How to find models on instagram
How To Find Models To Collaborate With -- A Compact Guide
A model can make all the difference between a forgettable photoshoot and one that captures the emotions and imagination of a large audience. But how to find models to collaborate with?
Photographers starting out on their career journey can often find the step up to working with models an intimidating one.
Meanwhile, more experienced photographers who already know how to collaborate with models may find sourcing models difficult and expensive, particularly when traveling.
The Internet offers numerous options to solve this problem, from message boards on creative communities to social media sites like Instagram.
However, the variety of options for contacting models to collaborate with can make it even harder to figure out the best way to find models that meet your requirements in your chosen location.
Here are some options for photographer-model collaboration.
- Nathasja Driessche | Bruxelles, Belgium
- Laurel Kidd | Vancouver, Canada
Instagram is an obvious option to consider if you want to find models to collaborate with. The website is home to countless aspiring and professional models available for a wide variety of photoshoot types.
As is the case with finding a photographer on Instagram, this massive selection of options on offer, combined with limited search functionality, can make it tricky to find the right model in the right location.
Here’s how to collaborate with Instagram models using the app’s built-in search features.
Keyword searches
The simplest way to find models is to tap on the Instagram search icon, then tap the search field that appears and enter a keyword into it.
The vaguer or more general the keyword, the bigger the volume of results and the less relevance they will have. So, try to use more descriptive keywords like ‘fashion model London’ to filter out irrelevant results.
Location searches
Location searches are going to be more helpful in finding models to collaborate with.
You can run location searches by tapping the ‘search’ icon, then tapping the empty search field that appears. This will bring up a menu of search options. Tap ‘Places’.
There are two ways you can use the Places search:
1. Use a location keyword when performing a keyword search, such as ‘Fashion models in London’. This will bring up results in a specific location.
2. Do not use a location keyword and instead enter the type of model, you are looking for as a keyword. This will provide you with a list of models in your area if you have location tracking turned on in the app.
The search results are presented in a pin format, giving the name of the model or agency. This links to a page with a pin and a sample of model images. If the model or agency has set up an ‘About’ page, a button linking to it will also appear here.
Once you have found a model you are interested in you can either use any contact details provided on their ‘About’ page or send them a message from their profile — if they’ve enabled direct messaging or email contact.
Hashtag searches
Alternatively, you have the option of using hashtag searches.
To run a hashtag search, tap the search icon on Instagram, tap the empty search field that appears and then select ‘Tag’ from the search option menu.
You can then type in your keywords and Instagram will provide you with a list of suitable hashtags based on your keywords, along with the approximate number of posts relating to the hashtag.
Click on any hashtag to view images that have been tagged with it.
You can browse these images until you find a suitable model, then attempt to contact them either via direct message or email. If those are not enabled, you can respectfully ask them to get in touch with you via a comment on one of their images.
Specialised model search applications
It’s clear that Instagram search is not the optimal way to find models in a specific location. The app simply wasn’t designed to allow you to easily filter it for specific model types by location.
However, purpose-built apps like Cherrydeck take the hassle out of finding models on Instagram by offering you simple tools to easily filter Instagram models to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Cherrydeck allows you to find a model in three simple steps.
Step 1: Go to the Cherrydeck home page and select ‘Model’ from the dropdown next to the search bar.
Step 2: Enter the location you’ll be collaborating in and select the relevant location from the dropdown that appears.
Step 3: Apply whatever filters you want for the model, including:
- Eye colour
- Body type
- Age
- Hair colour
- Height
- Tattoos or piercings
- Gender
- Skin tone
- Expertise
- Work field
- Follower numbers
Hit the ‘Show results’ button and Cherrydeck will provide you with a selection of models who meet your requirements. You can then select any model profile to view.
The model profile provides additional information about your selection, including sample images, Instagram links where relevant, and a link to contact options for that model.
You also have the option to save any models you are interested in and to continue browsing the search results for other options.
Family and friends
Unless you’re specifically doing shoots that require fashion models or similar, it’s not necessary to look far afield to find suitable models.
Images can be humanized and given impact by using the perfectly ordinary people who inhabit your social and family networks.
