Photo © Scott Aitken

Here’s how it works, step by step:

- You look at some samples of my work, and decide if you like my photography. I have online galleries of recent model work I have done, and an extensive gallery of other types of photography I do as well.

- If you like my work, and think you meet my criteria, then contact me. Tell me a little about yourself and what you want for your portfolio, and your stats. I’ll then ask you to send me any photos you have via E-mail. They don’t have to be good (that’s my job). I just need to have some idea what you look like.

- We arrange to meet at a neutral, non-threatening location, like a coffee shop. We chat.

- If you decide I’m a good photographer and a decent guy, and I decide you fit with what I’m looking for, then we can make arrangements to do a photo shoot.

- We will discuss specifics about what we both want for our portfolio, and set an appointment for a shoot at a later date. Do not expect that you will be photographed at the first meeting. I will give you a blank model release for you to read at your leisure, which you will have to sign later (if you don’t know what that is, feel free to read my model release FAQ).

- On the day of the shoot, we meet at the agreed upon time and place (my studio or on location). We will both be sober and drug free. You provide valid ID with proof of age, and sign a model release (model photos without a model release are no use to me at all).

- Feel free to bring a friend as a chaperone, if you think that will make you feel more comfortable or at ease, so long as they don’t interfere with the shoot (resist the urge to bring a boyfriend. Boyfriends are notorious for getting all jealous and freaking out if you do the least sexy pose, and cause all kinds of havoc at the studio or location. I know it sounds totally sexist, but girlfriends have less of a tendency to behave that way. Female friends or more casual male friends who won’t feel threatened if you do something vaguely sexy are a much better choice).

- We will work together for at least an hour, perhaps 3-4 hours. I will most likely shoot digital with a Canon 5D (a high quality digital SLR). I have a full range of high quality lenses and studio lighting equipment.

- A note on nudity: Nudity is absolutely not a requirement. However, my ongoing fine art project, Painting With Light, is particularly suited to artistic nudes, so willingness to do mild nudity is a plus.; ‘R’ rated, unless you are looking for something stronger for your portfolio. Men, you will probably get a more favorable response to your portfolio if you have at least one good shirtless shot.

- Within a few days after the shoot, I email you a set of “proofing images”. Proofing images are like a digital contact sheet; unedited, reduces size files, for review and selection of final images. It will contain small JPEG files of all usable images from the shoot. I will only delete any that are unusable (such as out of focus, or bad lighting). I might make suggestions as to which I think are the best, but you should feel free to choose whichever you like.

- You contact me with your selection for your prints. About a week after you inform me of your selection(s), I’ll send you 2 prints or finished image files.

- You may order as many additional prints as you like at a minimal cost. You may also order edited high-resolution TIFF images on CD at minimal cost.

- I will keep your images on file for a minimum of two years in case you want additional reprints. After that, they may be discarded at my discretion.

More Info:
- Contact me with questions or to arrange a photo shoot.
- Here is a link to the Painting With Light gallery.
- Here is a link to the commercial Model gallery.
- Here is my model release FAQ.
- Return to Model Info page.