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I put together a great opportunity for a tiger shoot: Editorial Style Theme with 600 Pound Tiger (Nude) Believe it or not, after having the casting up for several weeks, I only got 2 replies. Neither model had representative photos in their port that they could do this type of editorial work and where asked to submit photos for review. I haven't heard from either one since. The physical requirements were pretty easy: you must be athletic in physique and exhibit fitness, health, good teeth, clear skin and feminine in appearance So I need you to tell me what is wrong with the casting and why few models are interested. Is it: Models consider it too dangerous? It was offered TF? It is not spectacular enough? Toronto is a wasteland for models? You tell me. I'm not going to argue with anyone, I just want to see your thoughts. Aug 30 14 05:07 am Link All of the above? Sounds cool but if a shoot is TF only I just generally don't even have time. Not sure if you mentioned if it involves nudity but that's really hard to find for trade. Don't know what else to say. Aug 30 14 05:34 am Link I read the casting call and the only thing I could come up with is that maybe models are afraid. While it's awesome that you made sure to explain the seriousness of working with a big cat, the strong wording involved strikes me as something that may intimidate some people. The only other reason for the lack of replies that I can think of is the stipulation about no inked models... It may reduce your options. I doubt it would reduce them so significantly though; I imagine there are plenty of un-inked models in Toronto. Perhaps do a search for models with the specs you're seeking, then contact the qualified candidates individually and ask if they'd be interested? ETA: I didn't realize the OP wasn't insured for this. Definitely would never do the shoot when liability for tiger maulings isn't covered. Aug 30 14 05:37 am Link I'd say it's a combination of all those things. Since this is very obviously a seriously risky assignment, I don't think anyone will even consider it without significant compensation. I think that most models would also require a substantial insurance policy paid by the photographer or owner of the animals. Fun is fun, but no amount of sugar coating is going to convince people who have never worked with dangerous animals that this is a safe activity. If I were going to consider doing something like this, one of my first questions would have to be this: show me proof, in videos or photos, that this/these tigers have previously been exposed to nude females in close proximity for long periods of time. If they haven't, then no one is going to want to be the first to try. I'm not going to accept photos of a girl in a skimpy circus outfit either, since no matter how clean the model is, there are going to be certain odors associated with the genital area when clothing is completely absent, that will be more obvious to the tigers than if she had a circus costume panty on or a leotard. I see nothing that can be done to control that either. I would also need to know if the trainer/handler is certified, how much experience they have, and if there will be at least a couple of people inside the cage who are armed in case something should go wrong. If it's just a private owner who thinks it's fun to have tigers, but has no real professional experience in handling them with strangers, then no thanks, I think almost no one would be willing to do what you propose. Since a substantial number of models have tattoos, including having none as a requirement severely limits your pool of potential models in the Toronto area. It sounds like the photos resulting from this would be really cool, but the process of getting to that point is going to keep nearly everyone who thinks that from offering to participate. Is there a model or two who would do this, and meets all of your requirements about appearance, physique, and no tattoos? Probably so, but you might need to advertise to a wider group of potential models. Aug 30 14 07:49 am Link If I can shoot also, I have a model for you. Message me. Aug 30 14 08:07 am Link Yeah I forgot to say I think I would have some significant concerns about mauling too Aug 30 14 08:27 am Link Tori Alice Descoteaux wrote: Of course you would Aug 30 14 08:47 am Link Only two in Toronto for a nude shoot with a live tiger? What's wrong with people these days. Aug 30 14 10:39 am Link I see a combination of two things. Shooting with a wild animal that could kill you pretty instantly, and the requirements on physical appearance you are requesting. You want height/weight appropriate, clear skin, no tattoos, full nudity, no pay. Models can't wear a lot of makeup, can't use hair products and can't even wear deodorant. I've worked with big cats before. The model was a trainer, and had a relationship with the particular animal since its birth. But there was still one hairy moment when the guy wanted to check me out, and the male trainer had to put himself between me and the animal. I'm not surprised you did not get a line of people wanting to risk their lives for a trade shoot. Aug 30 14 10:56 am Link Your castings about the tiger and the one about "no boundaries" make for great sequential reading. What