What Is a Model Call in Photography? (And Why You Should Be Running One)

Have you ever seen photographers post about a “model call” and thought, What even is that? Or wondered if you should be doing one too? If so, you’re in the right place.

Model calls are one of my favorite tools for photographers who are just starting out or looking to grow their portfolio in a more intentional, strategic way. Let’s break down what a model call actually is, why it’s so helpful (especially early in your business), and how you can run one yourself.

What Is a Model Call?

A model call is when a photographer offers a free or discounted session in exchange for the ability to use the images for marketing, portfolio-building, or testing new ideas.

And no…you don’t need professional models for this. Most of the time, a model call just means working with real people who fit the style of session you want to photograph. It might be a family, a couple, kids, or even just one person, depending on what you’re hoping to photograph.

Photographers usually post model calls on social media, through their email list, or in local Facebook groups when they’re looking to create specific types of images, build experience, or try something new.

I recently used a model call myself to find a family to photograph for an educational training video as well as a brand video for my family photography business. Model call’s are great tools to help you meet your goals in a timely

Why Should You Run a Model Call?

If you’re early in your photography business, model calls aren’t just a good idea, they’re one of the best ways to start building momentum. Here’s why:

Build Your Portfolio Fast

Model calls let you fill your portfolio with images you actually want to photograph, instead of random free sessions that don’t align with your vision, style, or ideal dream clients.

Gain Experience & Confidence

There’s no substitute for practice, practice, practice. Model calls give you a chance to hone your skills, get comfortable working with people, test new locations, and learn how to direct a session. It’s a challenge to build muscle memory without that practice. And model calls can help you get there even faster.

Create Marketing Content

You’ll need great images for your website, social media, and any promotions you plan to run. Model calls are the perfect way to gather those photographs while you’re still growing and starting your business.

Attract Your Ideal Clients

By carefully choosing what type of model call you run and how you promote it, you can start attracting the kinds of clients you eventually want to book as full paying customers.

Want to make sure your model calls actually lead to bookings and future clients?

That’s where strategy comes in, and it’s exactly what I teach inside my course, Profitable Model Calls Made Easy. I’ll show you how to structure and promote your model call, choose the right participants, and turn those free or discounted sessions into paid work.

What a Model Call Is Not

Before you jump in, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:

• It’s not a free-for-all for anyone who wants free photos.

• It’s not an unpaid job where you promise unlimited images and zero expectations.

• It should involve a clear agreement outlining what the model gets, what’s expected of them, and how the images will be used.

Running a model call without boundaries can lead to frustration and wasted time, so make sure to be upfront and professional about the terms.

How to Run a Successful Model Call

Want to give this a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step to get you started:

• Decide what you want to photograph.

• Write a clear model call post.

• Collect applications.

• Send a simple agreement or contract.

• Deliver a great experience.

Quick Note:

While this is a solid starting point, the real magic happens when you know how to attract the right people, word your model call so it actually books, and set up your session to lead to profits and future paying clients.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start making your model calls profitable, my Profitable Model Calls Made Easy course walks you through the exact system I use in my own business. You can be setup in less than one weekend!

Final Thoughts

Model calls are one of the smartest ways to build your portfolio, gain confidence, and start attracting the kinds of clients you actually want to work with.

But if you’re tired of trial and error, or worried your free sessions aren’t leading anywhere, it might be time to get some strategy behind them. That’s where Profitable Model Calls comes in.

Inside the course, I teach you how to plan, promote, and run model calls that don’t just fill your portfolio, they fill your client calendar.

Ready to turn those free or discounted sessions into paying work?

👉 Learn more and enroll in Profitable Model Calls here

Have questions about holding a model call, or other photography related questions? Feel free to reach out via my contact form.

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