Paying models
 

How much should one pay models per hour for photo shoots? The models will probably be college students - not professional models - and probably for two hours at a time.

I've heard other artists say they pay anywhere from $7 to $12 per hour, depending on the model's age. Artist's models don't make what fashion models do, that's for sure!

I recently read an article in which the artist said she pays $14 an hour if it's just life drawing, $20 an hour for a photo shoot, since the latter provides her with so much more reference material.

John C.

Like anything it varies with the relative youth and appeal of the subject. I paid $12 per hour for a lovely teenager last summer but I was able to guarantee her a decent time block of about 20 hours per week

I am now paying $14 per hour as that is the rate RISD pays its figurative models and to generate some enthusiasm for a really boring job

It also varies by local. I know Marvin has someone who wants a figurative painting from him and the model fees in the NY area are much higher..

Hi Jane,

I pay my models $25 for a two hour time period whether I take photos or not.

I am also thinking about giving them a sketch or two after I've worked with them for a while. They always seem to want one.

I'm a real cheap-o. For my drawings, from which I've only used photos, I don't pay anything. I give them an 8x10" print of the drawing.

But before I seem too cheap, they are of course told ahead of time that I don't pay, and they have no problem with it. And it's been over twenty people within a year in a half. They usually act like I'm doing them a favor. Many say that it's an honor, I think they are so flattered that they would be doing something unethical by accepting money. I've also never taken more than a half hour taking pics, so they may not mind much either.

If I start doing live sittings, I would'nt expect them to sit for nothing. I think between $10-15 is fair for someone who's never done it before, and is posing just for the hey of it. There's no way I'm paying someone $25 an hour for an uninteresting experienced model, which seems like the going rate in my area. Experienced and interesting is different.

I do the same thing Jimmie, I've never paid a model.

I'm a cheapo too
 

Hi Jimmie -

I paid two teenagers $10 an hour last summer. They were inexperienced models of course. They were okay with that price range.
And they got a fair number of hours' pay.

Which leads me to the thought that if you are doing a long painting, don't expect their expression to stay the same as it will be the first hour (take photos). These kids got SO bored with it all!

The mystery continues as to how Mike gets his beautiful, young models.

I forgot about my model for food program.

There should be a certain amount of mystery in ones life.