We are always looking to photograph both men and women over the age of eighteen years old. Since our focus is mainly on conceptual shooting we welcome a wide cross section of models. We are of course looking to recruit established and upcoming runway, commercial and editorial models. Our interest also lies in everyday people who can showcase everyday life as naturally as possible. We particularly welcome persons who engage in the performing arts such as dancers, musicians, singers, acrobats, gymnasts, entertainers, sports personalities and couples. We are particularly in search of mature persons willing to have fun posing in front of the lens. We also work with children as part of concepts. We are looking for models who are confident and have an interest in being in front of the camera. We welcome persons of all all shapes and sizes, thin or plump, tall or short. As long as you are willing to have fun and are comfortable in front of the camera then confidence is beautiful. Even if you have never modeled before or just started we believe that everyone has got to start at some point, we would be very happy to pioneer the journey with you.  It must be noted that generally we do not accept individual models unless they are at least 18 years old. We encourage all models to have their own insurance, Aviva or another provider, especially if a shoot involves travel. A younger model must receive permission from and be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian, who would be required to sign a model release on their behalf. Frequently Asked Questions about our Model Shoots What do you shoot? We shoot images that are of commercial value; images that can showcase an idea, concept or ones that can sell a product or promote a service. These images are in high demand by advertisers, designers, artists and other visual arts industries. We are very keen on shooting images in outdoor and on location settings ranging from travel, vacation, sports, recreation, medical, industrial, family life, romance, fashion, performing arts, camping, food and other fun concepts. We would do swimsuits and tastefully revealing clothes as part of a general concept. We are not interested in shooting everyday poses, those poses that are seen on social network sites and family albums. We are also open to your ideas and are willing to work with you to develop them. Are there images that you do not shoot? We do not shoot lingerie, porn, nude nor nude glamour. While these images are in large demand it is not our forte. We also do not shoot groups of more than 5 persons at any one time. Do you help models build their portfolios? As part of our services model portfolio development is what we aim to contribute to. We not only focus on the development of a model’s binder and paper based portfolio development but also provide the opportunity for their portfolios to be based online. We will shoot the standard portfolio poses for your Comp Card and use from our concepts to develop the other pages. Can you host model portfolios on your website? We can host your model profile and portfolio on our website. You are permitted to have a gallery of up to 30 images in either a private or public gallery. While our main emphasis is on working with models we also have the capacity to document the work of makeup artists, hair stylists, designers and provide head shots of actresses and entertainers. Where do you conduct shoots? While we recognise the value of shooting in a studio we prefer to shoot on location and outdoors; a studio will be used where necessary. We like natural settings with uncluttered backgrounds. Some examples include forested areas, beaches, swimming pools, botanic gardens, waterscapes, etc. Do you have a Makeup Artist on shoots? We have an in-house makeup artist. Make up will be done after a facial analysis to determine the best products for the job. The artist will work with you to provide exactly the desired look for the shoot. How are my images used? We work with legal commercial image stock agencies that represent our work globally. They retail images to different media houses, magazines, designers, publishers, graphic artists, etc. When these images are bought they may be used in a variety of ways such as on book covers, advertisements, clothing catalogs, how-to-guides, websites, blogs, etc. In many instances the photographer is not aware of the exact usage and will not be able to say precisely how the images are used or will be used, however these agencies have developed strict policies and guidance for image buyers to follow. What do I get for being a model on your shoots? In return models receive rights to use their images, which we provide on a CD/DVD, to build and present their portfolios. The CD is laser/ink printed with a title just like an original. We also offer a private or public online gallery on our website so that the models can show clients an online portfolio without having to set up their own website. Each model is allowed a maximum of 30 photos at any one time. The photos can only be the work of our photographer. Models also are assigned a makeup artist.  