Free or cheap Photoshop pictures

fuck the op. this is the internets, bitches!!!

heh.

straightshooter, i got your pm and i think it's a great question and entirely appropriate here if you want to post it in daylight.

OK then... ;-) I'm a long time photographer and recently have been focusing on glamor. I've found this topic interesting and wondered about your thoughts on model releases. Both from what other photographers are doing and also from the model's perspective.

For example, I recently had a lady show up for a studio shoot then freak out when she realized that signing the release would require her showing (her real) ID. I was disappointed because she was hot and had brought her roller suitcase of outfits and I'm sure we would have created some killer images. I later discovered that another very prominent escort photographer conducts shoots with no paperwork involved. (Other than the $$$ for his session...) The first lady who mentioned it was clearly over 40 so it wasn't an issue about the model's age, but a recent lady I had previously shot also did the same deal, she is 25 but claims to be 21 in her ads, close enough to 18 that I certainly would verify before proceeding.

Since in most cases I want to use images for my (soon to be) website and portfolio, I thought I should get a release. It goes without saying that reputation in this business is everything, so of course if a lady 'retired' and asked her photos to be taken down, I would honor her request. My release philosophy is the same as what magazine publishers, aka Playboy require prior to shooting, maybe I'm too Old School for the internet age?

Lmao I was trying to be diplomatic but shiiiit ...this is the internet so carry on.

straightshooter, there's nothing wrong with your approach, per se, but you're not in the real world here. using a model release when shooting portfolio or website work is a must...but as you've seen, not all girls are going to help you in that respect. it is what it is.

my recommendation is that you do your best to communicate up front what you want to use the images for. explain the model release. if she says no, do the work anyway, but honor her request that the images stay private. once you build some rep and some relationships, you'll have an easier time navigating tricky water, but in the meantime, be patient and respectful of what these girls need.

if you can't find girls from this world to help build your website/portfolio, just work with models in the open for that specific purpose. join model mayhem, etc. and do all that work by the book.

straightshooter, there's nothing wrong with your approach, per se, but you're not in the real world here. using a model release when shooting portfolio or website work is a must...but as you've seen, not all girls are going to help you in that respect. it is what it is.

my recommendation is that you do your best to communicate up front what you want to use the images for. explain the model release. if she says no, do the work anyway, but honor her request that the images stay private. once you build some rep and some relationships, you'll have an easier time navigating tricky water, but in the meantime, be patient and respectful of what these girls need.

if you can't find girls from this world to help build your website/portfolio, just work with models in the open for that specific purpose. join model mayhem, etc. and do all that work by the book. Originally Posted by john_deere

Best answer there is. +1000

Thanks for the insight DDBD and JD. I'm still navigating through this 'not real world'...

Funny story: One lady advised me to be totally above board and professional when offering photography services but when one lady asked my rates, before I could open my mouth she said "I don't pay for anything - I don't even pay to have my car fixed!' So much for professional decorum... ;-)

I get that at times but I will always maintain my professionalism. This is just one branch of my business and it is best to always keep it business so there are no misunderstandings.

I like the direction this thread has taken and even thought it started off a little hard it's good to see it turn into something informative. I think it's ok to continue if the OP does not object. Originally Posted by DDBD Photography

No why would I object. Although this has absolutely nothing to do with what I started the tread with. If you agree that what I was talking about has nothing to do with it then fine, go right ahead. This thread was misunderstood and way off base from the first reply so I don't see why I should care or have the right to care since everyone goes off in another direction with there own agenda. I guess I do the same thing on other threads. So have fun.

I guess offering to help people for free is a bad idea. Sorry

Chicago Sun Times Fired its entire Photography departement and gave all of the real reporters an Iphone. Gota suck knowing your profession isn't needed.

It must suck that no one is taking you up on your offer because your "skills" are not needed. That's the beauty of having professional pictures.

It must suck that no one is taking you up on your offer because your "skills" are not needed. That's the beauty of having professional pictures. Originally Posted by SweetCakes

In the words of Larry the Cable Guy, now that's funny right thar, I don't care who you are.

Chicago Sun Times Fired its entire Photography departement and gave all of the real reporters an Iphone. Gota suck knowing your profession isn't needed. Originally Posted by Zimmie6942

That move was about the paper and the union but trust me our profession is always needed. It evolves like every profession but true professionals know how to adapt. Now when you value your skills and services so little that you just give it away then that is your problem. Now call it what it really was, an attempt to barter, but don't mask it as an attempt to help the girls for "free".

That move was about the paper and the union but trust me our profession is always needed. It evolves like every profession but true professionals know how to adapt. Now when you value your skills and services so little that you just give it away then that is your problem. Now call it what it really was, an attempt to barter, but don't mask it as an attempt to help the girls for "free". Originally Posted by DDBD Photography

My profession is Sales, Photoshop is just used to make ads. And yes this thread is or was about helping the girls out for free. No barter wanted. The only reason I used the word "or cheap" was if I got a ton or request. So far ZERO request. So nothing to worry about. Just trying to get extra karma points.

I have built websites for girls I was seeing for free. I still paid full price for session. I'm working with a new girl and making her a site for free. Pics, webpages, links to reviews, Photo shoots, whatever she wants and each session we do a little more and I still pay full price for session. I get to have fun with her before session just hanging out as friends or acquaintances, No funny business before session, just during. I just have fun doing it. I like to sell and this is the best product on the planet to sell so I get a kick out of it.

I was just fucking with you about the paper. I think it sucks that the papers are falling apart all over the country. We used to spend about 18000 a month advertising in the newspapers each month per location and now its free with craiglsist but business actually was easier when we paid for the ads. Evolution is a bitch sometimes but it does keep it interesting.

Good luck with your profession and providing a well needed service to the girls. I'm sorry my side hobby and not charging for it has rubbed you the wrong way. I'll refrain from mentioning it in the future although I doubt that it really causes you any real trouble getting business. When ever an idiot gets in your way its usually best just to ignore him and keep running your business so you don't focus on the wrong thing. Like this stupid post

It was a sweet offer.
Thank you!