront
viewers to cause a very bad reaction.
• Caring for a changing-room
• Heating up the studio in winter
As photographers, we can often be so focused
on the shoot that we forget about how our model • Being vulnerable
is feeling. When it comes to situations where
we have - seemingly - a lot of power over the
model, and they may be in situations where they Recommended by many, but I’d give it a caveat
can feel vulnerable, it is important not to take
for granted that we have only good intentions. • Caring for food and drinks at the set
We should also take steps to communicate and • Playing her music during the shoot
prove it so that everything is above board and
beyond doubt. I believe that it’s a good thing • Letting her bring another person
to place ourselves in our model’s shoes and
I will expand more on how and why these
take steps to remove as many potential sources
steps have worked for me, and why some other
for discomfort as possible while boosting their
suggestions have not worked out so well.
sense of safety, comfort, and security in working

What Has Worked
A Clear No-Touch hair or clothes need adjusting, then either the
model does this herself, or it will be done by a
disinterested third party like the makeup artist on
Policy the shoot. By removing touch from the equation,
I remove ambiguity. It’s something that should
not be taken for granted at any time, and in
conjunction with other measures I take, also
Models have had a lot of bad experiences by offers me some protection, just like the standards
now of “photographers” who use the cover of doctors apply. If adhered to strictly, it helps to
a shoot to touch them in sexual ways that are protect the bond of trust between doctor and
inappropriate, that go way past their boundaries patient, and the medical fraternity as a whole.
and without their consent. Situations like in a
nude shoot, where the photographer has to
bring the model into certain poses could be the However, like all the suggestions in this chapter,
perfect situation for predatory photographers there are situations where these approaches
to abuse. When it happens, it is a very invasive can only be suggestions rather than hard rules
and violating feeling for the model. to be followed to the letter.
Stories and bad experiences have had the For example, if I photograph couples for their
cumulative effect of making models hyper-aware wedding photos, I may sometimes need to
of danger, especially with photographers they take their hands and arms and weave them
have never worked with before. In a way, this together so that they would look good in the
is a good thing because we don’t want such photo. Sometimes, I may need to touch their
abusive and predatory practices to continue. shoulders and turn them into the exact right
But it’s not a good thing if you make a blunder,
angle. But the situation is also a bit different for
misread your first-time TfP model’s comfort with
a fully clothed couple, posing in public, in the
your physical proximity and end up touching them
open, in full view of everybody in sight. They, at
in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, orleast, have the assumption and confidence that
worse, triggers their predator alarms. the photographer will not try anything bad, or
at least they will have the confidence to act
strongly if he (or she) does. The situation will feel
So, I have found it extremely helpful to state different for a model posing nude in a room,
clearly and up-front that I have a very strict isolated from the outside, and in the company
“no touching rule” for every shoot. I will not of people they don’t know.
touch the model in any shape, way or form. If

Even for wedding photos, people from some might miss when I’m engrossed with the shoot.
cultures may feel uncomfortable with public
displays of intimacy and touch with each other,
and even more when the photographer needs I also work regularly with a female co-
to get too close to their personal space to photographer on my shoots, and I tell my models
guide their pose. In these cases, I fall back to that if she’d prefer to shoot with only my co-
directing them with gestures and using my voice. photographer for any scenes, this is an option
she can choose freely.
The more comfortable your models feel with you,

and the more they trust that you will not take
advantage of them, the more rewarding your
photographic career and hobby will be. Many women feel extra vulnerable with men they
don’t know, but I guess that this could also apply
to male models put in similar situations.
Having Women at
By working with women whom I treat as equals
the Set and professionals, I want to demonstrate
in actions that I am also holding myself
accountable to others throughout the shoot.
This may be something that would be harder to
Photography is a team sport, and I’ve said this demonstrate if you work mostly alone or with only
many times over the last ten years because it’s male photographers. Perhaps this is because
almost a truism. Having the right people with you models, in general, might feel or assume that
on your projects helps your work and ability as lone or all male teams may lack empathy for
a photographer to grow and reach greater them, or that if anything goes wrong, they might
heights. have to face very threatening scenarios.
I regularly work with women in my teams. My hair To summarise, I not only work with women in my
stylists and makeup artists are women, and they teams, but I also treat them with respect and as
add to the production quality of the shoot and equal partners, to show that I will do the same
turn it into something that people cannot easily with my models.
get elsewhere. The stylists and makeup artists
also help me on the shoot by being an extra
pair of eyes. Not only do they constantly check
if the model’s hair and makeup need touch-ups,
but they can also keep an eye on the set and
the model’s comfort, picking up on things that I

