On being a first time model...
May. 7th, 2004 12:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
johnoNot from personal experience, but after seeing a amateur self-portrait
model approached online to pose for a photographer in a different city,
I created this list of tips on how to protect herself during the process.
I took the tips I'd read on several different web sites and in photo magazine articles,
to put together this list of tips.
As usual, YMMV and this list is probably not comprehensive.
Details, payments, rights, that's all business and the variations on the deal are endless. Make sure it's all in writing.
As a new model, you'll probably be offered TFP (Time for Prints (or CDs)). You get a CD or proof print of every image shot. Don't pay the photographer for anything, unless you want special prints.
Be certain of what you're signing. Copyrights and usage. Portfolio only, Art Shows, Internet, Magazines, unlimited rights. The default model release, torn from the book, is unlimited. For TFP, make sure you keep at least the rights for your own portfolio and personal promotion.
Treat working with a new photographer as though you were meeting someone from the net. Meet first in a public place. Bring a friend. Let other folks know where and for how long you're going to be gone.
Same thing for the photo shoot. Bring a friend, let folks know where and for how long you're going.
Don't be intoxicated before you arrive and don't accept any intoxicants there. It's professional and helps you with the next item...
Know your limits and stick to them. Make it part of the business discussion. Casual, Fashion, Sensual, Sexy, Implied Nudity, Topless, Full Frontal, Erotic, Sexual, etc, etc...
Let your friend know what your limits are and give them permission to remind you/enforce them. Your friend should be ok with your limits and being in the room while the pictures are being taken.
Your friend is an observer and bodyguard, not a photo helper, not a student of the Photographer, not a gopher and not another model. They are there for your protection and should never let you out sight when other folks are around.
You and your friend should have your BS detectors on high. Any twinge that the Photographer is trying to scam you, walk away. If photos have already been taken, insist on the film or be certain they are deleted if digital.
Be certain about what you want and are willing to do, before you sign a contract/release form and before you leave. Once you sign the release and walk out the door after the session, the photos are the Photographer's. If 2 days later you decide you didn't like the experience or 5 months later you're on the cover of a magazine, you have little recourse.
model approached online to pose for a photographer in a different city,
I created this list of tips on how to protect herself during the process.
I took the tips I'd read on several different web sites and in photo magazine articles,
to put together this list of tips.
As usual, YMMV and this list is probably not comprehensive.
Details, payments, rights, that's all business and the variations on the deal are endless. Make sure it's all in writing.
As a new model, you'll probably be offered TFP (Time for Prints (or CDs)). You get a CD or proof print of every image shot. Don't pay the photographer for anything, unless you want special prints.
Be certain of what you're signing. Copyrights and usage. Portfolio only, Art Shows, Internet, Magazines, unlimited rights. The default model release, torn from the book, is unlimited. For TFP, make sure you keep at least the rights for your own portfolio and personal promotion.
Treat working with a new photographer as though you were meeting someone from the net. Meet first in a public place. Bring a friend. Let other folks know where and for how long you're going to be gone.
Same thing for the photo shoot. Bring a friend, let folks know where and for how long you're going.
Don't be intoxicated before you arrive and don't accept any intoxicants there. It's professional and helps you with the next item...
Know your limits and stick to them. Make it part of the business discussion. Casual, Fashion, Sensual, Sexy, Implied Nudity, Topless, Full Frontal, Erotic, Sexual, etc, etc...
Let your friend know what your limits are and give them permission to remind you/enforce them. Your friend should be ok with your limits and being in the room while the pictures are being taken.
Your friend is an observer and bodyguard, not a photo helper, not a student of the Photographer, not a gopher and not another model. They are there for your protection and should never let you out sight when other folks are around.
You and your friend should have your BS detectors on high. Any twinge that the Photographer is trying to scam you, walk away. If photos have already been taken, insist on the film or be certain they are deleted if digital.
Be certain about what you want and are willing to do, before you sign a contract/release form and before you leave. Once you sign the release and walk out the door after the session, the photos are the Photographer's. If 2 days later you decide you didn't like the experience or 5 months later you're on the cover of a magazine, you have little recourse.
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no subject
Date: 2004-05-07 07:12 am (UTC)I agree with most of what you said, but to be truthful photographer's will on occasion request that the escort be in the next room instead of in the studio. They should leave the studio door open so you can be heard and they should be allowed to stick their head in from time to time. Unfortunately this is a result of too many models bringing jealous boyfriends to their shoots. It causes a certain air of tension that can be sensed and the model will often be focusing on the boyfriend instead of the photographer and their job at hand. Fortunately all my escorts have been very professional and most photographers I've worked with have become comfortable with them quickly and realized it doesn't cause a problem for them to be in the room.
It's also not uncommon for amateur or semi-pro photographer's to not have a photo assistant. It's not unusual or really unprofessional in my opinion for the photographer to ask your escort's assistance in holding a hair light or reflector. When most photographers are a little unsure about escorts being in the room, it's a great way to have your escort really close to you but not intrusive and even as a part of the creative work.
I completely agree in regards to intoxicants. That said, don't freak out if the photographer offers you a glass of water or soda while working. The lights are hot and it's dehydrating. The photographer wants you to be in top condition and comfortable. 90% of photographers will have bottled water on hand so you can feel comfortable with the safety of the water. I still opt to bring my own naglene-type bottle full of water to most of my shoots. If you aren't comfortable with their water (bottled or otherwise) just politely decline or tell them you have your own. It's a polite professional gesture, don't be alarmed by it unless it appears to be more than that.
I completely agree with knowing your limits, negotiating them upfront, and knowing your releases. The general rule of thumb is if you think at any point you might not want these pictures out on the internet or widely known of. Don't do it.