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Model rates: Advice for freelance models

Ever since I started modeling, the question of “model rates” has been popping up just about every day in the MM modeling forum. I’ve finally decided to write a post with my personal take on setting modeling rates.

This is just from my experience—honestly, there are as many unique experiences and opinions as there are models. Additionally, this post is geared towards freelance models making money by helping new photographers develop their portfolios, as opposed to agency models.


Model: Aviva; Photographer: IMS PHOTOGRAPHIC

Warning to new models: Making a living takes time

First, if you started modeling only for the money, then think very carefully about the reality of making money as a model, especially if you are freelance. It is very important to understand your limitations, because there is not a single model out there that is suitable for all kinds of work.

I know a few freelance models on Model Mayhem who make a living modeling (I’ll certainly try to get them to submit a guest post or two here, and maybe interview them). They travel for shoots and are able to sustain themselves. From reading many of their forum posts, I can see that it took them a long time to build a reputation that can allow them to charge enough for their modeling to make a living at it. Making a living as a full-time freelance model requires a lot of hard work, dedication, a look that people are willing to pay for, and sometimes the willingness to lower your limits when it comes to nudity and the types of shoots you are willing to accept.

Rather than having set rates, consider leaving them open for negotiation

I have seen models charge anywhere up to $150/hour. I myself have usually been paid between $25/hr-$60/hour for shoots. Sometimes I get more, sometimes I get less.

I choose not to set a specific rate because I always want to know what the person hiring me is offering before I tell them. That way, I can try to renegotiate on jobs that I think are offering me too little money, or accept jobs that offer me more than what I had expected to get.

6 things to consider when setting your rates

So, how much do you charge for modeling? How do you know how much you should charge? Should you charge?

1. Your portfolio

When you are starting, focus on building a good portfolio that focuses on the areas of modeling that are most suited for your look, and your interests. Understand that if you are 5’4″ and 140 lbs, you probably will not make money as a fashion or commercial model. Therefore, stick with genres that suit your body type.

And, unless you have a fairly strong portfolio, it may be unreasonable to expect getting paid at all. You might be better off doing some trade/collaboration (TF*) work or even hiring a photographer or two.  A really good photographer would likely provide valuable images that help you build a portfolio.

2. The photographer’s portfolio

When deciding upon an offer you received, assess the person’s portfolio and decide for yourself if the amount of money they are offering you is worth being associated with that photographer and their work. Yes, they are paying you, but understand that those pictures will be on the Internet forever. Look at the person’s worst picture, and realize that their next worst one could be of you. Are you okay with that? One bad picture can cost you money or your future career—especially if you want to be a public figure.

One way that I was able to avoid working with some photographers that I did not want to work with was by quoting them rates that I knew they would not pay, and it worked well for me. I was able to be selective of who I worked with, while still making some money at modeling.

3. Your look

How you look is probably the most important factor when it comes to setting your rates. If your look is in demand, you can charge higher rates for your modeling because people would be willing to pay you more. To be able to make money as a model, realize that maintaining your looks is important, which means taking care of your skin, eating right and going to the gym, among other things.

4. The competition

The number of models who can do what you do is also an important factor in whether or not you can charge, and how much. If you see that, in your area, there are many models that do amazing standard glamour shots, and you want to also be a glamour model, understand that you are up against some stiff competition. When supply is high, simple economics say that the price would therefore be low. If you have a unique skill (such as posing) that few of the models in your area possess, use it to your advantage. Anything that is rare is usually more valuable.

When deciding how much to charge, check out what the models in your area (that are similar to you in looks, body type and genre) are charging. Some of them post their rates right on their Model Mayhem profile, or on their website.

Because you are new, charge a little bit less than the average, when starting out. If you see that, at your current rate, you are getting more offers than you have time for, you then raise your rates a little bit. If you are not getting any offers, then lower your rates.

If, you are not getting any offers, even after you have lowered your rates, it is time to go back to square one and re-assess your own portfolio,  your look, the market and your goals.