Connecting Her with But the real deal is giving her access to your
models. Having a reference is more powerful than
having a review or some vague reputation. Birds
Previous Models of a feather flock together and having someone
you’ve worked with willing to vouch for you also
means you communicate to new models what
sort of personality or group dynamics you work in.
New models learn as much from your reference
Something else that is very helpful would be
as they do about you. Even small things can be
to connect her with models you’ve worked with
communicated, such as how friendly and open
previously so that they can act as references for
you are with others or during the shoots, which
you. After all, it’s quite a big risk for a model who
side of the scale between easy-going and
doesn’t know you to trust entirely on your words
more intense you are on.
alone. Why not remove that element of doubt?
Use references to attract the right models

I often pass the phone numbers and emails of
for your TfP shoots so that they feel that they
my regular models (who’ve agreed to act as
belong in the team.
references) to my potential TfP models and
encourage them to ask about the experience.
This can be very useful if the model would like
more information about genres or specific
aspects of the shoot that she might not feel Let Her Shoot a BTS
comfortable directly asking you. I say, “She is a
very nice person to talk to” to encourage new
models to talk with my regular ones.
Video
Models will often try to do some research on BTS is short for “behind the scenes.” People
your background before they decide to work usually take behind the scenes photos or
with you for the first time. They will ask around, do videos to let others peek into the set and set
some snooping of their own, just to understand up outside the scene in the camera. It satisfies
you better, and that’s fine. You can even people’s curiosity and helps the viewer feel more
offer some behind-the-scenes video material involved. Viewers feel very happy to know what
of previous photo shoots on your blog, your goes on behind the camera because they can
Facebook page or your Twitter feed. This way, see useful information such as who is involved
she can actually see what it is like to work with in the shoot, what everybody else is feeling or
you. It does not have to be spectacular, but it’s doing, the weather, etc. Photographers love
good when it brings across that your shooting is BTS photos and videos because it helps them
fun and free of pressure. learn how certain scenes and lighting situations
are set up. For a model though, they might find
the BTS valuable for different reasons. It’s a form
of first-class insurance that nothing weird will Share the Shoot
happen to her on the set.
Plan Upfront
I tell my models upfront that they can record the
entire shoot to make a Behind the Scenes video
if they want to. Alternatively, she could also Especially for glamour or boudoir photography,
livestream it on Twitch or similar broadcasting where shooting the scenes requires a lot of
networks. I will find a place for her to set up the comfort and trust between the photographer
equipment she needs to film the BTS video, and model, not knowing how the shoot will
and I can also provide her with a tripod and progress can be quite an uncertain feeling for
mount for her phone, and even a power bank if the model. In photography, to capture genuine
necessary. expressions and feelings, the model should not
feel stressed or anxious, unless it is your project
to capture stressed and distressed looks that
This is a big win for models who use streaming also makes the viewer feel the same. A lot of
services and regular updates to build up a photography is about working with people, not
following on social media. This becomes a win- just with cameras, lights, and props.
win scenario because you as the photographer
will get a lot of exposure too, as an artist or a
professional. What can I do to help a model feel more
comfortable during a shoot, especially one that
requires more trust to let someone be so close? I
But it’s also possible that the model might decide share the shoot plan with her so that she has an
not to film anything at all because she might not idea of what the concept is and how the shoot
have enough storage space on her phone, or will progress. In this way, I can assure her that
is just not into archiving all her videos. At least nothing out of the ordinary will happen, and I
though, she could feel more relaxed because I give her a road map of expectations so that
was transparent enough to offer her something she will not be left wondering.
like this which she could then take up at any time
during the shoot.
When I share the shoot plans, I want to be as
thorough as possible to sustain her full attention
In any case, this genuinely offers to help break without leaving anything up to surprises. I will
the ice and reduce doubts, and it’s a win-win show her some reference and example photos
for everybody, even if the BTS video is a short so that she has an idea of what the photos of
ten-second one posted on Instagram. This her will look like. If we are doing nude photos, I
documenting tells everybody that your shoots will also show her example photos of the poses,
are above board. and perhaps a plan and shot list so that she will

