Thank you for your interest in working with me! I am very lucky to be in a creatively fulfilling field, but in order to provide for myself and to be able to continue modelling full-time, there also has to be a business side to my work. I realize that this information may be off-putting to some, but it is important to clarify these points beforehand in order for everything to go smoothly and to avoid misunderstandings.
Enquire to book me for
- Photoshoots – specific projects or just for enjoyment
- Workshops, Classes & Events – for a patient, knowledgeable and adaptable model for your events
- Photo Adventures – let’s explore beautiful and unique locations in Europe or abroad
- 1:1 Mentoring – for helping models and photographers of any level, and sharing perspectives in creating great work
How do I work ?
I like to work in a collaborative way, sharing ideas and creative investment with the photographer.
With my experience both as a model and as a photographer, my crazy ideas and my background in fashion design and makeup, and understanding of dance and theater arts, I can help you build up a visual world where we can both express ourselves.
How long to book ?
Booking at least 4 h is strongly recommended, as it allows us a more relaxed workflow and gives us the time to build up a visual project.
If you would be interested in booking me on a shooting trip abroad, I give massive discounts for 3 days+ or week long photography trips. Please send me a message to discuss full information, possibilities & schedule.
Are you a beginner ?
If you are a beginner, don’t be shy and just say so! I accept bookings from both professionals and hobbyists.
My husband can also assist you with the lighting and shooting technics when he travels with me.
For those who would like to learn more and improve their skills, I offer mentoring and coaching.
How to book me ?
- Please message me with as much detail as possible regarding the nature of your project/shoot. A phone/VoIP meeting can be arranged/scheduled.
- After we agree on the project and on my rates, you will be asked to pay a non-negotiable 30 % deposit* to secure the shoot. This deposit is refundable in full if you cancel sufficiently ahead of the shoot (see the Cancellation Policy).
- Upon receipt of the deposit, you will get a confirmation email providing you :
- the contractual agreed details of the shoot (time, duration, location, nature of the project, people involved, etc.)
- my contact details
- an invitation to the event from my Google Calendar
- The remaining 70 % of my rates must be provided before I leave the set.
* The deposit can be paid using IBAN/SEPA transfer, Revolut, Interac e-transfer (Canada) or Transferwise. Paypal and Stripe are also possible with an additional 5% fee. The remainder of my rates can be paid the same way or in cash at the end of the shoot.
Terms and Conditions – FAQ
These terms are contractual. By booking me for a shoot, you accept them entirely and without reserve. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation !
Hello Minh-Ly,
My name is Michel and I am a semi-professional portrait photographer based in Nancy, France. You can see my full portfolio on my website: http://www.michel-comtois-photography.com.
I am writing to inquire about hiring you for a shoot. I own a studio in the center of Nancy (address X) and I am looking to shoot a mix of simple portrait and conceptual portrait images with various light settings and looks on a weekend afternoon or early evening. I am hoping you could provide some casual outfits and some Asian-style wardrobe, as well as your own hair and makeup (simple natural beauty makeup with a punch to the eyes and loose hair). I am including a link to a mood board so you can see the general feel I am after: shorturl.at/CGMY0
If you could let me know your rates as well as your availabilities for the next several months, that would be great. I am looking to book for half-day most likely.
Looking forward to creating with you,
Michel Comtois
As my primary role is to be in front of a photographer’s lens, when I am working or travelling, I generally have little time between assignments and commuting. Therefore please allow me a 72 h delay at the least to answer your messages/inquiries/calls.
I also have a personal assistant (Elsa Thompson) who assists me from time to time with emails.
The primary means to contact me are:
- by email for general communications and inquiries,
- by phone/VoIP to discuss projects and ideas in detail (request a meeting by email),
- by phone/SMS only for emergency contacts, in the 48h prior to our shoot (my number will be provided in the shoot confirmation email).
If the shoot details have been agreed upon, the deposit has been paid and I have sent the confirmation, then our shoot is confirmed.
I understand that some photographers have had bad experiences with models not showing up for a shoot, but I can reassure you that I will be present at the agreed time and location (feel free to check my testimonials).