Using people you already know as models can have other benefits: You don’t need to worry about the formalities associated with working with a professional model.
Also, if you’re both happy with the results of your collaboration, you have collaborators for the long haul.
Social networks
While family and friends can provide models for a surprising variety of shoots, you’ll usually need to look further afield if you need a model that meets specific requirements – like a bodybuilder.
In these cases, social networks can be very helpful.
By joining niche professional or interest groups you’ll have access to communities packed with people who have a good chance of meeting your modeling requirements.
Once you’re part of one of these groups you can request collaborations at the group level or via direct chat, and see if anyone is interested in collaborating with you.
Be prepared to offer some sort of compensation for the collaboration, otherwise, you may find prospective models standing you up on the day of the shoot.
- Martino M. | Vienna, Austria
- Justin O’Grady | London, UK
Search for models to collaborate with now. Or take a first look on some of the Cherrydeck model members, here.
If you want to take part in our platform, sign up as a photographer or model, here, or submit your request as a client on this page.
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Posted in Insights and Tagged brand insights Instagram insights modelHow To Find Models For Photoshoots — Olivia Bossert Education
Fashion Photography TipsPhotography Tips
Written By Olivia Bossert
Something that can be challenging when putting together photoshoots, is find the model who fits your vision. Whether you're looking for a couple, a girl, a boy, or some one with a very specific look, it can be a challenge! But over the years, I've come up with ways of finding models (even in Cornwall, where we're 4h away from the nearest model agency!)
1. Instagram:One of the easiest ways to find models is to check out Instagram! I guarantee you that there are photographer in your area shooting with models, so get on Instagram and search for #YOURAREAmodel or #YOURAREAphotography and you'll start to see who's around. Click on their profiles, and what they look like. If you're interested in collaborating, send them a DM and ask them if they'd like to test with you. Always be polite, share your website address with them so that they can see your work, and explain what kind of imagery you'd like to shoot. They may be interested, or they may not. Either way, it can't hurt to reach out and ask, can it? :)
2. Friends of Friends:One of the best ways I've found models has been simply asking my friends if they know of any girls or boys who they think could make good models, or know any who actively like modelling. Most of the people I've worked with have come as recommendations, or simply were people I already knew. For example, Jessie Berryman is a longtime friend, and someone I knew would be great in front of the camera! And Shanice was Ione's friend, who had modelled in the past. Don't be afraid to ask!
3. Facebook Groups:I've not had a huge amount of luck with this, but most areas now have Facebook groups dedicated to models of that area. Pretty much anyone can join these, so you probably have to do a lot of digging to find someone who will fit your look. But don't discount these places, I've definitely found a couple of models thanks to Facebook groups of these kinds! Just search for "Models in YOUR AREA" on Facebook, and see what comes up.
4. Agencies:If you're in London, or any major city, stop everything you're doing and get in touch with one of the model agencies in your area. You're blessed with the fact that agencies are surrounding you, and are always looking for photographers to do tests with their models! If you're just starting out, I recommend getting in touch with a smaller agency, sharing your portfolio with them, and seeing if they have any girls or boys that need testing. "Testing" is the word used in the industry for free photoshoots. Essentially, everyone works for free to get work to go towards their portfolio.
However, if you live far away from a major city (like me!) and still want to work with agency models (like me!), don't think you can't. I regularly work with agency models, and get in touch with agencies nationwide. Many agencies have girls who live far away from them, so it's worth asking if they have any models who live near you, and if they'd be up for testing with you. I've done this many times, and have now shot with quite a few agency models who live in the South West, but who's agency might not have been South West based.
5. Scouting In The Street:This is harder, and I've got to admit I'm not very good at it, but if you're really brave, there's no reason you can't scout for models in your town! Head out for a walk, keep some business cards close to hand, and when you spot someone you'd like to photograph, approach them and politely explain what you'd like. Offer to take their email address, and say you'll get in touch. Leave them a business card so that they can see you're a legit business, and not some creepy person!
There you go! I hope that's helpful, and gets you going with finding models to photograph. Do you know of any other ways to find models? Let me know in the comment section!