have an idea of the gradual disrobing, as well
as to what degree of nudity it will be at the end. Sharing the Model
She will be free to stop the shoot at any point
or revert to prior stages of disrobing as she feels Release Upfront
comfortable, but at least she will be able to
choose which stage she is most comfortable at.
Quick question: how do you like surprises in

the fine print of contracts? How would you like
I also tell the model if I will be shooting only stills or
also video because we can’t make assumptions seeing them for the first time right before a major
that she would be okay being nude on video shoot? Your model probably feels the same way,
the same way she would be okay with being unless you both share the same casual attitude
nude in a photo. If I take BTS photos or videos, to legal responsibility.
I will discuss with her how and when I should take
it because some models are comfortable being
nude in front of the camera, but not in a casual I always share my contract templates with my
manner. models well before the shoot, and I only use the
standard Getty Images Release. Some people
I also tell her who will be on the set. Who are might use contracts as a way of cementing
the assistants, the makeup artists or stylists, and advantage and leverage over the other party,
will you shoot with other photographers? I will but my philosophy is different. I want the contract
introduce them to her before she meets them in to openly state and specify what both parties
person. will be getting into during the shoot as a starting
point of agreement for what both parties will be
comfortable with and can accept.
Seemingly small details like these matter, and
I don’t leave them up to her to discover by
surprise. The fewer surprises there are, the more As a photographer, I will only sign on one
confident and assured most models would be standard template of every type of contract
during the shoot. This allows me to capture and no other. This is because I will do hundreds
genuine expressions. of shoots in a year, and too much variance in
the terms and conditions of any single contract
will add up to too many obligations to keep
track of, not just in the year, but even well down
the line.
Once, a model I was very keen on working

with was not satisfied with the standard Getty
Images Model Release I use for all my shoots

and wanted to sign a release for “non-
commercial use” only. Because I am aware of Caring for a Chang-
my legal obligations as a photographer in the
legal jurisdictions where I practice photography, ing-Room
I was able to make a decision on this. Where I
practice photography, even a private website
that vaguely suggests that I could be available
for hire would be considered a commercial Does your model need to go through changes
enterprise. In my country, I am required by law of clothes for the photo shoot? If so, make
to add legal notices to any Facebook group an effort to cater to her need for privacy. It
that I start because even Facebook groups is taken for granted, but most people do not
are considered commercial. If I had signed her feel comfortable changing their clothes in
release, I wouldn’t have been able to post the front of others. What’s less commonly known
photos that I took unto my own Facebook or until it happens is that it’s not really pleasant
Instagram pages. By being aware of the legal to change clothes in a toilet either. There may
environment, I was able to understand that be a lot of lingering smells. Also, what if your
photos marked for non-commercial usage only shoot is outdoors? There won’t be any rooms
would be practically unusable for me. Therefore, conveniently nearby, and public toilets might
rather than the both of us going through the have grimy floors and even more bad smells.
shoot only to find out later that terms have
been breached or the photos are otherwise
unusable, we cancelled the shoot so that we Portable pop up dressing tents is your answer.
didn’t waste time preparing for a shoot whose You can get them for about $30 on Amazon5
photos we could either not use or find ourselves and eBay. Some models might be fine with
in breach of terms. changing their clothes in the car, or behind a
bush, or behind a wall of towels held up by
assistants. The rare few might not even mind
Share your contracts with your models up-front changing clothes on the set itself in full view of
and well before the shoot, so that they too can everybody. What I have found, though, is that
make informed decisions and be fully aware of the thoughtfulness to prepare a dedicated
what they are getting into, without doubts or space to change clothes in privacy is very
surprises. appreciated.
5 Amazon, 6 FT Portable Privacy Outdoor Pop-up Room Tent, https://glm.tips/tent

