This blog has evolved since I started it from a place for some of my modeling work, to more of a central location for my modeling and photography related advice. You can still find some information about my work as a model, of course, but the real purpose of this blog is to share my insight and experiences with others in what I hope is a helpful manner.
First off, for those of you who don’t understand sarcasm, this article is meant to be taken half sarcastically while still being as truthful as possible. Obviously there are exceptions.
As a model who takes what I do as a model very seriously, it gets a teeny bit frustrating seeing new models pop up who think they should be paid at the drop of a hat just for saying they are a model and getting some photos taken. I have spent hours studying poses, invested in taking care of myself more than I would have otherwise, stayed out of the sun to keep my skin pretty, taken a very uncommon interest in my pubic hair’s appearance, spent hours upon hours networking and making connections, done at least 100 shoots, and spent a lot of my time preparing for and planning shoots. And you know what? I still don’t demand to be paid every time I shoot.
I’ve seen tons of girls (sorry, but it is usually girls I see, so I’m going to refer to models as feminine for this article) who whine and moan and carry on because they aren’t getting paid. Or because they think they should get paid but something is horribly wrong with the world and they aren’t. And so here I am to tell you some reasons why you shouldn’t expect to be paid as a model.
1. Just because you are willing to get naked.
It is more common for you average freelance model to be paid for being nude if she isn’t agency/fashion stats if she gets nude. That is true, but you still need to have some idea of how to pose and have a decent look. If you’re covered in 20 tattoos that don’t match or if you don’t take care of your skin and you went sunbathing and now you’re red and peeling or if you can’t pose to save your life or if you’re really uneasy about being seen naked… you probably shouldn’t expect to be paid for nude modeling. If you take pretty good care of yourself and you feel pretty comfortable in your skin, you can probably eventually get paid for nude modeling if you learn the poses and develop a decent portfolio.
2. Because you slap some rates on your profile.
Just because you demand a certain rate does not mean you are going to get paid that rate. And just because you see some other model post a rate on her profile doesn’t mean she’s actually making that rate. Your rates should be based on your market, what others in your area are charging, and what the budget of those hiring you is. Your rates should not be based on you wanting a new car or a vacation at the beach or something.
3. Because you are pretty/beautiful/gorgeous.
Contrary to the very misguided though somehow popular belief, modeling isn’t about standing around and looking pretty. Modeling is about having the right look and knowing how to pose/emote/express. You may be the prettiest girl in your town, but you probably can’t be a fashion model if you’re only 5 feet tall. Similarly, if you all you do is stand there and flash a smile to the camera, you aren’t likely to get really far. You need to know what angles and poses work for your body. You need to know what styles your look, stats and body type are suited for.
4. Because you’ve decided this is your job.
You can’t just wake up one day and magically decide, “Hmm, I think modeling is going to be my job now because I’m a model.” Modeling is just like any other job. You have to have skills and, in the case of modeling, you also have to have a marketable look. Models who model as a full time job have to put a ton of time and effort in modeling. Most of them travel a lot and don’t really get a lot of downtime. Just like any other job you can’t just walk into a business or whatever and say “I want to be a ________, now hire me.”
Again, this article is meant to be truthful, but also taken as sarcastic. And yes, your results may vary and there are exceptions to every rule.
Okay, so here you are amateur photographer and you want to work with a model on a trade basis. Or maybe you’re an award-winning photographer who is new to working with models. Or maybe you’ve worked trade before and you’re having a hard time finding more models to work trade with. Or maybe you’re just reading this because you found it.
I wrote this in response to my time in MM forums and my own experiences being approached for trade work. A lot of photographers seem to have difficulty finding models to shoot trade with. Or maybe that have difficulty getting the models they want to work trade with to work trade with them. Of course, you can’t get every model to work trade with you. Maybe that specific model doesn’t shoot trade at all. Maybe you need to improve your style or skills before that model is comfortable shooting trade with you. So please don’t misunderstand and think I’m saying you can shoot trade with any model you happen to want to shoot trade with. I’m just trying to share some general guidelines for those who might be having difficulty.
So without further elaboration, let’s get started. And please don’t be offended with some of this. I’m taking what I’ve read (and experiences I’ve had and been told about by other models) into account here. Not everything here applies to everyone.
