I started doing photography part time in 2009, then started working for a studio in 2013 until just recently. Due to copyright agreements, I can't use much of the work I've created in the last 8 years, so I am excited to build an updated portfolio for my personal brand. I will not be on MM forever, but until I have a complete portfolio for my personal business, I'll be offering TFP shoots if you fit my aesthetic. Let me know if you are interested!
For my personal and paid work, I focus a lot on Portraits and Weddings. I have a passion for creating beautiful light with lights & modifiers, and believe I have the skills to execute nearly any type of photoshoot.

General Safety tips for Models. Copy & Paste it somewhere!
1) Research each photographer you work with. There are photographers with large followings who have a history of assault, abuse, and other issues. Just because they have a large following and have shot with well-known models doesn't mean they act professionally all the time. Some photographers will target models who are just starting, have never shot before, or just turned 18, it's not always the case, but be sure to keep reading if you are in those categories!
2) Know your boundaries before the shoot. There is generally no reason for a photographer to touch you, you can get dressed yourself, oil yourself, etc. Have a plan of what you want to shoot, before beginning. Don't let a photographer convince you to switch to a nude shoot in the moment. Even if you feel comfortable in the moment, you may not later, and they may distribute them in ways you're not comfortable with.
3) Look for red flags. If they get uncomfortable or angry that you want to bring someone with you, this is a strong indicator something is wrong! If they pressure you to drink or smoke - or they offer continuously. If you are alone, it's easy to accidentally go overboard. Also consider that even non-alcoholic drinks could be laced in the worst cases. Another red flag is asking for naked or revealing pictures before the shoot, some photographers test your boundaries this way. (asking for a specific facial expression, measurements, or difficult pose-position to test mobility, may be acceptable if done respectfully.)
4) Bring someone with you when possible. This is the best way to protect yourself, have someone there to make sure there is no predatory behavior, AND it's always great to have someone to hype you up. Make sure someone is always sober, talk to the person you bring about your boundaries, that way they can know when to step in even if you are giving in to pressure/predation and you're too nervous to say anything.
5) Rate and review your photographer honestly, we all need to look out for each other in this community, sunlight is the best disinfectant.

At the end of the day, we should all be trying to make good art, make an occasional friend, make some money, but more than all of that stay safe. I want you to know that if I am your photographer, I will always respect your comfort level. You can stop a shoot at any time if you're uncomfortable without fear of upsetting me.

I hope other photographers and models will start adding this info to their profiles too.

I know I might sound like a dad for saying all that, but it's information you need before a shoot. Now I won't have to mention any of that at our shoot, we can just focus on the art :)

my insta is kylemcdonald914

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