Heating up the Being Vulnerable
Studio in Winter Your model is in front of the lens. With or without
clothes she is somewhat bare to your gaze and
Are you blessed enough to do all your shoots in how you would look at her. She is the subject after
a warm, tropical location? I’m not. I shoot most of all. She is the observed and the interpreted. You
my photos in Germany where I live. Temperatures are the machine. Your face is obscured by that
here are seldom high enough that I would run camera. You move methodically and crisply, with
around without clothes. Therefore, I can’t expect purpose in your every action, whether it’s the
my models to do that either. flick of a dial or the movement of your shoulders
and feet. You give commands and give orders
on how to move, how to pose, where to be, and
Unless, of course, I heat the studio or shoot what to do. Even if you try to make your voice
venue to the point where having fewer clothes softer, you have to compensate for the distance
is more comfortable. If your shoot needs to have between yourself and the model. This means
more bare skin, I would recommend you raise the being loud. This means your model has the
temperature of the room to at least 22 °Celsius pressure to comply with your direction to create
/ 72 °Fahrenheit. a shoot that meets the standards expected.
This might seem a little warm for you if you are the Being in front of the camera and being a
photographer. You are busy moving with a heavy model can be a very vulnerable feeling. With
camera most of the time. On the other hand, a photographer with whom she doesn’t have
your model is holding herself still for her poses. the same familiarity as with her friends or family,
She is moving very much less. In addition, many she could freeze. She could feel uncomfortable.
slimmer models will feel cold faster, particularly if Fears and insecurities could creep in and even
they’re not used to cold seasons. the smallest of this would show in the final picture.
I’ve found it helpful to make the location warm Handling this feeling of vulnerability is the core
and cosy even if your model is tough and does of making my model feel good. Honest and
not get cold too fast. Even before people frequent affirmations and positive feedback
begin to shiver, their skin will contract and form can be encouraging and is very helpful, but the
goose pimples. This is not a nice skin texture to bigger impact comes from a deeper place in
have on photos. Goose pimples are hell to fix myself and how I approach the shoot.
even in Photoshop. It’s much better and safer to
turn on the heating well before the shoot so that
your model does not lose any body heat at all.

We photographers can be a very self-absorbed about my own vulnerabilities. If I feel nervous
and focused bunch of people. In photography, about a shoot I have never done before, it is
there are many technical things to think about, better for me to say it and be honest about it.
and the photographer can expend all his focus If I’m afraid of running out of poses a mere five
dealing with these matters. At best, what will minutes into my shoot, I have found it better to
happen is technical perfection. Perhaps most of let my models know. If I’m unsure if it’s okay to
us have this illusion that if the technical matters ask her to go into a revealing pose that I have
were taken care of, the greatest barriers to an planned for the day’s shoot, I should certainly
amazing photo would be solved. I’ve certainly ask her.
seen a little of this trait in myself as well as in others,
This isn’t about hedging. This is not about
here and there. When this habit kicks in, the mask
indirectly telling her my shoot might fail, and I’m
of the professional photographer sets in our
not good enough. This is not about preparing
faces and our demeanors. Although we think this
for failure for excuses.
is a demeanor that demonstrates certainty and
that “I know what I’m doing” message, this is not
necessarily a thing that creates good feelings
for the people around us. It can come across as What this is about is showing her that you trust
cold and unfeeling, and when your model begins her, and that it is okay for you to be imperfect
to mirror the same attitude because she too in front of her, so it is also okay for her to be
thinks that it’s necessary, then the shoot is pretty imperfect in front of you. The main thing is that
much lost. We’ve just created the beginning of despite this imperfection, you will drive yourself
stiff photos with a lack of believable expressions. toward a successful shoot.
I have managed to find a fix for this, but it wasn’t When needed, I add a “but it will be fine” to my
easy. At least not for myself. I will begin with a confessions. For those who are unsure, this can
quote from Professor Doctor Dr. Brené Brown, be reassuring.
which will sum my approach6:
The idea behind this is that you’re holding her

«It is only by embracing our vulnerability, daring to the same human standards you’re holding for
to expose that whole heart, that we can properly yourself. It’s fine if she strikes poses that don’t look
connect.» too good on the screen. It’s okay if she made
an expression that didn’t look good. It’s okay
to try things she’s never done before and which
might fail to achieve the desired result. It won’t
As the photographer and the master of the
be held against her because perfection during
scene, I find that I have to be open and honest
the shoot is not expected. You will fail
6 Brené Brown, Daring Greatly (2012, Penguin Books)

Compare this to a scenario where both
photographer and model try to keep up a mask,
an ever-growing antagonistic one, that they are
both professionals during the shoot and will not
fail. Being honest is also about giving up our
egos and need to be invulnerable. This might
not work in every scenario, but it might work
more often than not. Being brave enough to be
honest can make a difference.
in some things, and she will fail too, but both of

you will keep doing what you want to do, and
something good will come out of it.