1. We really don’t care how awesome you say you are. But we do care about how awesome your work is. All most of us want is work we can put in our portfolios.
2. Don’t be a dick/ass/bitch to us. Period. At all. Ever. We tend to respond poorly to this and nobody likes a condescending attitude. Don’t tell us that we should feel lucky to work with you. Chances are if that’s true, we already feel that way.
3. Don’t lecture us on escorts. If you have an escort policy, it shouldn’t take more than a couple sentences to explain. Please don’t tell us what type of man we should date. Please don’t give us examples of other situations that we wouldn’t bring an escort to and try to relate it to modeling. While some of it may be true, you really aren’t likely to change our minds.
4. Many of us have circumstances listed in which we will in fact shoot trade, even if we generally shoot only paid work. Some of us will trade or barter for various things. Wardrobe and shoes are a common one, but there are many of them and they vary greatly depending on the model. There is a group shoot event called DEAC where I shoot trade, and only trade, for example.
5. Tell us why you want to work with us (in a non-creepy way). Maybe you like our posing style. Maybe your like our face or our eyes. You don’t have to say a lot, but something that lets us know you aren’t just droning through a ton of models sending them the same message over and over.
6. Pretty please read our profile/website. Many of the questions I get asked by photographers are already answered there and while I don’t mind answering them again, if the photographer doesn’t like my answer sometimes they seem to feel like they wasted their time contacting me and that’s not helpful for anybody.
7. Give us at least a brief little outline of what style(s) or genre(s) you want to shoot with us. It’s a bit confusing for us to try to figure out what you might like, especially if your portfolio is full of different styles.
8. If our profile says we don’t do something, or don’t do something for trade please don’t ask us to do it for trade. Or if you absolutely must ask, please do so nicely and don’t be offended when we decline.
9. Don’t talk us out of working with you. Don’t tell us that you should be paying us or that you’re not that good, but maybe we’ll be nice enough to shoot with you. Tell us what you have to offer. Maybe you’re a student and you’re working on a project, maybe the images will be in a gallery, maybe you think you have a really cool style or concept.
10. Don’t expect us to travel long distances for a trade shoot. Some of us will, but it’s not a given.
Hopefully my list will help you and, if nothing else, perhaps at least amused you a bit. Hopefully you picked up on the slightly sarcastic tone. And while this was written in a slightly sarcastic manner, it was meant to be truthful.
One of the first questions I’ve seen new models ask over and over is “When am I going to get paid?” and one of the questions I see a lot of photographers posing over and over is “Why should I pay a model?” I’m going to do my best to answer both of these questions based on my past experience, and advice and experiences shared with me by other models and photographers. I recommend everyone read both sections because they really do have a lot to do with each other. I’ll also be adding a section at the very end for some amusement at a later time 
I’m going to answer this one first because I think it will make the second question make a lot more sense.
The simple answer to this question is: A photographer should consider paying a model when the model offers something the photographer cannot get via trade (TF).
Sometimes this might be as simple as the fact that the photographer requires a certain type of model for a project being paid for by a client. This is probably the most commonly cited example via the phrase (used by photographers): “I only pay models when a client is paying me.” Paying an appropriate model for a client’s shoot is a good reason to pay a model, but it isn’t the only reason.
Photographers who are just beginning or who want to improve their portfolios also very often hire a model that fits the style of shoot they are looking to do. Maybe the photographer wants to get into shooting fashion. It would certainly make sense for them to find a model with the appropriate stats who knows how to pose for fashion. However, it is very likely that a model with these characteristics is not going to offer a trade shoot to a photographer who isn’t likely to be able to give them any photos they can use from the shoot. Therefore, the photographer will mostly likely have to hire the model.
Similarly, perhaps a photographer would like to work with a model who has an extensive wardrobe of some sort, let’s say latex. Latex wardrobe is expensive so that model, once again, is likely to expect compensation. She has invested in the wardrobe, hopefully learned how to put it on and take care of it, and know how to pose in it, etc.
What about nude models? Nude models are this really cool, really simple example of supply and demand (although the others are examples too). Nude models apparently represent a very small portion of all the models available. Small supply. However, a lot of photographers want to shoot nudes (of varying styles and levels). Relatively high demand. Therefore, nude models often charge. There are other reasons (real/experienced/serious) nude models charge as well, but in general it is still supply and demand. Obviously, the really talented, skilled nude models will charge more and some nude models will offer trade, of course.