5. Nude modeling

Due to the supply and demand principle, models willing to pose nude will be able to charge more and will likely get more work. That is because there are many beautiful girls who are willing to pose clothed for free/little money, but it is more difficult to find good models who pose nude. With that being said, carefully consider the consequences of posing nude and whether or not the money is worth it for you. You are the only one to make that decision.

6. What do you offer that is worth paying for?

Consider that you are also competing against many models that would do the same thing that you do but for free. Make a list of all the things that you can offer to the person “hiring” that those who model for free can’t or don’t do. In other words, what can you do/what do you have that makes you worth paying for?

Summary: Deciding on a good rate depends on many factors

If you are disappointed that I didn’t write down the exact dollar figure, then, I can explain to you why I didn’t.

Here are all the reasons why I didn’t write the exact dollar figure in this post:

  • Modeling rates are variable by city and country. Chances are if you are a model in Victoria, BC your rates are different than if you are a model in Los Angeles, CA.
  • I don’t know what you look like.
  • I don’t know your competition in the city where you live.
  • I am not familiar with modeling rates for every genre that you may be suited for, and different genres have different rates.
  • There are far too many variable factors to come up with a solid numeric figure.

How do you set your modeling rates?

I hope you found this helpful. If you disagree with something, please say so in the comments. If you like this post, feel free to comment too.

AvivaH

AvivaH

AvivaH has been a model for 2 years and track athlete for 6 years. She lives in Victoria, BC, and specializes in fitness, promotional, bikini, lingerie, and commercial modeling. www.ahlifeandstyle.com/

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  • John

    I really liked the article. I found it to be both informative and down to earth!

    As a photographer I value models that pay attention to paragraph 1 & 3 in perticular.
    I also find it useful when models give me a rate. If it’s reasonable, I’m OK with it. The reason for that is the same reason mentioned in paragraph 4. If I work out of my area, how will I know what the local, going rates are? When one gets 3-4 quotes for an assignment, it’s pretty easy to get the feel of what the rates are, and also one can weed out the ones that expect too much. If I were to make an offer, I just may overpay, or the other way, insult someone. Not a great way to start a business relationship.

    Just my 2 cents.

    J.

    • Rhuarc1954

      Very good information. I would add to avoid tiered rates, meaning one rate for clothed, one for lingerie, one for implied, one for nudes. I may want to shoot all of those over the course of the shoot and it is an excercise in frustration to not know up front the cost or to try and figure out a fair payment at the end of such a shoot.

  • L.C.

    Good article! i agree 100%

  • Jarrellphotography

    Very good article. It can be pretty confusing for a novice photographer, too.
    Just for illustration, I got quotes for nude work in my area. Four quoted me the same hourly rate. For that rate, here’s what was covered.

    1 – Playboy nude &/or bondage
    2 – Playboy nude
    3 – Implied, 2 hour min + right of refusal on publication
    4 – Up to art nudes, 3 hr minimum

    The thing is, 1 & 2 were very attractive, experienced models, compared to 3 & 4 who were good looking but not very experienced. They were pricing themselves out of jobs.

  • Mark

    Some thoughts from the other side of the camera as someone who pays models. Unless all the people that book you are well established photographers working fir clients you need to be more than just a model, you need to fill in the gaps and be invested in making people’s shoots work. On top of this you are in business, you need to market yourself and worry about business things.

    Good ability with hair/makeup will enhance your marketability and the rate you can charge. Many photographers cannot afford to pay good a good hair stylist/MUA for their personal work and if they are paying you probably don’t have the portfolio to work trade with these people either. If the shoot doesn’t require extensive hair/makeup they may also be willing to pay more for you so these people do not have to be hired keeping costs down.

    Have a good and diverse wardrobe. Many photographers are not going to have a stylist who can pull clothes (and even than it’s hard without a big name client). If you can fill enough of this role to help make their idea a reality it could really help you book shoots, getting good clothes is hard.

    Negotiate rates with local studios. Doing this means you get the same rate but at the same time reduces the cost of the shoot for the photographer. Win-win.

