Nude Models?

I am interested in doing tasteful old school pinups. My problem is where do I find people willing to do this? I am somewhat nervous of going anywhere with a stranger (I am a small female and I am a cancer patient.. even if I did have the self defense training, my physical condition isnt that great. While I live in a realitivly safe area, I know things happen). Most of my family are very camera shy in the first place and the rest would not go for nude photography because they are too self conscoius. I have a couple friends that I think would be willing to do so, but I dont really know them on that close of a level. I have one close friend that would totally be cool with it, but she lives 300 miles away.

So, should I just wait til I know I have someone who is complelty ok with it like when my friend is in town, or should I persue looking for models?

I also want to work with other people pictures in general as I am mostly still life. But the same issues apply. Advice?

Check onemodelplace.com, or modelmayhem.com, for models.

Do a search for local models, and read thier profiles. You can contact any models that sound interesting to you.

Shoot models, shoot friends, shoot anyone and everyone interesting you can get in front of your camera. Use different props, costuming, hair and makeup changes, lighting and shadows, and make each photo shoot its own.

And have fun.

Edit:::::: In response to a couple of respondents here, you can find subjects to work with easily. I have. I'm just a hobbyist. A dedicated to learning hobbyist, but a hobbyist. I have never charged, and occasionally have paid a model. Aside from models needing portfolio developement that are happy to work TFP, including nudes once they get to know you a bit, there are lots of people that want to do various styles of shoots, just to do something different. Some of the best shoots I have done, have been with non-models found on craigslist.org.

Ask your friends if they might be interested. Several of my more "conservative" friends surprised me by posing for me. Dont miss out on any chances to work what you want.

I think you will get models just like you want as long as you will be paying them...

You make it sound so ominous.

Just ask people you know or go with a reputable agency.

I suggest you send an email to Mr. Schildt. He is super nice and may have some suggestions for you.

http://www.emilschildt.com/

Hi.
Your concerns are quite understandable. The most obvious suggestion is to contact a professional model agency in your town, and while reliable and convenient, this is certainly the most expensive route.
The next safest and expedient way to make contact with reliable and affordable models would be through your local camera club. Most camera clubs sponsor model shoots from time to time and can refer you to their sources. Even if they don't, most club members are 'serious amateurs' and may be able to offer such referrals to models they have worked with. There has been a great deal of rekindled interest in tasteful 50's/60's style pinup photography; it shouldn't be very difficult to meet other like-minded photographers once you have made contact with your local photographic community.

Ah,the terror of nudity.M.M.,when my sketching started to become a part of who I was,back to about '90 or so,I was a nude figure sketcher who was tired of doing stuff from books.Yahoo dosen't have the mega-byte capacity for all the stories behind most of my scetches.If I was in a conversation with someone,and the subject turned to my work,I would answer whatever they asked,add some things(it's NOT irrelevant conversation,it's just so many different conversations that I don't wan't to try to edit) and,I would drop that I would be glad to draw YOU.

Let me back up;I'm a nudist,a total believer in artistic and,in general,non-sexual nudity.Most of the people who even know me casually know this about me,so ,when I talk about it,they are confident that there's no ulterior motive.In fact,on 3 seperate occasions,I stripped nude to do the work,to assure my model that1)there was no ulterior motive(you can tell when a man,uh...is Thinking About Something when he's nude),and2)Let them know that I'm not asking anything that I wouldn't do myself. Most artists probably don't have to worry about credibility like that,but when all you're paying is a copy of the finished work,it gets rougher.I have never paid ONE PENNY in money for a pose,I'm proud of that,and there has never been a regret,either.This isn't a huge neighborhood,of course I see people who've posed for me,they count it as uplifting and liberating.

This answer is half-done,I have to go.But sincerity of purpose is the biggest key to that kind of trust.One thing I never sensed in any of your' posts,M.M.,is insincerity.The people who know you will(or,should) know where you're coming from,and respond favorably.

You say you have a friend coming in who's with it?That's your' best bet,and,once you've done that,approach the others.

ok umm u will have to pay alot for that

You should talk to your friends.
Do not ask them directly.
Ask them if they might know of someone who may be interested in 'hiring' you to shoot your art. Do you have a portfolio of this style?
I have NEVER paid a model. I have been paid.
I would charge $5,000 for a fine art figurenude shoot to do it 'for hire'. I feel anything erotic like a 'pin up' is inappropriate.
http://www.figurenude.com/Curtis.Neeley
You are easily in better physical shape than me.
Your health/size concerns are irrelevant to your question?

Until you have a portfolio, you may not be able to charge for doing nudes.

Millions of people would be interested in helping you develop a portfolio.

http://www.CurtisNeeley.com

IF you have any art schools close by.
place a notice on a bulletin board offering to trade prints pf the photos for their time.

that worked for me when I was in school.

You could start by asking some of the models in this site http://www.hotfitnessmodels.com , probably you get lucky.

You may want to try any art schools. They usually have people model nude for their classes. Ask how much they pay and if you can arrange a to leave a flyer for someone to contact you.
My wife I have model nude for about 10 years and enjoy it.

good luck
NiF