Welcome to Thunderdome

Leisher wrote: Tue Dec 16, 2025 10:12 pm True, but at some point that thing's going dry.

Then better to suckle before it does!

Me: I want to sign up on your website to hire models.

Website: OK, where's your portfolio of existing models/shots?

Me: Uh, I need models first.

Website: You cannot sign up without a portfolio of multiple models.

Craigslist, I guess?

That took a dark turn at the end.

Leisher wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 4:52 pm That took a dark turn at the end.

I'm not a serial killer!

TheCatt wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 4:55 pm

Leisher wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 4:52 pm That took a dark turn at the end.

I'm not a serial killer!

Exactly what a serial killer would say!

Ok, let me help you with this one...

Meet the girls in public settings first, and be clear that Mrs. Catt will be along. Do public shoots initially to build a portfolio. They can be sexy, but not intimate. Then create a website and start displaying your work.

From there you can start getting people to trust you a bit more, and expand to private shoots and perhaps make a few bucks doing boudoir shots. I think many women would feel more comfortable getting them done if they know a woman, particularly a wife, will be present.

And make yourself some business cards. I don't know why, but people still believe they separate pros and amateurs.

Leisher wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 5:01 pm Meet the girls in public settings first,

Yeah, that's explicitly mentioned in the posting.

Leisher wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 5:01 pm Do public shoots initially to build a portfolio. They can be sexy, but not intimate. Then create a website and start displaying your work.

Yeah, you're right here. But I'm impatient. We'll see

Leisher wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 5:01 pm And make yourself some business cards. I don't know why, but people still believe they separate pros and amateurs.

True.

At this point, I'm honestly still working on getting better at the equipment I have (lights, modifiers, etc), so I'm going to focus the next month on getting more familiar with that stuff. If the "show me your titties" approach doesn't work, I'll dial it back + recalibrate after that month.

How much do you think I should be offering (per hour)?

Copilot:

A solid starting point: $20–$50 per hour for beginner‑friendly models, or $50–$150 per session if you’re doing short, portfolio‑building shoots. That’s the practical, real‑world range most new photographers use when they’re still learning and building a portfolio.

But the right number depends on what you’re trying to accomplish, so let me break it down in a way that actually helps you make a decision.

The simple rule
If you’re new, the model is essentially helping you build your portfolio.
So you generally pay less than established photographers, but more than nothing, because you’re still asking for someone’s time, skill, and image rights.

Typical beginner rates (realistic, not fantasy)
1. Hobbyist / early beginner
$20–$40/hr

$40–$80 per session (1–2 hours)

This is for models who are also beginners or casual hobbyists.

2. Experienced amateur models
$40–$60/hr

$80–$150 per session

These models know how to pose, move, and help you get usable shots quickly. Worth the money.

3. Professional models
$75–$150/hr (low end of pro rates)

$150–$300 per session

You can hire pros as a beginner, but you don’t need to unless you want guaranteed results.

The alternative: TFP (Trade For Photos)
TFP means:

No one pays money

You both get portfolio images

TFP works when:

Both of you are beginners

You have a clear concept

You can deliver edited photos reliably

TFP does not work when:

You have no portfolio at all

You can’t show examples of your style

You’re asking for something demanding (travel, wardrobe, long shoot)

If you’re brand new, offering TFP + a small stipend ($20–$40) is a great middle ground.

What actually determines the price
These factors matter more than your experience level:

Length of shoot (1 hour vs. 4 hours)

Type of shoot (fashion, portrait, boudoir, fitness)

Location (studio vs. outdoors)

Wardrobe/makeup requirements

Usage rights (portfolio only vs. commercial use)

Model’s experience level

If you want to use the photos commercially, you must pay more.

The non‑obvious insight
Models don’t just bring their face—they bring:

Posing skill

Expression control

Ability to take direction

Ability to give direction when you’re new

Reliability

A good model can make a beginner photographer look much more advanced.
That’s why paying a bit more early on can accelerate your growth.

I wanted to know what YOU think, not AI.

I did the same google search after I decided my rate to see what it would say.

I offered $150/hour.

TheCatt wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 7:30 am I wanted to know what YOU think, not AI.

Fair, but I haven't hired models off CL in years. I find my victims in other ways now.

$150/hour is generous. I hope you get some takers.

I assume you started with Mrs. Catt already. Do you have a website yet?

Just promise me, that if someone reaches out and asks if you do wedding photos, you'll respond, "No, but I'd be happy to take pictures of the couple consummating the marriage."

Leisher wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:00 am $150/hour is generous. I hope you get some takers.

