Hourly Rates

These hourly rates are the minimum for our members, and we encourage individual life models to set their rates to whatever they feel is appropriate for the requested booking as long as these rates are above the minimums listed in our Working Conditions.

Life Modelling is performance art, and the LMS minimum for classical life modelling is $50 an hour (increased as of 1 October 2024), with a minimum two hour call out. Please note that enterntainment or erotic style life drawing, which entail different risks and skill sets, deserve higher rates. For Hens & Bucks night parties or other sexualised and settings where alcohol is present, deserve $185 p/h.

The minimum reference photography rate, which is currently set at $90 per hour with a two hour minimum call out, is for one individual artist to take photographs for the purposes of completing one artwork. This is to account for the hours of lost labour from the perspective of the life model, and the trust involved in allowing for the storage of one’s image, and risks in this era of image based abuse and easily circulated media. This rate does not allow for publication of these images. We recommend that models and artists complete model release forms outlining all details of usage as well as image storage, for the protection of both parties, prior to the commencement of the shoot. Subscribers and models may find these documents within their secure section of our website.

The film photography rate begins at $150 per hour with a minimum two hour call out fee, and relates to live action filming. The distribution and usage rights of this footage is to be negotiated and clearly communicated between models and employer. Directors/Photographers and models should complete a clear usage agreement and model release form stipulating the usage prior to commencement of the shoot to prevent later issues between parties. 

These rates are both distinct from the fine art photography rate, and/or the commercial photography rates.

Fine art photography which attracts a $200 per hour minimum with two hour minimum call out, is photography where the resulting image itself comprises the artwork (or part thereof).

This means that the images are taken for the purposes of display and circulation in fine art contexts, e.g. exhibitions, catalogues, and similar limited print/display purposes. Usage rights should again, be discussed and negotiated by both parties in advance of the session, with a model release form outlining these details and serving as a legal document for the reference of the artist and model. 

Commercial photography varies in rates but should begin at $250 per hour with a minimum two hour call out.

This relates to photography shoots where the resulting still images are to be used by an organisation or artist in promotion and advertising of a product or service. Time limitations and any other restrictions are to be negotiated and stipulated in the model release or contract between parties in advance of the shoot.
Fine Art Photography is photography where the resulting image itself comprises the artwork or part thereof.

Additionally, the LMS recommends a rate of 50% the agreed modelling fee as appropriate for travel time, or refer to the ATO for up to date travel rates.

In making this decision we have considered the NAVA Code of Practice rates for Performance Artists, the unseen costs for workers (such as superannuation and insurance, transport costs), and CPI. We acknowledge that many non-subscribers use our working conditions as a guide. We remind all parties involved in photographic work to use appropriate model release forms, with clear stipulations as to the usage, storage, and time limitations on the resulting images.