I'm really interested in is the profiles of the two models who, presumably having read the text, are responding and saying, "sure, I'll lose the clothes, where's the tiger?" Aug 30 14 11:15 am Link There is risk in almost every thing we do whether it is driving to work or shooting with dogs, snakes or tigers. What is acceptable risk is what everyone has to decide for themselves. If you read my profile, you will that I have taken many risks and paid dearly for them. When you look back in time, people came accross the ocean in the Mayflower to risk improving their lives. My view is decide what goals you want, consider the risk and go for it. I look a how many humdrum photos models have in their ports and can't understand why more of them would not want to have images that set themselves apart. Aug 30 14 11:24 am Link Dorola wrote: My guess would be, Models consider it way too dangerous, to do for a simple TF shoot. Aug 30 14 11:25 am Link I would be stoked at the opportunity to shoot an editorial with tigers, but there are safety issues as others have pointed out. I, personally, would want at least one trainer per animal. At least. I've been around tigers and other wild and exotic animals. Well trained ones with good handlers and are not easily spooked with a docile, submissive manner STILL attack, they still bite, etc. its risky. Hell, even a tiny little rabbit will bite your finger off if you touch it wrong. Another thing could be that you're just offering trade. Are you thinking of submitting them somewhere? Just offering images is hardly worth risking serious, possibly career killing injury or death. Publication in a worthwhile magazine *could* maybe make the gig more appealing to models. Aug 30 14 11:37 am Link Why don't you take the "DANGER" out of the equation? Using the same set, same camera position, and the same lighting, SHOOT the tiger only then remove tiger, then shoot the models, then composite the two together making one image. Aug 30 14 11:39 am Link Good Egg Productions wrote: I have shot two tigers in my lifetime...of all the Animals I fear the most is a Tiger. It is knowing...that this massive Tiger can kill you instantly. They are truly beautiful up close. The Trainer had two Tigers...one was a cub of six months...and a full grown. While the Tigers was playing with the trainer I snapped away...but there was one moment...they wanted to check me out...I sat on the ground as they can toward me. It was a scary moment..because I knew, if they wanted to kill me...nothing would of stopped them! They sniffed me...and I put my hand behind the large male Tigers ear and rubbed him! The trainer said..oh u found his soft spot! The Tiger started purring! Awe! Lol. The whole time...I was 100% on edge and was happy when they got tired of me!!! And walked away. Awesome, scary moment! The power is quite Powerful. Aug 30 14 11:41 am Link OP, you suggest that maybe "Toronto is a wasteland for models?" What would give a model any confidence that you are the photographer who could plan and direct this shoot to then capture an image that would make the risk, and lack of pay worthwhile? Aug 30 14 11:54 am Link Ask Siegfried and Roy what they think of amateurs posing with tigers and see what they say . . . . . Unless you have a professional team of handlers on hand to control the tiger, it's not a good idea to even be around them. On movie sets where tigers are being used, women are not allowed on set if they have their periods . . . something to think about. I guarantee that your standard liability insurance will not cover you if there is an accident and the model gets attacked. Make sure you contact your insurance agent well before the shoot to make sure you have extra coverage. I had an amusement park as a client several years ago. They had a variety of animals on display and in performances. The amount of precautions and safety measures park officials took (not to mention the 5 page release I had to sign before being allowed access to the animals) was very impressive. Best of luck . . . KM Aug 30 14 12:00 pm Link I will say the way you wrote the casting just in the first paragraph scared me off, so I know it probably scared many models off. and by saying their can not be an escort because the model needs to be more concerned about the tiger. That would make me feel uneasy, and sorry to say but even though this may be an awesome shoot there are to many cautions to do it for free. Aug 30 14 12:02 pm Link I think the points from everyone else are all valid. Over the years I have offered up what I had thought were interesting opportunities that I was sure at least a few good models would be interested in, and got very low response. Nothing as out there as shooting with tigers, but still chances to shoot in interesting locations etc. What I came to realise is that I did not really show evidence in my portfolio that I was going to be able to deliver on the concept. For instance when I posted a casting for a hotel shoot (Boudoir style, no nudes) I didn't get many takers - I suspect because it was my first hotel shoot and most of my portfolio at the time was studio based fashion. As it turned out the results were okay but not great. In looking at your portfolio you obviously don't have any model with tiger shots, but maybe if you had done any animal