    I understand this variable rate thing but it only puts more obstacles in the way; above all you should be easy to do business with. State what you will and won’t do, state what you expect if it’s rained off, state what you expect with travel expenses and how far you will travel all this instils confidence you know what you are doing and will show up. Replying “what is your budget” says to me you have no idea what you are worth and are not experienced or confident you are worth what you charge, keep this in mind. I have told you the scope of the job my budget has nothing to do with what you should charge for it because the job is the same (/rant ;) )

  • Dane Halo

    Hi Aviva! Great post! So many valuable and helpful points. I’m a full-time freelancing model and agree with all that has been said above, though I would definitely say that taking a lighting class or a workshop is beneficial – learning lighting and how to position the model will give you a good idea of how to pose favouring lighting and to be intuitive to what the photographer wants/needs (plus, being a model in a room full of photographers learning the trade is obviously an excellent networking opportunity). Can’t tell you how many times my knowledge of lighting has gotten me repeat gigs.

    I hope that I will get to meet you upon my move to your city this month! :)

  • Sweet Annie Marie

    This pretty much sums it up for any kind of service. Great article! You have identified the factors that a model should consider in setting rates (or if rates should be set at all).

  • Shl2466

    I found your article very informative even without writing specific fees. I totally understand all the variables that need to be considered when setting fees but this article is great for the beginner, like me, just to get an idea. For example, one of my variables is the fact that I am 45 yrs old. Is there a market for women my age? What is the competition in my area for women my age? etc. I understand that. It is never too late to start modeling and I do not look like I am 45 yrs young but obviously I have to be honest about my age. I have done several tf shoots and I always end up doing lingerie shoots. That tells me that the photographers I am dealing with see me as having the body and the potential to model lingerie which can then carry over to swimwear as well. I now have one rule though. I will NOT do any nude modeling for tf. In the very beginning, I did offer that but then those were the only offers I received so I posted on my profile that I will no longer do nude shoots for tf and it didnt hurt me. I still get plenty of offers to shoot other genres but so far, they have all been tf. That is fine as I do need to build my port.

    Thank you for taking the time to write and post this article. I think newbies should definitely read this and they should all come away with some tips and more knowledge.

    Samantha L

    • Bud Fox

      Absolutely there are needs for older models. I shoot for a web catalog and we have a difficult time finding the “woman” next door for shoots. To keep costs down and to avoid problems we have experienced in the past, we won’t use agencies so MM is a great source. Not all images need to be young 20 something models. Keep the faith…there is a need for ALL ages.

  • Anonymous

    Thank you for the article and the courage to write about this subject.

  • Steve Lewis

    Very well done! Good common sense article, very well written. I think the basics of the article can be applied to models, photographers, make up artists, photoshop wizards etc etc etc. Good job!

  • Glamour by Jim

    What a great article! These ideas express what I wish models, especially beginning models, knew. So many ‘models’ here on MM, have no idea that rate of pay is in proportion to experience and quality of images they are showing.

  • Gus

    There is usually one reason why people fail or do poorly at business and that is they have little experience in business and therefore they are a poor CEO of our own business.

    If you want to run a business well the best advise is to take a short small business course. Many are free from government agencies but trying to wing it and listening to advise form anyone is really the wrong way to go unless their aides follows years of exceptional successful experience and the demonstrated ability to stand out in the field.

    This statement “When supply is high, simple economics say that the price would therefore be low” is true only when your all the same like gold id gold or silver is silver. BUT your not all the same your are each unique and your price goes up as you differentiate yourself self clearly from the rest of the competition.

    One obvious way to differentiate yourself is being business like because most model are not in business conduction a hobbie while there real career is something very different. Be business like. Study what business is and what makes it tick. Communicate clearly honestly and fully with all clients and be decisive and follow through with your commitments and promises and you will be in demand. In other words be efficient to deal with and reliable and you will stand very high above all of the competition which will create higher demand.