On short-notice queries (72h or less), if I do not reply I may be busy on a shoot or in transit, in which case, please call me directly. If I am unable to answer your call, I will call you back as soon as possible.
Photographers and Models are able to hire me for 1:1 mentoring.
Mentoring may include:
- Basics of photoshoot ethics and etiquette
- Basics of creative collaboration
- Portfolio, website and social media review
- How to direct your model | Photographers
- Posing techniques and tips | Models
Additionally, as a photographer, if you are new to working with models and you are a bit nervous, here are some easy-to-read ebooks about the subject: How to work with models – A model’s guide for photographers and In Front of the Lens.
| Height | 5’5 | 165 cm |
| Weight | 120 lbs | 54 kg |
| Bust | CA-UK 36B | EU 80B | FR 95B | 92 cm |
| Waist | 28″ | 71 cm |
| Hips | 37,5″ | 95 cm |
| Dress | S to M | FR 36 | CA 4-6 | UK 8 |
| Shoe | CA 6.5 | EU 37 | UK 4 |
| Hair Color | Black with light brown highlights at the bottom |
| Hair Length | Long (bust level) |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Skin | Tanned |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | Ear lobes only |
- The shoot must be what was discussed in our prior communication – don’t hesitate to check with me beforehand if I am ok with whatever project. The scope of the shoot is defined in the confirmation email I send upon receipt of the deposit.
- I do not shoot explicit – An accidental photo (showing my labia and butthole) must be deleted.
- Please do not touch me – no matter the reason, unless consent is given.
- Weather – If this is a nude shoot, temperatures must be warmer than 15°C/60°F (indoors or outdoors).
- Privacy – any nude shoot must happen in reasonably private locations.
- Please inform me at the time of booking if you:
- Want to use clothing or props that leave marks on the skin (ropes, corsets, etc.) – so I can ensure you are the last shoot of the day and avoid showing up with marks on my next assignment.
- Want me to be covered in of any sticky/staining substance (water, glitter, body paint, oil, etc.) – there must be facilities available to clean up, and sufficient time to do so must be allotted (within my billable hours).
- Want me to pose with other models – I am very selective in this regard so my answer will not always be yes.
- Plan on shooting with other photographers – so I can check their portfolio/credentials. If booked with multiple shooters, generally I ask that those involved take turns to shoot separately, allowing for better communication and stronger results for each photographer.
Exceptions
- Temperatures below 15°C/60°F – Shooting under these weather will be considered only if you provide a warm shelter, hot beverages and blankets immediately on the set, and if the exposure to coldness is very limited in time.
Right of withdrawal
I reserve the right to leave the shoot at any time and claim my rates paid in full if :
- the actual shoot does not correspond to the initially agreed upon project, for example (but not limited to) :
- if I discover last minute that I am to pose with another model or for another photographer (or a group) without prior notice,
- if the photographer tries to sneak his way into switching the theme of the shoot from art nude to erotic/pornographic material.
- my security is endangered, for example (but not limited to) :
- if I discover that the shooting location is not safe (dangerous wild animals, risks of drowning, falling or any other injury),
- if I am asked to do illegal public nudity, property trespassing, etc.
- if the location to shoot nudes is in crowded venues and in plain sight,
- if any member of the shooting team displays any inappropriate behaviour towards me (attempt to kiss me, touch me without consent, getting me drunk, etc.).
My passion and interest lie in creating artistic imagery. I reserve the right to not pose in a way I don’t feel is in line with my working style or if I feel my health and wellbeing are at risk. Please use my portfolio as a guide to my comfort levels and if you require further clarification of my boundaries, don’t hesitate to ask.
- Adult and pornographic styles, striptease and masturbation
- Glamour and pin-up (pictures focusing on charm and seduction)
- Hustler/Playboy/Penthouse/Femjoy/Metart and similar images
- Schoolgirl fantasy and sexy cosplay
- Images showing my genitals (labia and butthole)
- Objectifying and sexist content
- Offensive, sacrilegious and violent type of content
- Content for personal collections and pornographic and glamour paysite/membership websites (ex: Pornhub, Bentbox, Diverxity)
I have created an anti-Pinterest moodboard consisting of styles I wish to avoid. Please take a look here: https://www.pinterest.ca/minhlymodel/styles-i-dont-model/
My rates include:
- Working on set,
- Makeup (professional cosmetics),
- Hair,
- Styling & wardrobe,
- Art direction and beginners coaching (if needed),
- Travelling time and fees (2h roundtrip max from my base point in the city to the shooting location),
- Communication and planning time.
