Patrick Walberg wrote:
This is a questions for models only, as only models can tell photographers what they want photographers to know!  The good, the bad and the ugly!   Let's hear it! 

As for photographers reading this, the models do hear us, as not only do we dominate the forum, but we out number models in membership here at a ratio of 3 to 1.  If there are any models still participating on the forums and reading this .. PLEASE say "Hello!" even if you have nothing to add. Very few models are posting. The forums have gotten so quiet, I just wonder if anyone is left?

Hello!  I am still here, at 70 and not intending to ever stop modelling. I would never have guessed when I first started out at age 35 that I would still be modelling today.  It looks like many younger models, out of frustration, have given up the thought of pursuing it even as a hobby when they don't find tons of work within a short time after starting out.

What I've noticed over the years I've been here is that slowly most of the actual professional photographers, artists and career models have reduced their participation and now, more than ever, it's mostly hobbyists and semi-pros who have other full time jobs, which is still fine if we can work with each other.  Recreational modelling, art, and photography should be just as fulfilling to those participating as ever.

MatureModelMM wrote:
Hello!  I am still here, at 70 and not intending to ever stop modelling. I would never have guessed when I first started out at age 35 that I would still be modelling today.  It looks like many younger models, out of frustration, have given up the thought of pursuing it even as a hobby when they don't find tons of work within a short time after starting out.

What I've noticed over the years I've been here is that slowly most of the actual professional photographers, artists and career models have reduced their participation and now, more than ever, it's mostly hobbyists and semi-pros who have other full time jobs, which is still fine if we can work with each other.  Recreational modelling, art, and photography should be just as fulfilling to those participating as ever.

I appreciate you, MatureModelMM!  There are advantages to digital technology that have given more people the tools to enjoy photography and modeling than in the previous past.  There is no memory limit in the Internet.  In other words, the web is a constant bonfire for images, video and music as it cannot be overloaded. What this means is opportunity for everyone who has a creative idea they want to try. 

I see where one of my favorite models from the 1980's, Paulina Porizkova is enjoying a resurgence in popularity in her late 50's as she gets back into modeling.  Back in the 1980's I wanted to shoot with her but like with nearly all popular models as well as musicians, it was mandatory to go through agents and managers.  These last few days I've communicated with her directly on Instagram and have a much better chance of getting to shoot with her.   The gray hair and wrinkles give her character that is real. I've aged too, there is no denying of that .. but in my eyes, she is just as absolutely beautiful today as when I first fawned over her.

Another mature woman who has broken barriers as a model is Martha Stewart!  I think she is beautiful!  We do know that often times people are adding filters and erasing signs of age, as was probably done with Martha's Swimwear issue of Sports Illustrated but this is still a good sign that age should not be an obstacle to models who have the skills.

As for this website and social media in general, there does seem to be fewer younger models entering modeling as a hobby or for income. Maybe it is expectations?  They are told they can make money, and when that does not happen right away they drop out?  Or are they making money on porn sites which gives them a bad impression of what modeling can be?  It could also be the large number of "photographers" who are objectifying models?  I don't know.  I have paid models, and I appreciate models as being partners in creating.  I used to shoot weddings for my income while shooting with models was more for fun.  Then I met "photographers" who were shooting weddings FOR FREE as a hobby!  I refuse to compete with that. I've gone back to photographing women, cars and rock stars! 

Patrick Walberg wrote:

I appreciate you, MatureModelMM!  There are advantages to digital technology that have given more people the tools to enjoy photography and modeling than in the previous past.  There is no memory limit in the Internet.  In other words, the web is a constant bonfire for images, video and music as it cannot be overloaded. What this means is opportunity for everyone who has a creative idea they want to try. 

I see where one of my favorite models from the 1980's, Paulina Porizkova is enjoying a resurgence in popularity in her late 50's as she gets back into modeling.  Back in the 1980's I wanted to shoot with her but like with nearly all popular models as well as musicians, it was mandatory to go through agents and managers.  These last few days I've communicated with her directly on Instagram and have a much better chance of getting to shoot with her.   The gray hair and wrinkles give her character that is real. I've aged too, there is no denying of that .. but in my eyes, she is just as absolutely beautiful today as when I first fawned over her.

Another mature woman who has broken barriers as a model is Martha Stewart!  I think she is beautiful!  We do know that often times people are adding filters and erasing signs of age, as was probably done with Martha's Swimwear issue of Sports Illustrated but this is still a good sign that age should not be an obstacle to models who have the skills.

As for this website and social media in general, there does seem to be fewer younger models entering modeling as a hobby or for income. Maybe it is expectations?  They are told they can make money, and when that does not happen right away they drop out?  Or are they making money on porn sites which gives them a bad impression of what modeling can be?  It could also be the large number of "photographers" who are objectifying models?  I don't know.  I have paid models, and I appreciate models as being partners in creating.  I used to shoot weddings for my income while shooting with models was more for fun.  Then I met "photographers" who were shooting weddings FOR FREE as a hobby!  I refuse to compete with that. I've gone back to photographing women, cars and rock stars! 

I think a lot of the models who, in the past, would have been here are now just going directly to OnlyFans. They get to create, control, and monetize their own work there. No need to deal with photographers anymore.

Lallure Photographic wrote:
My own experience recently, after a lengthy hiatus, is the same as before. Most of the people here, have no concept of what the genres mean, and when you let them know what they mean, they don't respond at all, to questions, or to booking offers.

That's always been my experience here, in this location, with locals. I have yet, to actually book any model from MM, for any shoot.

Also they need to ADD, the question about whether they do topless or not, as well as whether they do nudes or not. It makes a difference to some models, as to whether they will take a booking.

