Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dekilah’s Quick Guide for New MM Models

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I’m writing this article with the freelance/non-agency ModelMayhem (MM) model in mind, but this could be useful for other models too. Also, I may skim some topics on use of the site, but for the most part this is not a tutorial on actually using the site (tags, comments, etc).

Here are a few things I would recommend doing to get you started:

1. Make use of MM. Browse through photos and save the ones you like a list (upper right corner of the photo page should have a link to do this). Make note of what you feel you would be comfortable doing now as well as images that interest you but that may not be within your comfort zone.

2. Upload the best photos you have and avoid candids (shots of you at random parties or just standing in your living room), mirror shots, cell phone shots, and tons of shots of the same outfit (one or two is fine). Do not forget to credit the photographer either in the comments or with the Add Credits feature. You do not need a ton of photos to get started, but you do need at least one good shot of your face and a full length shot.

3. Fill out your profile, including all of your measurements as soon as you can. Your About Me section should let people know a bit about what you want to shoot, when you are available, if you can travel, and so on. Try to refrain from negativity or too much personal information.

4. Use the browse feature to find others in your area. Look for local models who are experienced and try to connect with them so you have someone to ask for advice. Add photographers you would like to work with as friends and send messages introducing yourself and asking if they would be interested in a TF shoot to the ones you really like. You can also check casting calls in your area.

5. If you do choose to venture into the forums (and you probably have if you are reading this), keep in mind that everyone has an opinion. Some people have experience to back up their opinion. Some people are just looking for drama. I recommend only posting in the newbie forum for a while and reading the posts that interest you in the other forums until you have a feel for how things work.

If you do these things, you should be on your way to booking more shoots and getting connected. I recommend your read a few of my other articles as well:
How to Act Like a Professional Model
Communication
Rates & TF Q & A
When and Why Might a Model Be Paid

I also recommend you skim this list of articles put together by Rachel Jay (a fantastic model). You will find articles on common misconceptions, model safety, posing help, and many, many more topics.

I also invite you to contact me on MM or via e-mail at Dekilah@gmail.com if you have any other questions.

 

Escort & Assistant Etiquette

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First and foremost the model should agree upon having an escort or assistant with the photographer before you plan the shoot. This article assumes you have done that.

1. The escort should know what they will be doing during the shoot. They should not simply be sitting or standing and staring at the shoot. This will make the photographer and possibly the model very uncomfortable. The escort needs to bring something quiet and out of the way to do unless they have been asked to help with the shoot.

2. The escort should not be talking during the shoot. Again, this is usually very distracting. This includes talking on the phone or playing games on their phone with the sound on.

3. The escort should not be the model’s jealous boyfriend or anyone else who may take issue with the shoot. The last thing anybody needs is a jealous boyfriend complaining because a pose is too sexy or too revealing. Discuss limits beforehand with those involved in the shoot. Limits should be between the model and photographer. If the model has some agreement with her significant other then she should consider that, but there is no reason to discuss this with anyone else.

4. The photographer has the right to cancel the shoot if the escort is being a problem. There is no reason the photographer should put up with any sort of poor behavior from an escort, particularly if the escort is making them uncomfortable or like they might physically harm them. Better safe than sorry. And models should realize that photographers will likely see it this way just as a model might choose not to shoot with a photographer who comes off as “creepy.”

5. The escort should not be taking photos during the shoot with a camera, camera phone, or otherwise. The only exception to this would be if everyone agreed they wanted behind the scenes shots, but that would be a very rare exception and not something I would push for.

Assistants should follow the same general rules. They are there to help out when needed and should stay out of the way otherwise. For example, some assistants might be there to help with wardrobe or posing. They might be there as a lookout, to help models up and down from higher places, to help arrange props or whatnot, etc.

I say this often and I think this is a good place to say it again: put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If you were the photographer and there was an escort on your shoot, how would you like that escort to behave?

Another issue I have heard of involving escorts (and assistants) a couple times is at group shoots. I feel it is particularly important to let the host of the group shoot know you will be bringing someone extra and to clear it with them. Many times space at these events is limited and it is better for the event to have as many models as possible versus having fewer models with escorts. It is also very important that your escort does not cause a problem because if you have issues at a group event just imagine how many bad references that could create. I would also recommend that your escort or assistant stays close to you (unless the event rules state differently) to avoid complaints that they are wandering or staring at other shoots.

