Information for Models
The Portrait Group is made up of both professional and amateur photographers who have a common interest in portrait photography. These nights are a great way to further our skills, learn from each other and provide an opportunity to shoot different faces each month.
For our models it is a fun night and a very inexpensive method of putting together a portfolio of images. Each photographer is required to return a sample of images within two weeks which will be passed on to the models. Although this is a TFP event (Time For Prints), participating models will receive $50 to cover travel costs.
Models who are keen for further work may make contacts on the night and seek follow up shoots at their discretion.
Day & Time
Meeting on the first Monday of the month, the portrait group starts photographing at 8pm to around 10.30pm. Models usually arrive by 7.30 pm. We’re at the Club Rooms any time from 7:00pm setting up.
Venue
Melbourne Camera Club 256 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne (corner Dorcas St) – the big grey building, entry via Dorcas Street door.
Parking is available in Ferrars Street. Please park on the opposite side of the road as permit zones exist closer to the Clubrooms.
What to bring
Outfits, props, makeup, accessories and ideas!
If you have a particular use for the images or a concept in mind then please bring clothes and props that are appropriate. For example if the images will be used in your resume then a business suit always works best.
We like to have some variety during the year, with shoots in recent years including bands, singers, fashion shoots, bollywood dancers, musicians, business attire, jugglers, acrobats, formal wear, Star Wars characters and a pregnant model.
We aim to shoot models in at least two outfits during the evening. More if time and setups allow.
Suggestions include:
- formal wear (eg. black tie, evening gown)
- corporate (eg. business suit)
- smart casual
- casual (eg. jeans, t-shirt)
- sports wear
- themed eg. clown, 1920’s, gangster
Bring a selection and then you can take your pick. If you are not sure bring a selection and we will advise you what will work best.
Makeup/Hair:
You will be responsible for your own hair and makeup (unless you have a friend coming along with you who’s a makeup artist or hair stylist).
Some models have problems with their skin getting shiny under the lights so if you have a powder that suits your complexion please bring it.
Bring a hairbrush! Clean freshly washed hair always photographs best and it’s handy having a brush to run through it throughout the night.
What to expect
We usually have 2 studios set up. Varying from month to month we can have anywhere from 5 to 15 photographers and at least two models on the night.
We try to divide the portrait model’s time between the 2 studios to make the most of photographer’s preferences, different lighting effects and varying backdrops.
During the course of the night photographers will take turns in shooting you. They will give you directions on poses they think will work well and will also listen to you on anything you are after.
Feel free if you want to bring someone along with you. It is important to us that our models feel relaxed and comfortable in the studio environment.
If there are any particular images you’d love of yourself be it for work, resume, personal then let us know and we will do our best to achieve the look you are after.
Your images
Each photographer is expected to provide some images for you as a thank you for your time. This is usually in the form of a Dropbox link, but can also be CD or printed, Images are returned to the club within 2 weeks and promptly forwarded to models soon afterwards.
As a general rule we don’t give out portrait model’s contact details and merely have a single contact point at the Club.
Photographers may use the photos in their portfolios or club competitions, but not for commercial purposes without a signed release from the model. Most photographers in the group are looking to develop their portraiture skills.
Confirming your availability
One thing we do ask is that if you do book in as a model, you do commit to showing up on the night, and where possible if you can’t make it, let me know as soon as you can so I can arrange with the standby model to come along.
We still need as much notice as possible if plans suddenly need to change, so ideally a few days would be great, or if you’re sick the day of the shoot, please text me as early as possible. If you’re running late on the night, please call to let me know.
I look forward to seeing you at the Portrait Group.
Sam Alessi
MCC Portrait Group Model Liaison