What's strip clubs typical policy with photographers? I ask because I want to do a photo project at my college involving the local dancers and I'm unsure of how to begin to go about that.
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What's strip clubs typical policy with photographers? I ask because I want to do a photo project at my college involving the local dancers and I'm unsure of how to begin to go about that.
What exactly are you hoping to accomplish w/ this project?
For one thing, photography in strip clubs is illegal in many places bc it falls under pornography-related statutes.
Many dancers are also very guarded abt their privacy. We are not zoo animals, we don't need to have our world 'exposed for the enlightenment/enjoyment of others' & many girls intend to pursue future straight careers that are not sex-worker friendly. Photographic evidence can come back to bite them long after they leave the industry.
You'd have to ask the managers/owners. Unless you're able to set up some sort of agreement beforehand like Christmas pics for example the dancers will not trust you. Not many dancers will want to be on film unless they're getting paid or they know you're not going to use the pic to invade their privacy.
Stripper or not...I don't like when strangers snap pics of me. Anyway, it's against club rules. Gotta respect privacy.
If you get a dancer who is " out " and offer free photos ( talking about this should involve already tipping her well on stage or to have a drink ), she might be willing especially if you have an ESTABLISHED portfolio .
If a dancer isn't " out " , don't bring the idea up even twice. Just respect that her privacy is very important.
Unless you have something legit to offer to the dancers, they probably wont be cool with it. We dancers get objectified enough, but at least we get paid for it. The thought of someone snapping pictures of me for the purpose of a "school project" that isn't benefiting me in any way does not sit well with me. And it wont sit well with them either. Sorry, but in our world time is money. Its very unlikely to find a dancer who will do something for free that is not on their terms.
I would do your photo project on something else.