The simple answer to this question is: When the model can offer something a photographer cannot get via trade (TF).
Unfortunately, a lot of models enter into modeling expecting to be paid almost instantly. The truth is that if you are a freelance (non-agency represented) model who doesn’t shoot nudes or fetish and just want photographers to pay you because you are pretty, you may never get paid.
The best way to increase your chances to get paid are to offer as many benefits to shoot with you as possible. Here are a few common ones that are likely to increase your chances of being paid:
- being able to do your own hair and/or make-up
- having a collection of unique wardrobe (latex, Gothic lolita, costumes, Victorian, vintage clothing, etc)
- having excellent references
- having a strong portfolio showing that you can shoot the styles you want to be paid for a.k.a. experience
- having a look that fits the styles you want to shoot (for example, being 5’10″ and slender if you want to shoot fashion)
You don’t have to have all of these things. You may only need one or two. And there are other things, these are just examples.
Notice that I did not mention shooting nudes on this list. Simply shooting nudes is in no way a reason for you to expect to be paid. You still need to be able to pose and have a look that is suitable for the type of nude modeling you’d like to do.
Getting paid also depends on what other models are available in your area and what they can offer. If you’re in an area with a lot of models, you may find it more difficult to find paid work just because photographers have so many options. Similarly, if you live in an area where photographers aren’t really looking to pay models of your type, even if you are really good, you may have a hard time finding paid work.
I won’t go into detail here about exactly how you decide on what your rates should be, but I do recommend you read my article called: Rates & TF.
Being paid isn’t really so much a matter of time as a matter of skill, experience, look, and/or what you can offer.
I don’t care if you plan to model once in your life, you just picked up a camera, or you just randomly decided five minutes ago to get into this, you can (and should) be professional in how you act.
The word professional in the model photography “industry” has two general meanings:
1. Professional as in someone who does this as their job and usually they’re fairly good at it.
2. Professional as in acting like a mature, responsible person, in other words having a professional attitude.
I’m talking about #2 in this article.
I’d like you to think about all those times you were out at a store or at work or where ever and you thought “Gee, that person is so unprofessional” or “Wow, that person must really just not care what people about their work/their business/etc.” You don’t want to be that person, particularly since model photography tends to be a very networked, social field. It’s okay if this is a hobby for you, it is for me too, and it’s great if you’re lucky enough to model or photograph for a living. We’re all into the same thing, maybe different styles and aspects, but it’s the same nonetheless.
Now, let’s look at some basic ideas to help us on our way to being professional.
1. Everybody starts somewhere. Don’t look down on others or trash talk about them just because they’re not as “good” as you. Photography (and modeling) are forms of art and we are all entitled to our own opinions. Some of us are slower to learn. Some of us simply like different styles. Some of us can afford better equipment or wardrobe or whatever else.
2. People talk. As I said before, model photography is a very social field. If you do something unkind, or irresponsible, or just plain out of line, people are going to hear about it. The same goes for if you do a fantastic job and you’re great to work with.
3. You aren’t going to work well or “click” with everyone. It happens. Not everybody’s personalities are compatible and that’s okay. You don’t have to work with anyone you don’t want to. However, if and when you are around people you don’t click with, the professional thing to do is to remain civil and simply avoid any tension if at all possible.
4. We all like different styles. Some of us shoot nudes, some wouldn’t dream of it. Some of us shoot for publication, some don’t. Some of us shoot weddings or portraits or animals or whatever else. Some of us shoot glamour, or fashion, or fetish, or casual, or whatever else. You won’t like everything I shoot, and I won’t like everything you shoot. We must agree to disagree sometimes.
Your attitude, both in text and in person or on the phone, can play a fairly large part in your modeling or photography. It’s very, very easy, particularly in forums on modeling sites, to get carried away and make a very poor impression. The important thing to remember is that people do remember, they do notice and they do talk to each other.
For example, if you post on a forum and you act like a diva or you’re rude or otherwise unsavory, you may lose potential shoots. ‘Well, nobody in my area uses the forums’ you may say. And while that may be true, never discount those that don’t live near you. I’ve had several photographers from other states/cities contact me for work after having seen some forum post I made that they liked or found insightful.