    Part of being efficient is having a reasonable pricing policy and be ready to quote whenever your asked. For god sake have enough self respect to demand a reasonable and respectful rate and if your professional, and responsible you will get it almost no matter what you look like. :)

    • Rae

      Another key to professionalism lies in communication abilities. Really, that’s key to just about anything. Proficiency in spelling and grammar is extremely important- not only do errors make you seem uneducated and lazy, but it also proves that you are not interested in expressing yourself clearly, and expect other people to put in the effort to decipher your garbled words for you.
      The relationship between a model and photographer is entirely reliant on clear communication. If a photographer can’t communicate properly in text form, how can I trust her/him to be able to properly direct me?

  • Fmason91

    thanks for the information i tend to take this knowledge when i do go out for modeling shoots. very well done

  • Dynastystarr

    I LOVE IT!!!!! SOME MUCH NEEDED TO KNOW INFO!!!!!

  • Blaqnmild

    Thanks so much for this info. I, too, am a freelance model and yes it takes time to get out there, so along with everything else you’ve stated, it also requires patience. As for the photographer’s port section, I agree with most of what you said, however, I have been hired by newbie photographers who I’ve met during workshops. As we all started out newbies, I try to give them just as much respect as I was given during my newbie days. Sure their work may appear on their ports, but as they continue learning, their work gets better. I love to think that I was a part of their progress.

  • Mychaelalchemy

    I found your article to be right on!
    As a struggling photographer it is not easy to pay some of the rates some models do quote.
    Negotiating with me as to price is also what gears me to pay a model as much as I can afford.
    I understand experienced models want to get paid quite alot, but, experienced or not, their enthusiasm to work with me is what makes me want to pay a reasonable fee.
    I have worked with many models and some say they like my work, then, I never see them posting any of it, or, if they post something without giving credit to the photographer makes me not want to hire them again. Was all of effort with them worth it?
    Respect for the model and the photographer should work all around.
    I think your quoted rates in the article are extremely reasonable.
    Also, many models set time restraints, that is also not very reasonable when a shoot can involve costume changes, make-up, short breaks, going to locations, etc. Trying to squeeze a session into one or two hours is not easy, especially regarding what they expect to be paid.
    I wish more “Models” would read your article.

  • BookingReneja

    Being a freelance model I totally agree & find this very helpful. I’m currently in the between stages of building my port & resume & getting paid, & I’ve been wondering how much I should start charging when that time comes. You pretty much pointed out the basic points. I needed this.

  • Pro photographer

    One thing to remember is the fact that many new models think that they should be paid with no experience and no portfolio. First they must pay for quality training and quality headshots and comps. I, as a photographer of many years. Have had even experienced models give me “cheese cake” instead of commercial fashion. Even when they are well aware the shoot is for a web catalog. Pay is by experience. I have fired models that claim lots of experience and are lifeless, not photogenic, don’t know their angles or poses, and in-knowledgeable.

  • Greg

    I use Model Mayhem for Art Models, shooting Fine Art Nudes. For Commercial Fashion and Editorial work, my clients usually hire the talent directly, and always through Agencies (well, almost always :) Likewise if/when I decide to update my book, and when one of the Agencies or clients I work with request, I will do a trade for Fashion Shoot. When I am shooting Nudes I do PAID shoots. I want to pay a reasonable fee and that varies based upon the models, what I’m shooting for, and the Useage. I require an Unconditional Release, and pay for that right. I require ID, and a Signed Release at the time of the shoot.

    Models should understand about the copyright laws and what they are asked to sign, and be willing to sign, when their criteria is met. Even Trade shoots, should be documented with an Agreement by both parties (model and photographer) prior to shooting.

