Question for Photographers and Models - Direct messaging hindrance or a help?

I would have booked you if I was able to use a camera. Now I am in a position to spend more on my pastime I have no problem with others contacting me for a shoot or event.

I'm generally happy to receive messages and have had some great shoots as a result.

I'm more likely to reply, if there is more information than just "Would you like to shoot".

Even shoots at relatively short notice can work for me, especially if they are going to be in my area,as the nature of my day job can make it hard for me to plan too far in advance.

I don't get offended if models don't reply to me and hope they don't get offended, if I don't manage to them- though I do try to, even it's just a quick, sorry I'm unavailable.

I am happy to get messages and shot a lot with models on tour who messaged me first.

I might get annoyed by managers/agents who contact me acting if they would be the model, especially if we shot before and the tone is totally strange.

Gregory Mason said

I would have booked you if I was able to use a camera. Now I am in a position to spend more on my pastime I have no problem with others contacting me for a shoot or event.

aw greg whats happened? Can you use your camera if you had a tripod? Is it holding it that's causing issues? Sending lots of love for A speedy recovery xxx

two cold call messages in a couple of weeks.  Message info laid out and sounding very much like spam.

first attempt at resolution didn't seem to work.  Second strategy seems to be doing the job very well indeed.

I think as long as the message doesn't come across as too pushy, it's fine.

I personally don't see anything wrong with direct messaging people regarding availability.

Many don't see castings - they get lost in the masses.

I think as long as your message is light, airy and friendly, there shouldn't be a problem.

I have used this tactic previously. The only downside is that it is opportunistic, in terms of finding that one photographer in the proverbial haystack who is free and does want to work with you, so you have to be hardened and expect lots of no thankyous.

Edited by Images_by_mel

I am very happy to receive a direct approach. It helps this site function. Imagine if photographers stopped messaging models.... nothing would happen!

Repeated DMs can get a bit annoying and I have had to block the messaging function for one or two models who won't take no for an answer.

Certain parts of the country are a wasteland. Cornwall is always difficult and finding a suitable model for natural nude shoots has defeated me. I always have to bring someone in from out of the county.

There seem to be plenty of photographers in Cornwall but they don't seem to respond to models casting.