Avicdar wrote:
Toronto photographers aren't exactly getting good press these days. 

I wish there was some sort of mechanism that provided everyone with visibility of who all the creeps and predators are.

Agreed. My shoots had been going all fine & dandy, but recently I've just had a lot of bad requests/experiences.

I owe you an email though... will be coming along shortly

Randolvin wrote:
Advice for photographers:
Don’t work with models under the age of 18 and have proof (a driver’s license)
Have a parent or legal guardian present (at all times) if you can’t follow the above.
Include in your model release a waiver of liability and have three parties sign it
Don’t do ‘nude’ projects with models you’ve never worked with before
Never ever work alone with a model - always have another adult present
Require police background checks for your staff as part of their employment
Insist on models bringing a guest if you’ve never worked with them before
Never book a shoot without a phone call or a face-to-face meeting

Wow.

I have broken every rule you cite.

But, then, I offer to take the model out for a bite after the shoot.

Randolvin wrote:
Hi Amanda!

I’ve just stopped reading that thread titled “Toronto Photographer charged!â€? story posted on MM.  I think you are taking responsible action to report your suspicions to MM moderators.  However, as you don’t know any of the facts first-hand, I don’t see how you could proceed further.

From what I read on Amanda's post, and from what I heard off line she had more then enough first hand knowlege to take it too the mods to get the person in question kicked off.

Randolvin wrote:
Advice for photographers:
Don’t work with models under the age of 18 and have proof (a driver’s license)
Have a parent or legal guardian present (at all times) if you can’t follow the above.
Include in your model release a waiver of liability and have three parties sign it
Don’t do ‘nude’ projects with models you’ve never worked with before
Never ever work alone with a model - always have another adult present
Require police background checks for your staff as part of their employment
Insist on models bringing a guest if you’ve never worked with them before
Never book a shoot without a phone call or a face-to-face meeting

I mostly agree with all of the above, with the exception of the liability release. I'm still wavering on that one. I DON'T want to make everyone feel pressured. It can put a crimp on things.. that being said, I do understand the need to CYA these days, sadly.

I have worked with underage models and with the exception of one shoot (where the model's parents knew where the model was at all times) all models have had someone a company them. This is just prudent, but I wonder about it sometimes. If someone decided to go after you, then the person with them might just play ball with them. Realistically to cover this you should tape everything... and have your own assistant with you to coroborate your story.

Randolvin wrote:
Advice for models:
Don’t work with photographers without checking references.   Where no references exist and you still want to work with the photographer meet them before the shoot in a public place to discuss all aspects of the shoot.  This isn’t a bad idea anyway for first time models.  Remember to bring an adult with you. 

To models who are underage:
Find a reputable agency in your city and work with them first before going it alone.  Tell your parents you want to model!  Bring them with you to every shoot!

I think that covers the basics.  I would hope that none of what I’ve said is new news to anyone. 

All the best,

Daniel Reid
DBR PHOTOGRAPHY

Agreed, always check references, talk to the person you will be working with; get as much as possible sorted out before the date. Meet in public, if you are the photographer, bring your portfolio. Always meet before the shoot if you can, again in public, to get a vibe of who you will be working with (this applies to the photographer too). Photographers should be just as willing to act as a reference for the model, as the model should be to act as a reference for the photographer.