The Muse Project - Kansas City

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Frequently Asked Questions

Updated on: December 13, 2009

MODELS:

Can I pay the day of the shoot?

No, you must pay by PayPal on our website before the day of the event. We anticipate having full capacity at all of our sessions and we take reservations on a first come – first serve basis. The only way to secure your reservation is to pay your entry fee.

What are models expected to bring to The Muse Project monthly session?

Unless otherwise specified, please bring 2-3 outfits and shoes appropriate for the theme of the event. Bring nude underwear and bra. We will usually have wardrobe, but we don’t supply shoes or undergarments. If you bring clothing to shoot in, you will have a larger variety for more diversity. For each theme we can always provide you with websites or ideas so that you will know what types of clothing to bring with you.

Any other preparation for The Muse Project?

Models should arrive with clean face and hair. No mascara remnants or left over hairspray from the previous evening. Also keep your skin and lips well moisturized. Models should have manicured and/or polished fingernails and toenails. Do NOT come with chipped and bad fingernails. If you have to, buy a set of press-on nails for the day of the shoot.

What happens for models the day of the shoot?

Models will arrive, sign in and then begin either hair or makeup. Models will arrive before photographers arrive and will generally come at staggered times so the first group will usually be finished with hair and makeup before the second group arrives. You should expect to be in hair and makeup together for at least an hour. You will then begin to start your rotation with photographers. You will shoot with 3 photographers for every wardrobe change. You will also receive 2 completely different makeup and hair looks with touchups. You should always return to the same makeup artist/hair stylist that you are assigned to. Expect to shoot 3-5 different wardrobe looks per session. When you have shot your first outfit with 3 photographers, change wardrobe and then move on to the 4^th photographer. After your 6^th photographer, change again, etc. Since every photographer has a different style of shooting, your photos will all look different.

Can models do their own hair and makeup?

No, models are expected to utilize the services of the makeup artists and hair stylists. If you don’t utilize their services, they are being deprived of having your photos in their portfolio.

What if a model doesn’t want to shoot with a certain photographer?

Models are expected to shoot with as many photographers as possible. Time won’t permit all models shooting with all photographers, but we will assist you in getting to as many as possible. We will not place anyone in a situation that makes them uncomfortable or feel threatened. Please discuss any problems with Amy or Trevor and they will do whatever they can to accommodate your request. We have all levels of photographers just as we have all levels of models. We realize that everyone must start somewhere and The Muse Project prides itself on assisting both models and photographers in getting the experience necessary to become better at what they do. We expect everyone involved to be open and willing to work with all individuals regardless ok level of experience.

What if a photographer asks you to do something you feel uncomfortable with?

Immediately tell the photographer you are not comfortable doing whatever it is they asked you to do. Open communication is the key to a successful photo shoot. If the requests continue please let Amy or Trevor know as soon as possible. We will assess the situation and handle it accordingly. Please don’t wait until after the session and refrain from sharing the information with other session attendees.

How long do I have to stay at the session?

You can stay as long as you want. We will ask you to come at a specific time in order to stay on schedule with hair and makeup, but if you have something else to do later in the day, you are free to leave at any time.

When should I expect to get my images from the photographers?

The photographers have 30 days from the time of the event to get their images to the models. Some will email a few the day after the shoot – some may send one the day after the shoot – others will not send any until their 30 days is up. Each scenario above is within the rules. Most photographers will edit their photos as the models are shot. So, if you were first to be shot, you will probably receive your images first. If you were last, you will probably see other models have their images before you. Please be patient with our photographers, editing photos is a time consuming process. Many of them have other full-time jobs and some photographers edit their photos more than others do. If you don’t receive your photos by 30 days from the time of the session, we will handle getting the photos to you.

How many images should I expect to get from the photographers?

You should receive at least 3 edited (images ready to post) from each photographer of each outfit/look. They are only required to give you 3 usable/edited looks for each outfit, however almost all will give you more than this. If you shoot with 10 photographers, you will receive at least 30 edited photos. Please remember that The Muse Project prides itself on “quality over quantity” in what we do and it is always better to have one great look in your portfolio, than ten mediocre ones. It is up to the photographer to choose the images that are edited and provided.

