© Joshua Waller

If you fancy trying your hand at portrait photography, you will need a model. If you have the money you could go to an agency and hire one – at least, that's the theory - but there are plenty of other options that aren't quite as expensive and you can do the leg work yourself.

Find tips on where you can find models, how to contact them and what all of the acronyms models/photographers use mean.

Below you'll find 8 tips/ideas/suggestions on where you should start your search as well as tips on working with 'pros vs new models' and what exactly MUAs, TFCD, TFP stand for. 

1. Join A Model Community Website

© Joshua Waller

A really great alternative to using a model agency is joining a model community website. There are several good ones and joining at the lowest membership level is free so there is no risk. In time, if you feel being a member has benefits you can pay a subscription and get more benefits. These usually include being to include more portfolio images, the ability to send more personal messages, for example.

One image can change us.

A picture, a moment can change the way we feel. Change how we see ourselves. Change our understanding and change the rules. Provoke and change history.

MPB puts photo and video kit into more hands, more sustainably. Every month, visual storytellers sell more than 20,000 cameras and lenses to MPB. Choose used and get affordable access to kit that doesn’t cost the earth. Sell the kit you’re not using to MPB. Trade in for the kit you need to create. Buy used, spend less and get more. Buy. Sell. Trade. Create.

2. Modelling Sites That Are Worth Joining 

© Joshua Waller

These sites usually let you search for models in your locality and also in the styles or ‘levels’ that you want to shoot. If you want to do glamour, topless or fine art nude, you can specify that or if you are after models within a certain age range. Check the sites below for details.

• www.net-model.com
• www.modelmayhem.com
• www.purpleport.com
• www.madcowmodels.co.uk
• www.starnow.co.uk

3. Get Down With The Lingo 

© Joshua Waller

When you first join a modelling website, it can be very daunting. There are strange expressions (togs, MUAs, TFCD, TFP, for example) and it is all a little scary. By the way, togs are photographers, MUAs are make-up artists, TFCD is time for CD and TFP is for time for prints. TFCD and TFP are really important and means the model will give their time and pose in return for CD or prints of the shoot. 

4. Not Everyone Will 'Work For Pictures' 

© Joshua Waller

A professional model is unlikely to work with you in return for pictures unless you can benefit their portfolio with some amazing shots. In time, this could be you but you are probably not there just yet.

5. Where To Begin?

© Joshua Waller

So how do you start? If you are new to model photography, it makes sense to find a model also just starting out. This means you can learn your respective trades together and expectations are lower. As mentioned above, some will work with you in return for photos, too, or they'll charge less than someone with a lot more years of modelling under their belt. 

6. Pros Of Using A Pro 

© Joshua Waller

On the other hand, working with a more experienced model will make it is easier for you in that they can create poses without too much instruction from you. They will probably be more knowledgeable about make-up for photography - again it is unlikely you will be using a make-up artist at this stage.

7. Making Contact 

© Joshua Waller

Once you find a model or two you like the look of – as in terms of experience, cost etc. or literally – send them an email, explaining what you are about and what you want and go from there. If you are new to this, say so. If you have some pictures already, post them on your profile and ask prospective models to look at your look.

It is worth saying that the odds are that you are not going to get a response from every model you approach and this is true even if a model is looking for photographers. The important thing is not to take it personally and it can be for any number of reasons.

8. Don't Forget The Shoot! 

© Joshua Waller

It's rare, but you can arrange a shoot with a model and they not turn up – it happens the other way round, too, with photographers so don't be that person! Make sure you arrive with plenty of time and do contact the mode if you're going to be late. 

To prevent 'no shows', it is worth reading feedback on the site from fellow members. Unreliable models/photographers will have negative feedback.

More Advice On Working With Models

• 10 More Tips On Finding And Working With Models
• How To Pose Your Friends Like Models
• 7 Top Tips For New Models
• Model Shoot Advice
• 16 Top Model Photography Tips

• Growing Opportunities For Mature Models