Posted by Gwen: 
So is it wrong for me to announce and bring a friend to a shoot, particularly a shoot I am travelling out-of-state for?  It has been a practice of mine which usually helps me avoid GWC's; my friend is herself a photographer and has never, ever been proven to get in the way of a shoot.  Maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but there was that model murdered a while back (supposedly by the photographer; she was found wrapped in a backdrop) which was rather local to me.

I don't mean to offend when I bring a friend.  Usually it's just because I don't like driving alone (it's boring!) but have I been inadvertently offending photographers this whole time?

No way.  I always let models know they're welcome to bring someone with them.  Honestly, I do prefer to work alone with the model, but if having someone there with her will make her more comfortable and produce better images, I'm all for it. 

Most of the models I've worked with have come to the shoots alone, but I try to present myself in a very professional manner when contacting them for shoots, providing references and plenty of sample images.  I've only had one bad experience with an escort, but that was pretty mild, so I think I've been lucky. Some of the escorts have actually been really helpful.

Posted by Angie Rae: 
Haha, she must've been a youngin'... I do understand where some of these girls are coming from..but they have to understand that not all photographers are unprofessional. I had one photographer who was fixing my dress in the back, and I stepped backwards on accident, and right into him, hehe..and he had a hard-on. This guy was married and had 3 kids. I just ignored it and did the rest of my shoot with him..but do you think I will work with this guy again....um..no! He also kept telling me that he needs to take a "cold shower"..well, duh! Most of the male photographers I have worked with have been very professional and we got along great, but there are a couple whom I have had problems with. One of them hangs out at the bar every Saturday night, because I see him there when I go with my friend. Maybe he's scoping out girls to shoot, haha!  On our last shoot, he asked me to rub ice cubes on my nipples to make them hard...haha..all he brought to our shoot was a bag of icecubes... There are weirdos in every profession...I am sure there are some pervert models out there as well..hell look at some of their websites for crying out loud!, lol. 

COOL TO HEAR FROM YOU ANGIE !! THATS SO FUNNY  XX

Posted by KM: 
Hooter... hmm.. you'll find no fashion material there. well, not in WA at least.

Does anyone else find it hilarious when a new model lists "working at Hooters" as a modeling credit?  That's like a makeup artist listing their work at the Revlon counter at Filene's...

Posted by Gwen: 
So is it wrong for me to announce and bring a friend to a shoot, particularly a shoot I am travelling out-of-state for?  It has been a practice of mine which usually helps me avoid GWC's; my friend is herself a photographer and has never, ever been proven to get in the way of a shoot.  Maybe I'm a bit paranoid, but there was that model murdered a while back (supposedly by the photographer; she was found wrapped in a backdrop) which was rather local to me.

I don't mean to offend when I bring a friend.  Usually it's just because I don't like driving alone (it's boring!) but have I been inadvertently offending photographers this whole time?

The mere act of bring an escort to a shoot is not considered offensive.  In fact, it's a good idea.  So far, I've been spared the experience, but I have heard horror stories about shoots being ruined by nutcase jealous boyfriends and husbands.  My requirement for all escorts is that they be totally unobtrusive as in invisible and inaudible.  An escort who is a photographer, stylist, or makeup artist might have difficulty keeping her opinion to herself. 

Posted by DeLuxe Image: 
-Damn it, you can with one look at a portfolio of a photographer what style he shoots and his level of professionalizm.

Like hell. The only problems I've had with creepy photographgers who wanted to cop a feel were guys with exceptional portfolios and credentials. You can be a talented photographer AND a drooling pervert simultaneously.

Posted by * Visual Mindscapes *: 

Posted by DeLuxe Image: 
Meet with the photographer PRIOR working with him,
Starbucks?!

I usually meet my models at Hooters.  No joke.

Meet them?  Or "discover" them....

Prefer Club Expose myself....

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
Wow. This one is a LONG rant. But here goes ...

Posted by KM: 
Hooter... hmm.. you'll find no fashion material there. well, not in WA at least.

Posted by Gwen: 
I don't mean to offend when I bring a friend.  Usually it's just because I don't like driving alone (it's boring!) but have I been inadvertently offending photographers this whole time?

I have a secret ...

Listen up kids ...

I allow a model to bring a "personal assistant" but NOT an "escort" or "chaperone" on a shoot ...

Why?

Read between the lines. Use your head. THINK about what I'm implying ... I want my models to be comfortable and professional. If they need to bring their boyfriend along, I am okay with that. But the guy damn-well better carry your bags, help get your clothes, and hold reflectors when I tell him to. He can't be an escort. He can be an assistant.