I thought it was pretty generous. My wife thought I might need to do 200 or 250. Ad has been up 2 days, I have 2 responses, but 1 didn't include a picture of herself (wanted more information first). We'll see.

Leisher wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:00 am I assume you started with Mrs. Catt already.

Yes. She has a badly sprained ankle right now, so can't really do modeling for a while.

Leisher wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:00 am Do you have a website yet?

Is that related to the previous question? . No. Not yet. Mrs Catt waffles on whether the pictures are too risque (even without nudity) of the few I've taken that I actually like. So trying to get more samples, then build a website.

Leisher wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:00 am ust promise me, that if someone reaches out and asks if you do wedding photos, you'll respond, "No, but I'd be happy to take pictures of the couple consummating the marriage."

I'm more of a "You know what gift lasts forever? Boudoir photos of the bride" person . But I could probably work with couples too, I like sex.

TheCatt wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:26 am 1 didn't include a picture of herself (wanted more information first).

Smart girl. She's expect complete professionalism.

TheCatt wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:26 am She has a badly sprained ankle right now

You guys do some really kinky shit.

TheCatt wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:26 am So trying to get more samples, then build a website.

You need to do non-nude photos to build the portfolio and have things to put on the website. They can still be sexy, but clean sexy. Sundresses, bikinis, half naked but showing no good bits, etc. Got to build trust with your models, and a clean, professional website will be a part of that. They also need to know that images they don't want on the web won't be on the web. Very, very much trust Mrs. Catt on that. Women see this stuff in a completely different way than we do.

It's not just the portfolio you're developing, but a reputation.

If it were me, I'd keep the boudoir photos in physical binders and on a PC that has no internet access. Explain that websites get hacked, and your models/customers' privacy is of the upmost importance to you. It can be a pretty effective hook. At least that's my humble opinion. Ask Mrs. Catt.

TheCatt wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 9:26 am "You know what gift lasts forever? Boudoir photos of the bride"

Absolutely agree.

They also need to know that images they don't want on the web won't be on the web.

This is explicitly in the ad. We can specify which photos are takeable, but not portoflioable.

Yeah, haven't talked to anyone enough, but I was actually thinking the exact same as you. A PC not on the internet for those photos, so shouldn't even be hackable. No cloud backup.

I'll bet it helps legally too.

Say an ex posts them in a revenge porn case and tries to blame "the photographer".

Leisher wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 12:26 pm I'll bet it helps legally too.

Say an ex posts them in a revenge porn case and tries to blame "the photographer".

Yeah, I was hoping to keep this amateur/hobbyish, but the more I think about it, the more I'll probably have to do some kind of business entity for liability/insurance. Ugh.

I have my first shoot on Thursday. Met the model yesterday, meeting went well. She's 21, and not the hottest women, but a very positive attitude, and just a wonderful smile. I said something funny, and she laughed, and her whole face changed. Like wow.

Another model reached out to me. Pretty hot, imho. She has life drawing modeling experience, no photography modeling experience. Reached out to set up the meet.

Both have tattoos, which in some day is not ideal, as maybe they'll be distracting in the photo? I dunno, we'll find out.

Wish me luck.

I do wish you luck.

Remember, be overly professional as you're trying to build a rep. Definitely have Mrs. Catt be there too. You don't want anyone making accusations.

Are you good at Photoshop? Could be fun or a learning experience to airbrush out the tats.

Leisher wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:02 pm Remember, be overly professional as you're trying to build a rep. Definitely have Mrs. Catt be there too. You don't want anyone making accusations.

So... 2 things: 1) I'm super professional, will not touch bodies, will probably ask "Is this OK?" too much. I've made it clear people can just say "We're done" whenever they want. 2) Mrs Catt and I talked about it. And, she also suggested it. And I was like, "What if they perceive that as us being more sexual, like trying to get a threesome or something out of it?" We decided to not do that for now. I do allow people to have minders if they want. But I'm not sure how I'd feel if it were a boyfriend. I've read too many stories of boyfriends being disruptive on set.

My compromise is to have a iPhone setup in the corner to record, that will not be uploaded to the cloud, and is there so I can "see how I setup my shots, see how I can improve lighting changes, etc" and will be deleted afterwards. Anyone claims something, I've got video. Model #1 was 100% OK with that.

TheCatt wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:13 pm And I was like, "What if they perceive that as us being more sexual, like trying to get a threesome or something out of it?" We decided to not do that for now.

1,000,000,000% do not start off trying to bang anyone. Don't even talk about you guys being open to such things. I suppose if the model really, really, really prods, play it as the situation demands. However, I think Mrs. Catt should be giving overprotective wife. (Using the youth's vernacular there, but I think it perfectly fits.)

