Modeling Tips: Safety Precautions

We can move like a cat, but we don’t have 9 lives. In an industry with an overwhelming revolving door of talent and newcomers, it can be difficult to weed out the psychopaths and perverts from the pros. Better safe than sorry when it comes to casting, jobs, and photographers. No matter how beautiful you are, the last place you want your headshot posted is on the news about a tragic murder or rape. Life has no guarantees, but we can take some precautions to avoid dangerous situations. Here are my top 10 model safety tips:

1) DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before accepting a job or meeting with a photographer, first check with them and their business on Google. It’s free, fast, and convenient. Do you have any reviews? How do your photos look? Is your portfolio published? Website with company information? There are a ton of talented photographers who are in the midst of building their portfolio and they may not have a website but they should have an online profile with Model Mayhem, Facebook or One Model Place etc. showing some of his work. If they are a ghost, which means they have nothing online, zip, scratch, and spend. It’s just not worth the risk or the time. Use that extra time to find a photographer who is already online and is serious about networking.

2) USE YOUR REFERENCES

The easiest and safest way to find a photographer to work with is to simply ask your model friends. Not only will they refer you to legitimate people, but they will also give you the “ins and outs” of working with that particular Photographer, whether it is taking nudity, fashion, lifestyle, etc. how quickly they shoot and edit, the locations they use, and their professionalism. Knowing how a session can go based on how someone works is a bonus – you’ll know what you’re getting into.

3) TO USE CHAPERONE OR NOT?

This can be tricky. Personally, I am not a fan of escorts because I find it a distraction for both myself and the photographer. My theory is that if we cannot work together alone, then we are not working at all. Now, I’ve seen it done and I know photographers who don’t mind escorts, but I think if you decide to bring one, you should discuss it beforehand with the photographer. Be prepared to give them a reason and be honest … maybe this is your first photoshoot and you would feel more comfortable having a friend there for moral support? Or maybe you have some doubts about the type of content you will be filming? Either way, communicating these concerns ahead of time will make the shot go more smoothly. You may even find that just having this conversation with your photographer can clear up many concerns, so you won’t need a companion after all. Or you can offend them and end up without shooting, that’s fine too. Which shows the profiles I’ve seen online in which photographers rudely use exclamations to express “NO CHAPERONES, BOYFRIENDS, DRAMA, SINGLES, ONLY, etc.” in your ads. RED FLAGS! Look, both parties have the right to accept a companion, or not, but all tactfully. I perceive that ads like these are not professional and are a bit scary. Do they have hidden agendas? Why would it matter if he was single or not? I am here to model, not to go out. This is not a Match.com mockery. If the two of you can’t come to an agreement, just go ahead.

4) MEETINGS

Sometimes a photographer will want to meet with you before a shoot to discuss ideas, the project, the costumes, and meet you in person. I think these meetings can be helpful in allowing everyone to show their personality and define their vision so that filming day is fun and joyful. However, when meeting in person, especially for the first time, make sure you are in a public place. DO NOT visit them at their home or hotel. A study is fine if it’s a public building, which means it’s not your living room by day turned into a study by night. Offices are good too, but I always suggest and prefer cafes as nice meeting places.

5) TEAM

I met a model who once showed up at a photographer’s room to shoot and pulled out a disposable Kodak camera. Fortunately, the story has a good ending: He left without shooting and learned a valuable lesson in due diligence. No matter how many precautions you take, if a photographer shows up with something other than professional gear, get out of there. You couldn’t use any of those images in your portfolio anyway, this is not hobbyist hour.

6) APPROVALS

If you are hired to film in a wedding dress and there is only a neon thong for you when you arrive, pack your things and head home. If it was not in the original agreement between you and the photographer, then you have every right to leave the session. There are no remixes here. Also, photographers will typically ask you to sign some type of model release agreement. Usually this indicates the rate of pay for the job, your address (tax purposes), your age (be it legal), and your signature indicating that you agree to the stated terms. READ the entire contract and if you have any questions or concerns, please let the photographer know. You have the right to cross out or add anything to the contract, but if you do, be sure to get your signature in compliance and get a copy of the agreement before you leave.

7) DURING THE SHOT

If at any point you start to feel uncomfortable, you can always leave. First of all, you look like a deer in the headlights, it’s not cute, and second, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel confident. Make an excuse that you are not feeling well, apologize and apologize for the session or tell him why you feel uncomfortable. Maybe the indoor temperature is too cold for you? Or that you are too hot? Do you need water? A break to eat? All legitimate reasons to check yourself and the situation before you leave.

8) CALL A FRIEND

ALWAYS, always, always tell or text a friend when, where and with whom you will shoot and when it is expected to end. This is NEVER negotiable.

9) THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Just as you would never invite a stranger from the street into your home, it is the same reason you would never let a new photographer shoot at your home. Now if you have worked with them before and trust them, or know of many models who have, then it is up to you to make that decision. Just remember that inviting someone to your house where you rest every night is only a good idea if they are not stalkers.

10) USE COMMON SENSE

If it doesn’t feel right or doesn’t sound right, skip it. There are a multitude of professionals who are legitimate and will help your career soar. Never settle for something that is not right for you. Life is too short and I prefer to see your face in bright lights for a long, long time.