Remember anyone associated with you can affect your reputation and the references people give on you. It may not seem fair at times, but that is how things generally work.

Rates & TF Q & A

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This article is primarily geared towards freelance (non-agency) models who are curious about when to make the transition from TF to paid work and how they can get a idea of what to set their rates at. I am also a little more focused on model-photographer shoots vs. shoots with a third-party client involved.

Let us lay down some basic firsts. TF can be replaced with any form of trade that does not include the payment of cash (with the exception of gas money in some cases). You may also see this referred to as TFCD. TF means trade for (or time for) and CD stands for a CD of pictures. You will often also see TFP which can stand for trade for prints, trade for photos, or trade for pictures.

Most people start out doing TF work, particularly in model photography. Sometimes in modeling, a model may decide to begin charging rates. Deciding to charge money for modeling and settling on rates, or more accurately a system for rates, takes time and a little guesswork.

How do I know when I can start charging rates? How much should I start at?

One key sign is that you are asked for your rates. However, this is not an indicator everyone can use. The best thing to do is to look at other models who shoot styles similar to you and are in the same area, or a similar area. For example, in my case I could not find any other fine art models in my immediate area, but there was a girl that did implied for $50 an hour. I started at $25 an hour.

If you would like to know more about when you might consider charging rates, I strongly recommend you read my article called When & Why Might a Model Be Paid.

How do I know when I can raise my rates?

As you improve or as you start booking more work than you have time for, you may consider raising your rates. I recommend keeping this increase small, perhaps between $10 and $25 an hour. You probably do not want to jump from $25 an hour to $75 an hour over night.

Do remember that you should never raise your rates for a specific shoot after you have been contacted about that shoot. Once you are booked, you are booked at that rate even if you decide to increase your rates for other shoots before that shoot happens. It looks very unprofessional and will you get a bad reputation very quickly.

Can I charge different amounts for different types of modeling?

There is a term in modeling that some people use called “stripper rates.” This refers to cases where the model charges more and more the less and less clothing she has on. For example: $10/hr fully clothed, $25/hr swimwear & lingerie, $50/hr topless & implied nude, $75/hr full nude. Some models seem to be quite successful doing this, but I do not know the specifics of what they are booking. I do know that some photographers supposedly refuse to shoot with models with this sort of rate system.

My recommendation to give a rate range (example: $10 to $50 an hour) and/or simply ask what the budget is for the shoot on a shoot by shoot basis. This means you do have to negotiate a bit, but this is what most of the freelance models I know do.

I’ve seen people charge half day or full day rates. What’s that about

I will be honest in saying that I do not have much experience in this type of rate. I have always been asked for an hourly rate. This has much to do with my area and they type of modeling I do, I think. I would recommend you look at other models in your area and see what format they are using (hourly vs day or half day).

I can tell you that in general a half day is 4 to 6 hours and a full day tends to be around 8 hours. The important thing is to either denote your definition with your rates, or ask the photographer exactly how long they would like to shoot. Communication is key.

Is there anything besides location, style, and budget that I should consider in choosing my rates?

Yes, and usage of the images is a big consideration. Will they be submitted to websites? Sold as prints? Sold to private sellers? The budget of the shoot will often reflect the usage. For example, if the photographer is going to sell prints or to a private buyer or website, they are likely to have a larger budget than if they are simply hiring you for artistic or portfolio purposes. This is not always true, of course, but often. Usage information will often be given in the release, but I recommend asking as you book the shoot and it never hurts to ask for specifics if they are not already given.

Should I charge more for nudes?

There are two “principles” that frequently come up with getting paid for nudes: 1) supply and demand and 2) the value of nudity.

Supply and demand simply means that there is a fairly high demand for nude models (a lot of people want to shoot nudes), but there seem to be fewer models willing to shoot nudes. So high demand, low supply. Because of this, photographers are more willing to pay for nude models then for some other types of models (because there are more models that do non-nude work, and more willing to do TF).

The value of nudity means that many people think that because they are getting naked that automatically entitles them to get paid. Some photographers will agree with this while others are very, very annoyed by this theory.

In general, if you are a good model, comfortable in her skin, and you know how to pose, then yes, you can charge for nudes. You might be able to charge more for nudes, but that really depends on your look and your  market.

