Model MoRina wrote:
As a freelance model, I never knew where the images were going to show up. Photographers are asking models to sign universal releases that allow them to sell images or post anywhere they feel like, in perpetuity.

I hated seeing guys posting my nude images on their facebook pages and when anyone questioned "who is that?" they would typically say "a friend."  I was a paid model hired for a photoshoot. I don't want to be portrayed as some random guy's girlfriend. But the releases allow for whatever they wanted to do with the images.

Since exclusively shooting my own content, I know exactly where everything ends up. I also hired a company that finds and takes down unauthorized content. I like the control over my own image, and if there is money to be made off my images and video, I want the money to be going into my bank account.

I can understand wanting to control your image.

Would you say you regret your years modeling here overall and would not recommend it to most people? Have a significant number of photographers you've worked with here been malicious actors in your experience?

I have seen photographers with Patreon accounts that sell model images. However, I can't recall one with many subscribers. I always assumed they barely cover their model fees, if at all.

What sort of limited release do you think would work well on Model Mayhem? I imagine the photographer would be responsible for tracking impressions and it would require refreshing a portion of their portfolio every year or risking legal trouble. Models would certainly make more money.

Certain Exposures wrote:
What sort of limited release do you think would work well on Model Mayhem? I imagine the photographer would be responsible for tracking impressions and it would require refreshing a portion of their portfolio every year or risking legal trouble. Models would certainly make more money.

IF you're just working with MM models (traveling or local) and NOT advertising agencies / high-end modeling agencies, you really want to avoid any complicated releases where the rights or compensation fundamentally changes based on "future events".

Just think about the logistics of tracking down an MM model in 10 years' time.  Whether it's to be able to keep using the image or to pay them some future amount.  Then multiply the logistics of that for all of your various MM models that you shoot with.

A simpler "paid up front" model release will make everyone's life a LOT easier.

Certain Exposures wrote:
I can understand wanting to control your image.

Would you say you regret your years modeling here overall and would not recommend it to most people? Have a significant number of photographers you've worked with here been malicious actors in your experience?

I have seen photographers with Patreon accounts that sell model images. However, I can't recall one with many subscribers. I always assumed they barely cover their model fees, if at all.

What sort of limited release do you think would work well on Model Mayhem? I imagine the photographer would be responsible for tracking impressions and it would require refreshing a portion of their portfolio every year or risking legal trouble. Models would certainly make more money.

I don't have regrets... I am speaking of some of the less than positive aspects. Most photographers were respectful and decent, some were... strange... and a few were inappropriate. I wouldn't tell anyone not to be a freelance model, because it isn't my place. I was around 45 when I started and had a lifetime of real-world experience behind me, including over 9 years in the military. I know how to take care of myself.

And I wasn't suggesting anyone change their model releases. If you can get someone to sign a release that lets you do whatever you want with the images forever, then good for you. My point was that after a while of seeing other people use your images in ways you may not have expected, you realize the better option is to create your own images and monetize. That may not be everyone's desire, and not everyone is interested in running a business like that.

Model MoRina wrote:
I don't have regrets... I am speaking of some of the less than positive aspects. Most photographers were respectful and decent, some were... strange... and a few were inappropriate. I wouldn't tell anyone not to be a freelance model, because it isn't my place. I was around 45 when I started and had a lifetime of real-world experience behind me, including over 9 years in the military. I know how to take care of myself.

And I wasn't suggesting anyone change their model releases. If you can get someone to sign a release that lets you do whatever you want with the images forever, then good for you. My point was that after a while of seeing other people use your images in ways you may not have expected, you realize the better option is to create your own images and monetize. That may not be everyone's desire, and not everyone is interested in running a business like that.

You're absolutely correct that controling and monetizing your own content is the way to go. But it's not as easy as most think it is. Covid was an anomoly. And now that that money is drying up for most models, especially the ones who lack the motivation to put in the hard work, a large number have returned to the quick, easy, fast money.. but it comes with a cost.

Arizona Shoots wrote:
You're absolutely correct that controling and monetizing your own content is the way to go. But it's not as easy as most think it is. Covid was an anomoly. And now that that money is drying up for most models, especially the ones who lack the motivation to put in the hard work, a large number have returned to the quick, easy, fast money.. but it comes with a cost.

Yes, indeed. It is not easy at all. It is easy to be a "new face" and make a bunch of money initially, but keeping the content machine fed is a huge commitment, physically and mentally. The way algorithms work now, you only are seen if you post new material and you can only keep your rankings up if you are posting (and of course selling) new content on a consistent basis.

I was producing on my own for years before covid, and then the covid boost came and things got better. It was tough keeping up with demand because I had my C4-C6 vertebrae fused on the last day before everything shut down where I lived. And I had recently had shoulder surgery too and so I was in physical therapy 3 times a week for 9 months. And I had an Airbnb. Lol. But I was making a custom video a few days later... because my motto is "make hay while the sun shines!"

I also thought due to my age I had an expiration date for when people no longer wanted to see me naked on the internet... but I am long past believing that now. I am 61 now and every year I make more money than the last, so I don't see where it ends anymore. Ha ha. Nursing home?