Why a great photographer is worth it!

I had a great model and photographer and almost all of the clothes and jewelry were my own. I really need to do more of these! For face and body paint or henna, if you can start trying to do some TFP, (time for print) photo shoots for your cards and advertising, give it a shot! This was done in two sessions...paste on and paste off two days later.

Oh wow, you did both sides of her hands. gorgeous. tell me more about time trade please?do you pay for a model? How much?

Stunning!

You hook up with people online or with photographers you know. ModelMayhem is a great website to find models and photographers but facebook often has model and photographer and mua groups. The premise is everyone wins. Model gets awesome art and not the 'same old' poses for her portfolio, Photographer gets some great portfolio shots that are not another wedding or family/kid/dog shot and he enjoys that variety and you paint something you normally would love to do but no one will pay for and get beautiful photos showcasing your artwork. Everyone is offering something. Models and photographers are not cheap and just like you, they do not work for free. BUT we all can get behind an 'art fest' where everyone wins. My only cautions is that even tho this is 'free', it's a professional arrangement. Contracts should be involved so everyone gets their photos and the instructions are clear. I do casting calls for models and photographers so I can get pix in the winter. (no time for these shinanagins in the summer! LOL)

Kim -
These are absolutely gorgeous!

I'm curious, did the models do their own hair/makeup or did you also network with a stylist?

I agree with everything Kim said - contracts for sure so both you and the model know you'll get digital files from it that you can use. I LOVE doing TFP with certain photographers in the area - everybody wins.

Also, a "real" model is TOTALLY worth it. I never knew how much better pics would be when someone is experienced working in front of a camera and knows how to pose, it really makes a difference. And holy moly, modeling is HARD work when you see how they have to contort and hold their frame.

Very beautiful, all around! The model is also very stunning! <3