What Didn’t Work So Well
After sharing the things that have worked for could be a red flag for the model because they
me, I’d like to talk about a few approaches wonder if the extra effort is an attempt to get
that have not worked out as well. Perhaps your them to feel obligated. There is also the question
experiences may differ, but this is what I have of whether the photographer understands if the
discovered. model simply prefers to eat somewhere else,
with someone else, after the shoot is done.
Is the photographer able to respect such a
preference?
Providing Food and There are situations where providing for meals
Drinks on the Set together somewhere cosy is the right thing to do
and would be very appreciated. For example,
my wife and I frequently have foreign models
staying in our guest room for a couple of days
while they are on shooting tours in Germany.
Providing for food and drinks on the set is usually
When we take them to restaurants in Germany
perceived as a welcoming and caring gesture,
that prepare the food they like, this gesture is
where you make sure nobody will suffer from thirst,
very appreciated. But in most cases, dinner after
low blood sugar, and hunger on the set. If your
a shoot is over the top and makes the model
model or shoot partners have special dietary
wonder if the shoot is actually a date.
requirements, such as perhaps being vegan,
need to avoid sugar, have dietary prescriptions If you want to prepare food, never overdo
based on religious grounds or even allergies, it it, and never suggest it in a way that you
is a very good thing to ask for their preferences. expect the model to accept your offer. Make
it incidental and something she can choose to
join in, if convenient.
But this gesture can go wrong, and I’ve seen it
happen. Sometimes, photographers screw it up
by overdoing it. If they insist, then it looks pushy.
Some photographers will go to the extent of
cooking a meal for after the shoot and asking
the model what they would like prepared. This

Playing Music She while doing a boudoir shoot where you need
to accentuate her softness and curves in the
photo, the music might not help you find better
Likes During the angles to shoot. (Or perhaps it might help, in
which case, there is no problem, but you do get
Shoot the point)
Apart from that, one of the things you have to

I’ve seen photographers and hobbyists regularly do during a shoot is to bring the model into a
recommending playing music that the model likes mood suitable for expressing the theme of the
during the shoot. I have tried it, and I can see it’s shoot. Her favourite music might not be suitable
usefulness, but I’m still on the fence about it. and may work against that.
Playing music that she likes can help her relax With that said, the type of music my models and I
and really get into the mood, and good vibes usually settle for is easy going lounge music. The
are important. The model probably has a “Lounge” radio channel on Apple Music is one
Spotify playlist, and it’s easy to set up a venue of our favourite playlists. This music won’t help
for music nowadays, especially with streaming the model dance through the shoot, but neither
technology and portable speakers. Set up the does it work against us.
right way, she’s probably going to really enjoy
In other cases, I don’t play any music at all.
the experience.
For example, when I shoot BTS material for my
YouTube videos, we cannot play music in the
background. This is because we do not have
One point where music might fail is when she the license to rebroadcast the music. I don’t
enjoys her music, but you don’t. What if you can’t seem to miss the music though, and neither do
get into it and find it distracting? For example, my models.
if you had to listen to Metallica or Rammstein

Let Her Bring a along a close friend or someone from within
her circles, how will her friend talk about the
experience later? Will word get out and spread
Chaperone about her? Does she look fine during the shoot,
or will she look stupid and vain later among her
circle of friends when the photos come out? If
she brought a boyfriend or a husband, is he
okay during the shoot, does he feel bored and
Letting her bring a companion and chaperone left out, or starts feeling jealous?
to the shoot is conventional wisdom, and I
think that it can work well most of the time. By
having someone she trusts with her, she’ll feel There are a lot of emotional traps and
less vulnerable, knowing she has an ally by her considerations a model may have to deal with,
side and nearby. However, I think this could also even if she brings along someone she trusts, and
sabotage some types of shoots. these mostly have to do with expectations and
judgement. When combined, they may result in
making her more stiff than if she were to do the
Imagine the shoot going well until it’s time for shoot alone. This is something to be aware of if
your adult model to begin posing in nothing but you shoot genres of photography that require
her bikini for the photos celebrating her feminine freedom for the model to express herself without
beauty that both of you hope to get. Suddenly, judgement.
you see her eyes dart to her chaperone, and When I talk to a potential TfP model for the first
then she begins to clam up and is not into the time, I will discuss this with her and bring up these
shoot anymore. Her mother, whom she brought to points. I tell her that I will be comfortable with
the shoot for safety, has just shot her a piercing
her bringing a chaperone, but she must decide
look to signal a warning or a talking to after the
by herself and on her own terms if having her
shoot, or perhaps there was even a dismissive chaperone nearby to watch her during the shoot
and contemptuous look that made the model would inhibit her, or assure her. Arrangements can
feel so bad she was not into the shoot anymore. be made for the chaperone to be comfortable
nearby and separated from the shoot only by
a screen, while all my other arrangements to
make the model feel safe and secure are also
in place. It will depend on the model as to what
Problems with judgement can happen even if
she would be comfortable with.
they brought along someone else. If she brought

