Overdue update on my Tinder photo journey:
Working with models -- the hard way
The previous model shoot I did, I connected with the model through Instagram. After her, I reached out to over a dozen other models on Instagram, but I wasn’t able to find any interested in working on photoshoots.
Then I tried Seeking Arrangements. I created an account just for looking for models and I sent over 200 messages on the first day offering $200 for a photoshoot. That resulted in my account getting flagged and almost banned
I did end up connecting with four women from SA, but two of them flaked on the photoshoots and the one I did work with didn’t have any professional model experience (she also didn’t charge for the shoot, so I guess you get what you pay for).
joe_ronimo and I did the photoshoot with that girl (see the “Studio Model” photo) along with the help of a photographer friend of mine who was visiting Austin -- but honestly it wasn’t worth all the hassle. Between finding the model, arranging the day/time of the shoot, working with the camera and photography equipment, planning the shots, choosing outfits (for me and her)... it was a lot of stress, not fun, and I wasn’t able to focus on myself enough (posing, framing, etc.)
Local (semi-pro) photography -- the easy way
I messaged a few local photographers on Instagram who looked like they have a talent for edgy photos with women. I connected with one photographer and arranged a shoot with one of the models from SA. That photoshoot went much better -- I was able to focus on myself and let the model and photographer take care of most of the details. See the “Street” photos below for the results.
The entire photoshoot ended up costing me $150 for the photographer plus $200 for the model -- so not cheap, but way less hassle. I’m planning more shoots with that photographer; he has a studio space, all the gear we could need, and he has connections to models (and for less than the $200 I’ve been paying).
Current Profile
I just reset my Bumble and Tinder accounts with the latest photos. See my full spread below. We'll see how it works
