BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Questions

Help yourself by Helping others

the www.atwdigital.com website is an experiment in marketing. All photographers at one time or another run out of people to photograph. Friends and family run in the opposite direction when they see us coming toward them with the camera. Many photographers turn to internet modeling agencies such as www.onemodelplace.com to find subjects to practice with. For those of you that do not know, the model and photographer do TFP (time for prints)sessions where no money is exchanged. The photographer gives the model a few prints or a cd and they both put a copy into their portfolio.

I soon realized that some of the teenage girls on these sites were being victimized both financially and physically by perverts posing as photographers. With the introduction of Digital cameras to the market anyone can buy a camera and call themselves a photographer. I found a place that was active in helping models through awareness programs www.theblackbookproject.com and decided to introduce the same philosophy to my small business in Toronto.

I now have 10 Models ranging in age from 12 to 24 years of age. We do small commercial photography shoots. You know, the local store has a sale, a new product, a charity bbq, that type of thing. Nothing grand or glorious.

Because of this type of exposure, my family portrait, wedding and sport photography appointments have tripled over the summer. It's true what they say, "those that give, will receive."

There is no reason why you can not find some local models and help them with portfolio shots. Contact studios and other photographers in your area to join you for informal shoots. In this manner not only will you be helping kids stay safe but you will also be promoting yourself as a serious and concerned photographer. Networking, it works !


Sincere Regards
Gary Berger

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October 10, 2005