Paying a model?

Hello there, I am treading on new territory. I am starting to body paint and was wondering do I put it out there to friends and see if anyone just wants to do it or do I offer to pay? And if so how much? This is just partial body painting I will be doing at our local gallery. I won't be getting paid it is a publicity thing I am trying.

I feel that some might just want to take part for fun, (hoping) But should I offer to pay or just take it as a blessing when I get volunteers? I don't want to take advantage. Just curious if anyone has thoughts on this. Thank you in advance.

Don't offer to pay if you don't have to. So far the models that have worked for me on MY projects or for unpaid work for other purposes have volunteered. Some do it for fun, some for photos.

I have a list of willing models that I can ask when something comes up and they are happy to do it as long as we can coordinate schedules.

One model for a competition piece was a co-worker (post office manager) who had been seriously working out for about a year and was proud of her "new" body profile and thought it would be fun - she actually volunteered out of nowhere one day and then when I had the idea several months later she was super excited to do it.

I generally make sure to get them images - both digital and print - as a thank you, even if I have to pay for the photos myself.

Try Model Mayhem or other modeling sites if you don't know anyone who is willing. You would be surprized who would be willing.

Great Shannon, thank you so much. You are not going to believe this but , my pastor's daughter just contacted me because I mentioned I have an idea for a back painting. She has recently lost 80lbs and still is a bit self conscious and thinks it will really help her self esteem. i'm excited that I can help her see how beautiful she is. I told her that she was beautiful before the weight loss and would have made a great model then too.

I use ModelMayhem and offer trade for pictures.

I have models pay me to paint them. I made a trade with a popular photographer in the area. I have her my prices, she puts the opportunity out there. People contact her. She pays me and I get to use the photos for any purposes I want.

problem is finding a photographer you can trust and who brings in enough business to make it steady. I have several paintings a month with her, almost 1 every week.

Ok most do not offer or want to pay, however paying has a plus side.

Generally when folks do not pay they work on trade and the model gets all the shots too. They then can pick the shot they want which may be different than the one or two you want to show. If you pay you have more control.

Thank you all for your advice. It is greatly appreciated ,thank you for sharing your experience with me.