Metro Detroit Portfolio Photographers Mary DuPrie

Oh, that’s easy… I mentioned to my friend Eric that I liked how retouching sites had rollover images showing their before and after retouching samples.  I actually taught myself how to retouch by analyzing various rollovers.  I would mouse over them again and again, especially paying attention to the dodging and burning.  I started a new category today on my site where I’ll be adding rollovers.  Model Photography Retouching

I still cringe when I hear my uber smart techie geekie friends say that…  no, it’s not so easy.  I can, and will,  always relate to the fact that all this stuff is hard.  Yes, I’ve memorized the steps to do it but I really don’t understand the mechanics behind it.

Dreamweaver and coding will always be a mystery.  I’m in awe of the people who’ve invented it and those who actually understand it. I just do what people tell me to do.

I make text documents so I can look up the recipes later, especially for DreamWeaver.  If I have to go in months later I have to rack my brain to remember the workflow or remember how I labeled my text document.   I sometimes don’t remember and have to Skype with my more knowledgeable friends.  I make a huge effort to try and remember in the first place so they don’t think I’m lazy and just taking advantage.

I empathize when I have clients who don’t know what a proof disc is, how to download images from their emails, how to save the images and how the hell do they print 9x12s????

Why 9×12?  Who the hell knows… got me!?  Why do model images need to be 9×12?  When did that begin?  Why?  I wish someone would tell me, then I would be in on the joke.  Since I give the client files to print for their modeling books they are responsible for finding a printer for 9×12′s.    Right away I have to mention, oh, good luck with that locally.

So in my printing release, which btw, is on the same page as my modeling release,  I mention the workaround.  To put two 9×12′s next to one aonther on a 12×18 templet and cut it down the middle.  Yes, you can always mail order prints for more $$$ but I’ve found Costco at just $3 buckaroonies just fine for model books.  That’s make it just $1.50 for each 9×12.

I know that more and more clients have the ability or know of someone who understands computers.  But for those clients who don’t have computer skills or savvy friends I’ll have to add the 12×18 layout as an option to my price list.

I will never forget  this stuff is hard…

Oakland County Model Photographers Mary DuPrie

Detroit Michigan Modeling Portfolio Photographers Mary DuPrie

THERE BASICALLY ISN’T ANY… in a nutshell.  Models are not being flown out of Detroit to do many shoots.  Lucrative shoots will be booked out of  New York, LA, Chicago or Miami.  So unless you are signed with an agency in one of these cities those jobs will not be coming your way.  Victorias Secret will not come knocking if you live in Detroit.

I get various calls during the week from potential models or parents of models and occasionally the conversation goes to what OTHERS have suggested they qualify for.   Ahhh, oh, I see.  Further conversation might establish the model is 14 and 5’1″… plain and simple… not gonna happen.

One Source Talent, The Event, John Robert Powers, John Casablanca, these businesses have reasons for saying you quality… and they are all financial… that is, to part YOU from YOUR money.  Saying or inferring just about anything to string you along. If they  mention they can shoot a comp card for you… step away from the buffet!

When I start talking about how the business really works it seems that I am the enemy… NO… I am just the first person talking about how the industry really works.   Ouch!  Well, being honest can/is a drag.

I am going to be taking another route, that you, as a model or parent have done your due diligence and know what you qualify for in the Detroit market.  My past blog posts will help with the legit modeling agencies in the Detroit area.   I don’t have the time to educate everyone who calls about the modeling world nor do I want to be the bearer of bad news;  that the $2,000+ that you’ve spent was unnecessary.

Stringing  you along saying that you qualify for blah and blah, oh and then there’s blah… oh, you’re 5’4″ and weight 180 lbs then you could do plus size modeling… hummm, no.    So sad indeed, few people embrace the new info well.  Every plus size model I’ve ever shot has been at least 5’10″ and about 185 lbs.

I will look at it this way… there is always promotional modeling and perhaps you can quality for that category.  But if you out and out ask me I will tell you the truth, but that is only if you ask.  A two look shoot can pretty much cover anyone and everyone who wants to get into some aspect of the modeling world.

If you are not signed you DO NOT need a comp card or portfolio… there, I’ve said it for the last time.  A simple headshot and body shot will do.  Whether the photos are professional or amateur you can submit them.  Will professional photos help, absolutely, but bookers are skilled at seeing a potential model in bad images too.   No fancy lighting, flattering angles or the miracle of all miracles… Photoshop!

It can sting when mentioned there are no catalogs being shot in Detroit and a newbie 15 year old wouldn’t be given the job even if K-Mart was still here.  But my daughter is way cute!  But your daughter is 5’1″.   I know of two catalogs booked through Detroit of any merit, Carhartt, the work clothes company, and Moose Jaw the outdoor clothing company.

Magazine editorials generally pay zip… as in $0.  A magazine editorial is what is in the middle of magazines, the spread.  Yep… $0.  Commercial print models generally make the most money here.  A commercial print model is generally very pretty with great teeth, good skin and very easy to photograph, in all types conditions, soft or hard.  Age is not so much a factor but experience is.

Potential models:  Clients find bodies that fit their clothes, which normally is a sample size 6.  They make one sample that is a size 6 in every new piece in their line… hence this is why you need to fit a sample size.  Clients use a fit model or mannequin that is on average 5’10″ tall.

The shortest female model I know of signed in Detroit is over 21 and 5’4″.  She does a variety of TV and a few print jobs.  The perfect height for men is 6′ to 6’2″.  Detroit is a smaller market so our heights can be shorter, men are always in demand in the Detroit market.  So guys if you’ve ever thought about modeling, please do!

Height is important for men because if you are paired with a tall female model in heels you don’t want to look over shadowed.   Occasionally  a shorter model will be signed but they will have an exceptional face… beautiful skin, great teeth and be very photogenic.

PROMOTIONAL MODELING

On the other hand if you are on the shorter side for modeling there is always the category of  “Promotional Modeling”.  Promotional modeling is kind of like what it sounds.  The catch is most “Promo” models are 18, in Detroit you need to be 21 for  alcohol or casinos.  Promotional models are cute hot chicks and guys with bubbly social personalities.  The normal pay is by the hour, not by the job.  The average rate is $15-$40 an hour.  Some promotional models will be under contract and are required to travel around the country representing a company, examples would be alcohol, power tools, tires… mostly geared to the male market.  On the other hand you could be standing in a store passing out ice cream samples.  To submit for a promo model you only need a headshot and a body shot in our market.

There is also the category of promotional work that just about anyone can quality for… for instance the folks who pass out those yummy samples at Costco.

I hope this post helps out to find the right fit for you and avoid signing with companies that can’t really help you.   I suggest not giving someone your credit card number to bill you of several people that have had to cancel credit cards to stop the payments.  I’ve heard it’s easier to stop payments if you use a debit card btw… but my advise is to use nothing!

When you have to get out your check book… get your cute little butt cheeks out of the chair and run.  Never give out cash and don’t fall for deadlines.  Modeling agencies generally don’t advertise, they don’t NEED to.  They especially don’t do radio ads.  They don’t want to be overrun with tons of people because they are selective.  Take your time and do your research.  Best of luck.

Detroit Michigan Model Photographers Mary DuPrie