How do I receive my images?

We are asking photographers to provide a link to a gallery where their images will be made available to download. The images in the gallery should be made available in several sizes. Photographers will send emails to everyone involved in that session with a link to the gallery. The Muse Project will also provide links in our weekly newsletters. If you would like high resolution images or the original file, please reach out to the photographer to make arrangements. Prints can also be ordered directly from the photographer.

Can I edit some of the images if I don’t like the way they turned out?

You are not allowed to edit the photographer’s images. Copyright law designates that the photographer owns all images unless a separate arrangement is made outside The Muse Project.

Can my boyfriend/girlfriend/child or escort come?

We do not allow anyone other those actually involved with The Muse Project to be in the shooting area. If you are coming a long distance and have a driving partner, please have this person find something else to do while you are shooting. We simply don’t have the space for others to be in the area while you are. Also, escorts truly are not needed at these events because The Muse Project is a professional group who will provide you the utmost security.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Can I pay the day of the shoot?

What can I bring to The Muse Project?

Feel free to bring as much or as little as you need to feel comfortable and do your job. If you are used to shooting with backdrops, computers and a lot of props, you are welcome to bring these for your use. If you don’t have anything but a camera, this is fine as well. At any given event, there may be a person picking up a camera for the first time to the seasoned professional, and many in between. Some shoot with strobes, some with hot lights, some with only natural light. All are welcome to attend. That’s what The Muse Project is about – helping each other to learn.

What should I expect the day of the shoot?

Photographers don’t need to arrive until an hour and ½ after the models start arriving because the models will be in hair and makeup. You are welcome to arrive as early as the models, but you may have a lot of down time. You can use some of this time to scope possible shooting locations and begin to set up and test your equipment. If you bring backdrops, please be prepared to share with other photographers occasionally during the shoot. We do like to give everyone the opportunity to get to know one another and to be able to experience different shooting styles. We will be rotating around to different venues, and some are larger than others and some are able to accommodate several backdrop setups while others aren’t. The Muse Project staff will always let you know ahead of time if we have the room for a lot of equipment or not. Generally we will have the space for 5-6 shooting setup stations.

How do we decide who shoots first and with what model?

The photographer who arrives first and is set up first will shoot with the model that is ready first, the second photographer that arrives will get the second model that is ready.

How long do we shoot with each model?

You have 20 minutes to shoot with each model. After 20 minutes the model should move on to a different photographer.

Can we choose to shoot twice with the model?

If the model has changed looks, you can shoot with them again. If you find a model that you like to shoot with and want to spend more time with them, please make arrangements to shoot this model separately from The Muse Project. This one of the benefits for attending The Muse Project. You have the opportunity to build rapport with models and network in a comfortable setting. Exchange information and set up another session, or you can met at future Muse Sessions.

What are my limitations regarding how I interact with the models?

Everyone involved with The Muse Project is expected to display the highest level of professionalism at all times. The models should not be made to feel uncomfortable in any way. If a model is uncomfortable doing something, it will come through in the photograph. They should not be asked to pose in revealing positions or do anything that is demeaning. The models have been advised to let you know if they feel uncomfortable doing anything that you ask them to do during the session. Nudity or implied nudity is not permitted at any Muse Project Session.

How long do I have to stay at the session?

You can stay until the session is over. The longer you stay, the more opportunity you will have to work with different models. If you have something else to do later in the day, you are can leave at any time.

When do I have to get my images to the models?

You have 30 days from the day of the session to get your images to the models. Models should receive the lower resolution (web sized) images so they can post them immediately to their website, MySpace, etc. We suggest that if you don’t currently have a website for your work, you sign up for a free online photo hosting services such as SmugMug, Shutterfly, Snapfish, or Photobucket. This is an easy way to distribute your images to everyone involved. This will also save you a lot of time and bandwidth over emailing images. The models are given the same information as you and “special requests” by models are not expected of you.

Free online photo site resources:

How many images do I have to give the models?

You are required to give each model at least 3 edited images per outfit/look. If you shoot 10 models, you should be editing at a minimum 30 photos.