Would you like more great resources like this? Sign up below and receive all of my free resources straight to your inbox!
cornwall photographerhow to find modelsmodels
Olivia Bossert https://www.oliviabossert.com
Where and how to find a model for a photo shoot?
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December 9, 2020
Today I want to share information on where and how to search for a model for a photo shoot on the Internet.
This article will be relevant for:
- companies and brands that are looking for a model;
- photographers looking for models for creative/commercial shoots.
So, you have already thought out your shooting in detail, compiled a moodboard (if not, you can use my checklist for preparing for shooting ).
The next step is to select a model.
1. Where can I find a model on the Internet?
1. Modeling agencies. Here is the largest concentration of professional and proven models for every taste.
Large agencies usually work for a fee, and if the agency is small or you have a thoughtful mood board and a cool idea, it is possible to work with a model from the agency for free (most likely you will be given a new face model who recently joined the agency and has little experience)
Large model agencies in Moscow:
1. Avant Models
2. ModusVivendis
3. System Agency
4.0034
2. Instagram. Search by hashtags, for example #modelmoscow, #modelmoskvatfp (or another city). You can also find models by geolocation of photo schools, in the accounts of other photographers, as the whole team is often marked in the photos.
3. FIMP smartphone application. A handy application created like a freelance site. Here you create a shooting ad, share all the information, and models respond to your ad. Then you can personally contact the girl you like and agree on organizational issues. There are already fewer professional models, but sometimes very professional and beautiful models respond to ads.
Ps: if you are planning a creative shoot, I recommend looking for 2 models at once in order to avoid unexpected surprises when the model could not come at the last moment.
Application download link: https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/fimp-models/id1080205325
4. Website fashionbank.ru. This site has a large number of models with experience, and by placing your ad you will receive many applications from which you can select an excellent model, both for commercial and creative shooting.
! Groups "Vkontakte" on the subject of searching for models. Of course, you can try your luck and try to find a model in such groups, but the concentration of professional models there is very small. If you are not quite a beginner who is just starting to get the skills of shooting and interacting with the team on the set, it is better to use the search options that I shared above.
2. How to choose a professional and ideal model for shooting?
How to choose a model so that she is not only good in the portfolio, but also meets your expectations on the shoot?
Pay attention to the following points:
1. Variety of poses in the portfolio. Ideally, the model should have many diverse photos in her portfolio, both in static and in motion, they should not be monotonous and from the same angles;
2. Emotions. Think about what emotions and mood you need in the photos, and look for a model who already has work with the mood you need in her portfolio;
3. Type of appearance of the model. You should determine the purpose of the shooting and, starting from this, decide who your ideal model is. It can be either a girl with a commercially very attractive appearance, or, for example, a more non-standard "alien" appearance, closer to the fashion industry. It is also possible that for your idea of shooting you need a model with a normal average appearance. There are no right and wrong options, the main thing is that the appearance matches the idea and concept of shooting.
4. The amount of retouching on the photo in the portfolio. If you don't see the texture of the skin on the face, there are no nasolabial furrows and nasolabial folds - there is probably a lot of retouching in the photo and in reality the model may look different. Also, plastic can be used in the photograph, namely, changing the proportions of the face and figure. It's good if the model in the portfolio has snaps without retouching and a video pass - this will allow you to immediately objectively evaluate the real appearance.
These are small and concise tips that will help you avoid mistakes when choosing a model. Good luck with your searches and wonderful shooting!
And if you are looking for a team of not only a cool model, but also a professional and experienced photographer - feel free to contact me.
I work with bloggers, magazines, brands and with me you will get high-quality, well-thought-out shooting, corresponding to the goals for which this shooting was organized.
My portfolio and shooting conditions.
Related Articles
10 things to learn from Instagram models
If you use Instagram, then you most likely came across photos of half-naked beauties who have tens of thousands of likes under their photos. Many react negatively to such things and believe that there is nothing behind these ladies besides appearance. However, if you think about it, then a person who was able to create a huge community around his account with the help of photos alone is a good marketer. Therefore, these models have a lot to learn in terms of promoting themselves or their brand on social networks.