I cover this point a bit more in another article called When & Why Might a Model Might a Model Be Paid.

Should I list my rates on my webpage/profile?

This is one of those points that people seem split right down the middle on. Some people say photographers want to see your rates and do not want to have to ask. Others say that if you list rates you might be missing out if someone would have offered you more. I personally give a rate range from the lowest I will take to the highest I have been paid. In the past I have also said something like “my rates start at $25/hr dependent upon content and usage of the photos.” And from those points I ask for the budget of the project and negotiate.

Now if you are set on a particular rate and you simply will not take less than that and you know people never want to pay more, then you can just set a rate. In that case there is no harm in putting that on your profile since you are not going to work for less anyway. I think this is a rare circumstance.

Or you can simply say “Please message me/send me an e-mail for my rates.”

Each one has its pros and cons. My advice is to look at other similar models around you and see what they are doing that works for them.

Should I keep doing TF after I start charging rates?

Most people agree that the answer to this is “yes, under the right circumstances.” The whole idea behind doing TF is usually to build your portfolio. And if/when you begin to charge rates, you will still want to update your portfolio, but generally when you are paid, you no longer receive images. There are exceptions to this, but in the general “rules” your payment is what you get out of the shoot. So when you want to update your portfolio you will either need to do TF or pay a photographer.

How to Act Like a Professional Model

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If you wanted to be treated like a professional model, you need to act like a professional model. And I am here to help you learn how to do just that!

Here are a few things that are always helpful and not too difficult to do either (in no specific order):

1. Give the photographer your cell phone number once you have booked the shoot. This has come in handy for me so many times. Sometimes you are running late, sometimes you cannot find the shoot location, sometimes emergencies come up, etc.

2. Be on time to your shoots. If you are going to be late, even 5 minutes late, text or call the photographer and let them know. Try to never be more than 15 minutes late, if that. If you do show up early, I would advise making it 10 minutes or less early. Photographers need time to set things up and get their equipment in order.

3. Bring a small modeling kit. This can be tailored to the style of modeling that you do. For example, I always bring a bottle of water, baby wipes, basic make-up, clear nail polish and a file, a robe, a hair brush and things to put up my hair (pins, clips, ties) and a bit of whatever product I use. If you model clothing, make sure to add basic underwear (tops and bottoms), plus basic heels to that list along with any other items you regularly use. I also might recommend items like cotton swabs, safety pins, Advil or similar, pads and tampons, leggings, plain tank tops, a pair of well-fitting jeans, shoes you can easily slip on and off, and some light snacks. Keep these things ready to go so all you have to do is grab it as you walk out the door.

4. Pack for the shoot the night before. This way if you are missing anything you have a bit of time to get it together before the shoot. It is much easier to schedule in a little extra time to stop by the store or wash an item or clothing if you have overnight to do so, versus just a couple or a few hours.

5. Communicate efficiently. Make sure you know when, where, what style, what you are responsible for bringing, and about how long the shoot is planned to last as you book the shoot. Do not leave anything to question. If you are unsure about a concept, or if you have one in mind, do not be afraid to share or ask for inspirational photos of the concept and outline what exactly you like about them.

6. Use your cell/smart phone if you have one. I use Google calendar with notifications for most of my shoots. It will set off an alarm at a time I can choose to remind me of the shoot. I also put the photographer’s number in my phone as soon as I get it. You can add in the address to the notes in the calendar event or the phone contact as well so you do not get stuck out without the address.

7. Act like a professional at the shoot. You are not there to flirt or socialize. You are there to create photos. Chatting a bit before the shoot is cool, and some people are totally fine chatting a bit while shooting. But do not take up half an hour talking if you can help it. And if you curb the flirting at shoots you are much less likely to run into issues of unwanted attention or advances. Sometimes the person is just that way, but if you act like you are just there to shoot, most of the time they will pick up on that.

8. Do not gossip at the shoot. It is perfectly acceptable to say brief nice things, but try not to spend the whole shoot talking about who you do not like or about rumors you have heard. I know it can be tempting, especially when the other person starts it, but try to keep your opinions minimal or at least non-specific. At the same time, do not spend all your time gushing about people you love to work with either as it can make the other person feel a bit uncomfortable.

