I post castings regularly and can't help but feel I am being ostracized and ignored and getting no replies anymore because if my age.Its really hard to not take it personally especially when one is adhd and autistic like me .I do feel like all the this are going for the 20 year old some thing models and I am being punished for it because I am more mature .x
That's very much a perception issue on your part. If people aren't replying there's no point jumping to conclusions as to why that is. This site is full of people who either aren't particularly active, or get so many DMs they can't meaningfully respond to all of them. It's roll the dice and take your chances around here, no matter what your age or creative discipline.
Also, I'm not sure how "mature" it is to complain on the forums about lack of bookings, so if it helps at all I don't think it's that.
Cosographer said
That's very much a perception issue on your part. If people aren't replying there's no point jumping to conclusions as to why that is. This site is full of people who either aren't particularly active, or get so many DMs they can't meaningfully respond to all of them. It's roll the dice and take your chances around here, no matter what your age or creative discipline.
Also, I'm not sure how "mature" it is to complain on the forums about lack of bookings, so if it helps at all I don't think it's that.
I'm sorry but this is one of the rudest, most unkind things I've seen on purpleport in some months.
I am sure there *is* ageism -- many of the complaints we see about the lower rate of model signups in recent years seem to be focussed on the lower rates of _young_ model signups, when there are remarkable models here in their 30s and 40s (indeed almost all the remarkable models are in their thirties at least).
To the OP: don't give up! You have a great look and there are obvious, heartfelt recommendations in your testimonials.
Edited by Unfocussed Mike
Unfocussed Mike said
Cosographer said
That's very much a perception issue on your part. If people aren't replying there's no point jumping to conclusions as to why that is. This site is full of people who either aren't particularly active, or get so many DMs they can't meaningfully respond to all of them. It's roll the dice and take your chances around here, no matter what your age or creative discipline.
Also, I'm not sure how "mature" it is to complain on the forums about lack of bookings, so if it helps at all I don't think it's that.
I'm sorry but this is one of the rudest, most unkind things I've seen on purpleport in some months.
I am sure there *is* ageism -- many of the complaints we see about the lower rate of model signups in recent years seem to be focussed on the lower rates of _young_ model signups, when there are remarkable models here in their 30s and 40s (indeed almost all the remarkable models are in their thirties at least).
To the OP: don't give up! You have a great look and there are obvious, heartfelt recommendations in your testimonials.
Edited by Unfocussed Mike
I agree with Mike.
You look good, seems like you can pose and have body control. Don't give up and maybe join some creative events in your area. This way, you can meet the creatives and things are easier when you meet them.
You can also contact some female photographers. Get better images than you have, mix up posing and editing styles.
Lurk and join groups, especially games. You can find people there (mostly Photographers but models too) who you might like to have a conversation with, like their style and/or work together.
Go to Love Shack and offer people portfolio views and spread some love. It is highly appreciated here and will make you known to the people.
One strategy which is overlooked is TFP with photographers in your area. Get some work done in different genres and styles.
Again, I am 100% it is not your age, since I checked your portfolio and I think you look great!
I think it's the fact that budgets are tight and paid work is getting thinner on the ground. No doubt age will have some part to play as there are more and more younger new models on the scene, however, I doubt many have a body of work or abilities to compare to yours. Just the way it is.
To be honest i think you look great :-) don't give up, Do some TF with couple of the better known photographers and you'll find a train of photographers wanting to shoot you, photographers really are that simple :-D when i say that i mean we see a great image with a model and we want to create with that model too lol before someone strikes me with lightning :-)
Edited by ANDY00
Unfortunately posting this isn't likely to help you with getting shoots. Nor will blocking people. Maybe find a way to make you unique in some way. You might well be but I can't see your images so that I can be constructive.
ClickMore 📷 said
Unfortunately posting this isn't likely to help you with getting shoots. Nor will blocking people. Maybe find a way to make you unique in some way. You might well be but I can't see your images so that I can be constructive.
If you've been blocked then she cannot see your comment
From your profile: “I am only seeking paid work and am rather choosy about who I work with”.
That is off putting.
And there is a lot of competition in the London area. Probably all chasing a limited amount of paying customers.
Huw said
From your profile: “I am only seeking paid work and am rather choosy about who I work with”.
That is off putting.