Can I put the photos on a website with a link for them to go and retrieve their images?

Yes, as stated previously, we have found that this is the most desirable way to retrieve images.

Do I have to send the model images to anyone else besides the models?

Yes, you must also send edited photos to the makeup artist who did her makeup, the hairstylist who did her hair, the wardrobe stylist, designer or shop and to museproject@museprojectkc.com We will assure you that you will have the information available to send these to the correct MUA, hairstylists and designer/wardrobe stylist/shop within a week of the session. You will receive a copy of the email address of all involved in the shoot. We request that you send your photos to The Muse Project as well so we can use them for advertising future sessions.

Can I bring an assistant?

You are allowed one assistant, but we request that this is an assistant and not a boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse. The assistant should not take photographs at any time during the session.

MAKEUP ARTISTS AND HAIR STYLISTS:

What do I need to bring the day of the session?

We will have tables and chairs or stools set up for you. If you have a chair that you prefer to use for your model to sit in then definitely bring it. Bring lights with you in case they are needed. Depending on the location, there may be times when you will want more light. Always bring extension cords if you have appliances that will need to be plugged in. We may not be able to place you next to outlets. Bring all supplies that are needed to perform your job especially supplies relating to the theme. While always try to provide you with ample space, some locations will be more limited than others. Bring towels or paper towels with you, as we may not always have them available. Remember that in most cases you will be doing more than one look on each model.

What time will I need to arrive at the session?

Your arrival time will typically be between 8AM and 9AM. We will notify you of exact times 1-2 weeks before the session. We ask that you arrive early or on time so that the models will be ready to begin once photographers start arriving. Please allow yourselves plenty of time to set up.

When will I be able to leave the session?

Please plan on staying until all models have completed all looks. You are welcome to leave anytime after finishing the last look on your models. If you know in advance that you will need to leave early please let Amy or Trevor know. We are always willing to work with everyone.

Will I work with the same models every time?

We will try to make sure you do not work with the same models at each session. While we realize that some of you will develop friendships with the models and will want to work with them each time, it is not fair to the other professionals who would like to work with them. If you do the first look on a model then we ask that you do each look for that model. This makes it easier on everyone as well as makes it fair if you have done a majority of the work on that model.

General Information for makeup artists and stylists:

We ask that you don’t eat while doing makeup on a model or at your space. We would love for you to take a break and grab something to eat or whatever you need to do. Please be respectful of other artists’ items and space. Feel free to help each other out with suggestions or ideas. If you have any problems or issues please let Amy or Trevor know.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Will there be food available?

The Muse Project will provide beverages the entire session including bottled water & soda. We will also have a light breakfast and lunch available. If you plan on leaving to eat please let Amy or Trevor know.

If I need to cancel at the last minute, can I receive a refund?

We will not refund your money if you are unable to attend. We will apply your fee to a future session.

What are the hours of The Muse Project?

Hour may vary slightly from session to session, but we will generally start hair and makeup between 8 and 9AM. Models, stylists and MUA’s will be asked to come a couple of hours earlier than the photographers. We will have the exact hours available on the website and by email a week before the session. We will wrap up between 3PM and 6PM.

How can we keep updated on the current information of each session?

Check our website often for updates: http://www.museprojectkc.com/ Also make sure you are signed up for our newsletter. We will not only send out information about future sessions, we will also send tips and industry specific information. To sign up for our newsletter, click here.

What is the fee for The Muse Project and is it always the same?

The fee for a regular session is $99 for models and photographers. We may have Mini Session available throughout the year for only $49.

Do I need to display my photos on my website and do I need to credit anyone else or say they were taken at The Muse Project?

We don’t require you to put any of your photos up if you don’t want to. However, if you paid the money to attend, and you took the time to attend, it only makes sense that you display your photos for others to see. It promotes your work and will show your diversity to anyone viewing your portfolio. We do not require you to credit The Muse Project or anyone involved. If you use any image from a Muse Session in any type of advertisement, you are required to notify us and email us a copy of the final product. This includes but not limited to: business cards, post cards, coupons, magazine ads, web ads, posters, etc.

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