I am not entirely clear about the process of "finding 13 muses". Are these women professional models? Do they work for a fee? Or do you just wander around and show your camera to women you meet on the street? What percentage accepts the proposal? Do you ask them to sign an agreement? Do you send them pictures?
All the people I photograph for these series are simply woman who’s looks were magnetic to me. I introduce myself and it’s used to be, (before the Pandemic), 8 out of 10 would agree.
I have no consent signed, as in the USA one is allowed to photograph anyone in a Public Place anyway and secondly, it’s obvious they have stopped and willingly posed. I do send them copies.
If they come to my studio, consent is signed and I pay them and for travel. Sometimes I might hire them as an assistant or chaperone.
During Covid, no matter how enthusiastic folk are, only an occasional person met in public or a server in a restaurant actually turn up for a shoot. With masks in the street it’s hard to meet people in the first place!
Professional models are a mixed bunch. If one chooses carefully it’s really a great investment but it’s important and difficult to match their style to one’s ideas.
Surprisingly, inexperienced people, if selected for some unique attractiveness or sense of confidence, joy or humor tend to be the
most productive collaborators, as they are never ritualistic in reproducing magazine poses.
Asher