Understand?

Read. Between. The. Lines.

Models should stop bringing "escorts" but bring "personal assistants" instead. And I do HIGHLY ENCOURAGE a model to bring a personal assistant on ALL shoots. Including working with me.

What is the difference? Simple. I'm trying to point out a change in terminology which should hopefully lead to a change in ones outlook and professionalism. Behave like a professional woman with an assistant, not like a mousy little girl who needs to be "escorted" by her boyfriend to feel "safe" with someone.

Posted by theda: 
I once turned down a photographer because he insisted on hugging me goodbye on our initial meeting at starbucks. It completely unnerved me.

That is why I pointed out that the models initiate hugs with me. It's because I'm so safe and adorable. ;-*

And I understand your viewpoint. Totally. I was just ranting, sweetie.

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
"If you have an attitude and are a jerk to your models because they won't sleep with you, Please don't message me. I don't work with jerks and I don't sleep around."

Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

Posted by Udo R Photography: 

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
"If you have an attitude and are a jerk to your models because they won't sleep with you, Please don't message me. I don't work with jerks and I don't sleep around."

Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

LOL!

Posted by Udo R Photography: 

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
"If you have an attitude and are a jerk to your models because they won't sleep with you, Please don't message me. I don't work with jerks and I don't sleep around."

Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

Now that's just funny.  I can't wait until I get a chance to spring that one on somebody!

Posted by Udo R Photography: 

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
"If you have an attitude and are a jerk to your models because they won't sleep with you, Please don't message me. I don't work with jerks and I don't sleep around."

Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

Posted by edrickguerrero photography: 
i thought it meant time for pancakes...?

Posted by Udo R Photography: 

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 
"If you have an attitude and are a jerk to your models because they won't sleep with you, Please don't message me. I don't work with jerks and I don't sleep around."

Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

Posted by vanscottie: 
I in NO WAY want to denegrate those losses of life, but you know what, if I'm a total psychopath, I'll take out your escort just as quick and easy as I'd take out you. It's just more garbage bags to fill.

Amen to that.

But, let me say this ...

I know I started this thread. I know I am the one complaining about people being "overly cautious" and all. But, allow me to play Devil's Advocate ...

I was once dating a gorgeous woman who was telling me about going out jogging in the park in Ohio and how she'd get scared if a carload of guys drove by and whistled at her.

My initial reaction was that she was overreacting and being a bit stupid. But then I had to put myself in her shoes. And the truth is, society HAS conditioned women to be over-protective of themselves. It's sad. But I understand it.

Just a few days ago, I was out jogging in a park in Los Angles. And on a rest break, some sweet hispanic lady started talking to me. She mentioned that the park was a nice place and it was "safe around here" in this neighborhood.

And suddenly it struck me again - Wow. Women have that "raped and murdered" fear ingrained into their minds so strongly! As a male, I NEVER fear for my safety when I go out for a jog or a walk. The question of "personal safety" never comes up. I mean, sure, I wouldn't do it in parts of Downtown LA at 1:00am because the streets are full of people who look like extras from the Michael Jackson Thriller video.

My point is, I truly feel compassion for the way women in our culture are brainwashed into living in a constant state of fear.

This is why I allow them to have someone accompany them on a shoot. BUT, I insist that their company be a "personal assistant" and not an "escort" because I think the terminology is an important distinction to HELP these women feel more secure, strong and empowered. I don't want a girl who feels like a "potential victim" being "escorted" by her boyfriend. I want a woman who is confident and strong and has "assistance" because she is so awesome and glorious.

Posted by Udo R Photography: 
Maybe she thinks TFP is an acronym meaning "Time For Pussy"

*laughs*  inside joke

Posted by Gwen: 
Is it just the "jerk boyfriend" type of company that photographers get offended with?

No, it's not always the "jerk boyfriend".  A lot of times, it has nothing to do with the escorts behavior at all, it's the models behavior when the escort is present.  Sometimes a model doing a photo shoot in a style that she would normally be perfectly comfortable with will be uncomfortable doing it in front of the escort.  The model may be distracted by their presence, find it hard to be "sexy" or not want to wear certain outfits.  Sometimes models will look to the escort for approval instead of focusing all their attention on the photographer.  These are all things that drive photographers nuts.

Posted by Gary Davis: 
No, it's not always the "jerk boyfriend".  A lot of times, it has nothing to do with the escorts behavior at all, it's the models behavior when the escort is present.  Sometimes a model doing a photo shoot in a style that she would normally be perfectly comfortable with will be uncomfortable doing it in front of the escort.  The model may be distracted by their presence, find it hard to be "sexy" or not want to wear certain outfits.  Sometimes models will look to the escort for approval instead of focusing all their attention on the photographer.  These are all things that drive photographers nuts.