Recently no results are even reported for my model searches, so I can't even do that that now, and my days here, are probably numbered.

Rick

Rick, I see you digging up tons of zombie trheads.  This forum has slowed down so much that you and I are nearly the only ones posting.     Model searches on here?  Did you check when the last time anyone logged on?  I use Facebook to comunicate and book models.  Coming here for shits and giggles.

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
What do models want photographers to know??

Mostly, that they don't really need us anymore . . .

Cellphones, cheap ring lights, and an internet audience that hates professional looking photos and prefer 'selfies' instead.

Welcome to the new world folks !

You write the truth.

The World as we knew it has changed. 

We either adapt or fade away. 

I'm trying to adapt, but it's not easy.

Patrick Walberg wrote:
Model searches on here?  Did you check when the last time anyone logged on?  I use Facebook to comunicate and book models.  Coming here for shits and giggles.

Interestingly enough,  I still occasionally book models here.
Of course, I am in a major population center (Philadelphia region) so that helps with the number of active model profiles.

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
What do models want photographers to know??

Mostly, that they don't really need us anymore . . .

Cellphones, cheap ring lights, and an internet audience that hates professional looking photos and prefer 'selfies' instead.

Welcome to the new world folks !

This! ALL OF THIS!!!!

JSouthworth wrote:
I've noticed that some models seem to have a dislike for tripods.

This is useful to know.

Mark Salo wrote:

This is useful to know.

You don't think so? Too bad. I can only report my own observations.

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
What do models want photographers to know??

Mostly, that they don't really need us anymore . . .

Cellphones, cheap ring lights, and an internet audience that hates professional looking photos and prefer 'selfies' instead.

Welcome to the new world folks !

I differentiate "models" from "internet personalities" - or "influencers", if you prefer.   The latter produce content that is more intimate and personal than a "formal" photo shoot, and thus there is an inherent psychological connection between the subject and the audience, intangible though it may be.   This is why reality shows are so popular - we get that sense that we KNOW these people - they are our friends!  We get to see their personal lives! - even though the truth is obvious and known.   A "model", on the other hand, is promoting something besides themselves and is not creating that intimate dynamic in their photos.  No one looks at an issue of Vogue and thinks, "I really KNOW her!" or sees an ad for Doritos and instantly feels kinship with the guy holding a bag of chips.

Joe Tomasone wrote:
I differentiate "models" from "internet personalities" - or "influencers", if you prefer.   The latter produce content that is more intimate and personal than a "formal" photo shoot, and thus there is an inherent psychological connection between the subject and the audience, intangible though it may be.   This is why reality shows are so popular - we get that sense that we KNOW these people - they are our friends!  We get to see their personal lives! - even though the truth is obvious and known.   A "model", on the other hand, is promoting something besides themselves and is not creating that intimate dynamic in their photos.  No one looks at an issue of Vogue and thinks, "I really KNOW her!" or sees an ad for Doritos and instantly feels kinship with the guy holding a bag of chips.

Some people would argue that a professional model should in theory have a range of expression to suit different modelling assignments, but in practise some do regard themselves as being the centre of attention rather than what they're doing in terms of posing, or what they're wearing because this is an aspect of their personality, they like attention. The Idol culture in Japan is also mainly about internet personalities.

Joe Tomasone wrote:

.   A "model", on the other hand, is promoting something besides themselves and is not creating that intimate dynamic in their photos.  No one looks at an issue of Vogue and thinks, "I really KNOW her!" or sees an ad for Doritos and instantly feels kinship with the guy holding a bag of chips.[/quote wrote:

This is well put. It would be good for many models here to read this and understand the difference. It speaks to the whole "celebrity" hunger/culture that, in my opinion, has hurt the spirit and usefulness of Mayhem.

Olinka Lickova wrote:
Hey guys! This is my first time posting in years, but I wanted to let everyone know that there is still a traditionalist or a purist, if you will, among models. I can't stand social media and view it as merely a necessary evil for self-promotion. And even my activities there are sporadic, at best. I have been on this platform since 2006 and I have always preferred it above all. Not to mention the fact that the bulk of my work comes from MM and always has, as opposed to IG (my only other currently in use). I neglect adding new work on here because of the image size restrictions and try to send potential photographers to my IG simply because it is much easier to update when on the go. However, I have a lot of love for this website, as archaic as many might consider it, but MM sticks to regular messaging and portfolios, paying an homage to much simpler times. I like my photos and accompanying words to speak for themselves, not have to churn out daily reels on demand and try to insert myself up people's asses all day long. I'd take a good book over that any day of the week. But I'm about 90 years old on the inside.

Bless you dear lady!   Any time.

Olinka Lickova wrote:
Hey guys! This is my first time posting in years, but I wanted to let everyone know that there is still a traditionalist or a purist, if you will, among models. I can't stand social media and view it as merely a necessary evil for self-promotion. And even my activities there are sporadic, at best. I have been on this platform since 2006 and I have always preferred it above all. Not to mention the fact that the bulk of my work comes from MM and always has, as opposed to IG (my only other currently in use). I neglect adding new work on here because of the image size restrictions and try to send potential photographers to my IG simply because it is much easier to update when on the go. However, I have a lot of love for this website, as archaic as many might consider it, but MM sticks to regular messaging and portfolios, paying an homage to much simpler times. I like my photos and accompanying words to speak for themselves, not have to churn out daily reels on demand and try to insert myself up people's asses all day long. I'd take a good book over that any day of the week. But I'm about 90 years old on the inside.

Good for you, who needs all this e-crap anyway.