How to Ask a Model for a Photoshoot: Scripts, Rates, and Etiquette (2025 Guide)

Most models ignore vague DMs. Not because they’re rude, but because the ask is unclear, unsafe, or not worth their time. The fix is simple: clear scope, fair compensation, and a friendly, professional tone. You’ll get more yeses, faster, even if you’re new.

I’m Rowena. I’ve been on both sides of the lens, and I’ve sent the messages that got crickets-and the ones that landed dream shoots. This guide gives you the exact steps and scripts to confidently ask a model for a photoshoot, with realistic rates, etiquette, and safety baked in.

• TL;DR: Lead with value (pay or strong TFP), share the 5W+H (who, what, when, where, why + how much), and include a mood board and delivery timeline.
• Use the Nine-Line Message Formula. Keep it short, specific, respectful, and easy to say yes to.
• Confirm terms in writing: compensation, usage rights, crediting, delivery date, and a model release.
• Follow up once after 48-72 hours. No reply? Move on. Don’t chase.
• Safety is mutual: vet each other, share call sheets, allow chaperones, and keep comms in one thread.

Quick Answer, Intent, and Outreach Game Plan

Here’s the direct answer in one breath: Introduce yourself with one relevant line, state the concept and target date, offer clear compensation (paid or TFP with value), link a small mood board and two portfolio pieces, define usage, ask one simple availability question, and share your contact. Keep it under 120 words. Then if they’re interested, move the details to email and send a short agreement.

What job are you trying to get done here?

• Find the right model for your idea and budget.
• Send a message that gets a reply.
• Negotiate terms without being awkward.
• Lock down logistics and releases so nobody is left guessing.
• Deliver files fast and maintain a good relationship.

Decision shortcuts you can use today:

• If you’re hiring for commercial use: pay a day rate and license the images. Go agency if you need reliability or usage beyond social.
• If you’re building a portfolio: TFP works when you bring strong creative direction, pro-level retouching, and a short delivery timeline.
• If you have no portfolio yet: shoot friends or local creators first, or hire a newer model for a short paid test. Then pitch TFP with proof of quality.
• Signed model? Contact through the agency unless their bio says “DM/email for collaborations.”
• Urgent shoot? DM + email + a clear date window. Otherwise, start with email-models can reference details more easily.

Message length rule: 90-120 words for the first touch. Attach no more than 3 links: portfolio, mood board, and call sheet (later). Too long = no reply.

Rule of thumb for reply rates (2025): clear paid offers and clear test shoots with a strong value proposition beat “Let’s shoot” by a mile. Thoughtful DMs can get 20-40% replies with good portfolios; vague asks sit under 5%.

Step-by-Step: How to Ask a Model (Scripts, Templates, and Checklists)

Use this Nine-Line Message Formula for the first contact. Keep it human, not salesy.

1. Greeting + name
2. One-line intro (role and city)
3. Why them (specific)
4. Concept in 1-2 lines
5. Date/time window + location
6. Compensation (rate or TFP terms)
7. Usage (where images will appear)
8. 2 links max (portfolio + mini mood board)
9. Soft CTA (availability?) + contact

DM script (portfolio builder, TFP):

“Hi [Name]! I’m [Your Name], a portrait photographer in [City]. I love your recent [specific post/series]-perfect for a cozy, natural-light cafe portrait concept I’m shooting next week. Window is Tue-Thu late afternoon at [neighborhood]. TFP: I deliver 8 edited images in 7 days, you can post freely (I’ll credit), and I’ll tag you in publications. Here’s my work: [link] + a tiny mood board: [link]. Are you free Wed or Thu?”

DM script (paid, non-agency):

“Hi [Name]! I’m [Your Name], photographer in [City]. I’m casting a half-day outdoor athleisure shoot for a brand pitch, light jogging/stretching. Target date: [date range], location: [park/neighborhood]. Rate: $250 for 3 hours + selects delivered in 5 days. Usage: photographer/brand socials for 1 year (no paid ads). Portfolio: [link]. Mood: [link]. Interested?”