If you come across as fun to work with or as having a really good attitude, photographers may be much more inclined to find a way to shoot with you. This might be via them traveling to you, offering you paid work in their area, etc.
But forums always carry a certain amount of drama, right? No kidding. However, you as a mature, professional model (or photographer or whatever for that matter) are there to network, share ideas, and talk about relevant things. You are not there for petty arguments over where tattoos are good or bad, whether so and so should or shouldn’t be there, or anything else. You should offer your insight if you feel so inclined, but don’t get in arguments if you can help it. If something is starting to irk you, walk away. Go comment some photos, practice your poses, or find another topic to discuss.
And what about interactions in person? Those are important too. I’m not going to go too deep into how you should act while shooting right now, but I will say that your attitude during a shoot can be so much more than just a one time, in the moment thing. Photographers and models talk to each other. I have gotten a fair amount of paid and solid trade work just by being a good model, having a good personality and being fun to work with. Photographers I worked with talked to others and there is no local photographer I’ve worked with recently who hasn’t said they’ve heard great things about me. I’ve even worked with photographers from out of state who have friend here who knew about me. And it wasn’t hard at all. I just did what I’m supposed to do. I’ve had my share of issues as well, but I handled them to the best of my ability and moved on.
A good attitude can be a powerful thing. A bad attitude can ruin your reputation. Besides, you’ll feel better and be more confident if you’re honest, friendly, and professional. You’ll probably have setbacks, we’re all human, but try to keep the drama to a minimum.
When you’re planning a shoot there are certain things everyone should be aware of before the shoot is really confirmed. There are few things more frustrating than someone showing up to a shoot unprepared or having someone expect you to have brought or done something that you didn’t know they were expecting. One of the best ways to avoid this is to make sure you have nailed down the details of the shoot in advance.
As the model or photographer it is part of your responsibility to be sure you are both (or all) on the same page about what is being shot and who is responsible for what. I cover this a little in my articles about communication, but I’d like to give a little more detailed checklist.
1. The Basics
Make sure you know the date, time and location of the shoot. Not only should you have this information, but make sure you understand the location. Are you shooting in a hotel? Outdoor location? Home studio? This actually becomes really relevant particularly when you consider wardrobe and make-up changes. If you won’t have access to a rest room or another place to change, the model may be expected to change in the car, etc.
2. Style & Concepts
Everyone should be on the same page as far as what styles and/or concepts will be shot. Everything else really hinges on this, so it’s important to nail it down early on. You might not get to everything, but in order to be prepared, everyone needs to know what the plan is. I know I prepare totally differently for a fine art shoot versus a glamour shoot. I pack different basics, I do my nails differently, etc. I know many photographers use different equipment based on the style they will be shooting as well.
3. Hair & Make-Up
First, it needs to be clear as to whether you are having artists and stylists coming in to do this or whether the model will be responsible for their own hair and make-up. If the model is doing their own, they need to know what styles are going to be expected. Not all girls are make-up and hair experts. I know I’m not. Examples of what is expected are really good here as it can be hard to explain in words.
4. Wardrobe & Props
Similar to hair and make-up you should clarify what each person is responsible for bringing. Will you have a stylist? If you will have a stylist, you need to make sure that person has the relevant measurements for the model. I don’t have a lot of personal experience with stylists, but I do recommend you ask them what information they will need and make sure they have it well in advance of the shoot. If the model is supplying the wardrobe, then it should be clear exactly what is needed. Props should be handled similarly.
5. Other Concerns
There is a variety of other concerns that come up dependent upon the type of shoot. Here are a few examples:
- limits for posing, especially with nudes, fetish, erotic, lingerie, etc
- hiking to outdoor locations (models will probably need to bring walking shoes, etc)
- allergies, important if you are shooting body paint especially, also possibly if shooting outdoors
And I know a lot of you probably don’t like to do this much planning or maybe you really just like to shoot whatever comes to you, and that’s okay as long as everyone is on the same page. But for most shoots, you probably do want to have things planned out, particularly if you have a specific goal in mind.
My very first photo shoot was in March of 2009 with John Wilson. I went in thinking I just wanted to shoot goth and darker stuff, but I didn’t realize how pretty I could look until I saw some of the photos. John was great at directing me and helping me with my expressions (which I am still working on to this day).
