First off: No, there are not many members yet. Yes, I am new to dA as well as running a group. All of this equals several things: I am quite open to suggestions and any help in finding members.

Secondly: Thank you Justan (lost-in-burnie) for beginning this group and thank you for giving me the opportunity to run it!

I’ve been told over and over again that the best people to practice my photography on are my family and friends. First of all, I don’t have many friends/family who will let me photograph them (and I don’t think I am the only one). Second of all, I’ve been there and done that – I can photograph my friends and family just fine, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be capable of photographing someone I don’t know well, and that’s what models are, right? People you have to build a relationship with in a short period of time. People you have to respectfully direct to achieve the photo you wish to end up with, without all the silly faces and jokes that you do with your friends.

On the same point, models can only have so many friends who are good at photographing them and the same theory above, must apply equally to them.

Thus, this group aims to connect two people, whether it is two photographers who are willing to model for one another, or the usual model and photographer. This group aims for allowing people the chance to find models that are not looking for a ‘great’ photographer. To be on equal ground with each other and learn without anyone wonder who is going to be more the novice. I would be happier if people used this group to “test” the waters of photographing models/being photographed, then to seek out an experienced model/photographer. On the same note, I would be even happier to see those who use it grow into the experienced model/photographer!


Lastly, this group is not for models/photographers who are seeking pay – if the photographer/model end up agreeing on pay that is fine, but do not put your name down if you are looking to only find paying jobs.

I will be working over the course of this week to organize people by their location.


[UPDATE] Stuff I forgot to add the first time around:

When meeting with another person always exercise caution. Meet in a public place, bring a friend (if a minor, get parent’s permission and bring parent), have a cell phone handy, etc., etc.

Some websites covering this issue:

[link]
[link] - scroll down to safe modeling
(Tell me if you know some really good websites covering any issue of photography meet-ups or just plain good pointers on photographing/modeling!)

I’m not trying to be some really annoying person who-sounds-like-your-parent; really, I’m not! :nods: At the same time, it’s a serious issue that you must think about.

I really liked the idea of meeting at a Deviant Art Meet up – If I see one around me and can get to it, I’ll let you guys know. On a similar basis, if you get to go to one, drop a line if you might want to meet with people from this group in a controlled environment.

It is not unusual for models to have a chaperone – don’t let a photographer make you feel uncomfortable for bringing one!