What to Expect from Paid Photoshoots

Instructors, performers, SWers and other pole businesses can all benefit from having professional photoshoots to improve their brand image!

This post is focused on an individual working either in a trade photoshoot or paid photoshoot capacity. For information on building up a photo portfolio to use in your own marketing where you would pay the photographer, please see this post.

Having professional photos done is a great way to build your brand and/or to get paid!

Always maintain a sense of professionalism when working with a photographer whether it’s trade or paid. The person may refer you to other people for work, want to work with you again, and give you good recommendations.

What to Expect from a Trade PhotoShoots

TFP or trade shoots basically mean neither the photographer nor the model pay each other for the shoot and it is supposed to benefit each party’s portfolio. If you’ve never shot with a photographer before but want something better than what your phone can take with the right lighting, etc., using a professional for a trade shoot is not a bad option. However, there are a lot of shady photographers out there so make sure you do your research before shooting with anyone.

Follow these tips to be safe:

• Ask to see their portfolio, ask for references, etc.
• ALWAYS ask to bring a friend. If they say no, that’s a huge red flag. Your safety and security should always be the top priority.
• Don’t ever shoot with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Make sure you have a written agreement that you’ll receive at least a few pictures from the shoot within a couple weeks time in exchange for doing the shoot. If you never receive images, kindly remind them of the agreement you struck initially.

What to Expect from a Paid Photoshoot

Paid shoots are even better because you’re making some cash while doing something you enjoy so it’s a win-win. But be weary of scammers. If the amount of money seems too good to be true, it probably is. Set your own rates in advance with clear categories that you are comfortable with, for instance:  $50/hr clothed, $75/hr swim/lingerie (pole would fall into this category usually), $100/hr nude.

Some shoots may include a hair and makeup artist, whereas for other shoots, you’ll have to do your own. Sometimes you’ll have wardrobe options, sometimes you’ll have to bring your own items.

The same safety tip for trade photoshoots apply in a paid situation. Just because they’re now paying you doesn’t necessarily make them a professional. It just makes them a person with a camera who has money to pay a model.

Follow these tips to be safe:

• Do your research and don’t work with anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
• Make sure to sign an agreement specifying what the pictures will be used for. If the photographer plans to submit them for publication, you need to be notified in advance and receive credit. If they’re selling the images, you may or may not have a right to any royalties depending on the contract you initially signed—alwats discuss that with them upfront before shooting.

Have fun!