Want to be a bikini model? Think twice!

Source: The Sunday Times

I've dig up an old article to act as reminders for all inspiring models.

A group of photographers taking pictures of student in Sentosa. A new model can earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers.
-- ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE

THE pay could be as little as $15 an hour for a two-hour photoshoot. *Note: I have heard of scams that the organizer did not pay a single cent to models and told them it's a learning experience for them.....! Bastards*

But there is no shortage of women agreeing to pose - sometimes in lingerie or bikini - for mostly male photography buffs, say organisers.

The 'models' are mostly teens, fresh-faced and eager to build up their portfolios. Some even agree to pose for free.

Indeed, a community of at least 30 active models has sprouted over the past year. They take part in weekend photoshoots advertised mainly on online photography forum Clubsnap.

The outings range from outdoors fashion shoots to those where the models pose in bikinis on Sentosa's beaches or in lingerie in studios and hotel rooms.

A new model can, on average, earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers. More seasoned ones can get $200 an hour. *Simple maths: The organizers charge $18-$250 each for a two hour shoot.

Average of 6 photographers of $100 dollars each will be $600 bucks revenue. If the organizer pays the model $100 an hour, he/she will have a net profit of $400 if there's not stylist or mua involved. Easy money isn't it?

The model poses like shit, organizer stay in the shade and "lim kopi". If your main objective in modeling is earning money, don't be so dumb to be a model.

Some girls waive the fee in exchange for a CD of the photos from the photographer.*Dumb dumb really dumb.... Read on and you will know why it's really a wrong move*

On any given weekend, there are six to 10 photoshoots advertised on Clubsnap, and others which are held privately. Amateur and hobbyist photographers, mostly males aged between 18 and 60, are charged $18 to $250 each.

As many as three models are hired for each shoot, ensuring a 4:1 or 6:1 photographer-to-model ratio that is rated ideal. Private one-on-one photo sessions can be arranged by paying a little more.

Mr Mike Tan, 35, a professional photographer who has been organising shoots for the past eight years, said the models are getting younger. 'In the old days, they would be about 18 to 25, now they are usually 14 to 22.'

Why do I say its a dumb move?

Posing for lingerie or nude shoots has ripple impact FOREVER! You will not have total control of how your photos will be distributed online.

Most modelling agencies will not sign on models who have posed in lingerie or in the nude as clients do not want such models to endorse their products. Tasteful lingerie pictures are ok but nude photos are a big NONO!

Should you wish to take part in beauty pageants later, such photos could surface and hurt your image.