Then the model is unprofessional. Who's on the set shouldn't matter.

Posted by theda: 

Posted by Gary Davis: 
No, it's not always the "jerk boyfriend".  A lot of times, it has nothing to do with the escorts behavior at all, it's the models behavior when the escort is present.  Sometimes a model doing a photo shoot in a style that she would normally be perfectly comfortable with will be uncomfortable doing it in front of the escort.  The model may be distracted by their presence, find it hard to be "sexy" or not want to wear certain outfits.  Sometimes models will look to the escort for approval instead of focusing all their attention on the photographer.  These are all things that drive photographers nuts.

Then the model is unprofessional. Who's on the set shouldn't matter.

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"

Posted by RFAphoto: 
Bravo Doug!

I think there are an Astounding number of GWA (Girl With Aspirations) out there who simply put up a few crappy pix and figure Revlon, SI, or the Ford agency are going to see that webcam pic and come to knock on their door with a pile of cash. Or maybe it's do they can say "Look I'm a model" I honestly don't know. I just know it's frustrating to try to sepeate the Wheat from the Chaff so to speak.

Long ago I decided some co-eds go on OMP and some other sites to impress boy friends and/or sorority sisters.  When I see the University area zip code I probably will not query that model.  I’ve lost track (well, I never did track) the number of models I queried with nude photos that later claimed they do no nude work.  My greatest peeve is models that fail to respond to queries.  How much effort does it take to write, “I’m not interested” if they’re not interested. 

I had one boyfriend that insisted on being on the set.  He made the model uneasy; I threw him out and haven’t attempted to work with that girl since.  I had one father at a very young children’s shoot (the mother was a former model).  The father was making faces to get the kids to smile and laugh when I was trying for the opposite effect.  When I realized what was happening behind my back, I ended the session and their employment.  I had one newbie teen that looked to her mother for approval on every pose.  Haven’t worked with her since.

....Thom

Posted by Herb Way: 
I wish there were some way that the dingbat, ego tripping model wannabe's with attitudes and the lecherous GWC's could only connect with one another and leave the rest of us alone.

Hey, that's an opportunity!! Is "gwc.com" taken? Maybe the Internet needs a site for dippy models and goofy photographers. Put a field in the search engine so that models can indicate if they are:
a) drama queens
b) OK with occasionally having their ass patted
c) says she won't do nudes but will if you ask hard enough

and "photographers" can indicate if they:
a) shoot entirely with on-camera flash
b) masturbate over their pictures when the model is gone
c) masturbate over their pictures while the model is there

I think it'd be a big hit!

mjr.

Posted by Marcus J. Ranum: 
Hey, that's an opportunity!! Is "gwc.com" taken? Maybe the Internet needs a site for dippy models and goofy photographers. Put a field in the search engine so that models can indicate if they are:
a) drama queens
b) OK with occasionally having their ass patted
c) says she won't do nudes but will if you ask hard enough

and "photographers" can indicate if they:
a) shoot entirely with on-camera flash
b) masturbate over their pictures when the model is gone
c) masturbate over their pictures while the model is there

I think it'd be a big hit!

mjr.

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 

Listen up kids ...

I allow a model to bring a "personal assistant" but NOT an "escort" or "chaperone" on a shoot ...

I'm 16, my mother  comes with me to shoots. She chaperones. Something about calling my *mother* a Personal Assistant seems a little off ...

Is it different if the model is 18+ and is bringing her boyfriend, though?

Posted by Xi: 

Posted by EricMuss-Barnes: 

Listen up kids ...

I allow a model to bring a "personal assistant" but NOT an "escort" or "chaperone" on a shoot ...

I'm 16, my mother  comes with me to shoots. She chaperones. Something about calling my *mother* a Personal Assistant seems a little off ...

Is it different if the model is 18+ and is bringing her boyfriend, though?

Well... there is nothing wrong when YOU say that you bring your mother!

I have sometimes mothers, fathers, sisters and the whole family.

One time, I almost threw the mother out because she was giggling the whole time... and let the father and sister stay... lol... I am not kidding...

The problem is that "escort" is used almost like "bodyguard" and that bodyguard doesn't do squat at the shoot.

If the term is changed to assistant, or someone who assists you... changes the entire atmosphere of the shoot... hey... it makes it even more professional for the model as well.