Shooting with Thomas Fenchel & www.model-kartei.de

Since I love taking pictures, but also like to be in front of the camera, I looked some years ago for a cheap alternative to have photo shootings. On the recommondation of a friend, I decided to sign up on www.model-kartei.de which is a website where photographers, make-up artists, model agencies or models can create an account for free and have the possibility to open a sedcard. The special thing about the platform is that there are a wide range of photographers and models registered - from amateurs to professionals - and that one can choose between pay-shootings and TFP-Shootings. TFP-Shootings (= time for prints/time for pictures) mean that neither the model nor the photographer has to pay any money for the shooting. The principle is simple: the model gets the best pictures or sometimes even all pictures gratuitously, rather on CD or per zip-files, whereas the photographer is allowed to use the pictures for his own advertisement (e.g. his webpage or magazines) in return.

I have already had many shootings with different photographs, and I can only say that it is always a great experience. So, here are some pictures of my last shootings with Thomas Fenchel, a photographer from Rodgau. Usually, I get all the pictures directly after the shooting burned on CD.

The best thing about this website is that there exists a search option which allows one to filter search results according to own preferences. For example, one can choose the city in which the shooting should take place, the type of shooting (portrait, fashion, outdoor/indoor, nude photography etc). Moreover, a model, make-up artist or photographer always gets references for their shootings from people they have worked with. Therefore, one can decide whether a person is reliable or not.

Furthermore, it is most times possible to take a companion along the shooting. I remember having my first shooting with Mici, a friend of mine.
It was in an old warehouse and I was so excited. But after some shootings, I was quite more relaxed, so that it became much more fun trying out more and more poses. And photographers are always happy, if you come up with own ideas and if they don't need to give you instructions the whole time. I think that model-kartei is such a great platform because shootings are very informal and if you are unsure at the beginning about your posings, it's not a big deal because fun is the most important aspect behind the shootings.

One can also look for jobs in the near to the own location through the search option. There are also often a lot of pay-shooting offerings. For example hairdressers who are looking for a hair model for their company or for a show. Often, one can also find requests for calender or magazine shootings. If you like to apply for a job, you can do this directly per private message.

I can really recommend this website, if you are interested in taking more professional pictures. Most times, having professional shootings cost half an income and then you also have to pay for the pictures (varying from 10€ to 30€ per picture, if there is no special offer). In my opinion, it is not worth it. But check it out on your own. ;)