FStop App Tries to Link Photographers With Models Using a Tinder-Style Interface
Swipe right on models or photographers you’d like to work with
One of the toughest parts of being an aspiring portrait or fashion photographer is finding models to be in your pictures. There are lots of options out there from dedicated services to the untamed wilds of Craigslist, but a new app called FStop is trying to simplify the process in the style of the popular dating/hook-up app Tinder.
In case you’re not plugged into the online dating app scene, Tinder shows you a person’s picture and profile, then you swipe right or left, depending on whether you feel like that person is a match. FStop works in a similar way, offering a heart icon and an “X” icon on each profile it displays. The interface works basically the same whether you’re a photographer or a model and if both parties click the heart, they’re put into contact to discuss possible collaborations.
One of the toughest parts of being an aspiring portrait or fashion photographer is finding models to be in your pictures. There are lots of options out there from dedicated services to the untamed wilds of Craigslist, but a new app called FStop is trying to simplify the process in the style of the popular dating/hook-up app Tinder.
In case you’re not plugged into the online dating app scene, Tinder shows you a person’s picture and profile, then you swipe right or left, depending on whether you feel like that person is a match. FStop works in a similar way, offering a heart icon and an “X” icon on each profile it displays. The interface works basically the same whether you’re a photographer or a model and if both parties click the heart, they’re put into contact to discuss possible collaborations.
One interesting aspect of the app is that it has its own integrated payment system that uses verifications to help take some of the sketchiness out of paying a model or photographer for his or her services.
Beyond models and photographers, the service also works for other creative professionals such as fashion stylists, make-up artists, and hair stylists.
The app is still in its early stages, so it will be interesting if it’s able to build the type of community that really fosters creative collaboration and not inherent creepiness like some other services you may have tried in the past. I’m currently signed up for the app so I’m curious to see how much action there is and how heart-able I am.