    Trade shoots are a great way to update your work, work with new exciting and creative people that are your peers, and to network in the industry. When I have the opportunity for PAid jobs for models, I always look through my friend list, to see if any pf the models meet the criteria for a specific shoot. Hope that helps :)

  • Rob

    I enjoyed this article. Prices do vary from area to area & with the purpose of the shoot. An art based photographer (Yeah, me) isn’t going to have the budget of a commercial shooter. My images will maybe hang on the wall of a local gallery. I don’t have a paying client or publication waitng with a check book. My budget is out of pocket & a smart business savy model who knows any paying shoot is solid work. (If you think models like that don’t exsist, there’s some images of them in my port.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_72NO5F7T2LFBKL7JOHEBRQ77OE Jenny

    I’m a full time model and sometimes it’s not easy to get what you think you are worth, or not, whatever the case might be I find a lot of photogs like to now work on a day rate rather than an hourly rate. A lesson I learned was not to be greedy. Take what comes along and the more notice you get then better you become and then you can pick and choose a little more. In China some models demand from 800-1000 yuan per hour, but some from 600 yuan. I heard in the UK that its much less, from 45-70 pounds per hour and the States is a little higher. Anyway that said, I think its a great job even if sometimes the job can be a little tiresome. Kisses from Jenny on Model Mayhem. 2093160
    Thanks for the advice you gave and I think all models should read this as its really useful.

    • Milly ELVIS

      Hi Jenny, I think you should convert these amounts in dollars before making any assumptions.
      So according to your post, in China the rate range between $7 to 13 per hour and the UK would be $70 to 108 per hour… How is that lower than in the US???!!!

      • Markerimages

        Wrong exchange rate. 600 yuan is about $95

  • Fabfoto

    Absolutely accurate, this article should be mandatory reading for all beginning models. Photographers could do with a thought or two about this, too!

  • Rosesnaturally

    It’s up you if you want to pose nude or even “edgier”, but just remember that you can’t go back, especially if the pics are posted somewhere. You are going to be known as, e.g. a “nude” model.

  • Julian Wilde

    This kind of write-up is very helpful for models just getting into the biz. And in this day and age… Everyone is getting into The Biz! And it’s more competitive than ever. :D -JULIAN

  • Theworkshopstudio

    From the UK side of the pond and as a retired person. When I book a model for my studio I will offer a genre and the fee reflects what I personally can afford to pay. I can be flexible but that depends on what the model is offering by way of her images from past work, so we negotiate. But it must be a resonable two sided debate.

    To date I have only had one refusal on the subject of the fee offered and 100% feedback after the shoots, so I must have it about right !!

    Terry.

  • Step Above Photography

    Thank you for writing this AvivaH. It would be so nice if more models out there read this and other helpful information about rates. BEING REALISTIC IS MOST IMPORTANT IN RATES. One thing that I would add is an add on to nude model rates. There is a difference between NUDE MODEL RATES and NAKED MODEL RATES. Models who work as art nude models or glamour nude models are different than models that work as naked models. What I mean by that is that what serious photographers are looking for is to create images from the look of a art nude or glamour nude model that knows how to pose, create looks, expressions, use her eyes, more than just lay there naked. These are photographers that are looking to add amazingt images to their port, are wanting to sell their work and even look at thier work as art itself. Photographers that just want to see a model naked and (excuse the frankness) see tits and ass don’t really care or are not serious letting the model loose to pose while they just shoot as many frames as they can. NUDE MODELS HAVE REALISTIC RATES AND ARE MORE THAN LIKELY WILLING TO NEGOTIATE. NAKED MODELS HAVE UNREALISTIC RATES AND ARE MORE THAN LIKELY FIRM ON THEIR RATES. Models who fall into the naked model venue are likely to find themselves inconsistent in getting paid work, even if they turn to porn. They are also the models that will find themselves being hit on more often and asked for other services if you know what I mean.

  • Purcell Brandi

    Thanks so much for the information you posted, I found it very helpful.

  • Jojoavaris

    Thanks for this article, very informative!

  • Cloudnine9

    Very good read.
    as a photographer just starting out and very in exsperienced dealing with models and knowing rates.
    I found it very informitive.

  • Modelangelcareese

    good article, i think this could help out some of the newb models who are getting naked for free. Kudos!

  • http://www.wideanglesite.com/ Redwood Forest

    One part I disagree with is in #2, the Photographer’s portfolio.

    Maybe I should say that #2 is much more inconsequential. If I have an opportunity to see a bad photo of a model in a photographer’s album, and a good photo of the model in his, or her album, I will judge the potential by the best I see.

