Andrew Hersey - Modeling Information

 

 

I'm open to working with new female models on a time-for-print basis. This means that in exchange for your time posing for me, I give you a selection of the fully edited photos from our session, or a CD with digital files of the photos. Read the information below carefully, and email me if you're interested in being a part of my work. I am based in Charlottesville, Virginia, but I travel a good bit and can sometimes arrange to work with you where you're located.

I've been really lucky to work with a number of creative and talented models over the years. Some have been established models looking for unique images for their portfolios, some have been friends or fellow artists who wanted to collaborate, and some have just been women who saw my work, liked it, and wanted to be a part of it. Experience is far less important to me than an expressive and creative attitude, and I always get the best results from models who bring their own style and presence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

I don't really look like a model. Is that okay?

Look at my work. It's not about the "typical model" look at all. You need to be physically proportionate, creative, independent, somewhat outgoing, and feel and that you belong in my work. My work makes a unique statement, and my favorite models are those whose look doesn't necessarily reflect mainstream culture's definitions of style and beauty. And my favorite models usually come more from an art background than a "look at me, I want to be a fashion model" background.

 

Do I have to know how to pose?

Not really - I don't expect a model to come up with ideas, poses, artistic statements on her own, but I do value subjects who can sustain a creative dialogue with me. Most important is a confident, fearless and composed woman who is comfortable being a creative collaborator.

 

Do I have to be naked?

No. But you do have to be comfortable in your own skin. I do clothed shoots that are sensual and physical, and nude shoots that are concealed and subtle. So nudity isn't is a requirement per se, but I do shoot skin, and I look for models who are confident with their physicality and with their bodies. Limits are respected, but it's a good thing to discuss your comfort level with me beforehand.

 

What do I wear then?

The general rules: Old/vintage is better than new/trendy, solids are better than prints, textured/lacy is better than plain. Little/no makeup is better. But different looks are good - I encourage models to bring a variety of clothes, shoes, wigs, props, etc - whatever you want.

 

Where do you take the pictures?

I shoot on location with available light. There's no cozy, climate-controlled studio with even lighting and clean backgrounds. A good photograph tells a story, and a big part of the story is the context and setting. Are you comfortable crawling around in decaying abandoned houses? Musty motel mattresses? Cold mountain creeks? Rusting industrial sites? Old moldy closets? And there's always the possibilty of tresspassing in places we don't belong. Are you okay with that?

 

What do I get out of this?

You get your choice of a CD with a dozen full-sized, edited images, or five prints. I can also put up a little web gallery on my site if you want to show your friends. I ask that you don't edit my finished images, and that you don't profit in any way from the images, other than self-promotion.

 

Can I bring a friend/escort/chaperone?

I don't allow escorts while shooting. You may feel free to have a friend drop you off, meet me, see where we're working, etc, but mood and concentration (both mine and my model's) are extremely important, and escorts are always a distraction. There have been occasions when I've allowed escorts to be present while shooting, but these are rare, and MUST be discussed in advance.

 

Is there some kind of photo release?

Yes. It's pretty short and to the point - just an agreement that says my pictures stay mine and that you can't all the sudden decide you don't want to be in my photos anymore. I'm happy to send you a copy beforehand if you want to look it over. Please ask about anything you're unsure of or uncomfortable about ahead of time, so we're both aware of what to expect.

 

 

Please read this: I have a "one strike" policy regarding models who don't follow through with appointments. My time is important, and my reputation is important. When I plan a shoot with someone, it's because I think it will be worth my time and trouble and creative energy to do so, and I operate under the assumption that the model approaches this arrangement in the same way: I value her time and she values mine; I communicate fully and openly, she does the same. So if you're less than 100% sure that you're serious about modeling for me, please don't waste my time. I am happy to work with models with all levels of experience, but I also expect and demand a high level of respect for my time, my craft, and my art. I have no patience for those who don't take this arrangement seriously.

 

 

Thanks for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you.