9. Be physically prepared for the shoot. Show up well rested, clean, and well groomed. Do not go out and party late the night before. Make sure you eat something before the shoot. Make sure your nails are clean and the polish is not some crazy color, clear or neutral is always good. If you shave, make sure to do so in a time frame that does not allow for stubble to be showing at the shoot. Also, do not do some new crazy work out the day before that is going to make you super sore or anything like that.

10. If you do have to cancel, do so timely and with a good reason. It happens, but it should only happen for real, legitimate reasons. If you are sick, please contact the photographer as soon as you know and let them know what you are sick with and if you think you can still shoot. Many people would rather not get sick or spread that illness to family members.

11. Inform the photographer of any relevant changes to your appearance as soon as you can. This includes large bruises and cuts, hair cut and color changes, measurement and significant body type/weight changes, new tattoos or piercings, skin rashes, and so on. It is much easier for them to work around it or with it if they know it is there in advance.

12. Never, ever act unprofessionally. If someone cancels on you, ask to reschedule. If someone is rude to you, simply ignore them. If the shoot is going in a bad direction or if you feel uncomfortable, simply state that you no longer feel comfortable and leave. Report them to the authorities if you feel it necessary. But do not yell, scream, etc, in person or via messages or phone call. I do not care what they did or said, it will not accomplish anything.

Dekilah’s Ultra Helpful Guide to Approaching Models for TF

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Okay, so here you are amateur photographer and you want to work with a model on a trade basis. Or maybe you are an award-winning photographer who is new to working with models. Or maybe you have worked trade before and you are having a hard time finding more models to work trade with. Or maybe you are just reading this because you found it.

I wrote this in response to my time in MM forums and my own experiences being approached for trade work. A lot of photographers seem to have difficulty finding models to shoot trade with. Or maybe they have difficulty getting the models they want to work trade with to work trade with them. Of course, you cannot get every model to work trade with you. Maybe that specific model does not shoot trade at all. Maybe you need to improve your style or skills before that model is comfortable shooting trade with you. So please do not misunderstand and think I am saying you can shoot trade with any model you happen to want to shoot trade with. I am just trying to share some general guidelines for those who might be having difficulty.

So without further elaboration, let us get started. And please do not be offended with some of this. I am taking what I have read (and experiences I have had and been told about by other models) into account here. Not everything here applies to everyone.

1. We really do not care how awesome you say you are. But we do care about how awesome your work is. All most of us want is work we can put in our portfolios. We probably need you to be able to shoot work as good or better than what you see in our portfolios.

2. Do not be a dick/ass/bitch to us. Period. At all. Ever. We tend to respond poorly to this and nobody likes a condescending attitude. Do not tell us that we should feel lucky to work with you. Chances are, if that is true, we already feel that way.

3. Do not lecture us on escorts. If you have an escort policy, it should not take more than a couple sentences to explain. Please do not tell us what type of man we should date. Please do not give us examples of other situations that we would not bring an escort to and try to relate it to modeling. While some of it may be true, you really are not likely to change our minds.

4. Many of us have circumstances listed in which we will in fact shoot trade, even if we generally shoot only paid work. Some of us will trade or barter for various things. Wardrobe and shoes are a common one, but there are many of them and they vary greatly depending on the model. There is a group shoot event called DEAC where I shoot trade, and only trade, for example.

5. Tell us why you want to work with us (in a non-creepy way). Maybe you like our posing style. Maybe your like our face or our eyes and think having our look in your portfolio would be very beneficial. You do not have to say a lot, but something that lets us know you are not just droning through a ton of models sending them the same message over and over.

6. Pretty please read our profile/website. Many of the questions I get asked by photographers are already answered in my profile and while I do not mind answering them again, if the photographer does not like my answer sometimes they seem to feel like they wasted their time contacting me and that is not helpful for anybody.

7. Give us at least a brief little outline of what style(s) or genre(s) you want to shoot with us. It’s a bit confusing for us to try to figure out what you might like, especially if your portfolio is full of different styles.

8. If our profile says we do not do something, or do not do something for trade please do not ask us to do it for trade. Or if you absolutely must ask, please do so nicely and do not be offended when we decline.

9. Do not talk us out of working with you. Do not tell us that you should be paying us or that you are not that good, but maybe we will be nice enough to shoot with you. Tell us what you have to offer. Maybe you are a student and you are working on a project, maybe the images will be in a gallery, maybe you think you have a really cool style or concept. Tell us why we would want to work with you, not why we would not.

