Finding nude models in SF Bay area

[QT Luong]

I've a friend from India who is traveling to California. He is interested in shooting some fine art nudes, as getting models in his country is very difficult. I have no idea where to start, because that's not what I do at all. If you live in the SF Bay area and could help, any ideas would be appreciated.

[vinny]

modelmayhem.com

[Jon Shiu]

Any school with an art department could probably refer you to models.

Jon

[Frank Petronio]

Sent a few suggestions so you don't waste your time weeding through the flakes and skanks of Model Mayhem....

[William McEwen]

Nude models are probably easier to find in SF than they are here in Dallas, but I recommend you don't completely rely on MM etc.

You are tapping into the most unreliable demographic on the planet. Don't assume any of those three models you have scheduled will show up...

You will probably have a better success rate if you ask your attractive female friends to pose, or ask them for a referral.

[Frank Petronio]

Basically you look at who else they've shot with, that serves as a sort of resume. There is a subculture of a couple hundred models roaming the country posing for guys with cameras at $100 per hour, and the better ones are very professional. I know one who made over $100K per year for as long as she was 23. Which she's been for several years now.

At the higher level, the flakes on both sides get weeded out, and if you're really good they will shoot for free. But because they are professional about it and it is their income, if you can afford to help them out it is the right thing to do.

I'll still look on Model Mayhem but I usually get contacted directly (or I ask). If they shoot with a better photographer that I respect then I consider them good people to shoot with myself. Likewise I steer away from the pin-up car show strip club types.

[Paul Kierstead]

I don't think you usually find them nude, you generally have to ask. Of course, this may depend on where you look.

[Patrick Dixon]

If they shoot with a better photographer ...

There are better photographers?

[ric_kb]

bay area models guild