3 Things Every Model Should do When Working with a Photographer for the First Time - Model Safety Tips

Being a model can sometimes put you in crazy situations. I'm sure that if I ever told my Grammie that I was, "..meeting with a man I've never met before in the middle of the desert so he can take pictures of me tied up and nekkid next to some pretty cacti" she would have a brain anurism! It's true though, and such outrageous sounding statements are not an uncommon thing in a model's life!

So let's talk Model Safety.

If you are looking to work with a new photographer for the first time, be sure to do these three things first:

Click below to keep reading..

1. Cyber-Stalk them!
The internet is a great place.  Check out their portfolio and see if there are links to their work in other places. Do they credit their models? Have they worked with any well known individuals? Have they worked with people you know? Does their port reflect how long they say they've been in the biz? Always ask for and then check out references. Any real photographer will be happy to provide them. If they get huffy - that's all the red flag you need, shoot cancelled. Literally every professional model I know asks for references, don't let some egotistical douche with his panties in a bunch try to convince you otherwise.

Also, go ahead and google their name! You'd be surprised how much information pops up.

2. Get to know their personal info.
No, I don't mean ask for their home phone and social security number, but more often than not a photographer's public information is purely business. Be sure to learn about them - First and LAST name, where they are located, how long they've been shooting, what are their goals with shooting, etc. If you're brand, brand new and it's a local shoot many photographers are happy to get together for coffee before working together. Just never agree to meet with them for drinks, booze and professionals don't mix. Meeting in person helps to get to know more about the photographer, gives your gut a chance to feel them out (ALWAYS go with your gut!) and also gives you both an opportunity for brain storming to ensure a great shoot. Which brings me to...

3. Discuss all details & limits prior to the shoot.
Wardrobe, make up, location, how many looks, releases, rates, escorts, transportation etc, make sure it is all clear *and in writing* prior to your shoot. On the note of transportation - I would recommend never getting into a car with a stranger, or letting them into yours. Some of you don't drive, which then brings up back to the importance of reference checks, as well as leaving shooting information with a friend/partner (more on that soon).

Also make clear nudity limits and expectations. Be sure to discuss these limits up front prior to shooting. This helps to shoot down the "pushy" photogs who ask you to go beyond what you are comfortable with (these are NOT professionals). 

This is also important as I have had it happen more than once where I have shown up only to find out that they wanted to do some implied shots. This can leave both me and the photog annoyed since there is some prep work involved with implieds (shaving.. clothes lines.. skipping that third bowl of mashed potatoes the night before.. etc.) So I am now sure to clarify beforehand.


Regarding Escorts...
An escort is always a good idea as well when working with someone for the first time, or if you're new in the business, but only if you have a GOOD one. This means do NOT bring the jealous boy toy or the chatty girlfriend. These escorts are ultimately disruptive and in the way. A lot of photogs I know no longer allow escorts after being burnt too many times (a photog I've worked with in Seattle just this week had his checkbook stolen by a model's escort!) so make sure it is someone who is professional and trustworthy.

Personally, I prefer to have an assistant especially at outdoor shoots, and have yet to have a photographer say no. Little do they know that my "assistant" is in fact my husband.. but only use this if you do in fact have an escort that is also knowledgable and handy on set!


As a Precaution:
Even if you have done all the above, it is always a good idea to leave the personal information you've gathered with a friend or family member. This means - photographers name (first and last!), business name, phone number, location, and what time you are scheduled to be done shooting by.

Bonus points: Let them know you will text once the shoot is over, and to call you if you haven't by a certain time. You can also ask the photog to send a photo beforehand, as the majority do not have one in their port (if you're a photographer reading this, I suggest you add one!) and be sure to leave that with your friend as well.

It's a lot of work, but your safety is worth it. I mean it.

​And not that I recommend this, but I also always carry mace in my purse. You know, because it's a crazy ass world! 

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And remember, it is NEVER appropriate for a photographer to touch you without your permission. 

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We all know the difference between comfortable contact and the unwelcome kind. If they are trying to assist you in posing, or need to adjust wardrobe or hair, simply ask that they please ask first. A professional will respect that. Should the situation become inappropriate, you can find some advice on what to do HERE, but please know that advice is rather useless, as we run on instinct when caught in unpleasant situations. The best advice is to do your best to prevent a situation, and make friends with as many models as you can!

We work hard to keep each other safe <3

This business is great but it can also be risky, so be sure to have fun and be SAFE!! When in doubt, ask for the opinion of others! A lot of time your gut intuition just needs affirmation.

I can speak from experience about shoots when I got lazy and failed to do these things - And I can say that it's no fun learning the hard way! Remember, no photos are worth risking your safety, and if you encounter a photog unwilling to cooperate with any of the above, then your port is way better off without 'em!!

XOXO
JNT

p.s. This does not all apply to just meeting with photographers. Anyone new 'in the bizz' that you don't have personal connections with you should proceed with caution. It is always better to be safe!

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