Closing the Chapter
on Comfort
As photographers, our first experiences with

learning photography is often the technical
parts of mastering the camera. Later, it is about
discovering what is aesthetically and artistically
appealing and learning how to compose as
such. But perhaps what separates a good
photographer from a bad one is how we relate
to people, and how people feel about us and,
by extension, our work. Art and photography is
such a subjective thing that photographs and
photographers are only as good as ultimately
our most important collaborators feel about us.

CHAPTER 12
H o w T o S ay N o G r a c e f u l l y
S
o far, the focus of this book has been empathy and have license to be rude. After
about how to offer value to potential spending much effort on how photographers
TfP models, how to pitch to them, where can be more effective partners and have better
to find them, and how to make them feel success with TfP arrangements, I feel that this
safe and comfortable. Much of the focus is on book would not be complete without adding a
how you could interact with them to maximise the little something on how to say “no” to models who
chance of a shoot occurring. When we search for approach us.
our ideal model, we already have a clear idea in
I have been observing a certain trend nowadays
our minds who is best for our shoot. It is then up to
that calls itself by certain names such as “radical
the model to decide if you are the right person
honesty,” “brutal directness,” or something similar.
for her to work with.
I hear common people as well as professionals
and hobbyists advocating for this to be more
prevalent, like an ethic to be adopted when
But sometimes, the shoe is on the other foot.
interacting with others. But what does it lead
Sometimes, you have to decide if a model is your
to? Maybe a model messages them, and they
ideal model because she has already made up
respond with something like, “I will not photograph
her mind that she would like to work with you.
you because you are short and fat.” I don’t know
where such a strange idea of how to treat people
comes from, but I wonder if perhaps popular
When you begin issuing casting calls or general television shows are responsible. Programs like Star
pitches, it is very likely that the TfP models who Search come to mind, where judges utter the most
approach you are perhaps not the right fit for hurtful words to the contestants. These words are
the particular type of shoot you want to do. The designed to humiliate but are masked as criticism
potential TfP model may come in with a lot of and directed at people who have been baited
enthusiasm and fire and might go the extra mile and tricked into making fools out of themselves
to be noticed by you. Are you obliged to shoot on the airwaves for the sake of network ratings,
with her? Definitely not. Just like the models you and to pay the salaries of the judges and staff
approach are free to choose who they work with, of the show itself. This does not look fair or good
you are also free to do the same with who you to me, and I think will have negative repercussions
shoot for. for everyone in the industry and hobby of
photography, if widely adopted.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should forget

Perhaps people need an alternative way of I do not explain why. That information may not
saying no and refusing offers while maintaining be useful or helpful for her. What you decide
basic civility, respect ,and empathy for the other is best for your shoot has no useful relation to
person. Perhaps it would be a good idea for anything in her life. If you want someone taller or
me to share how I do it. thinner or who looks a certain way, for example,
will not help her earn more money or get more
shoots, will not make her richer, happier, healthier,
For me, being polite no matter the situation or more successful. This information is simply not
demonstrates true professionalism. It shows that useful to her and is a distraction. I decline to
we choose how we respond to things and that provide it.
we are always in control. Let’s return to the
topic of saying “no” in the first place.
Perhaps though, and because there are no
absolute rules on how to interact with people,
How do you say no or refuse a collaboration if I feel that I must say more, perhaps because
with someone who is earnest, approached you they press me for an answer, or perhaps
for the shoot while it was difficult for you to find because I feel they have been so earnest they
the perfect model, and who has taken the extra don’t deserve to be brushed off so coldly, I
mile because they decided your idea was would then say, “My work is not ideal for you,” or
perfect for them, but you don’t feel the same “I would not be the right photographer for you.”
way? You do not have to reject them on an Again, I do not explain.
absolute basis. Perhaps you might feel that
Remember that it ultimately does not make
even though she is not your idea model, why
sense to explain or justify a decision you have
not? Or perhaps you would be okay with doing
made on a purely subjective basis. What you
her a favor. After all, don’t we photographers
find uninteresting or not beautiful could be
sometimes learn more from shoots that do not
very interesting or beautiful to others. Perhaps
match everything we expect? But do it only if
so interesting that in the right hands, it would
you want to because you are not obliged to
become wildly popular and better than if it was
say yes. If you don’t feel like doing it, then say
you that attempted it.
no. Don’t be afraid to say no.
However, if you do decide to explain or justify,

