I apologize if this isn't the correct forum for this question... I wasn't sure where to post.
I'm looking for a Windows-based software package / database that will allow me to easily find models (with whom I've worked) for new projects. Ideally, it will allow full search of past models and automatically pull the best candidates based on criteria. For example, I may want to find all female models between the ages of 18 and 24 who are taller than 5'8", not represented by an agency, and are interested in doing abstract art photos.
Do any of you know of a canned package that will do this before I break down and write my own?
Yeah, nothing wrong with Filemaker. However, I'm looking for something canned and already built specifically for model management. I'm an IT guy, so I can easily build something, but I don't want to re-invent the wheel if there's already something out there.
InfoSelect can do anything, actually, and at $149 (as I remember) it is a bargain. It is a unique (so far as I know) product in that it is a freeform database- records and indexes anything you type in. Too hard to explain - Google INFOSELECT and you will get their website. Free trial - version 7 (current) is $49 a year or you can buy a lifetime key for $250. Version 6 is $149 for a lifetime key but will not import images from the web. I use 6. I have used this product for 20 years so I really like it.
What you would do is hit F7 - this opens a "note"(just a blank window). Then type whatever you want - say, "Gladys blonde 5'11 fashion 110 lbs art abstract nude" - anything. You would of course include any desired contact info - address, phone, whatever. Now, to pull up data (at same screen or at home screen, you hit "g" (get) - this opens a screen containing what looks like a checkerboard. Under this is a blank line you type on. You type what you are interested in - say, "art" - with each letter the checkerboard changes; when you his the space after the word "art" the checkerboard will show a red square for every entry you have made containing the word art> for the word "art" you have a space before and after art - otherwise it would include dart, dartmouth, etc. So if you type art abstract you will see how many entries you have made with the separate words "art" and "abstract" (in any order). Hit return at this point and the however many screens you originally entered with the words "art AND abstract" in them will appear. That simple.
It is so flexible you can suit it to whatever you need. I often use a prefix ] or [ * etc to control what is recorded.
All entries on all entries are indexed and this happens automatically when you exit the program. DO NOT BUY THE EARLIER VERSIONS - EARLIER THAN 6 - tho they are available. Their help screens are inadequate. Version 6 and 7 are fine for a beginner. Give this a try. It is like nothing else. bill wilson
I think you may be over thinking things. How many models are you really going to shoot in the course of a year? Any longer than that and one or more of your search criteria may change. Unless you're running a model site like onemodelplace where the models update their own information you're database is always somewhat out of date. I do have a photographer friend that has a model database (she made it with File Maker) ... while I think it could track the things you're looking to, I think she uses it more to keep her paperwork in order. Tracking model releases, last shoot date, shoot name and that kind of thing.
I say, if you have the skills, use it... sounds like you're looking to make a very specialized database which means even if someone else has made something like it before it still might not have everything you're looking for.
