Forums >
General Industry >
trust issues
hi, im brand spanking new to all of this, and i know i have to be careful going to shoots alone. there's a photographer from this site who has asked me to fly out to LA with him for outdoor scenic type shots. it sounds so exciting, but how can i be sure i can trust this guy. any thoughts? suggestions? Jun 24 05 02:03 pm Link First I'd suggest really looking at his work and judge the quality yourself. Then inquire if travel is paid, I wouldn't suggest doing this on your dime since you're just starting out. You are quite beautiful, I'm sure there are photogs in your area who would love to work with you! Good luck! Rich Jun 24 05 02:07 pm Link Posted by Marni: I live in LA. I can't swing a dead cat without hitting a model. Jun 24 05 02:07 pm Link Posted by Marni: Don't mention spanking to him right off the bat... Jun 24 05 02:09 pm Link He DID say he would pay, so obviously he must be for real right? I was just shocked when he was all excited about me. He was offended when I asked for references though, which made me hesitant... Jun 24 05 02:16 pm Link Posted by Marni: Saying he will pay isn't the same as paying. That really doesn't prove a thing. Jun 24 05 02:25 pm Link Saying or offering to pay and having the money safely in your hands are two separate things. Read the threads and you will learn much. As Eric said, "If so, why would a photographer from LA pay an inexperienced new model to fly here from New Jersey when he can walk down to the corner Starbucks and find 5 hot wanna-be models?" It is not logical. Not that you are not beautiful and the spanking sounds like fun, but not logical. Possible just as the Quantum William mechanics Hung theory with the Rob and Amba addition states but not likely or logical. If anyone is in for a long read then do a search for Quantum and you will find my theory that relates to the subject. And I am stating this as a photographer who think many of the safety ideas or worries are just silly. Your worries are not silly but you never know. But no references but he wants you to fly across the country, You must be getting paid enough to bid for Reese and Theda. (sorry, inside joke but start reading and you will learn.) Jun 24 05 02:27 pm Link Posted by Marni: If he won't give out references, that signals a red flag to me. Be careful! Jun 24 05 02:29 pm Link Posted by Marni: No. If he said he would pay then he is most likely NOT for real. That was my point - why would he pay to fly a girl in from New Jersey when there are 9 million willing models in Los Angeles already? Jun 24 05 02:33 pm Link Eric makes so much sense. Hmmm, Okay we will now ban all those, who have usernames that start with the letter T. Jun 24 05 02:40 pm Link Posted by Eric Muss-Barnes: I'm not a pro and I have never paid a model, but aren't there pros who pay a model for a shoot, hoping to sell the shots to a magazine or Web site or use them for an exhibit? Jun 24 05 02:44 pm Link Posted by Marni: I have a feeling I know who this is....RUN DONT WALK. Jun 24 05 02:50 pm Link Posted by JvR: Posted by Eric Muss-Barnes: I'm not a pro and I have never paid a model, but aren't there pros who pay a model for a shoot, hoping to sell the shots to a magazine or Web site or use them for an exhibit? Shooting for a magazine is usually done on spec (meaning no money is exchanged unless the photographer successfully sells the images) or as an editorial shoot (meaning the magazine pays the model and photographer to do the shoot). Jun 24 05 02:54 pm Link From the comment about being offended when asking for references, I couldnt advise to even reply to anymore emails without them. And with his original reaction, Id be very skeptical if he does send any. Verrrrry skeptical. Good luck, and stay safe. Jun 24 05 03:06 pm Link Posted by Marni: DING DING DING! Danger Will Robinson, DANGER! Jun 24 05 03:15 pm Link Why risk the chance of him being some perv. You are a gorgeous lady, but I'd never pay to have an unknown fly out to work with me, even if someone else was paying the bill. Look for photographers local to you. I'm sure you will not have any problems find photographers to work with, you are a lovely lady. Jun 24 05 03:18 pm Link Posted by Eric Muss-Barnes: Posted by JvR: Posted by Eric Muss-Barnes: I'm not a pro and I have never paid a model, but aren't there pros who pay a model for a shoot, hoping to sell the shots to a magazine or Web site or use them for an exhibit? Shooting for a magazine is usually done on spec (meaning no money is exchanged unless the photographer successfully sells the images) or as an editorial shoot (meaning the magazine pays the model and photographer to do the shoot). Thanks. And sure, I completely agree with your assessment of the guy's behavior. Jun 24 05 03:20 pm Link Posted by Marni: Get the money up front! Be sure to have a back up plan if you need to make changes for what ever reason. Many models fly out and then don't get the accommodations they thought they were going to get! When traveling, it helps if you already know someone out here you can trust, OR be able to bring someone with you. I'd be suspect of anyone in California! Jun 24 05 04:45 pm Link Is it possible for you to contact models that he has previously worked with. You are wholly permissable to ask for references. Part of being self employed and an independant worker is being safety conscious at all time. But I am sure you know this. Good luck in all you do and be well xx Jun 24 05 05:00 pm Link I'd be a little bit cautious about it myself. Like everyone says, California has so many models and wanna be's, why would he want to pay an inexperienced model to fly out there to shoot with him? could he be preying on you're being too naive to know otherwise? Anyhow, there are plenty of good photographers in the Jersey area who'd be glad to shoot with you. G-luck with your career, Ed Jun 24 05 05:17 pm Link Posted by JvR: Posted by Marni: Saying he will pay isn't the same as paying. That really doesn't prove a thing. *raises his hand* Jun 24 05 07:07 pm Link Be careful because I have heard of models being kidnapped and taken to Rodeo Dr. against their will! Jun 24 05 07:26 pm Link Yes, as the famous saying goes... "why should I pay you when I have models who will pose for free?" Of course, I use the excuse... "I'm an Asian who does nudes and has a really good looking body." LOL Remember to always let someone know where you are, where you're going, what to do in case you become missing, and it's good to KNOW other people in that area as a fall back. That way, you can stay at their place, let them know where you'll be at, or run to them for help. Leave a trail. Let someone know the photographer's name, number, address (if possible), etc. Also, since you're new at modeling, he might just be taking advantage of you. Watch out for those "GWC". lol Jun 24 05 07:34 pm Link Ok, general opinion is , Don't Do It. I'm semi-pro, have not yet paid a model, (havne't been paid by one yet, either,,lol). I alwasy encourage a model to take someone with her. Always on the first time, if not the first several times, with each photographer. When (IF) you ever become comfortable with them, then you can choose to not take an escort. And,, true many good photographers in Jersey/NYC area. =Stay there. Jun 24 05 07:45 pm Link Also you now have several photogs in your area that are interested. See you "tags" on your page. Jun 24 05 07:56 pm Link |