Using your friends as models

If you decide to have people in your photos and your not doing street photography  you will need to start using models. Most of us are a bit nervous about contracting or working with models as we are  so busy learning we feel it would be a waste of both of a professional models time. So what becomes the easiest solution seemingly is to use our friends as models. However this is fraught with all kinds of concerns

First comes the legal challenges and since I am no lawyer and my legal advice is worth as much as its costing you to read this blog, take that into consideration. If we published the picture anywhere  and we ever expect to make one red cent off of it we need to be covered by a model release form. But they are my  "fill in the blank" they want to do it and there is no problem. Well money is the number one reason for divorce so don't believe for a second that it couldn't come between you and your friend.  Get the paperwork done and release your mind from worry, it protects you both.

 The nice thing about a working with a model is that they are your canvas and if they don't like what your going to do with them or the way they feel portrayed no harm no foul. Friends it might be not so easy as they may feel that your picture is exploitative  or demeaning  in which case you are losing more than a business relationship. 

Models bring with them a work ethic and a fundamental understanding of what "works" for them and how to express it. After two or three quick smiles the patience of your friend may run out as they lack the fundamental understanding that it may take some time for you to hone your vision and make the picture "work" as you dreamed it up. The working model can  bring their experience to the party and this results usually in a stronger image in view of their understanding of what that vision is.  No matter how well intended your friends are,they are  doing you a "favor" and their attitude and their demeanor often times will carry through and they may find themselves tired quickly afterward. Bryan Peterson made the point that the more inexperienced you are as a photographer the more experienced your model needs to be to get you come up to speed.

 The one strong  point that your friends can bring to the party is often times their flexibility of working with you. They may already be in the situation and they may have a willingness and interest in the subject matter that your model might have a hard time displaying. However I have been shocked at how willing most models are to "jump" right in and make the image work. I wouldn't say don't use your friends but I would seriously consider trying to meet with a photography group or trying a site like http://modelmayhem.com to locate models near you because as easy as it is to use your friends you might find that their inexperience might hinder your progress more than you anticipated.