Why I do Model Calls - Chicago Beach Photography Session
Every once in a while, I will do a model call on my social media accounts asking for families interested in modeling for me in exchange for a few images that I give them to thank them for their time. People have asked me why I do model calls, and so I thought I would write a short post about my top reasons:
To test new gear. Sometimes I have a new lens or flash, or other camera accessory that I want to test out. And a model session is a great opportunity to do so with a specific focus on testing the equipment as opposed to having my competing priorities.
To build my portfolio. I may be in need of new images for my website, or maybe I need more variety with different family structures, ages, etc.
To experiment with a location. I also do model calls when I want to test out a location that I haven’t shot at before but that I think has potential for future clients.
To practice a skill. As with everything in life, practice makes perfect. I am constantly learning and trying to improve my photography, and model sessions are a low-risk way for me to practicing a new skill, or a different setting in my camera.
To bring a vision to life. Sometimes I go into my model sessions with a vision of one specific image that I want to capture. This can be purely for creative purposes, but it gives me joy when I can recreate something that I have “seen” in my head.
As you can probably tell, Model Calls are a great way for photographers to accomplish a business or personal objective at a low-risk. And if the Model family has a good experience and enjoys working with you, then there’s the added benefit that they may convert to future clients!
If you are interested in a Modeling opportunity, I recommend following my social media accounts and keeping an eye out for Stories on Instagram or Posts on my Facebook Page. I sometimes advertise Model Calls as well on my quarterly Newsletter, so I also suggest you register here.
Here are some images I took during a recent Model session where my main objective was to test the location. Is this somewhere that you would like to have a session at? Let me know what you think.