Here is one of the first photos we shot:
I love my hair and I really loved the way this shot highlights it. I don’t think anyone else up to this point has ever gotten it to blow around that well. I also love that jacket. I still wear it all the time.
And here are three photos from the prettier set I mentioned above. I was so amazed at how lovely they turned out.
And finally here are a couple from the darker sets we shot:
I did the make-up on that one, kind of on the fly since I hadn’t ever really done make-up at all at that point. I don’t know if I could do it again, but I think it turned out awesome.
And finally the one that is possibly my favorite from the shoot:
I so wish I could shoot more of that style but I simply do not have the wardrobe at this point. But I can say that if I’m only going to have one really good goth shot, this is the one I want 
I was so lucky to have such a great first shoot. I think that shoot really gave me the confidence to really jump in to modeling and I will always be thankful to John for taking a chance and shooting with me.
Tags: female model, first photo shoot, glamour, goth, Gothic, model, modeling, Models, Photo shoot, photographer, photography, photoshoot
I thought I would share with you a few of my most recent photos taken during my first two photo shoots of 2011.
January Shoot
This shoot was a bit of a test, you could say, for me. It was my first shoot after much personal and modeling related drama, and was done to help me decide whether I wanted to continue modeling or not. My good friend Ted Vallejos of aglet photography agreed to shoot with me. Here is the lovely first “fruit” of that shoot:
Photographer: aglet photography (Ted Vallejos), Jan 2011
With that result (and that only being one of many photos we both liked), I did of course decide I should probably give modeling another chance.
February Shoot
My second shoot was once again with Ted, but also with Bob Cassady as a sort of workshop to shot how Ted and I shoot. Perhaps not the best representation of a shoot as we are close friends and pretty much goof off while shooting, but always fun nonetheless and I think Bob enjoyed both watching us and shooting.
Here are three of the images Bob Cassady shot:
Photographer: Bob Cassady, Feb 2011
I think I may actually be most fond of the first image with the glasses, but it would be hard to say. Bob is great to work with. I spun around in that crinoline skirt so many times I think I almost ended up being dizzy. Lots of fun!
And of course Ted didn’t disappoint with this test shot of a concept I think he mentioned he had been wanting to try.
Photographer: aglet photography (Ted Vallejos), Feb 2011
I don’t believe I need to say much. Although I will tell you that I love those shoes!
I look forward to sharing more from further shoots and I hope some of you will take these as incentive to book something with me soon. I am just itching to model again soon!
Tags: Arts, Arts and Entertainment, model, modeling, Photo shoot, photographer, photography, shoot
Quality vs. quantity seems to be a concern that comes up in plenty of aspects in life and modeling and model photography certainly have their share of this concern. Many people would say the answer, at least in this case, would be quality over quantity any day of the week. However, what I think most people fail to consider is that we are all in a different place in our modeling and photography, so I’d like to cover why you might choose one over the other based on where you are at in your modeling or photography.
Ideally, we would like all of our shoots to be higher quality shoots. Of course this means different things for those of us in different genres and at different levels, but most of us prefer to shoot things that of equal or higher quality to our previous work, especially in terms of material we will be using in our portfolios. Paid work can be another story as many people will shoot paid work that produces images of varying lesser quality than what they would use in their portfolios. I believe that is another topic for another article.
So just what is a higher quality shoot? In my opinion this is a shoot that showcases your skill and/or talent in the best or very close to the best way possible. If you are a photographer, this may mean stunning lighting in an appropriate setting (backdrop or location) with a model suited to the genre and possibly including work with appropriate hair, make-up and wardrobe people. For a model you might be looking for the same end result, but you’ll be wanting a photographer who capture you in the best way possible for your genre.
And of course, quality can be somewhat subjective and can also vary greatly from person to person. For example, I live in East Tennessee. It can be a challenge for me to find people who can shoot the quality I have previously been capable of shooting to work with. If I lived in, say, New York or even Nashville, this wouldn’t likely be as much of an issue. And while my little predicament doesn’t make lower quality work any better, it does limit the quality I can expect to achieve in my current location. I think that is very important to note. It would be foolish for me to expect to have a top quality portfolio when I am not always able to work with top quality people.