This is how I reply to a model I feel is not right
then you have to be aware that sooner or later,
for my shoot. I simply tell her, “Thank you for your
directly or indirectly, you will have to own up to
interest. I think this is not the ideal project for
your justifications. For example, someone who
you, and I must decline your offer.”
says a model is too fat for him to take a picture

also implies that he is not good enough to take might like and are open to working with them in
a photo of them in a way that makes them look the future. In that case, you may want to let them
attractive. Ditto with all the other reasons we down gently. In this case, I would highlight some
may have for rejecting a model. Our reasons say attribute of theirs that I like, and then leave the
more about ourselves and our work than they door open for future collaboration. So, perhaps
do about the model, even if it seems the other I might say, “Hello, and thank you for your interest. I
way around at first glance. do not think my current project would be suitable
for you, but I really love your smile/dimples/sense
of style/shape of your breasts in this type of light
Once you have firmly expressed that your /(or you may use other positive attributes here)
project, or yourself as a photographer would and would like to consider working with you on a
not be right for the model, you may leave it at future project.” Then you could get their contact
that. You have to be careful of people, be they details for you to contact them further.
models or other potential collaborators, who
are very pushy and will try to make you do things
you don’t want to do. This point can be the end Whatever your preferred way of saying no to
of the discussion and communication. models is, I hope you will do so in a way that
communicates respect for them. This will perhaps
benefit you as well as the industry or hobby as
Finally, though, you may decide that the other a whole.
person is not being pushy and is someone you

Lastly, It’s still warm. We’ve explored some ways we can
communicate professionalism and worthiness
for trust to models who would work with us for
a numbers game the first time.
Despite all of that, though, TfP agreements are

still usually less of a priority than anything your
My good friend and fellow photographer,
model would be paid for or would pay for.
Roland Betin, would probably jump in to say,
TfP is something we do when the opportunity
“It’s still a numbers game!” as a reminder, so I’ll
to take part meets with spare time and spare
just give him a quote in this book’s last chapter.
energy. Compared to the numbers of people
He’s absolutely right.
who are actively living in the hustle and
bustle of everyday life, or making money from
photography and modelling, the numbers
From the beginning of the book, when you of any such people at any one time are
might or might not have been somewhat comparatively smaller.
clueless as to how to make TfP shoots work, we
have gone through a journey where we have
explored ways and options to increase our
If you approach models on an individual basis,
chances of attracting our perfect TfP model
the number of rejections you will receive can
for our photo projects. We have thought about
be quite discouraging. In my experience in
creating win-win situations and how to craft our
making individual pitches to people I do not
messages for maximum impact to reach the
know, only approximately 10% of them are
right model. We have thought about where to
open to the idea. For all the others, the timing
find our TfP models and have gone through
is not right; they are not attracted to the theme
examples of things that common, everyday
or concept of the shoot, or they do not have
people may want from photoshoots. We’ve
any resources or spare energy to contribute to
investigated why people we approach for TfP
making the shoot happen. But that is simply life
shoots may just instinctively reject our pitch and
though. Think of the number of times we have
thought about how to avoid this. We’ve done
put off even doing things we would love to do
homework on how to reduce the likelihood of
because it was simply not convenient or not
no-shows and how to keep the excitement
the right time.

To avoid getting frustrated with this situation, I suggest
you approach this “numbers game” with a mindset that
is prepared for and which accepts the “no.” Look at
these rejections as just another step to eventually get
that one “yes” you need to plan the shoot with your
perfect TfP model. Don’t hesitate. Get through these
“no’s” as quickly as possible so that you can persevere
and stay fresh enough when you finally get your “yes.” I
find that this is a balanced approach that has worked
well for me because my expectations match the tempo
and realities of life, and I can maintain my enthusiasm
for meeting, engaging with people and finally producing
great photographic artwork with them. Over the years,
the “yeses” I have received have snowballed so that I
now have a collection of work I can be proud of, as well
as long-term partners I can always work with to produce
even more wonderful photographs.
I hope that this approach will be as similarly rewarding for

you.