1. Interact with other users
There are popular people in any social network. But even if you are not very popular yet, you still want to have more followers.
To get them, you need to interact with other people and offer them cross-promotion of your profiles. Instagram models usually invite their followers to follow someone's account, and that person, in turn, offers the same to their audience.
If you post such a post about once a week, you can significantly increase the number of "fans". This doesn't just work for Instagram. Twitter has long had a popular hashtag #followfriday, with which bloggers offer to follow someone they like.
White and black internet princess⚡️✨
A photo posted by Ellen Sheidlin (@sheidlina) on
2. Cross promotion in other social media profiles
The probability that you have a single Instagram account from all social networks is quite small. In the profile of many models, you can find at least a link to a website or Facebook page that will display photos from Instagram. Similarly, you can notify your Twitter followers that you just posted a photo.
The point is that you can have different followers on different platforms who might not think of following you anywhere else. So you can "pull" them where you need.
3. Timing
Instagram models do not post photos at random because they know that their audience is sleeping, driving to work or doing something else distracting from the news feed. Timing is important.
Kill Billish - - - Photo| @ohrangutang H&M | @cristinapilo #valeriaorsini
A photo posted by valeria_orsini (@valeria_orsini) on
However, don't rely entirely on general data and studies like "the best time to post is three hours after lunch. " This issue needs to be approached responsibly and determine exactly when the majority of your subscribers are online. Simply Measured will help here — the tools will analyze networks from Google Plus to Twitter and give you the best time to post.
4. Post several times a day
If you post once a week, it will be difficult to achieve much engagement. Beautiful girls light up our ribbons with their beauty once or even several times a day. At the same time, they will not bother the reader, provided that they publish really high-quality photos that the audience wants to see. They know their audience, they know why people come to them and what they expect to see there. Create good content that appeals to your audience.
A photo posted by @ann.andres on
5. More love
Instagram models love their followers and often thank them for following them and getting closer to the coveted million under the Followers caption. They hold contests where they give away gifts, personal meetings, Skype conversations, mentioning an account in a post, and so on. All the reader needs to do is post a photo of the model on their page and mention her. So the model will receive a new influx of followers for relatively little effort.
Another good example is Vayner Media CEO and Wine Library founder Gary Vaynerchuk (a native of Bobruisk, by the way) has 1.14 million followers on Twitter. He connects with his audience through the Ask Gary Vee show, where he responds to tweets from users seeking his expert advice. Give your followers something of value in return.
6. Be part of the community
Many people forget about this, but it is very important. Reply to comments and messages, help your subscribers whenever possible. You have no idea how much a fan gets excited about even a simple Twitter retweet by their favorite star. This makes them feel more important, and others - to rush to the same place, write comments more actively in order to reach out to the person. Also popular is the tagging technique, such as "Tag your friend who is in a good mood today":
Productive! Amazing! positive! It was such a great day
7. Don't forget the stats
Interestingly, the most successful models don't post nude photos of themselves on Instagram. They know that too explicit photos can cause a negative reaction and users will unsubscribe, and Instagram will block the profile for violating the rules. By leaving something to the user's imagination, they generate more engagement, the number of followers grows, and the account is saved from complaints.
What does this mean to you? You need to conduct some experiments with content, analyze the best posts and tweets. This will give you an understanding of what is worth publishing and what is not. Without post analysis, you won't know what your audience likes.
Lazy Sunday
A photo posted by Jenah Yamamoto (@gypsyone) on
8. Focus your energy
Besides Instagram, what other social networks do models use? snapchat. They will of course also have a Facebook page, but 90% they focus on Instagram and Snapchat. They know they can't be everywhere, and these platforms meet their visual content needs.
If you want to be popular on social media, choose one or two. Then you can expand to others, but first you need to develop at least one. When this can be done, you can follow the advice number 2.
9. Have fun
It sounds very simple, but few people see social networks in this light. You most likely consider it a necessity or an obligation due to some financial or marketing reasons. But what if you really enjoy being on social media? Your content will improve, you will be more interesting to read, you will be subscribed to faster.
Beach babies @raciney #California
A photo posted by Jenah Yamamoto (@gypsyone) on
Don't make it a routine.