Model writes: Do you any advice on how to get paid modeling gigs?
So how to ask for paying gigs in your area?
Personal Selling
Unless you are signed with an agency, you will have to find your own work. Approach modeling as your business. Like any business, a model needs to do marketing and sales. You need to find contact information for potential customers (photographers) in your area.
Send a message saying you are looking for work. It is not rude or anything. You are just asking if there is a paying job available for you. Be clear that it is a paid assignment you are seeking. But don’t quote a rate or fee unless and until it is asked for. I think talking about money in the initial contact is gauche. I would probably just delete the message because it would sound too mercenary.
I have had models message me asking for work. They came to a casting. I made them an offer, so much money for half a day, they accepted the offer and I hired them. They did a good job of marketing themselves. Starting from a cold contact to closing the sale at the casting.
I want to emphasize, don’t talk specifically about money or fee until it is asked for. More than likely the photographer will make an offer based on their budget. You can accept, decline or counter offer. Everything is negotiable.
