Best Ways to Find Models For Free (Photographers Guide)!

 This is the perfect post for all of you aspiring portrait and fashion photographers. There’s one thing that you can’t shoot photos without: the models.

‘Wannabe models’ are everywhere these days. And they need a photographer who helps them establish their portfolio.

You’ve only got to find them and convince them to pose for you. Here’s what I recommend if you want to find models for free.

1. Work With Amateur/Inexperienced Models

Finding amateur models for photography has pros and cons. They’re free, but they’re not always that good.

I’ve experienced both good and bad photography models. It can be a little bit hard to get started. But once you’ve taken a few photos, the model starts to ‘warm-up’ to the camera. And you’ll even be able to direct them as you want.

Something I still struggle with is studying photos as I take them. I can transfer them onto a computer, look at them for a few minutes and know exactly what I need to do differently. But when you’re in the moment, you are focusing on taking photos, changing the lighting, etc. It’s hard to pay enough attention to the actual photo.

The more photos you take, the easier it will be. Silly mistakes such as harsh shadows across the face will become a thing of the past.

You can look for amateur models in Facebook groups. Or approach model agencies to see if someone needs a starter portfolio.

2. Search for Aspiring Actors or Dancers

These are people who are always going to need a set of head-shots at some point during their career. If you can get it done right, you can start to make money from them.

Working with people like them is beneficial for both of you. They will have professional photos, and you can practice photographing models.

Plus, people who are used to being in the spotlight are more confident in front of the camera.

If your work shines through, you will be able to make money from taking the same types of photos in the future.

3. Search for Models on Websites

This is a route that I’ve recently been looking into. I’ve managed to find some really good models who I’ve already set up some shoots with.

You can search by age, location, style, gender, experience, etc. while viewing photos and emailing them, all for free.

The site that I like to use is called Model Mayhem. There are plenty of alternatives, such as Net-Model and Model Management.

You can also try to join TFP/TFCD groups in your local area via Facebook.