Email script (agency-signed model):

Subject: Booking inquiry: [Model Name] - [Concept], [Date range], [City]

“Hi [Agent Name], I’m [Your Name], a photographer in [City] working on [brief concept]. I’m interested in [Model Name] for a [half/full] day on [date options] at [location]. Usage: [exact usage/scope, duration, territories]. Compensation: [day rate offer] + [buyouts if needed]. Deliverables: [approximate number]. Crew: [list]. Portfolio: [link]. Treatment/mood: [link]. Could you share availability and day rate/buyout? Happy to adjust scope.”

Subject lines that get opened:

• “Casting: [Concept], [Date], [Rate]”
• “Test shoot: moody beauty, 2-hour window, [Neighborhood]”
• “Booking inquiry for [Name]: [Date range], [Usage], [Rate]”

If you’re brand new with no portfolio, pitch this way:

• Do a 2-3 shot mini test with a paid rate, even $75-$150 for 90 minutes. Keep the scope small and the edits clean.
• Borrow quality: work with a good makeup artist or stylist who wants portfolio images too.
• Use a simple daylight concept. Natural light + one reflector beats overreaching with gear you don’t know yet.

How to negotiate without getting weird:

• Lead with your best clear offer. “Rate is $300 for 3 hours, usage is organic socials for 1 year. Can that work?”
• If a model counters higher, reduce scope before dropping price. “At $300 we can do 2 looks instead of 4.”
• Never “pay in exposure.” If TFP, spell out value: number of edits, delivery time, and publication plans.

Confirm everything in one email before the shoot:

• Time, location pin, wardrobe notes, MUA/hair, weather plan, parking or transit, call time, wrap time.
• Compensation method (cash, transfer), when it’s paid (on set or within X days).
• Usage rights: where and how long images can be used, any exclusions (e.g., no paid ads without extra fee).
• Release: send a simple model release in advance. Get it signed before shooting.

Pre-outreach checklist (10 minutes):

• Concept fits their look and skill set.
• 2-4 reference images and a short mood board ready.
• Portfolio link updated, especially similar work.
• Compensation and usage defined.
• Date window and location options set.
• Backup plan if they decline.

On-set etiquette that earns repeat yeses:

• Be on time. Send a short “here” text at arrival.
• Walk through the plan. Set a safe, friendly tone. Always ask before touch or adjustments; use your stylist/MUA.
• Show a few back-of-camera frames so they can see direction.
• Provide water, breaks, and a warm layer if it’s cold. Keep a robe or wrap on hand.
• Pay as promised, when promised. If cash, bring exact change; if transfer, do it on wrap.

Post-shoot delivery that builds trust:

• Same-day thank-you message + delivery ETA.
• Deliver on time. If delayed, say it early and give a new concrete date.
• Send a clean selects gallery. Label filenames and include usage recap.
• Credit correctly on posts and send captions/credits so they can paste.

Templates you can copy:

Short TFP agreement (plain language):

“This is a collaborative test shoot between [Photographer] and [Model] on [date] at [location]. Photographer will deliver [number] edited images by [date]. Both parties can post on personal websites and social media with credit. No paid ads, billboards, or print campaigns without written approval and separate fee. Model grants permission to be photographed for this purpose. Photographer retains copyright.”

Short paid booking terms:

“Booking: [Model] for [hours] on [date], [location]. Rate: [$], paid [on set/Net 7]. Usage: [channels], [duration], [territories]. Deliverables: [number]. Cancel policy: [terms]. Release attached.”

Rates, Releases, Safety, and Sticky Situations (2025 Guide + FAQ)

What should you pay in 2025? It varies by city, experience, and usage. These ranges reflect what I see across U.S./U.K. indie shoots, casting platforms, and agency cards in 2024-2025.