10. Do not expect us to travel long distances for a trade shoot. Some of us will, but it is not a given.

Hopefully my list will help you and, if nothing else, perhaps at least amused you a bit. Hopefully you picked up on the slightly sarcastic tone. And while this was written in a slightly sarcastic manner, it was meant to be truthful.

Dekilah’s Ultra Helpful Guide to Working with Nude Models

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Okay, so here you are an amateur photographer and you want to work with a nude model. Or maybe you are not really at the amateur stage, but you have not worked with a nude model before. Or maybe you have worked with one before and you felt all befuddled. Or maybe you are just reading this because you found it.

I wrote this because in my time on the MM forums and in working with photographers I have noticed a trend in some confusion and awkwardness in working with nude models. Of course, that is to be expected particularly given society’s apprehensions towards nudity and the mixed values placed on it. I think it is particularly sad that even those of us who shoot art nudes similar to work displayed in museums must often keep our art hidden from the general public and even friends and family because of the issues some people have with it. I also think those are some of the reasons people may feel awkward working with nude models.

Let us start with some basics, shall we? And please do not be offended with some of this. I am taking what I have read and experiences I have had and been told about by other models into account here. Not everything here applies to everyone.

1. Nude models are people too. Some of us are outgoing, some are very shy. Some are very comfortable with our bodies, some are not. Some can be very conservative, some are more out there. Just because a model poses nude does not mean she does porn, or is very sexual, or runs around naked all the time, or anything else.

2. While we are used to posing nude, we all have different limits in what types of poses we will do, what we would like showing in photos, and where we would like those photos to be shown. Please talk to us about these things before we shoot (preferably before the day of the shoot).

3. We may be a little apprehensive to you being really close or touching us while nude. Most of the really experienced nude models do not care, provided it is an appropriate situation, but please ask before you touch us. Trust me, it is appreciated.

4. Although we may pose nude, if you want to shoot us nude, please let us know that before the shoot. If you said you wanted to shoot fashion, we will come prepared to shoot fashion. Do not surprise us at the end (or at any other time) by randomly asking to shoot nudes if we have not already discussed it.

5. We are not perfect, and I am speaking of the physical. We have scars and little “flaws.” While it is perfectly okay to try to avoid certain angles, poses, or features, do not point them out unnecessarily. For example, if a model has a scar on her left hip and you do not like it, simply change your angle or ask her to turn. Some of us are aware of our flaws and will try to keep them out of shots for you, but that takes experience and knowing about them. Sometimes we already feel vulnerable (even though we are enjoying what we do) and having a flaw pointed out can put a damper on our self-esteem, if only for a moment.

6. If you need to refer to our “girly bits” please find appropriate terms to use. “Breasts” is generally preferred in place of “boobs,” “tits,” and such. “Butt” or “bum” or “rear” tend to be better than “ass.” And as for the genitals, sometimes it is just best to ask what we call it. “Lap” or simply saying “the area between your legs” also works quite safely if you do not want to ask. Some of us are totally cool with the slang words, but generally it is better to go safe than sorry until you find out what is good for us.

7. Understand there are different styles of nudes. Just because a model shoots art nudes, does not mean she will shoot glamour nudes (Playboy style, and others), or erotic. And just because a model shoots nude does not mean she wants all of her nudeness in the photos. Some of us prefer to keep our genitals out of the shots and there are plenty of easy ways to do that. Look at our portfolios, they are usually a pretty good indication of the levels we shoot. If you would like to shoot something else with us, please ask, and maybe show us some examples. Sometimes we will say “sure,” sometimes “no thank you.”

8. Please be aware that we are naked. That means we may get cold more easily. It also means we may not be comfortable with people going in and out of the shooting area, open windows if indoors, etc. Also, if we are outdoors, bugs may bother us more and things like that.

9. If you’re asking us to shoot outside, please let us know of the type of location. Is it private property? Is there a chance of us being seen by other people? And be aware of what can happen in that location if an outside person does see us (local laws, fines, etc, and if that will affect you and/or the model).

10. Please do not make weird comments. It makes you seem creepy even if you are not. Sometimes we like to joke around, even about being naked, but saying you would like to slap us on our butt or that we must be good in the sack is pretty generally unacceptable. I am not saying you have to only talk about shooting, but just use common sense.