Now why on earth would shooting for quantity ever be a good thing? I believe people who need experience can benefit from shooting for quantity as long as they are careful in what photos they use and as long as they gaining something from the experience of the shoot. Basically, if you need practice, quantity might benefit you.
For example, as a photographer you might be wanting to shoot fashion. However, you probably need a little experience before you can just jump right in, so you might use models who don’t fit the usual fashion stats just to practice your lighting, composition, etc. As a model, I’ve shot with numerous people just to work on poses or to try a new genre.
I don’t recommend shooting for quantity on a consistent basis. I believe it is most useful only at times when you need practice and then with some discretion.
Therefore, in general, I generally recommend quality over quantity.
Modeling and model photography are hobbies for many people, particularly those in this area (East TN). We aren’t really near any huge fashion capitols and there isn’t a big market for most types of paid modeling. Most of the professionals agree that if you are in this area and you want to really make a career out of modeling you’re going to need to travel or move. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with modeling and photographing models as a hobby. Models might find they can get paid for certain types of work and photographers can occasionally sell images, but for the most part my experience in this area has been that we’re doing it for fun (at least as far as model photography, I’m not including other types of photography here).
Fun does not and should not translate to unprofessional. I cannot even begin to tell you the stories I have heard and personal experience I have had regarding unprofessional behavior. A vast majority of it is so-called “harmless,” but it really damages your reputation and if you ever want to make any sort of head way you are going to need a good reputation. People do not want to work with those with a poor reputation. Why would they? They can just as easily find someone who doesn’t have a poor reputation and who will behave professionally. Just because it is a hobby does not mean people should be more likely to put up with annoying, rude, or unprofessional behaviors. Hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable. The less enjoyable you are to work with, the less likely anyone is to work with you as a hobby or in a professional capacity.
I am going to cover a few of the most common issues I’ve either seen or heard about in this area. Again, this is specific to this area (East TN), but could be true in other places as well.
There is absolutely no reason I can possibly fathom that any model or photographer would need to bring more than one person to a shoot unless the additional people are styling or doing hair or make-up or something similar for the shoot. And yet constantly I hear people talk about models who bring what I call an “entourage”. By entourage I mean additional people who are not necessary for the shoot. Boyfriends, girlfriends, “extra” photographers, friends, kids, etc. One person is usually acceptable if agreed upon prior to the shoot, but there is no reason to bring more aside from the exceptions noted above.
I understand that some people think bringing extra people is helpful or that the other person doesn’t mind. I think in almost every case that is incorrect. Extra people are almost always distracting. Many of them will try to “help” even if they are not asked with things like shoot ideas, posing, etc. They take up space and given that many people in this area use small studios or their homes, this can be a fairly significant issue. It can also make the other person/people involved in the shoot very uncomfortable. That is the number one complaint I hear about entourages. They just make things awkward. It is even worse when people bring an entourage without warning the others involved with the shoot.
It completely befuddles me why anyone would think bringing extra people is okay. It just seems like such an unprofessional thing to do. I realize what I am saying is a little bit harsh, but I have heard complaints about it so many times. And please, don’t forget to inform everyone else involved in the shoot who you will be bringing with you as you are booking the shoot.
Second shooters or “Hey, I brought my friend who is also a photographer” is another concern that I had heard discussed on the international forums, but never thought much of until it started popping up around here. Wedding and event photographers often bring a second shooter to make sure all the important moments are captured. This is a different concept than what I am discussing here. I am also not talking about shoots where two or more photographers have set up a dual or group shoot with a model. These second shooters almost always tend to be the “friends” of the model.
Photo shoots tend to be based on creative concepts between the model and photographer (and possibly stylists). As a model, I would be quite unhappy to show up at a shoot to find a second, unannounced model there shooting exactly the same thing I was. Now imagine you are a photographer and the model brings a second shooter. This second shooter will be shooting exactly the same concept. They might change up the posing or whatnot, but it is going to be really similar. That can really take the unique artistic appeal out of the concept. It can also be frustrating because the shoot was supposed to be an agreed upon amount of time between that photographer and the model. If a second person is shooting, chances are the primary photographer won’t be able to get as many shots in.
The people who like to bring or be second shooters will say they asked the primary photographer and that person said it was okay. Of course they did. What else do you expect them to say? If they say no, they risk the model canceling on them. And if the model just shows up with a second shooter, the photographer has already put time and effort into planning the shoot so they may not want to cancel at that point either even though they have every right to.
