How to Find Models for Your Camouflage Portfolio | Kandor Co.
How to Find Models for Your Camouflage Portfolio
The fastest routes are your existing client base, local support groups, and a clear public post explaining exactly what you're offering. The slowest route — and the one most new practitioners try first — is generic social media asking for "models."
Here's what actually works, in order.
Before you post anything
Get these in place first. A model day that goes wrong without them is a serious problem.
Insurance confirmed, including cover for treating at reduced or no cost
Local authority registration complete
Consent forms — treatment and photography, separately
A contraindication screening process you'll actually follow
Aftercare products and written instructions
A clear plan for what happens if the result isn't what either of you hoped
⚠️ Reduced cost work is still treatment. Every clinical and legal obligation applies exactly as it would to a paying client. "They were a model" is not a defence.
Where models actually come from
1. Your existing clients — the highest converting source by far.
If you already do PMU, beauty or aesthetics, some of your clients have scars, stretch marks or vitiligo they've never mentioned. They already trust you and they've already been treated by you.
"I've just trained in scar and stretch mark camouflage and I'm building my portfolio. I'm looking for a few people to treat at [no cost / a reduced rate] while I do. If you've got something you've been self conscious about, have a think — no pressure at all."
Send it individually. Never as a group blast.
2. A specific public post, not a vague one.
Vague posts get nothing. Specific posts get bookings.
Looking for camouflage models — [your town]
I'm building my portfolio in scar and stretch mark camouflage, so I'm offering treatment at [no cost / reduced rate] for a limited number of people.
What I'm looking for: mature scarring (12+ months), white or silver stretch marks, or stable vitiligo. All skin tones
What's included: full consultation, treatment, aftercare products and a follow-up session.
What I need from you: honesty about your medical history, and availability for a consultation beforehand and a review afterwards.
Photography is optional. You can decline entirely and still be treated* have a think about this one.. it is always best to take before and after imagery.
Message me if you're interested — I'll talk you through it properly first.
3. Support groups and charities.
Vitiligo, burns, breast cancer and visible-difference organisations often have local groups and newsletters.
⚠️ Approach carefully. Ask the organiser first, never post directly into a support group, and lead with what you're offering rather than what you need. Groups exist for support, not recruitment
4. Your own network.
Friends, family, colleagues. It's not cheating, it's how nearly every portfolio starts.
Screening — non-negotiable
Free treatment does not mean relaxed standards. If anything, screen harder: a model who develops a problem is exactly as serious as a client who does.
Before you commit to anyone:
Photographs of the area in natural daylight
A completed medical history and contraindication form
Confirmation that scarring is fully matured
Not pregnant or breastfeeding
No keloid tendency without specialist assessment
Realistic expectations, verified in conversation not assumed
A model you shouldn't have treated is worse than no model at all.
What to promise, and what not to
Do promise: full consultation, proper aftercare, a follow-up session, and honesty about what's achievable.
Don't promise: a specific result, a number of sessions beyond what's agreed, or free work indefinitely.
Be clear from the start about what happens after the free work ends. "This covers your first session and one review. Further sessions would be at [rate]" prevents a very awkward conversation later.
Photography
Written consent, always — separate from treatment consent
Let them decline photography entirely and still be treated. Say so up front
Same light, same angle, same distance, every time
Healed photos at 6–12 weeks are the ones worth having. Day-of photos prove nothing
Offer to crop or anonymise
Tell them they can withdraw consent later
How many models do you need
3 well documented cases with healed photographs beat 20 rushed ones.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge models anything? Charging a nominal amount £30–£50 — covers consumables and dramatically reduces no shows. It also filters for people who actually want the treatment.
Am I insured to treat models? Check with your insurer specifically. Most policies cover it, but confirm rather than assume.
What if the result isn't good? Be honest, offer to correct it, and don't post it. That's the deal you made.
Can I use model photos in my marketing? Only with signed photography consent, and only in the ways they've agreed to.
How do I find models for areola work? Harder, and it needs particular care. Approach through breast care nurses, reconstruction support groups and gender clinics — always via an organiser, never by posting directly.