Im on Model M and want to know what are some good ways that (for you pros) I can tell if its some pervy or if its for real. Im in L.A. so Im expectin a lotta pervs.![]()
Im on Model M and want to know what are some good ways that (for you pros) I can tell if its some pervy or if its for real. Im in L.A. so Im expectin a lotta pervs.![]()
Those damn guys with cameras are everywhere! Generally, I look at the quality of the backdrop and of the lighting in their portfolio work. If the lighting just looks like the overhead lights in a room and the backdrop is a standard motel/hotel room or worse, a wrinkled sheet, they're a Guy With Camera.
If he can't be arsed to punctuate or spell at least mostly-properly, Guy With Camera.
If he doesn't have a portfolio to show you, Guy With Camera.
If he "doesn't feel comfortable" with you bringing a friend or driver or security person, that would be a predatory Guy With Camera. (Note: don't ask to bring more than one person, and make sure that person behaves).
Every guy I've worked with who was trustworthy was at least willing to meet in a public setting beforehand. Some offered references of various models they had worked with. I don't always take them up on the offer, but the fact that they offer to meet in person to hammer out details of the shoot beforehand makes them much less risky in my view.
Remember to go with your gut. If a guy creeps you out, just say that you don't think you'll work well together (it's true, you'll probably be really nervous and stiff and it will really show in the photos). Make sure that you have on of your representatives (friend, driver, security) on site for any risky/dangerous shoots (bondage shoots particularly). I have done a couple bondage shoots, but only with photographers that I had worked with extensively beforehand, and who I trusted implicitly.
There will always be more modeling opportunities, so don't be afraid to say no if you aren't comfortable.
Good luck!
^^ I agree. Ask for referances. ANd I've found that any photog who balks at you bringing as escort or says you can only bring another girl is a GWC, not a real photog.
And absolutely go with your gut. I cant stress that enough. I didnt once and am lucky to have gotten out of there. Never again. If you dont feel right about it....even if you dont kow why you feel that way...RUN. Your subconcious picked up on SOMETHING off.
Also..if something SEEMS too good to be true...it probably is. Dont let a guy temp you with promises of extremely high paying shoots or name dropping. If a guy says he'll pay you $5K for a bikini shoot...it isnt real! But they are hoping you will be blinded by the thought of money and drop all your inhibitions.
Also: NEVER TRAVEL SOLO! (not without an agent)
It doesn't matter how much money you're being offered, that is a dangerous and possibly deadly thing to do.
If your agent books you for a travel shoot, that photog should be legit, but you still can't be too careful. Ask the front desk to change the code for your door and give you a new keycard when you arrive (some unsavory individuals have been known to get a copy of your key from the front desk before you arrive). Check in with somebody at regular intervals. Keep pepper spray or similar if at all possible. Bring a sturdy (metal) doorstop that locks into place in some fashion and kick it firmly under your door at night. Never stay at a place that has doors which open to the outside or doors that aren't heavy-duty metal.
Sorry, I don't mean to scare you, but it's better to be paranoid than the woman they're talking about on the 11'o'clock news.
All good advice here.
I usually bring a friend & demand references.
& Photogs have expiration dates- I just dumped my longtime guy. He perved out, finally.
CHECK REFRENCES!! And not just the ones he tells you to ask. Seriously.. you have to do it.
Although it can be easy to spot out shitty photographers by their photos or the creeps by how they message you.. thats not always the case.
I know of a few Michigan photographers.. who have BEAUTIFUL images, look totally legit, have a studio.. but are CREEPS! Pushing models farther than they are comfortable, never getting them their promised pictures.. I have some friends that have had just terrible experiences with them. And the sad thing is with these dudes you would have never known or guessed. I actually wanted to work with them becuase I loved their photos.. until my good photographer friend told me some of the stories models have told him. And he used to share studio space with one of the guys too.
Anyways, point is you cant judge a book by the cover! at all!
Ps - Model Mayhem is extremely nutorius for creeps, perves, and imposters! Seriously! You'd have a much better bet with one model place - photographers there have to pay to sign up and pay lots more to get a good profile.
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