• Newer independent models (portfolio tests): $50-$100/hour or strong TFP with fast delivery.
• Experienced independents: $100-$200/hour; half-day $250-$400; full day $500-$800.
• Agency-signed tests: often unpaid TFP if the agency likes the concept, or $300-$600 half-day if not a test. Commercial day rates run $800-$2,500+ depending on usage.
• Usage buyouts (for ads, paid social, OOH): add a licensing fee. Start at 25-100% of day rate for limited social ads; more for broader media/longer terms.

Rate heuristics to keep handy:

• Editorial/test = lower rate or TFP; commercial/advertising = higher rate + license.
• No budget? Reduce scope. Two looks, 90 minutes, 6 edits. Make it painless, fast, and portfolio-worthy.
• Always trade up in value: if you’re not paying, you should overdeliver on creative, speed, or publication.

Usage primer (plain English):

• Organic social: posts on your and the model’s channels. Usually included in TFP.
• Paid social ads: media spend behind the content. Needs written permission and extra fee.
• Website/portfolio: usually fine. Clarify if it’s a client site.
• Print, OOH, billboards: commercial. Get a license and pay accordingly.

Model release basics (not legal advice):

• Get it signed before shooting. Include names, date, location, consent to be photographed, and how images can be used.
• Add restrictions if needed: “No political or adult contexts,” for example.
• Keep copies organized. If a client asks later, you’ll have it ready.

Safety for both sides:

• Vetting: check each other’s portfolio, tags, and recent work. Ask for references if needed.
• Chaperones: welcome reasonable chaperones on non-commercial sets. Set clear roles.
• Location safety: share the address, parking, and an emergency contact. Avoid isolated areas for first-time collabs.
• Boundaries: discuss wardrobe levels and poses in advance. Nothing “surprising” on set.
• Minors: if under 18, a parent/guardian must be present and sign. Follow local laws.

Common mistakes that kill replies:

• Vague asks: “Wanna shoot?” with no concept, date, or compensation.
• Overwriting: multi-paragraph DMs with 10 links.
• Bait-and-switch: promising portfolio use and then pitching a brand mid-thread.
• Late deliveries: saying 7 days and delivering in 6 weeks.
• Touching without consent: use words, your stylist, or ask the model to adjust.

Mini-FAQ

What if they don’t reply? Follow up once after 48-72 hours with a short note and one new date option. Then move on.

How far in advance should I ask? For indie tests, 5-10 days is fine. For agency bookings, 1-3 weeks helps. For campaigns, 3-6 weeks or more.

Can I hold a date? Ask for a “soft hold” and give a release date. Be respectful if another job confirms before you.

Should I pay a deposit? For paid bookings without an agency, a small deposit (20-30%) builds trust. Use clear cancellation terms.

Do I need a contract for TFP? A one-page email plus a signed release that states usage and delivery date is enough for most tests.

Can I ask for exclusivity? Short-term exclusivity around a niche look or a small window is possible if you pay for it. Keep it tight and fair.

How many images should I deliver for TFP? Quality beats quantity. Promise 6-12 strong edits within 7-10 days and deliver them on time.

Is crediting required? It’s courtesy and culture. Spell it out in your terms and send the correct handles.

Next steps and troubleshooting by scenario

• Beginner, no portfolio: do 3 simple paid minis with local creators. Edit clean, deliver fast. Then pitch TFP with proof.
• Agency signed target: email the agency with dates, usage, and rate. Expect counters and be ready to adjust scope.
• Budget brand test: pay a fair half-day, keep usage to organic social for 6-12 months, and offer fresh edits if they renew.
• Short notice shoot: message 3-5 models with a tight, respectful ask and a clear rate. Confirm quickly and over-prepare.
• Niche concept: post a focused casting with exact wardrobe levels, posing notes, and inspiration so the right people self-select.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: clarity, respect, and value. Say exactly what you want to make, when, where, why it’s worth their time, and how you’ll keep them safe and paid. Do that, and your messages stop feeling like a gamble-and start reading like easy yeses.