Where to find models for portrait photography

 

1. DeviantART

DeviantART makes it easy to figure out how to find models for portrait photography. It’s has been a pivotal part of bringing art and community together for decades.

It’s also a great place to explore photography, namely portrait photography. Try establishing yourself on the website, posting and sharing within the photography community. When you’re ready, reach out to a few of the models.

2. Model Mayhem

Model Mayhem is the de facto community in the quest of how to find models for portrait photography. Think of the website as a social network for photographers and models to create connections.

You can create your own profile and even select your style of photography and find a model with ease. It’s one of the best model and photographer networking sites in the industry.

3. Facebook

Thanks to Facebook’s robust, local search you can easily find models in your area by searching for people and groups using certain contextual parameters like “[City Name] Portrait Models.” It couldn’t be any easier to join a few local photography groups, introduce yourself and start making friends.

4. Your friends

Don’t forget that you already have a potential resource to tap into when looking for models to photograph — your own friends. Many of your close acquaintances would probably be flattered to learn that you’d like to photograph them. Best of all, you could probably finagle a “quid pro quo” situation if you schedule a session with someone you know.

5. Build your reputation

Believe it or not, if you’ve already found a few models and have begun to publish your photography, then you’re more than likely cultivating a positive reputation in your area. Soon enough, you may find yourself actually approached for gigs. Heck, you may even find yourself cornering a niche market and become “the photographer” for a certain demographic. Once you’re in, you’re in!