    The “willingness” to change limits, plus #5 were evident as I watched how fast or slow some new models advanced on MM. People could argue until they are blue in the face to defend art, but when models change their nudity limits because they feel obligated to, it’s disappointing to see them make a sacrifice they did not want initially.

  • Photographer

    This article should be required reading for new models on Modelmayhem.

    • Brandi

      I completely agree! This article was extremely helpful to me, since I’m getting still trying to get started and build a strong portfolio.

  • Carpe Symphony

    What is your advice in getting started as a model? How do you approach the industry in terms of getting gigs and putting yourself out there?

    • Beauty and strength

      The best way is to ask local photographers if they do trade for cd’s and need to update their portfolios. this way You get free shots and so does the photographer, win win.

  • D1vaStatus1981

    I personally charge 250 for the first 3 hours and 75 per hour after. But i come with my own team of mua, hair styles and wardrobe. I also specialize in more than just modeling. For promo work i take nothing under 17 an hour.

  • Adain

    You ignored the most important consideration for “when/how much you should be paid”.

    7. Usage of the photos.

    Don’t be silly. I don’t care how good or bad you are, if there isn’t a monetary gain coming from my work with you, I will not be paying you. Anyone who does is just jerking off to your photos. Perhaps the gain isn’t right away, so paying a super talented model or someone well known in order to get more work counts as getting paid.

    But paying $50/hour to a girl just to do shots for fun? Yeah right. Jerk off time.

    • A Decent Photographer!

      I don’t agree with that. When I started out shooting nudes I definitely hired models for my own portfolio work and projects. Sure, I can afford to do that as I don’t make my living from photography, but I got much more out of those first couple of shoots because I was working with experienced models who knew how to pose, knew their angles, etc. Now I can often do trades, but I still pay talented models, and charge it to the art supply budget.

    • Anonymous

      Disagree with the “jerk off time” remark. I don’t have a lot of experience shooting models, and finding a friend who’s willing to spend 4 hours while I bang around trying lighting setups and adjusting the set is nearly impossible. By hiring an experienced model, I save time and frustration, while learning how to direct someone else. I end up with better photos while I build my portfolio to the stage where I can begin TF with confidence.

  • http://www.facebook.com/MsProtea Misstery Protea

    Great article! As a newbie model i found it useful…even though i don’t charge at the moment (concentrating on building portfolio through TF) and to be honest i may never charge. Its a hobby for me, i really do want to do it for the art…and i feel that if i were to accept payment for my shoots, i would in a way lose a lot of control over what i do.

    The comment about being careful who you work with (and how many clothes you take off!) i totally understand…. I have been careful so far to work with photographers that have a good portfolio, though i think it is difficult when you’re starting out to know what is ‘good’, what is ‘great’ and what you should avoid!

  • Jwa4909

    Aviva ….. I liked your article and agree with some of the points you brought up. However being both in photography and in management, some of the other key factors to a model working their net worth up for paid work is to affiliate themselves with even smaller modeling agencies that cater to a strong client list that can help them not only make some money on certain castings, but allows them to build their resume’s up to where stronger photographers that freelance for corporate clients can justify the means of spending money on a model that truly comes with experience.

    I see way too many models that are too impatient for this industry and if they don’t see the big $$$ immediately they get discouraged. You are absolutely correct when you mentioned that it’s a hard job, and the serious models are dedicated and willing to make sacrifices to build up their own self worth in this highly competitive market place by hiring some reputable photographers to help build stronger portfolios that appeal to the more serious commercial clients. Patience is a virtue that cannot be stressed enough!!

  • IMS FotoGrafix

    A VERY excellent article that is clear and easy to follow for models both new and the not so new.As a friend of this author,I know she knows how things work in so many different situations it’s amazing and also,knows the score from both sides of the camera,as she is a fairly accomplished photographer herself and has helped me in hiring models. New models: remember to check the credentials of any photographer before giving their advice any real weight,anyone can say anything on here but the good ones are always easy to check out :)