We submit primarily model released images to Dreamstime and a few select other sites. There are several different ways we obtain these model released images for our microstock submissions.
We have a sign up area for potential models on our website: www.sparklingmoments.com where interested people can fill out a model interest form. We then contact them to schedule their "test shoot." This is a TFCD shoot in exchange for a signed model release. People love it! We get at least one a week from this method. (Which is perfect, as we are busy with traditional studio shooting, as well.) Here is a girl we recently took pictures of who found us this way:
Which brings me to our 2nd method: Traditional studio clients are invited back in for a TFCD shoot in exchange for the signed model release. Having the model information on our website lends credibility to our offer, and I've never had a client refuse me yet! They are flattered and excited to be modeling for our studio.This girl came in for senior pictures and we invited her back in to model. She is so amazingly diverse - we'll definately have her in again and again:
We have a few direct mail pieces that we leave in hair salons, tanning salons, and other "beauty industry" related locations. We get quite a few inquires from these, and have proven to be worth the cost of printing them up. This girl came to us this way. She's been in twice, and her brother has come in, too. She's a great seller!
We constantly get referrals from current models. They bring in their friends, who sign releases and have their own sessions with us. This young woman has come in twice - look for her most recent images coming soon!
We've also booked models from Model Mayhem and One Talent Source. This couple came from Model Mayhem. She originally signed up with us, and then convinced her boyfriend to come and do it with her, too. They are great sellers - individually and together.
One of the most important things I have learned about working with models is clear communication. Find out what they have for clothing and get a list of what they plan to bring to the shoot. Make sure they understand what you will be asking of them and how much time they should plan to devote. Make them their CD as soon as possible after the shoot while they are still very excited and interested. Encourage them to tell their friends and bring them along. You'll get a lot of model shoots this way!
I hope this has been helpful to you. Please drop me a comment if you have any other methods of attracting people to model for you. I'd love to hear them!