TheCatt wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:13 pm But I'm not sure how I'd feel if it were a boyfriend. I've read too many stories of boyfriends being disruptive on set.

Make it a policy. "Having a companion with you on set is fine. A single person, not your whole posse. However, if they become disruptive, I retain the right to end the session and no refund/payment/pictures (for a portfolio) will be given."

I guarantee a lot of the BFs get disruptive because the photographer tries to flex on them.

You can set BFs at ease by including them. Write said model off as a potential partner and just go full photographer mode. Then bring BF over to look at the pictures as you take them. Ask him if there's any specific poses he wants to see or what colors, setting, lighting, does he think really makes his GF pop, etc.

TheCatt wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:13 pm My compromise is to have a iPhone setup in the corner to record, that will not be uploaded to the cloud, and is there so I can "see how I setup my shots, see how I can improve lighting changes, etc" and will be deleted afterwards. Anyone claims something, I've got video.

Interesting side note: Jim Jefferies has (had?) a talk show in Australia and a guest did this very thing before their interview. The guest used the video to prove that JJ's staff edited the interview to show the guest saying things he did not say.

So yes, this is a very good idea. I could see some models having an issue with it, but this is the world sleazy men and litigious women have created.

Also, I think you need to think about "deleted afterwards". Ultimately, photographers have always had negatives of their models they kept forever. This really wouldn't be different. The videos are legal protection and should also be kept forever. I'd encrypt them and store them on a "not connected to any network" PC and/or external media along with photos and documentation from that shoot.

Three things:
1. Ask AI to help you create a consent form covering everything: Ownership of photos, use/storage of them, model's consent, nudity or no, and so on.
2. Make a copy of IDs before the shoot and store that with the documentation from the shoot.
3. I know the fantasy is for a photo shoot to become sexy time, but you need to NEVER make the first move. That's how you get sued. Even if Mrs. Catt says, "She wants it!" Either the model makes the first move, so the camera can see it, or it can be discussed post-shoot. I really don't want you getting sued and forced to become a greeter at Walmart.

Leisher wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:13 am 1,000,000,000% do not start off trying to bang anyone. Don't even talk about you guys being open to such things. I suppose if the model really, really, really prods, play it as the situation demands. However, I think Mrs. Catt should be giving overprotective wife. (Using the youth's vernacular there, but I think it perfectly fits.)

Oh yeah, 100% keeping that separate, no hints, no nothing.

Leisher wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:13 am I guarantee a lot of the BFs get disruptive because the photographer tries to flex on them.

Granted, I've only heard the photographers' sides of the stories, but it's like "Yeah, she's nude, that's what the shoot is about" and the BF being mad. Maybe the GF didn't properly inform? Maybe it's like hot wife people who suddenly realize they DONT want another man's penis in their wife? I dunno

Leisher wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:13 am Then bring BF over to look at the pictures as you take them. Ask him if there's any specific poses he wants to see or what colors, setting, lighting, does he think really makes his GF pop, etc.

Fair.

Leisher wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:13 am So yes, this is a very good idea. I could see some models having an issue with it, but this is the world sleazy men and litigious women have created.

Yeah, I approach it as "I'd like to do this to review my work," but it's not a requirement, in theory. I dunno, so far I've only talked to 1 model.

Leisher wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:13 am Also, I think you need to think about "deleted afterwards".

A fair point. Who knows when allegations could occur, good call.

1. I have a model release that is very broad. I own everything, and can do whatever I want with the photos. I won't, but it's just to head off legal issues.
2. I was pondering this, and I think you're right that I would need to. I am only work with 21+ people (no 18/19/20, even though they are "adults"). I did check the ID of the person I talked to, but didn't make a copy.
3. Just like real life, she'd have to be naked, gyrating on my hips and saying "fuck me fuck me fuck me" before I'd even realize she was open to it. lol. Yeah, 0% chance.

Honestly, when I shoot, it's 0% sexy in my head. It's just "Where's my aperture, does she have stray hairs, should that light be a little higher, etc"

TheCatt wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 9:52 am Just like real life, she'd have to be naked, gyrating on my hips and saying "fuck me fuck me fuck me" before I'd even realize she was open to it. lol.

I have always been the same.

As for the photography, I think you're coming at it from the right perspective and will be prepared. What I said about the BF, do to the models too if they're willing. Some might have ideas about their best angles, poses they want to see, etc. I've known more than one woman who was curious about what her body looked like to me from various angles.