Mastering Model Calls: A Complete Guide for Your Photography Business
Let's talk about how to build a strong portfolio attract the right clients, and profit by offering model calls.
This guide walks you through every step of the model call process—from planning and promoting free sessions to using them to generate buzz for your brand. Learn how to use model calls to grow your photography business, refine your style, and set the foundation for a portfolio that speaks to your dream clients. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, this guide has everything you need to succeed!
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When I first began my photography journey, I took on so many free sessions that I eventually lost track of them all. Looking back, this was one of the best moves I could have made for my business. It provided me with experience and gave me the freedom to explore my creativity, all while building a strong portfolio. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a portfolio yet, I can’t recommend this strategy enough. It lays the foundation for your future success in ways that simply offering low-cost sessions can’t.
I want to emphasize that when I first started, I was still mastering the art of operating a camera. Offering free sessions through model calls provided me with the essential hands-on experience I needed to elevate my skills and improve the quality of my work.
Why Free Sessions Work
Free sessions allow you to practice your skills without the pressure of meeting client expectations. This is key to developing your style and refining your technique. Beyond that, they also give you the chance to create a professional portfolio that you can use to attract paying clients later on. Without a portfolio, it’s challenging (if not impossible) to convince anyone to hire you at a reasonable rate, so these sessions can be an essential first step if you implement the strategy correctly.
Skip the Low Prices—Go for Model Calls Instead
Oh, please please please skip the low prices.
While offering extremely low prices might seem like a good way to attract clients early on, it often backfires. Clients who are drawn in by low prices may undervalue your work or expect ongoing discounts. Instead of lowering your rates, consider running model calls to boost your portfolio. This approach allows you to offer free sessions, but in a way that benefits both you and your potential clients. If you’re still unsure about how to effectively price your sessions, don’t worry—I’ve created the perfect guide just for you! Check it out [here] to gain valuable insights and strategies that will help you confidently set your rates and maximize your profits.
How Model Calls Benefit Your Business
Model calls do more than just give you a chance to work for free—they help you build excitement around your brand. When people see you offering model sessions, it generates buzz, and word spreads quickly within the community. The excitement surrounding these opportunities can boost your visibility and increase brand awareness, all while helping you grow your portfolio with the types of sessions that align with your style and vision.
Attracting Your Dream Clients
The real beauty of model calls is that you control the narrative. You decide the style of the session, the type of clients you want to work with, and the final look of the photos. This lets you create a portfolio that not only showcases your best work but also attracts your ideal clients. Over time, as your portfolio grows, you can confidently set higher rates and market yourself as a high-quality, experienced photographer.
How to Run a Successful Model Call
1. Define Your Goal
Before launching a model call, be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to build your portfolio in a specific niche, like weddings, maternity, or grads? Knowing your goal will help you target the right participants and create content that aligns with your brand.
2. Set the Terms
Decide on the details of the session. You’ll need to outline:
What’s included: How many photos or services are being offered for free?
Location and time: Where and when will the shoot take place?
Who’s eligible: Define the type of models you’re looking for (age, style, etc.) to match the vision of your portfolio.
Tip: When planning what to include with your model call sessions, I recommend using my Pricing and Upselling Guide. It’s a great starting point to ensure you’re providing value while setting yourself up for success.If you have any questions about setting your model call terms, feel free to reach out in my photography group, Cienna So Education. I, along with many other photographers who are on the same journey, are here to support you and provide guidance!
3. Create a Call to Action
Craft a compelling post to promote your model call. Explain the concept, why it’s an exciting opportunity, and what the model will receive in exchange for their time. Make sure to highlight that this is a free session to increase interest and participation. Don't worry- I will explain how you can profit off model calls later.
4. Promote It
Promote your model call through social media and your email newsletter to maximize your reach. Encourage your followers to tag friends who might be interested in participating. Rather than running ads or posting in local groups, focus on building your own community—consider creating a Facebook group or an Instagram broadcast channel dedicated to your photography business. Invite those interested in the model call to join your private community for exclusive details on how to apply. This approach will not only create excitement around your model call but also help your group thrive!
Accepting Applications through your Website
Accepting applications through your website is a streamlined way to manage inquiries for your model calls. Here’s how to set it up effectively:
1. Create a Dedicated Page
• Add a Model Call Page: Create a new page on your website specifically for your model call. This page should include all the details about the session, eligibility criteria, and what participants can expect.
2. Design an Application Form
• Use Form Builders: Integrate a form builder tool like Google Forms, JotForm, or WPForms (if you use WordPress) to create a user-friendly application form. As a Wix user, I can easily integrate their built-in form feature directly into my website. This allows me to create customized application forms for my model calls.
• Required Fields: Include fields for essential information such as:
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Preferred session dates/times
• A brief description of themselves (e.g., age, style, and why they want to participate)
• Upload option for photos (optional, if relevant to your call)
3. Embed the Form
• Insert the Form: Once your application form is ready, embed it directly onto your model call page. Ensure the form is easy to access and visually appealing, so it encourages visitors to apply.
4. Provide Clear Instructions
• Guidelines for Applicants: On the model call page, include clear instructions on how to fill out the application form, any deadlines for submissions, and what applicants can expect next (e.g., notification of selection).
