How can I ask models to pose for me without sounding like a creep?

I've been trying for a while to get into still photography, mostly landscape and tasteful nude. One question I was wondering however, was how should I approach someone whom I'd like to pose nude for me? I really don't want to come off as creepy or weird, because that's not what I'm trying to do. I simply want to capture their beauty. How can I come about doing this easily but not sounding like a creep?

You can't.

It's impossible to do so with out sounding like a creep.

In fact, I know that you ARE a creep just form asking such a question.

My honest advice is to get a girlfriend and ask her to pose for you.

Try looking online like www.onemodelplace.com

You can email them and ask but they mostly charge.

Hard Candy

Ask people you know!

If you just approach people cold they may be insulted or think you are creepy. Your friends and acquaintances have already formed opinions about you and know your foibles and interests.

Getting the right model is always tricky.

Have them check out this question on Answers.see if that works I'll pose for you Sport.

here are classes offered at universities, museums, photo clubs that get you where you want to be. At these organizations you will meet people and from there you can network out.

be a professional about it. try making some business cards.
have a studio to go to, your bedroom is not a good place for this kinda thing.

I know very little about art but i think it would help if you had some pictures with you that you drew when you ask, and it would help your case if they were actually good. I'm sure no models want to get naked for a guy that is going to be sitting there drawing stick figures of them. But show them that you have talent and I'm sure they'd be flattered...

Well you shouldn't ask random individuals, you should preferably go through some sort of agency that deals specifically with modeling and photography... If you live in a small town, or area that may not have something of this nature, I'd rec commend something like craiglist, where you say upfront what you want, and see if it becomes available. I'd also suggest starting out with clothed women until you get a reputation in photography, women are understandably a little standoffish about posing nude for strangers... Watch the news and you'll realize that their fear of these pictures coming back to haunt them become justified. But your best bet, is to go through some sort of modeling agency, or art school, or program... Asking friends, strangers, or acquaintances, is probably not the best way to go about it.

I know what you mean. It wasn't until I went to film school and learned how to direct that I lost the feeling that directing models, especially nude models, was sort of over the top.

I just got back from a shoot and I had to direct three models over the evening. This shoot was a bikini shoot, but the skills for directing is not any different, no matter what they are wearing.

Just pretend they have clothing on and you should be just fine.

Put up posters on college campuses, around the art department, take an add in the paper. When you put the add out it seems more professional and not like some amateur who just wants a collection of personally taken nude photos for his own pleasure. They want to know that something will be done with their photos. Asking them personally in my opinion has a much higher likelyhood of sounding creepy, and getting denied.

Be honest and professional.

They know as well as you do that it is a business relationship.

I'm directing this at James S. Fishkin;

I'm his girlfriend. I'd be willing to pose for him, but we are not in a situation in which my publicity is what he wants. In other words, I don't want nude pictures of myself for personal reasons. Don't just assume that just because he's asking for REAL models to pose for him that it means he doesn't have a girlfriend. And NO I am not underage, just self conscious. And I'm not offended that he wants other women, its what a true photographer would want. A girlfriend is for personal things, not professional. That's called hooking, and he's no pimp.

At your local photo store or shoppe, there should be at least one other enthusiast such as yourself who should know about modeling agencies in your area that provide models for this sort of thing. Reputable agencies should ask both parties to sign a waiver. Also, it should cost no more than 150 per hour for regular non nude models. I don't know about nude modelling because i'm not a perve : )

You might want to go to your local art college and ask for model contacts. But whoever you ask just being honest like you did here should be okay.

Just come straight out and tell them that you are a photographer and you would like to use them as models. Show them your existing portfolio and let them know that you require a model release and everything will be on the up and up. Whenever I have models to shoot, I always have other people around, and for nudes, ask them to bring a friend along. That way, they will have someone they know there and will feel more secure.

To avoid being slapped, kicked in the jewels and other unpleasantness, perhaps you should save up some coin, and hire a real model. Put yourself in the position of an attractive stranger, would you appreciate someone proposing such a concept to you at your local Starbucks ?

Go through an Agency, and avoid the pitfalls of recruiting "fresh" talent.

To your " girlfriend" , perhaps you could do some recruiting for him...if your so supportive, help him out.

Good Luck man, my instincts tell me your going to need it.

Start with your sisters. At least, they won't report you. Be careful in what you wish for. When you think you are good, apply to an ad agency for a job. That's how i started 20 years ago. I did have some tools then. I played guitar professionally and used this same creativity to become a Professional Graphic Artist /Designer. Today i am Editor-in-Chief of a well-known mag. (Sorry, cannot reveal any names)

get business cards and post ads online so the models are replying to you that may help in my personal opinion. also do pic in safe public places not at you home so model may feel more comfortable