There is nothing worse than being the generous & kind photographer that thinks they’re helping out a model by doing a portfolio shoot TF or for a discounted fee – and the model no-shows. It feels much the same as when you hold a garage sale and no one shows up – you pour your sweat & tears into setting it all up, advertising and blocking the time off to be there instead of off having fun with your family and friends. You sit and wait – watching eagerly for the customer to arrive… and nothing.
We try to be very clear with our models that we are devoting a span of time specifically for them. After 15 minutes of waiting, we call the model. If no answer, we give them 15 more minutes to return the call and then we consider ourselves released from their shoot. By requiring a non-refundable retainer fee, at least we have not wasted the drive time, equipment prep, creative process and the standing-stupid 30 minutes.
Something to think about the next time you find yourself lugging your gear off into the sunset after a mission unaccomplished.
