Stacey

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I'm always on the lookout for good subjects and I'm happy to pay models in some cases but there are many with an unrealistic expectation of what they can get out of it, I'm afraid. In my view there are three levels of business relationship here.

a) If I really, really want to photograph you, I invite you, hire you and we sign a contract. Payment depends on whether you are a professional, semi-pro or amateur, what you brought with you, what sort of work we are doing and how far you had to drive. If you expect to be paid, I do expect that you have some experience and ability - a good photographic model is a performer, unlike a life model in art class. I do not believe in asking for a free shoot for nude work - that should always be paid to avoid any suggestion of exploitation. I do like to shoot art nude styles in particular and I'm happy to negotiate specific restrictions if you are only prepared to do anonymous or implied for instance.

b) If I want to photograph you and you want to be photographed, we trade. You give me your time and I give you files and/or prints. I get to use your images and you get some nice shots of yourself or a a very cheap modelling portfolio to put up on OzModel, etc. to improve your chances of getting paying work. This is TFP or TFCD - time for prints. I will supply you with a DVD of image files as soon as I can after the shoot - my choice and I will do some basic photoshopping on them. Happy to supply JPEGs and images sized for web use.

c) If you want to be photographed in a particular way but you aren’t the sort of model I’m seeking for my own work or practice, then I’m afraid you’ll have to pay me. But I’m reasonable. Very.

I'm sorry if that sounds blunt but it's best to be straightforward and businesslike in these matters, I find. In the case of a) and b) I’ll ask you to sign a legal ‘release’ which allows me to sell those images but I will also provide you with digital files of the better shots which you may use for personal purposes, or for self promotion so long as you credit me (with a copyright caption). In the case of c), I retain copyright of images but cannot use them for commercial purposes unless you choose to let me but I may use them for self-promotion unless you specifically forbid it.

If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times - but I rarely if ever shoot anyone under 18 unless it's a specific commission or request (by a parent for instance).

I’m always looking for unusual and striking people of any age, size or sex as subjects to develop the artist in me – for me, pretty people aren’t always that photogenic. If you are young, inexperienced or we don’t know each other, I may suggest that you bring a chaperone at first – it helps to avoid any misunderstandings and normally makes things more comfortable for all of us! The ideal chaperone is someone who can help with make-up, hair, clothing and can hold a reflector! They may even enjoy themselves. Good models also like to set their limits, especially in nude or implied nude and I need to know what they are up front so that we can all stay in our comfort zone. I prefer to do 'tasteful' work myself, either in nude or glamour shots but I can cope with more suggestive or explicit styles.

If any of the above worries you, talk it over with me - they are the usual way of organising these things and designed to be fair to all involved. I can supply references and I have a current Police Check. Drop in and talk about what you'd like to do or are prepared to do - do a quick test shoot perhaps - I have a collection of books and materials that will help you decide - and a selection of props and jewelry. The whole idea is that photography should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all involved - although it can be very hard work!