I think all photographers have gone through the whole process of dealing with flaking models. Yea yea, I know photographers can flake too, but I'm talking from my own personal dealings. I have grown to learn when models are going to flake on me. It so easy to tell that I have gone ahead and I have other models available as backup. It sucks and I think it insulting that I have to do this. No one likes to be the second choice.
I can hear it in the conversation with the potential model, that hesitation. When I start hearing things like, "Um...I think I can...". When I have worked with agency models and booked directly through them I never hear, "um". It's all business, when, what time, pay, location, etc. They take it seriously, some of them live off it. I am no different. Wasting anyone time isn't a good thing and for you to think its an option is blatantly disrespectful.
So here is something interesting in my experiences that I have noticed.
"you might want to leave...it's about to get ugly."
People I have worked with in D.C., Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have never flaked on me. I am truly grateful for that. Unfortunately, I live in Maryland, and one would think that I wouldn't have issues having models to work with here...but there a lot of "so-called Models" here. Apparently, there is unknown reason, sickness or psychological issue that makes it difficult for these so-called models to do a very simple thing...be honest and respectful.
"...I'm the g@ddamn batman, you will respect me..."
I have only canceled a shoot only a handful of times and every time I have made sure to reschedule in a proper time frame. I even gave a discount on the shoot because of it. I go out of my way because whether client, model or talent I run a business and my business kinda depends on you. So, yes, I go out of my way to make sure you want to keep coming back to me to give me business.
I know what your thinking, "Jason, why don't you require a deposit?!" Only in the great state of Maryland do I get this response about requiring a deposit, "I can't afford it." Really...so I require 25% for a shoot. So let just say we are doing a simple portrait shoot, I charge you $300 and the deposit is $75. You give me your "BS" answer on not being able to afford the deposit. Then I see on your social network page buying everyone drinks at the bar...
"Going up, on a Tuesday..."
yea....
yea...
So, I have some good news and I am for now going to keep it underwraps. However, I am re-instituting my rule on not working with potential or establish models in Maryland anymore. Which means until head out of the state of Maryland you won't see many photo updates. I will only work with agency represented models from Maryland and for all those I have worked with from Maryland before and have never let me down we will continue to work together.
"I've got a thick skin and an elastic heart"
#sorrynotsorry #fromtheheart