Acknowledgements
Finding most of our models, styling them perfectly and making them feel really
comfortable even in the most daring photo shoots are just a few of the things that
my wonderful wife Emily does. If you have seen a photo, video or book from me that
you liked, then you can be sure that most of the credit has to go to her and not
to me. She is my muse, my love and my partner in crime in almost every photo shoot.
Every minute that I spend with you, Emily, my life becomes a wonderful dream come
true. I always did and always will love you!
If it wasn’t for my co-author Daenarios, the wizard of words, then this book would not
be half as useful as it is. Certainly, you would not have read it all the way through
to this chapter at the very end. Danny, as I call him, helped me bring to life all the
thoughts and ideas I had intended to put on this paper.
I would like to thank my fellow photographers Roland Bentin, Markus Holzhäuser

and Rüdiger Rau for sharing with me their extensive experiences with contacting TfP
models via various platforms. Their valuable input has shaped my journey and given
me the experiences and insights that have formed the content of this book.
My thanks would not be complete without mentioning my awesome team from

Good Light! Magazine. Dear Bienna, Steph, and Mark who work on our monthly
publications have freed up so much of my time that I was finally able to put pen to
paper on a subject I had been thinking of for quite a while, but just didn’t have time
to do before this. Kudos and eternal thanks to all of you!
My final big Thank You goes to Herbert Wannhoff for making my very first TfP photo
shoot not just possible, but also a huge success. Without Herbert, I might never have
gone into TfP at all, and this book would never have seen the light of day. Herbert’s
guidance showed me what was possible and planted the seed of making things
happen in TfP collaborations.
My deepest appreciation to everybody I’ve shared this journey of writing with.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Zelbel is an amateur photographer with a studio based in Düsseldorf,

Germany. He accepts bookings for fashion, beauty, and nude shoots.
Michael also publishes Good Light! Magazine for fellow photographers and
enthusiasts. Good Light! Magazine is filled with practical tips and novel methods for
photographers at every level of ability.
www.GoodLightMag.com
Michael’s personal mission with photography is to bring together the cultures of East
and West. He often combines models, fashion and photographic styles from Asia and
the western world.
He hopes to create a seamless, intercultural blend. He created this photography
guide in conformity with his personal philosophy.
Another photography guide filled with Michael’s tips is
www.goodlightmag.com/flow

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through
my links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through
my link. In fact, I am sometimes able to negotiate a lower rate.
In addition, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue offering you more
free stuff online. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself. I never
recommend products that I find mediocre, so I’m confident my recommendations will
leave you in good hands.
Thank you in advance for your support!

Don’t forget to Register for Free
Updates
Please join Michael’s email list to
• Get notified when a new version of the book gets published
• Download the latest version of the book in PDF format
Important
Please register with the email address that you used for purchasing your book in
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LET’S SHOOT

How to attract TfP models and work together successfully

Michael Zelbel and Daenarios VC.

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

This book contains material protected under International

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

Yet the expected response just never materialised.

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 1

From my years of experience photographing

2 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 3

4 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

1 Wikipedia, Time for print, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_for_print

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 5

6 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 7

8 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

When I met her for a personal training session after

3 Wikipedia, Lyen Wong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyen_Wong

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 9

“It’s just a hobby, but if it helps you, I could do

I could not believe my ears! The sunny and

10 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

My natural reaction to this situation would have

As for poses, we simply let Lyen go through the poses

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 11

When the day of the shoot arrived, I knew it was

12 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

Before the shoot, I was absolutely terrified that

Lyen felt so in love with our nude- and bikini

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 13

16 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 17

Do they pay attention?

Grab their attention from the beginning! Present

18 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

How Humans Make Decisions

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 19

20 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

The Limbic Operating System

Klaff proposes a simple and useful model of

5 Oren Klaff, Pitch Anything (February 16, 2011) https://glm.tips/pitchanything

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 21

Building Blocks of the Pitch

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 23

24 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

In a previous chapter, I had already related how I was

6 Zig Zigler, Wikiquote, https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Zig_Ziglar

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 25

26 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 27

28 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 29

30 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

One of the main themes in my photography is

LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW 31

The idea itself was new, it was exciting, and it

shoot so much more

32 LET’S SHOOT TOMORROW

Lara, Inspiring Us For Bodyscapes