Typically models would receive up to 10 high resolution images per shoot. Do I need an appointment to enter a shoot? Generally we like to plan well in advance to maximize the opportunity for a shoot. You can also decide to reserve several shooting dates with us which will ensure we work with you over the long term in developing different shooting opportunities. We encourage you to make a reservation as early as possible to ensure that your dates are locked in. Are models required to meet with the photographer before the shoot? Before any shoot is conducted the photographer and makeup artist will meet with the model. The meeting will address among other things style, clothing, model preferences, brainstorming potential concepts, facial analysis, etc. Will there be a Chaperon? We believe that our models need to be as comfortable as possible on shoots and the need for a chaperon is understandable. If a model finds it necessary prior indication of a personal chaperon that the model may choose is required. Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Limers and Persons not associated with the shoot will not be allowed to attend. If female models are unable to secure a personal chaperon before the shoot you have the option to be chaperoned by our female staff that will also do the makeup work. Are any Documents required? All models are required to provide proof of their official names and date of birth. We ask that you bring the original and a color copy of high quality (which we keep for our records) of one piece of National Photo Identification from the following list: Identification Card, Passport or Drivers’ Permit. Is there anything else the model should know before the shoot? On shoots we provide snacks/lunch/refreshments when necessary; please indicate to us if you have any specific needs. The model is required to provide their own transport, where possible we will do so. We like to make shoots relaxed, fun and one to remember. We like shooting outdoors and in shaded areas either very early in the morning or in the afternoons (no hot sun). The use of alcohol, drugs and illegal substances is strictly prohibited. Smoking is not allowed. Models are highly encouraged to have good rest (at least 6 hours of sleep) before the shoot. Strict Attention to personal hygiene details is recommended before proceeding to the shoot. Why do you shoot Time For CD (TFCD)? We mainly shoot photographs for commercial stock agencies, these are agencies that represent and sell our images globally and we make a percentage on every sale. So basically when we recruit a Model they provide their time for say 2-3 hrs per shoot. The models do not pay for the service nor does the photographer pay the model for their time; it is an arrangement where time is bartered by the model for the photography efforts and portfolio development contributed by the photographer; it’s a win-win situation. Who owns the Copyrights to the images? The photographer retains the copyrights of the images. By providing copies of the images to the models the photographer is providing full usage rights to the model of the images but not for commercial purposes. Should models require full copyrights to images for personal or commercial uses a prior agreement must be made with the photographer. Models will be required to credit the work of the photographer. Are there any agreements that Models have to sign? Since our business model for model shoots is based on TFCD and we use the images for commercial stock all models are required to sign a model release. Each model then agrees that we retain full copyrights and usage to the photos; it is a mini contract that you the model have to read and sign before the shoot granting these rights to the photographer and his/her agents including commercial stock agencies. In the case of paid assignments a simple contract will also need to be signed allowing for some formality. What if I am not interested in Time For CD (TFCD)? Our offering of Time For CD agreements are not compulsory. Models can decide prior to the shoot on the type of agreement with the photographer. In addition can also conduct model shoots at a cost to the model. In this case the photos will not be used for stock purposes. What if I am not interested in proceeding with the Model shoot? Models can decide at anytime that they would like to withdraw from the agreement and the shooting assignment. Models are not obligated to complete a shooting session, in our experience this has never happened. In this case any photos already taken can be purchased by the model from the photographer. What if I have piercings or tattoos? Generally we do not use models with large tattoos covering exposed skin. Once they can be covered or hidden during shoots that is fine. We can shoot models with piercings. What if I know other persons who would like to participate in model shoots? We are willing to work with such individuals provided that the required arrangements are made in preparation for the shoot; these individuals must follow the appointment process. Our business is based on referrals and personal references and recommendations. We would also provide you with our contact details so that you can network other interested parties. Sharing this website as a starting point would be greatly appreciated by us. What if I would like to have other questions answered? We encourage you to ask as many questions as possible to to seek clarification. Please send us an email to fotomelange@gmail.com or through our website form.