When requesting to book me for a shoot, please ask for my rates. They are calculated on a per-project basis, taking into account the actual expenses, shoot requirements and working time engaged for each project. I recommend booking for at least 4 hours, as it will provide the most value for your time and allow us to work in a more relaxed fashion.
My regular rates apply for office hours (08:00 to 20:00).
For late night and early morning shoots, I charge an additional 40 % plus taxi fares if public transportation is not available at these hours.
The duration of shooting/posing starts exactly at the time agreed and stops after the exact number of hours agreed. Out of respect for my next clients, I generally cannot stretch the shooting sessions past the agreed amount of time without prior notice. If I happen to be late for a shoot, I will either refund the time lost or stay later if I can.
When showing up at a shoot, my makeup and hair are already done with a possible 5min touch-up before we start.
- If you provide a makeup artist on the shoot, I can allow an additional 45 minutes free of charge.
- Change of setup, hair, make-up, clothing or travel between locations is included in my billable hours.
- Breaks are included in my billable hours (except lunch/dinner breaks).
- If you choose to end our shoot earlier than agreed, my rates will not be prorated.
- If you would like to extend our shoot past the agreed duration, please mention it as soon as possible (at least 48h in advance) so I can make arrangements.
- Acting / Conceptual,
- Artistic nudes,
- Bodypaint,
- Beauty / Editorial / Fashion / Hair / Lifestyle,
- Dance / Movement / Yoga,
- Fetish / Shibari (very selectively. Do not expect to shoot this style with me if we have not discussed in correspondence)
- Live modeling,
- Portrait,
- Underwater (so far, I have modelled around 10 underwater shoots in pools. I am confident and relaxed to pose gracefully underwater).
Need some inspiration? Here are some themes I really enjoy:
- Emotive portraits, story-telling, raw, expressive styles,
- Creative beauty, editorial, portraits,
- Avant-garde, bold fashion and fashion nudes,
- Androgynous, tomboy,
- Experimental, weird, quirky, surrealism,
- Cinematic, film noir, Hollywood glamour, Femme fatale,
- Fantasy themes, Asian myths and legends, Geisha,
- Great master painters classicism or with a twist (Klimt, Degas, Rembrandt, etc.),
- Sculptural studio nudes, abstracts or geometric forms, bodyscapes, painting with light,
- Human form in the landscape, drone-shooting,
- Urbex, derelict places,
- Dance (ballet, K-Pop, contemporary, oriental ritual dances, flamenco, tango inspired),
- Yoga,
- Collaborative photoshoots in duo/group or even with animals,
- Artistic shibari,
- Underwater, otherwordly and ethereal or comical and unusual.
I understand that unexpected things may occur, and I will do my best to accommodate any changes. If a change or a postponement is not possible, my cancellation policy applies.
Cancellation fees in Nancy-Metz (North-East of France) area
- from 48 h notice and above : free of charge, deposit refunded in full,
- between 24 h and 48 h notice : 30 % deposit not refunded,
- less than 24 h notice : payment due in full (deposit + remainder).
Cancellation fees worldwide (except North-East of France)
- from 14 days notice and above: free of charge, deposit refunded in full,
- between 72 h and 14 days notice: 30 % deposit not refunded,
- less than 72 h notice: payment due in full (deposit + remainder).
In the unlikely event that I cancel, the deposit will be returned and any studio fees will be covered by me.
French is my native language, and I am fluent in English.
Modelling is my profession and my sole income.
Planning for travel, communicating with photographers, going to the shoots, anticipating and solving logistical issues is part of my job and can take more than 40 h/week. As such, I cannot afford to model for free.
Traveling area
My local, regular, travelling area encompasses Nancy, Metz, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Saarbrücken.
I also have a valid passport and travel regularly to Paris and mainland Europe, and once a year to Canada.