shots in the past people might be more open - a snake, a horse, even a big dog might help display that you will be able to deliver. Also, even though your casting states that explicit nudity is not required, your portfolio shows a fairly high percentage of explicit shots, which may scare away some interested models that prefer more conservative poses. My suggestion would be to either hire a model or ask a favour of a model you've worked with before and do a "test" shoot first. If the results are good then you will likely be able to get your 2-3 models for the shoot. Also, while it won't help with real concerns about injury you might want to mention that you have the necessary liability insurance in place in the unlikely event that any harm comes to the model. If your subject is injured during the shoot they are going to want to know that they will at least have some financial assistance during recovery. Or take Michael up on his offer Just my $0.02 Scott Aug 30 14 12:02 pm Link eos3_300 wrote: Just saw the video and it is a woman being photographed doing martial arts moves next to a lion and then the lion jumps her. I know this is wrong but I can't help but believe the lion was thinking "OH OH so you think you can kick MY ASS?" Aug 30 14 06:17 pm Link I would do that shoot if i was in your area D: Aug 30 14 06:26 pm Link Lions and tigers and bears eat models!:-))))) Aug 30 14 06:30 pm Link Locutus wrote: Aug 30 14 06:33 pm Link Locutus wrote: Of course there is danger and I wouldn't let just anyone do the shoot. There are models (and photographers) that will do anything for money. I want models that will do the shoot for the art. Aug 30 14 06:35 pm Link i will do it! I love tiger and I belive in taking risk! Aug 30 14 06:39 pm Link I would do the shoot in a heartbeat if it was payed. Otherwise, a lot of experienced models just can't find the time to shoot for fun. Aug 30 14 06:39 pm Link "Model posing naked gets mauled by a 600lbs tiger just for art's sake" Aug 30 14 06:42 pm Link Jordan Bunniie wrote: I think you would be a great model for this. I have handlers for each cat and the cats have grown up with humans. There is a daily routine for the cats which includes human activity. If I had $$$ to offer I would offer it but prefer to work with models that are more interested in the opportunity and art rather than the mula. Also if $$$ is on the table as per a paid shoot, the workplace and legal requirements change dramatically. Where being mauled by a tiger is a horrid potential whoever also considered the infection you can from handlimg a snake or the poision from a scorpion or tarantula. If you were considering being my model, I would make you fully aware of all the details and you could make the best decision for you. Aug 30 14 06:55 pm Link Aug 30 14 07:00 pm Link Jordan Bunniie wrote: *I agree* Aug 30 14 07:02 pm Link Locutus wrote: To me, there is real magic in a real photograph. While it may be the style others to so composites, I like my work to be real time with an authentic sense of the moment. Danger may be present in the physical elements of the theme and I want the viewer to see that there was risk. Also, the theme may be viewed as a risky type by what is revealed and the relevance to our customs and beliefs in society. I suggest that everyone does what they think best and be known for it. Aug 30 14 07:09 pm Link What's your liability insurance situation? Aug 30 14 07:14 pm Link Dorola wrote: what kind of bullshit is this? Aug 30 14 07:19 pm Link Make life easy - make a composite. Less dangerous. Aug 30 14 07:25 pm Link Dorola wrote: Maybe its the being nude next to a tiger. Aug 30 14 07:30 pm Link - BP Photo - wrote: +1 Aug 30 14 07:30 pm Link - BP Photo - wrote: I would expect a model that has a aspirations to work in a fashion/editorial environment to match the requirement. All I asked is that tats and metal don't appear in the photo as I don't want to add extra editing work. On many of my other shoots, tats and metal are fine. Many of the models in my port here have them, some where the sun can shine and some where it doesn't Aug 30 14 07:32 pm Link Maybe models look at the lack of experience (or sharing that experience in the casting) with photographing such a dangerous situation. Maybe they look at the quality of photos in your portfolio and say its not worth putting themselves nekkid next to a beast. Maybe its just a slow summer. It could be any number of things. Aug 30 14 07:39 pm Link Marin Photography NYC wrote: Another thing I could do is just buy usage to a couple of stock photo and merge them. And that would be what be what it was. It just isn't my thing. Aug 30 14 07:40 pm Link Delia Mak wrote: Precautions would be taken to minimize risk. How many shows did Zigfriet and Roy have with no problems? They subjected the animals to a very repetitive time sensitive routine with distracting loud noises and bright lights. I have no interest in shooting a tiger that is mauling someone or preforming first aid. So, the risk has to be understood as full as possible and only proceed when when everyone is satisfied. I would be with the model and cat and would share the same level of risk. I plan to live well for many more years so it would be a lot safer than than what everyone accepted in Las Vegas. Aug 30 14 07:58 pm Link |
