FAQ
In this
section, I'll attempt to answer any questions you may have about this site,
hiring me as a photographer, or becoming a model
This Site Hiring Roger Utting Becoming a Model
This site
1) Who designed the site ? - I'm afraid I have to accept responsibility for it.
2) Can I have copies of the pictures on the site ? - Mail me at
sales@ruphoto.co.uk
and we'll see what we can sort out. But please remember that all the images on
this site are copyright of Roger Utting Photography.
3) Can you put a link to my site on yours ? Certainly, if it's relevant and if
you return the compliment. Mail me at links@ruphoto.co.uk and we'll discuss it
further.
4) Can you put some of my pictures on your site ? No, I'm afraid not. this site
is to promote myself as a photographer.
Hiring Roger Utting
1) Are you a professional photographer ? - No. By definition, to be a
professional, it has to be your major source of income, and I still have a day
job for that...at the moment !
2) Do you have your own studio ? - at the moment, no, so if you want me to do
some studio work with you, we'll book a studio at a location convenient to you.
3) What are your rates ? - Well, as I'm just starting out, I've decided not to
set a fixed rate for my work. Mail me at bookings@ruphoto.co.uk and we'll
discuss your requirements and come to a mutually pleasing agreement.
4) What sort of photographs do you take ? - that's the whole point of this site
- have a look at the galleries to see some of my work. If you want something
specific, and am not sure if I'm the man you want, mail me at
bookings@ruphoto.co.uk
and we can discuss it further. I promise that if I don't believe I can give you
what you want, I'll tell you (I'd rather not have a reputation as someone who
doesn't deliver).
5) Do you do outdoor shoots of models, or just studio work ? - Either. Just let
me know what you want !
6) Do you do family portraits and the like, or do you only work with
professional models ? - I'll happily do portraits of you, your family, your pet
or whoever you want. Just mail me at bookings@ruphoto.co.uk and let me know what
you would like.
7) Where are you based ? I'm based in Bracknell, near Reading in Berkshire.
8) Will you travel to me for a shoot ? - Yes, but I would include travel
expenses in my costs (I usually travel by train, so we're not talking pence per
mile here !)
8) when are you available ? As I've mentioned, I do have a 9-5(ish) job to keep
up, but that said, with sufficient notice, I can be available at a time to suit
you.
Becoming a Model
1) Do I have to be slim/tall/young/beautiful to be a model ? - Whilst it can't
be denied that some of those things are helpful for certain areas of the market,
I would say that none of them are absolute requirements.
2) So what are the requirements ? - In my opinion, a good model is someone who's
relaxed in front of the camera, reliable and punctual, and able to take
direction from the photographer. Fortunately, all the models I've worked with
thus far have been all of these things. The first is the most important - if you
don't like having your photo taken, then obviously modelling is not for you.
3) Do I have to pose topless or nude ? NO !!!! There are plenty of models who
make a fine living just from portraiture and fashion modelling. Topless and nude
is a large, well-paid area of the market, but it's not the be all and end all of
it. Also, be aware that it is now ILLEGAL for a photographer to take nude or
topless photographs of anyone under the age of 18.
4) Do I have to know about make-up and hair styling to be a model ? - No. it
helps if you do, but if not, a stylist/make-up artist can always be hired.
However, as that costs the photographer money, it's not unreasonable to expect
that you'll earn less than a model who can do it all themselves.
5) Do I have to supply my own wardrobe ? - Again, no, but generally it helps.
Some professional shoots will have the clothes supplied, but often photographers
will want you to bring your own.
6) What's TFP ? - TFP stands for time for prints. many photographers (myself
included) offer their services to models who are getting started out with the
express purpose of creating photos for both the model's and the photographer's
portfolios. Rather than paying the model the usual rates, the photographer gives
the models prints (and/or digital files) in exchange for her work. It's a great
way for a model staring out to build an extensive portfolio to show potential
clients.
7) What's a model release form ? - The law is a funny thing. When a photographer
takes a photograph of a model, the copyright of the image belongs to the
photographer. However, if he wants to sell the image (to a magazine/advertising
agency/calendar company or wherever), he has to have the model's written
permission to do so, or she would be entitled to sue if the use of the image
could be considered unsuitable ! The usual way around this is if the
photographer thinks the photographs might be saleable, he gets the model to sign
a model release form. the model usually charges for this (generally the cost is
an extra hour at the hourly rate the model is charging for the shoot).
8) What does a model charge ? - Like so many things, the amount a model charges
depends on experience, market demand and what the work entails. Most models
start at around £20-£30 per hour for portraiture and fashion, and increase their
prices for lingerie, glamour, topless and nude work. Of course, the most
successful models make many times that amount !! However, don't rule out TFP
when you are starting out. To start earning good money, you will need to have a
strong portfolio, which is best built up by doing TFP with photographers whose
work you like.
9) How do I promote myself as a model ? - Once you've got a good few shots in
your portfolio, the best way to promote yourself is either on the internet
(there are many sites that advertise models...have a look at my links page for
some of them), or to get signed up by an agency> Most agencies will want to see
your portfolio, and will probably want to have their own photographers take some
shots of you too.
10) I'm nervous about being alone with a stranger - can I bring someone with me
? - Of course. Most photographers are only to aware that meeting with a stranger
can be a daunting thing to do, especially for young women in this day and age.
And whilst I give you my word that nothing untoward will happen whilst you are
working with me, I know that, as you don't know me from Adam, you have no reason
to take me at my word, so please feel free to bring along anyone you wish. At
the end of the day, the best photographs will only come when you are
comfortable, and as that's what we both want...
11) I want to be a model, but don't know if I've got what it takes...what do Ii
do ? The only way you'll ever know if you can make a living from modelling is to
try it. The best thing to do is to find a reputable photographer who is willing
to work with newcomers and who will give them an honest opinion of their
prospects, as well as some good shots for their portfolio. Finding a
photographer who'll do this isn't as hard as it sounds....because you've found
this site, and I'm happy to help you on your way ! So if you feel you've got
what it takes - or you just want to try it out to see if you like it, drop me a
mail at models@ruphoto.co.uk and we'll sort something out.