This is a common courtesy issue. If you know a second photographer who wants to shoot your concept, then you can suggest this. However, it is unacceptable to invite an additional photographer to shoot a concept of someone else unless that someone else suggested you invite them first.
All sorts of issues are bound to come up any time you combine friends with something like a business, even if it is “just a hobby.” I definitely know this one from personal experience. You can be the nicest person in the world and you’re still going to rub someone the wrong way. This shouldn’t be such an issue in a professional setting, but when you add in the social element, the rules seem to change for some people. This is particularly true during group events. You cannot please everyone. You cannot make everyone like you. What you can do is avoid conflict and not allow yourself to get too involved in any gossip or rumors.
There is nothing wrong with being friends with those you work with. I have very good friends who are photographers. Just remember that if you want to further yourself and your work that you need to work with a variety of people. You also should be wary of having your entire portfolio (or a vast majority of it) being taken by one photographer or posed for by one model. I realize this can be tough, but if you want to be considered by other models and/or photographers, you need to show that you are willing to work with them. If you just have work by one person in your portfolio it may appear that you are not interested in working with others.
I also think it’s important to note the possibility of “romantic” concerns. I’m going to stereotype here for a minute. Most of the models around here (in the hobby sector anyway) are female and many of the photographers are male. Even if the reverse were true, you’d still likely have similar issues. People will be attracted to each other. I can’t tell you how to handle this attraction, but I can tell you how not to handle it. Please do not use photo shoots or “professional” means of communication as avenues for dating. You will make people very uncomfortable and you may give yourself a bad reputation that you probably do not deserve. If you do think there is chemistry, there should be no harm in expressing interest in an appropriate way (given that the person isn’t already in a relationship). Yes, there is a chance of the person misunderstanding or causing an issue over it, but that is a risk you have to weigh out for yourself. Again, just be sure not to ask during a shoot or while planning or discussing a shoot.
First and foremost the model should agree upon having an escort or assistant with the photographer before you plan the shoot. This article assumes you have done that. If you’re interested on reading more about escorts and the differing views on them please read my article called Escorts, Drivers & Assistants.
1. The escort should know what they will be doing during the shoot. They should not simply be sitting or standing and staring at the shoot. This will make the photographer and possibly the model very uncomfortable. The escort needs to bring something quiet and out of the way to do unless they have been asked to help with the shoot.
2. The escort should not be talking during the shoot. Again, this is usually very distracting. This includes talking on the phone.
3. The escort should not be the model’s jealous boyfriend or anyone else who may take issue with the shoot. The last thing anybody needs is a jealous boyfriend complaining because a pose is too sexy or too revealing. Discuss limits beforehand with those involved in the shoot. Limits should be between the model and photographer. If the model has some agreement with her significant other then she should consider that, but there is no reason to discuss this with anyone else.
4. The photographer has the right to cancel the shoot if the escort is being a problem. There is no reason the photographer should put up with any sort of poor behavior from an escort, particularly if the escort is making them uncomfortable or like they might physically harm them. Better safe than sorry. And models should realize that photographers will likely see it this way just as a model might choose not to shoot with a photographer who comes off as “creepy.”
5. The escort should not be taking photos during the shoot with a camera, camera phone, or otherwise. The only exception to this would be if everyone agreed they wanted behind the scenes shots, but that would be a very rare exception and not something I would push for.
Assistants should follow the same general rules. They are there to help out when needed and should stay out of the way otherwise. For example, some assistants might be there to help with wardrobe or posing. They might be there as a lookout, to models up and down from higher places, to help arrange props or whatnot, etc.
I’ve said this before and I think this is a good place to say it again: put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If you were the photographer and there was an escort on your shoot, how would you like that escort to behave?
Another issue I’ve heard of involving escorts (and assistants) a couple times is at group shoots. I feel it is particularly important to let the host of the group shoot know you will be bringing someone extra and to clear it with them. Many times space at these events is limited and it is better for the event to have as many models as possible versus having fewer models with escorts. It is also very important that your escort is out of the way and does not cause a problem because if you have issues at a group event just imagine how many bad references that could create.
Remember anyone associated with you can affect your reputation and the references people give on you. It may not seem fair at times, but that is how things generally work.
