How to DM Instagram Models for Photoshoots

I spent 2 days in Los Angeles last week and setup portrait photoshoots with 5 Instagram models in that time. In this article, I will explain my exact process for setting up photoshoots with Instagram models in any city. I will include the exact DM message that I sent and everything needed so that you can replicate this process for yourself and set up your own photoshoots within days.

My name is Alexander Stemplewski (@alexanerthegreat on Instagram) and I am a portrait photographer based in San Francisco, California. I began portrait photography in March, 2019 and have setup portrait photoshoots with dozens of Instagram models using the following process.

I will organize this guide in the following sections:

- Preparation: Exactly what you’ll need to set up photoshoots with models

- Process: My exact step by step process including my DM script

- Mindsets: The attitudes that are critical for success

Preparation:

This guide may not work for everyone. Let me start by making that clear. I asked each Instagram model what it takes for them to say “Yes” when a photographer reaches out to work with them. Unanimously, they all stated the following: I look at the quality of the work in their portfolio and whether their work is the right fit for me. Your Instagram feed or portfolio will determine if she says “Yes” or “No” to working with you, so make it as impeccable and captivating as possible. It is of critical importance to present your best work and to continually improve your work as a photographer so that more people will become enthused to work with you.

Before we begin the fun part of reaching out to Instagram models to set up portrait photoshoots, it will be very helpful to have answers to the following questions (many of which he/she will likely ask you, so be prepared to answer them):

- What locations do you want the shoot to be at? You can rent a studio or shoot outdoors, but wherever it is, make sure you know in advanced before you reach out to them.

- What vibe/mood are you looking to shoot? Many models will ask for a moodboard which is a collection of pictures that share the mood/vibe you are looking to capture in the shoot. Give the model a sense of what you want the shoot to end up looking like so that you’re both on the same page.

- What dates and times are you available? Give the model several options for dates and times, flexibility will be important will make it much easier to schedule your photoshoots successfully. Also, know exactly when YOU are free for the photoshoots. It helps to keep a spreadsheet with the name of each model you’ve reach out to and the potential dates and times that work for them, especially if you are trying to setup many shoots in a short period of time. Be organized.

- Are you willing to pay the models rates? Absolutely do not be surprised if the model gives you her rates. I would highly suggest being open to paying a model for photoshoots if she is much more experienced than you and if you are a beginner photographer. I’ve paid $50 for one hour with a bigger IG model when I started and that was enough to build a professional looking feed (which as we mentioned earlier will make your work look more valuable and aesthetic and therefore help with future collabs). I HIGHLY encourage paying models at first if you have to to build your portfolio with professionals. Having that professional looking portfolio will help tenfold in setting up collabs.

Process

Now it’s time for the fun part! I now will present to you the exact step by step process in how I personally set up 5 separate photoshoots within 2 days. I will include where to find the models, what to say when you reach out, and other tips for finalizing and scheduling the shoot.

If you are travelling to another city to set up photoshoots it is best to begin reaching out to the models about 1-1.5 weeks ahead of the date that you will be arriving. I’ve found this as the sweet spot. Any longer than that and the model may not know her schedule yet, any sooner than that and the model may already be booked. Begin roughly one to one and a half weeks before you plan on arriving.

Finding models on Instagram

Let’s begin with where to find the Instagram models that you will be reaching out two. I have the following three methods that you can use to find models on Instagram.

Method 1: Hashtag Search

This method begins by searching an appropriate hashtag for the city that you would like to find a model to shoot with. On Instagram, tap the search icon and then tap on ‘Hashtag’. You can now search for posts that have used any desired hasthag that you wish to look up. Depending on what city you are in, type in the following hashtag in the search box #losangelesmodels (replace “losangeles” with the name of the city you are looking to find models in). Once you have done that you can look at the search results for models who have used that hashtag. These are models that are likely in the area you are shooting and therefore you can reach out to them.

Method 2: Location Search

In this method you will use the Location search on Instagram to type in the name of the city you are looking to find models to work with in. Keep the location broad, rather than a specific neighborhood because you want to see as many search results as possible. For example, if you are shooting in Los Angeles, you can do a location search on Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, or the name of any beach in LA. Then, look at the top 30 or so posts that are showing up in the search result. Many of these will be accounts with a lot of followers, many of which will be models. You can periodically do a location search, once or twice a day, to get a new batch of posts to show up and find models in that way.

Method 3: Sourcing from Photographers

If you know some of the bigger photographers in the city you are shooting in then you can go to their IG feed and look through their posts to see which models they have worked with in that city. This has been my most effective way of finding models to reach out to. Some photographers have shot with many models in their city, if you can find their profile you have a good list of models that you can potentially work with as well.

What to DM the Models

Below is the exact DM that I used to set up the 5 photoshoots within 2 days. Please do not just copy and paste this message, use it as a guide to create your own. Read the message first and I will address the key points for you to include in yours

“Hey [Name]! How are you?” – This is a great way to open because you are acknowledging them by their name and you are asking how they are which shows you sincerely care about them as a person.

“I will be in LA this week” – This lets them know around what timeframe you are looking to potentially work with them.

“would love to do a portrait photoshoot while I’m down there” – Always include WHY you are reaching out to them. Be direct! In this case I would like to do a portrait photoshoot and I make this very clear right away.

“Please let me know if you’re up for a shoot” – This puts it on them to reply to your message with a yes or no. It might be overlooked to say something like this but you DM should include some call to action for them to respond.

“I would be thrilled!” – This is a nice touch that shows excitement that you want to work with them.

“Look forward to hearing back from you” – Definitely include something like this to apply a bit of friendly pressure for them to actually get back to you.

“Alex” – Include your name! This humanizes you as well

“My portfolios:” If you want the model to check out any of your specific work do include it in your message!

Final tips on scheduling

If the model responds positively, then it is time to move forward and begin scheduling the photoshoot. Remember to be as flexible as possible so that you guys can find a mutual time to meet for the photoshoot. Be polite, courteous and prepared and show your excitement for shooting with the model that you reached out to. If the model gives you his/her rates for shooting with him/her, then keep in mind what I said earlier about the advantages of building your portfolio with professional models that may require paying for the photoshoot. Consider it a business expense, because it will really improve the aesthetic of your IG feed which is what the future models you reach out to are going to base their decision to work with you on. If you have answers to the questions I pointed out in the preparation section, then scheduling the photoshoot should go smoothly.

Mindsets

I want to briefly touch on the mindsets and attitudes that are required to successfully put together photoshoots with Instagram models. The first mindset is to be persistent. If you think that I setup those 5 photoshoots within 2 days by modelling 10 or so models you are very far from the truth. The reality is that it took me MANY MANY DMs to book just 5 photoshoots. Most people will give up after sending 20 messages in a day and not getting any results. Don’t be that person. Be persistent, message models every day until you are booking photoshoots. BEING PERSISTENT IS THE MOST CRITICAL PIECE OF ADVICE TO MAKING THIS WORK. I would advise on sending 10-20 DMs per day until you are seeing results and setting up photoshoots. The second mindset is to be kind and understanding. Always understand that models are busy people with a lot going on and a lot of other people reaching out to them. Don’t be offended or take it personally if they cancel on you or ignore your message. You are only creating unnecessary pain for yourself by becoming angry or mad about these things. Simply accept it and move on, it’s part of the game. If you combine these mindsets you will set yourself up for success.

I hope that these tips help to bring many successful photoshoots to your future! If you have any questions or would like to connect please reach out to me on Instagram: @alexanderthegreat