
Originally Posted by
EvaDarington
I really like MM and used to use it almost exclusively to book shoots when I was a full-time shoot model. I hardly use it anymore though since I really don't have the time to constantly be shooting.
If you decide to go that route I do have a few tidbits of advice.
Always check the photographer's references. Find out who he has worked with RECENTLY and email them to ask their opinion on how the shoot went. Ask about whether they felt safe, not just if he made advances. Just because he didn't do anything to a certain girl, doesn't mean that she didn't feel uncomfortable with him - that's an immediate red flag and you should not proceed with this guy. Even if you ask 10 models who loved him, and one girl felt uneasy or unsafe - better safe than sorry. You don't know whether or not someone like that is just waiting to for the perfect moment to strike.
Tell someone you trust WHERE and WHEN you will be on your shoot, and how long. Let them know the photographer's name, picture (if he has one you can provide), the address of the shoot, what time the shoot is, and how long you will be. Ask them to call you at a certain time if you wish, to check on you.
This is a personal one for me (some models scoff at my insistence on this), but I strongly advise this to EVERY girl when starting modeling. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU. I have been modeling for a very long time and I have brought an assistant with me to every single shoot. Bring someone you are comfortable with and someone who will not hesitate to alert you if something is amiss. Most photographers will be uneasy about bringing a boyfriend or spouse, which I understand. But if they ever tell you that you are not allowed to bring a friend, RUN THE FUCK AWAY. I usually have my assistants help by moving lights, bringing water, assisting with changes, etc. If a photographer has a problem with that, it immediately makes me wonder what's so important about being alone with me. I always inform the photographer that I will be bringing someone, if he says no - then bye.
I have never once had a photographer who was worth his salt say no to any of these precautions. Your sense of mind and comfort should be a priority, unless there are some ulterior motives.
Good luck, and most of all - please be safe.
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