Again, I know some of this sounds just ridiculous to even have to say, but I am trying to keep it light while giving you some helpful information. And I can promise you that for everything you just read and thought that there no way anybody has ever done that, that someone (probably more  someones than you think) has in fact done or said that. Plus, many of those rules apply to most model photography anyway, just maybe not in those exact ways.

Nude modeling can be a lot of fun and can be a great way to create art and/or awesome photos. It also gives you a chance to capture details, shapes, lines, and curves that are sometimes masked by clothing. It can be sexy or erotic or artistic or abstract or any combination or all of those things and more.

When & Why Might a Model Be Paid

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One of the first questions I have seen new models ask over and over is “When am I going to get paid?” and one of the questions I see a lot of photographers posing over and over is “Why should I pay a model?” I am going to do my best to answer both of these questions based on my past experience, and advice and experiences shared with me by other models and photographers. I recommend everyone read both sections because they really do have a lot to do with each other.

Why should a photographer pay a model?

I am going to answer this one first because I think it will make the second question make a lot more sense.

The simple answer to this question is: A photographer should consider paying a model when the model offers something the photographer cannot get via trade (TF).

Sometimes this might be as simple as the fact that the photographer requires a certain type of model for a project being paid for by a client. This is probably the most commonly cited example via the phrase (used by photographers): “I only pay models when a client is paying me.” Paying an appropriate model for a client’s shoot is a good reason to pay a model, but it is not the only reason.

Photographers who are just beginning or who want to improve their portfolios also very often hire a model that fits the genre or style they are looking to shoot. Maybe the photographer wants to get into shooting fashion. It would certainly make sense for them to find a model with the appropriate stats who knows how to pose for fashion. However, it is very likely that a model with these characteristics is not going to offer or agree to a trade shoot with a photographer who is not likely to be able to give them any photos they can use from the shoot. Therefore, the photographer will mostly likely have to hire the model.

Similarly, perhaps a photographer would like to work with a model who has an extensive wardrobe of some sort, let us say latex. Latex wardrobe is expensive so that model, once again, is likely to prefer compensation. She has invested in the wardrobe, hopefully learned how to put it on and take care of it, and knows how to pose in it, etc.

What about nude models? Nude models are this really cool, really simple example of supply and demand (although the others are examples too). Nude models, especially those that know how to pose and emote, apparently represent a very small portion of all the models available. Small supply. However, a lot of photographers want to shoot nudes (of varying styles and levels). Relatively high demand. Therefore, nude models are often paid. There are other reasons (real/experienced/serious) nude models charge as well, but in general it is still supply and demand. Obviously, the really talented, skilled nude models will charge more and many nude models will offer trade, of course, especially in order to update their portfolios.

When can a model expect to be paid?

The simple answer to this question is: When the model can offer something a photographer cannot get via trade (TF).

Unfortunately, a lot of models enter into modeling expecting to be paid almost instantly. The truth is that if you are a freelance (non-agency represented) model who does not shoot nudes or fetish and just want photographers to pay you because you are pretty, you may never get paid.

The best way to increase your chances to get paid are to offer as many benefits to shoot with you as possible. Here are a few common ones that are likely to increase your chances of being paid:
- being able to do your own hair and/or make-up
- having a collection of unique wardrobe (latex, Gothic lolita, costumes, Victorian, vintage clothing, etc)
- having excellent references
- having a strong portfolio showing that you can shoot the styles you want to be paid for a.k.a. experience
- having a look that fits the styles you want to shoot (for example, being 5’10″ and slender if you want to shoot fashion)
You do not have to have all of these things. You may only need one or two. And there are other things, these are just examples.

Notice that I did not mention shooting nudes on this list. Simply shooting nudes is in no way a reason for you to expect to be paid. You still need to be able to pose and have a look that is suitable for the type of nude modeling you’d like to do.

Getting paid also depends on what other models are available in your area and what they can offer. If you are in an area with a lot of models, you may find it more difficult to find paid work just because photographers have so many options. Similarly, if you live in an area where photographers are not really looking to pay models of your type, even if you are really good, you may have a hard time finding paid work.

I will not go into detail here about exactly how you decide on what your rates should be, but I do recommend you look into my other articles on being paid.

Being paid is not really so much a matter of time as it is a matter of skill, experience, look, and/or what you can offer.