OK, I feel like I got WAY too carried away typing, and maybe most of this can go out the window before being thrown into a model's face prior to meeting. Let me know what you think I should trim, add, or edit. This is exact text to be used in an email response to a model advertisement:
First, a little background on my business:
I started out as a webmaster who works with all-male adult content, promoting websites mainly with image galleries. Lately I have noticed a rather dry content offering in certain markets and niches - some of which literally require a scavenger hunt to find. To me, that is unacceptable in an online world with literally hundreds of male-oriented adult sites. That is why I have decided to step into the role of content producer and create what is not so readily available, yet I feel is highly sought after.
Model types and work sought after:
This is the biggest and most important factor of my work since it pertains to you, my potential model, and what exactly will transpire on the day of the shoot. As you should know, models come in all shapes and sizes, and consumer tastes and preferences vary in even more distinct ways. As such, not everyone will fit the profile that satisfies my modeling requirements. The reason? In today's world of fierce competition, model saturation, and the ever-changing demands of the market, there is simply no room for "general, all-purpose, or basic" adult content. It is everywhere, on every website and magazine. There are things that consumers specifically want to see, and it is up to me to provide them with that content. Of course, it is up to you to provide me with the eye candy they want to see.
Model types - I prefer real men who are beefy, muscular, hairy, and/or athletic. A few extra pounds is never a problem as I stay away from underage-looking waif-like boys known as "chickens."
Again, your willingness and openness to the experience will determine the likelihood of a successful, in-demand photo set.
How it works:
Basically, I work for a broker--an agency that represents me and my work. I take the photos and select the final sets. They take care of any and all marketing, distribution, sales and payment transactions. As such, they require a hefty chunk of those sales dollars. It saves me from having to hire staff and work extra hard to promote and sell my stuff and still handle customer issues. But of course all of those savings are funneled into the broker's fees. After income tax, self-employment tax, cost of goods and other operational expenses, it's hard to see where the "easy money" is made. Perhaps 10 years ago it was a lot easier and more profitable, but in the end... what I realize is that I am doing this work to serve a demand. A demand from a market that includes myself and is not something I dove into for the far-fetched dream of instant profits and wealth. I do this becauase I
enjoy it, and I want others to know that I am working to produce the kinds of products they want.
Compensation:
Cash - Everyone's favorite. I do not price photo sessions by the hour. If I offered someone $100 an hour, you can bet that some people will take their time in the changing room, and then demand that extra $25 when the shoot goes 15 minutes over schedule. Cash is mainly the option for one-time photo shoots where models spend no time fiddling with annual income or taxes.
Trade for Portfolio - Believe it or not, the value of a well done portfolio can far exceed the value of cash in-hand. What is a portfolio? It is your modeling history and a tool that accentuates your strongest features. Those looking to move past the small studio and into the big players' league in Los Angeles depend on a portfolio to get them there. A portfolio includes a CD of your best photos, and a dozen full quality prints in a showcase binder - in exchange for the shoot. No money is exchanged.
Contract modeling - If you would like to be made available for callbacks, casting calls, pay bonuses, and exclusive photo sets (meaning only 1 customer buys your photos for his site, but he calls all the shots for what he needs in these poses), then this is the option for you. A pay bonus basically means that when your photos are in demand and I exceed my sales goals by a certain percentage or dollar amount, you get a bonus. It's extra money just for being available.
Time and scheduling:
My at-home studio is currently under remodel and will not be complete until the end of November. If you are interested in a photo shoot prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, I am more than willing to travel to you, up to 40 miles standard or up to 125 miles with a small deposit. This fee is refunded immediately during the shoot, which covers would-be expenses for cancellations or no-shows if they arise. If you are interested in having me
travel, which makes for a more comfortable setting for you, all I require is a simple layout with solid colors. A bed, a chair, the couch, the floor... as long as the area is clutter-free and does not have loud, flamboyant colors we should be fine.
What I need from you next:
Once we agree to meet, we can discuss exactly what we expect from each other, what you can offer me in your poses, and what I can offer you in return in compensation. But I need to know that everything in this statement applies to you and to what degree. Some models are more reserved about what they will and will not do. Just remember as I stated above, this is a world of fierce competition, model saturation, and market demand. There is little room for general content, and consumers have proven that models are only worth what the consumer is willing to buy.
I look forward to seeing and reading from you soon!!. This is a very exciting venture that I am stepping into, and I know I will be able to work with fantastic models. Hopefully you will be one of them!
Take care,
Ricardo
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