Safety tips

Safety tips for models

 

Firstly I would like to start by saying this is not a hate campaign against photographers but just some basic safety tips for models, most of which should be basic safety tips for anyone.

I believe 99% of photographers are genuine and have good intentions but as for the 1% you have to be careful.

Below are a few things you should consider, most I am sure you have already thought about but for starting out models it is worth thinking carefully about.

 

·        References if you get contacted by a photographer or you see a photographers work you like take a look at his/her references as many as you can, you can also contact privately a few of the models to ask them about their experience most models won’t mind this at all and will be very honest with you. If he doesn’t have any references this does not mean it is always something ‘dodgy’ ask if they are on any other sites which has available references. They should still be able to name models they have worked with which you can contact and you can also ask trusted models and photographers if they have heard of them.

 

·        You should always get contact details, name, contact number, email. If you are working at a studio the studios name, address, contact number.

 

 

·        Let someone you trust know where you will be going and how long you will be there. Text them when you arrive to say you got there safe, the photographer has met you and all is ok and text them when you are leaving also.

 

·        Chaperone's can sometimes be a touchy subject. Personally I have never taken one and I am of the feeling if you are having such big doubts that should tell you more, I am a believer in trusting your feelings. But I have also heard of models wanting to take a chaperon (each to their own, whatever makes you feel happy) and the photographer has refused. I understand the reasoning behind most photographers refusing but straight away this is going to make you feel un-easy so it might be easier to just give it a miss. An alternative can sometimes be to take a chaperon with you but while you are shooting they wait in another room so close at hand but not distracting. Either way you must discuss this with the photographer before the shoot.

 

·        Going to a photographers home studio?? This can be anything from a plush apartment with fab facilities to a dungy dirty bedsit with a sofa in the corner. Again references, ask for images, look on google street maps. If in doubt take a chaperon or say you would rather shoot in a studio.

 

·        Where are they from? If a photographer contacts you on a social networking site such a FB/Twitter I would always ask them for a link to their website if they have one and a model site if they are on one. That way you can see their work and also their references. If they don’t have any of the above I would be dubious.

 

·        Make sure you have your phone with you or close at hand at all times and that it has plenty of charge and credit.

 

·        If the photographer would like you to sign a model release form where possible ask them to send you a copy before the shoot date so you can read it through if this is not possible make sure to read the release form carefully especially if shooting nude. But remember if you are working with the agreement of TF they can use the images also and the photographer will hold the copy write.

 

·        Don’t drink alcohol during a shoot not even to “loosen up”.

 

·        If a photographer claims to be from a big company, agency or magazine etc you can easily find out if this is true by googling the company and phoning their direct/office number they will soon tell you if the person is legit.

 

·        As for the same with many things in life. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

·        If you are under the age of 18 you should have a trusted adult with you during the shoot. The photographer should not be asking anyone under the age of 18 to shoot anything that can be considered sexual, or of a sexual nature.

 

·        Before the shoot you should both have discussed the levels and genres you will be shooting on the day and there should be no confusion. If the photographer tries to push your levels, makes you feel un-comfortable, un-safe, awkward or anything don’t be afraid to say NO! No matter how ‘well known’ they think/say they are. If a photographer does say or act inappropriately in any way towards you LEAVE! Do not carry on with the shoot.

 

·        You should not pay an agency to be on their books. If they think you have what they are looking for they believe they will be making money from you. Good agencies understand they have to put time and money into new models to get back what they put in. Agencies will also need a few basic shots not dozens. Asking models that you admire what agency they are with and who they would recommend would be good and also look at google where there are lots of pages of recommend and not recommend agencies.

 

·        Be safe in your surroundings. There may be time you will be asked to shoot in abandoned buildings, climb trees or walls. Maybe even lay in a lake of freezing water, pose with animals and many more things. Think about your safety, where your standing, the risks, the law, keeping warm. Remember if you are looking to model as a job if you get ill or hurt that could mean a week or more of not being able to work, losing money through one shoot.

 

These are just a few points that you should consider all may not work for you and others that are not here may. The main point is if you don’t feel safe then don’t do it. There are so many good and lovely, professional photographers out there, there is no need to work with the ones that are not. At the same time always remember to treat people as you would want to be treated acting professional at all times.

Vicky
xx