I suppose it might be in the context of a casting, but at risk of critiquing the casting that I can see, I think it's probably more that it just doesn't really have much detail in it at all; it's very neutral!
I think the advice to do a little bit of targeted TF with some good female photographers might be the right sort of reboot for the OP, actually.
Photographers without large pockets could complain about being ignored, we don't. There's not a word for it but the world's still spinning.
I think because of it being online and freelance and it being a bit more soft business-wise models are a bit unaware what modelling is. However, photographers who experience tough times booking wise know the games not soft and very rarely get a empathetic ear. Please don't type to me about jumping on a models issue thread to mention photographers issues , it occurs both ways.
Edited by Wondrous
I am with Huw - that you state in your notes that you are rather choosy about who you work with. I think you have a great look, and have worked with models your age or older, so that is not a negative as far as I am concerned, but I might be in two minds about applying for a casting for which I may or may not be suitable, based on your preferred options which aren't apparent.
The other thing that may put some photgrapher's off is that I know that some are averse to split rates.
Theta Aeterna said
Unfocussed Mike said
Cosographer said
That's very much a perception issue on your part. If people aren't replying there's no point jumping to conclusions as to why that is. This site is full of people who either aren't particularly active, or get so many DMs they can't meaningfully respond to all of them. It's roll the dice and take your chances around here, no matter what your age or creative discipline.
Also, I'm not sure how "mature" it is to complain on the forums about lack of bookings, so if it helps at all I don't think it's that.
I'm sorry but this is one of the rudest, most unkind things I've seen on purpleport in some months.
I am sure there *is* ageism -- many of the complaints we see about the lower rate of model signups in recent years seem to be focussed on the lower rates of _young_ model signups, when there are remarkable models here in their 30s and 40s (indeed almost all the remarkable models are in their thirties at least).
To the OP: don't give up! You have a great look and there are obvious, heartfelt recommendations in your testimonials.
I agree with Mike.
Again, I am 100% it is not your age, since I checked your portfolio and I think you look great!
Also agree with Mike. I do think age has something to do with it. There seems to be demographic who are primarily interested in working with young models, and their interest wanes as a model turns 30 and goes completely by 40.
I've shot very good models who are are over 40, and models in their late 20s who are scared when they pass 30 the bookings will vanish. Personally I find few people have become properly comfortable with themselves before their late 20s, and at some point wear and tear takes it's toll on the body, (that's a product of genes and life style) and the best work is done in between.
Some models look great at an age where others are past it ,
I think the op loses work not because people look at her pictures and see someone worn out, but because they don't look past the number.
There are some really good, positive ideas from some of the contributors above.
One other dimension I'd suggest considering is that the mental health issues which afflict you can also appear - diagnosed or otherwise - in your target audience. I would simply encourage you to try to be mindful of that :)
As a specific note, your recent casting says that you cannot host shoots at your home, but your profile notes (in the "Additional information" block) say otherwise: you might like to correct that.
Finally, and this one's a bit more nebulous, but might lead to a more productive place for you: try to work out your USP. Why should I (as a potential paying customer) choose to work with you rather than with someone else (perhaps younger or cheaper) - what can you offer that's different?
Theta Aeterna could you help me out here , why is your advise that she contact specifically female photographers?
In a thread were the op is complaining about supposed ageism that one sex of photographer is a supposed solution or preference. So she's supposed to sort out potential issue of being left out by leaving out specifically male photographers?
Wondrous said
Theta Aeterna could you help me out here , why is your advise that she contact specifically female photographers?
In a thread were the op is complaining about supposed ageism that one sex of photographer is a supposed solution or preference. So she's supposed to sort out potential issue of being left out by leaving out specifically male photographers?
The reason has more to do how some female photographers work. A good example would be someone like Thelema. She offers specific portfolio builders for female models and is very good at it. I know some other female photographers do that too.
Also, a lot of female photographers appreciate female beauty in a different way. Age or let's say "child bearing qualities" of a young maiden is irrelevant for the female photographer. These are the reasons.
I am a guy myself, I love to shoot within different age groups and I love it when a model shares her experience and prowess with me. But I can see how some of us prefer younger models just because of sexual attraction towards sub 30. if there is a filter for it, there is a demand for it.
But please don't misunderstand. I did not say specifically or only female photographers. The main body of my post did not specify any sex/gender.