Is He A Legit Photographer?
soooo, today I had a dude hit me up (he got my number from one of my ads) soliciting his photography, free of charge. I was extremely suspicious because I stick by the philosophy that nothing in life is free. I made him send me a bunch of credentials proving that he is a legit photographer (model mayhem site, his professional website, as well as his instagram). it all seems legit. I had him send me a message via his insta just to make sure that was actually the same person on the other end of the text. he gave me a reference of a model he had previously worked with. & she said he's legit. He also has agreed to meet me for coffee first, with the company of my friend. Idk, he's complied with all my requests, but for some reason I have a hard time believing that a photographer would offer his services for free. What do you ladies think? A red flag or no?
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
Well, it seems like you took a lot of precautions so that is good. He probably wants nudes. A lot of photographers do TFP (time for print), it is not that uncommon. I would try to bring someone to the shoot as well
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
New photographers offer free services because they want your body so to speak for their art work.
So it's like a win - win. You're both helping each other. You're helping him test out his photography skills/spare expenses by being an unpaid model while he's helping you because you will get experience and free prints for your portfolio.
I'd only recommend this if you're new to the modeling scene, tight on cash, or just interested in some free pics for your portfolio. Make sure he's not using your pics for any devious purposes that you don't consent to. Last thing you want is your images used to promote a porn site or something. So be aware of what he is going to do with your pics after the shoot.
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
If you are nervous about him using your photos inappropriately, draft up a doc stating that the photos are not to be used for resale or pornographic purposes, and have both of you sign it.
Also, ask for a few references from models he's worked with.
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
What Miss.a.p. said. Likely legit, photographers do this to test out lighting and 'riskier' poses / lighting that you can't do w paying clients. (Don't want to waste their time, risk taking images that may not work...) You are right to be cautious, maybe bring a female friend to the shoot that might like pics also - a win / win for all 3 of you!
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
My warning, even the "nicest" photographer can get sleazy. My first one just took years to get to that point but it really hurt me, I had thought he was better than that.
A lot of them whether sleazy or not want you to be happy (because tension and anger show up in professional photos) so air your concerns loud and clear before he does anything for you, so he knows where he stands.
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
Hey, I understand your concerns. Some photographers can be total creepers. I recently had one offer me a free photo shoot. I had seen positive model references. Everything seemed fine when I met him until he got creepy on me. After a photo shoot with him he brought the conversation to a weird place. He mentioned an "arrangement" that he had had with a couple models who previously worked with him, and said that he'd be willing to do more photos for me, free of charge in exchange for "play time". Basically he said that if I slept with him, he'd do as many photos as I wanted. I wanted to throw up. Then again, I have worked with a different photographer who offered me free photos and he was respectful and professional. We even became friends and still keep in contact. That guy might be a decent photographer who is just looking to test out lighting, different techniques, etc. Then again he could be the creepy type who is hoping you'll be desperate enough to sleep with him just because he did a free photo shoot for you. Proceed with caution, with any photographer offering free photography just in case he is that type. Definitely bring somebody with you, as an escort for your safety, if you do decide to work with him and carry pepper spray on you(I always do). If he is the dirtbag creep type he'll tell you that you can't bring anybody with you.
Re: Is He A Legit Photographer?
This. Get the image use outline written in your contract ( even if you are trading for images ).
I got pictures done via trade with one of my massage customers and he did an amazing job. I've used the pictures on my ads for a year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
miss.a.p1600
New photographers offer free services because they want your body so to speak for their art work.
So it's like a win - win. You're both helping each other. You're helping him test out his photography skills/spare expenses by being an unpaid model while he's helping you because you will get experience and free prints for your portfolio.
I'd only recommend this if you're new to the modeling scene, tight on cash, or just interested in some free pics for your portfolio. Make sure he's not using your pics for any devious purposes that you don't consent to. Last thing you want is your images used to promote a porn site or something. So be aware of what he is going to do with your pics after the shoot.