5. Set Up Email Notifications
• Automatic Responses: Configure your form to send automatic email confirmations to applicants once they submit their information. This reassures them that their application was received.
• Manage Responses: Set up email notifications to alert you whenever someone submits an application. This way, you can review them promptly.
6. Monitor and Review Applications
• Regular Check-ins: Regularly check the submissions through your chosen form builder. Review each application to ensure you select models who align with your vision and goals for the shoot.
7. Communicate with Applicants
• Follow-Up: Once you’ve selected your models, send out emails to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. For those selected, provide details about the next steps, including what to expect during the session.
By following these steps, you can efficiently accept applications for your model calls directly through your website, making the process seamless for both you and your potential participants.
Screen Applications
Once you receive inquiries, select participants based on how well they match your vision. This ensures the final images align with your brand’s style and help you attract future clients in that niche.
(Continued) How to Run a Successful Model Call
6. Run the Session Like a Professional Shoot
Treat the model call like any other paid session. This will give you valuable experience and show potential clients the quality of work they can expect when they hire you. Make sure to communicate clearly with the model and provide a seamless, professional experience.
7. Share the Results
After the session, deliver the agreed-upon images and encourage the model to share them with their audience. This helps spread the word about your services and boosts brand awareness. Be sure to share the final images on your platforms, tagging the models and encouraging engagement. Instagram recently introduced a collaboration feature that you should definitely leverage to expand your audience. When you share photos from your model call session, invite the models to collaborate on your post. This not only showcases your work on their feeds but also exposes your content to their followers, significantly boosting engagement and increasing your brand’s reach.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to effectively run a model call that not only builds your portfolio but also gets people excited about your photography business!
But hold on! You might be wondering how model calls can actually generate income. I’m glad you asked—let’s dive into that!
Model calls can be a fantastic way to generate income through upselling digital products. Here’s how you can leverage model calls to boost your revenue:
1. Offer a Free Session with Upsell Options
During your model call, provide participants with a free photography session and a few (very low amount of) edited digital images. This gives them a taste of your work while also setting the stage for potential upsells.
2. Create Packages for Additional Digitals
After your model call, take advantage of the opportunity to offer participants additional digital images or print packages. I’ve perfected my upselling techniques, and now you can too! With my Pricing and Upselling Guide for Photographers, you’ll discover how to effectively present these options, helping you boost your revenue and make the most of every session.
Implementing a solid pricing structure and a strategic upsell approach is crucial, especially for free model calls. This ensures you maximize your earnings while providing value to your clients. Don’t let this chance slip away—elevate your photography business today! Grab your guide now and start transforming those free sessions into profitable opportunities! If you have any questions about this process reach out in my Facebook Group.
3. Showcase Your Work
Use the images captured during the model call to build your portfolio. Share these photos on social media and your website, tagging/collabing with the models involved. This not only enhances your visibility but also establishes credibility and showcases the quality of your work, encouraging more people to want to book sessions with you.
Tip: Take behind the scenes videos! Taking behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage is essential for showcasing your work and enhancing your photography business. It builds authenticity by giving potential clients a glimpse into your creative process, helping them connect with you on a personal level. BTS content highlights your skills and techniques, educating your audience while reinforcing the quality of your work. Additionally, it engages viewers by creating anticipation for your final images and showcasing your unique style and brand identity. This footage also serves as valuable marketing material, attracting new clients and encouraging testimonials from satisfied customers. Overall, incorporating BTS footage enriches your storytelling and fosters meaningful connections with potential clients.
If you’re curious about the impact of BTS content, check out this video of a senior session I did that went viral, getting over 1 million views. This footage not only showcases the creative process but also highlights the excitement and fun of the session, illustrating just how effective behind-the-scenes content can be in engaging an audience and attracting new clients. [See IG Video Here]
4. Provide Exclusive Offers
After the model call, reach out to participants with exclusive offers on digital images. Create a sense of urgency by offering a limited-time discount for those who want to purchase additional photos. This can incentivize them to buy more than they initially planned.
5. Build Client Relationships
Model calls give you the opportunity to build rapport with participants. By providing an excellent experience, they’re more likely to return for future sessions and recommend you to friends and family, creating a cycle of repeat business and referrals. Don't be afraid to ask those who participated in your model call to leave your business a review.
6. Follow Up with Marketing
After the model call, maintain contact with participants through email marketing. Share tips, updates, and new offerings, and remind them about any exclusive upsell options available. This keeps your brand top of mind and encourages repeat business.
Conclusion
By strategically upselling digital products during and after your model calls, you can turn what initially seems like a free opportunity into a valuable revenue-generating venture for your photography business. Learn More
By embracing model calls, you can gain hands-on experience, enhance your portfolio, and attract your ideal clients—even if you’re just starting out. This approach not only showcases your creativity but also creates excitement around your brand, making it more appealing to potential clients.
Remember, the strategies I’ve shared—such as effective upselling and marketing techniques—are designed to help you turn those free sessions into profitable opportunities. As you implement these strategies, stay committed to refining your craft and letting your passion shine through in your work. I believe in your potential, and with dedication, you can establish yourself as a sought-after photographer. Embrace this journey, and watch as your photography business flourishes!
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Great info!