D. Brian Nelson wrote:
Whatever you do meeting any person with the same familiarity level.  Some you nod to, others get a hug. 

After a shoot, depending on how it went, I usually do hug the model or she hugs me.  Again, depends on comfort or discomfort level.

There aren't any rules about this and photo school had nothing to say about it.

Now I'm old and fat and ugly, so if the determiner is how cute the photographer is, I should be waving at the models, but I like the affirmation that the shoot was comfortable and things went well as much as the next guy.  If the model seems reluctant...well, I guess I'd have to back off.

Interesting question.

But you know, there's something really nice about a pair of boobies pushed against one's chest.  Or back.

-Don

Actually, the old, fat, ugly ones get the biggest hugs coz they are usually the nicest!  Of course, I haven't ever personally worked with anyone with that description...ALL of the photographers I have worked with have been gorgeous!   ;-)

Gigi Model wrote:
once i met with a photog and when he firsst met me, to tinroduce himself he tried to have sex with me. I said no. he said sorry he was just so happy to see me. i said still it was not the way i do things. so we had the shoot

Why would you continue this shoot?

Jim Ball wrote:
I reserve my hugs for my loved ones.  Hugging is an intimate act.  I wouldn't hug anyone in the office where I work. (Inappropriate as hell, and a bucket of trouble if unwelcomed by the huggee)  How can hugging a model in the studio or on location be appropriate?  It's just another work environment, and the model is in the role of either co-worker or employee.

Exactly what I was thinking.  I always begin and end with handshakes.  Better to err on the side of caution than go in for a hug and have the model awkwardly pull back, put her hand on your chest to stop you, and say "Um, what are you doing?"

But whatever happens, do NOT start things off by attempting to stick a folded dollar bill in the model's thong.  Trust me, they HATE that...

JM Dean wrote:

That was my hope . But actually I’m old enough to be most models father. I usually meet with a handshake and end with a hug after they find out I’m harmless

ditto.   i rarely state things absolutely, but i believe a handshake is the right way to start a shoot with a new model you have never met.  usually the shoot ends with a hug, but that is a mutual thing.  it is always best if the photographer does not initiate anything that is unwanted!

Kizzy  wrote:

Actually, the old, fat, ugly ones get the biggest hugs coz they are usually the nicest!  Of course, I haven't ever personally worked with anyone with that description...ALL of the photographers I have worked with have been gorgeous!   ;-)

So THAT'S why you won't shoot with me huh? Just 'cause i'm not "GORGEOUS!" (Just so everyone knows, this is said with tongue firmly planted in cheek).

Eric Haywood wrote:
Better to err on the side of caution than go in for a hug and have the model awkwardly pull back, put her hand on your chest to stop you, and say "Um, what are you doing?"

Then you can put your own hand on your chest and start shouting "Here comes the big one! I'm coming home, Elizabeth!

Then she'd feel guilty!

Vestige wrote:
I think a nice handshake is best. Instead of coming across and friendly, a hug definitely might come across as sexual, even though you've stated that that's not what you want. Or it might make you come off as a bit strange and socially awkward. I know I've felt awkward when I was hugged by a someone I was just meeting and thinking: "Man, what's this person's problem? Are they drunk or something?"

But a friendly smile and a "Hey! Nice to meet ya!" while shaking a model's hand should help the friendly environment you want to create

The only time I was actually hugged by a stranger they *were* drunk.

lavive wrote:
When meeting a model (Shake, Hug, Kiss)

I shake until the crack wears off and the Jack Daniles kicks in

SKPhoto wrote:
you either get  finger in the bellybutton or boob grab.

How does a boob grab suck?..

lavive wrote:
Well it's late at night, and I'm looking foward to shooting with a few models over the weekend and beginning of the week, provided I dont get weighed down by my classes (gogo BScBiol) and it got me thinking.  The models I have dealt with have all been friends or people I know through friends, and when we first meet for the first time or for a shoot I usually give them a hug.

Now, for someone I didn't know, in the interest of being professional I would probably opt out for the hand shake.  But, from a models point of view, what I want to create is an atmosphere of trust and comfort, and the hand shake comes off as strict, formal and organized, and thats not necessarily what I want to portray in the photos.  A hug on the other hand through the physical contact and embracing, creates that relaxed, warm atmosphere.  The more comfortable the model is with me, the better the photos will turn out, it's about creating that trust, and comfort.  Kiss?  Meh, out of the question haha, I just put that in there so someone would read my thread haha.

I think im cute lol... or at least that's what I tell myself in the mirror, it's not meant so allude to anything sexual, but to break the ice and discomfort some may feel when working with someone new.

So my question to the all wise knowing MM community, what do you do, expect, or think about it?  When you first meet a new model/photographer hand shake, hug?  Comments, concerns...  Happy discussions!

Sex is always a good ice-breaker, and helps to foster a bond between the model and photographer.

Frank McAdam wrote:
A handshake is always best, Always keep it professional -- it's a business meeting, not a date -- and act accordingly.

C R Photography wrote:
How does a boob grab suck?..

Well, if he's got boobs to grab, I'd say that's certainly a problem...

Thuy Anh wrote:
I meet with mine in a Coffee Shop at any time before 7:00pm.    It's a public atmosphere, relaxed, and we can sit down to some nice coffee as we go over the papers and the details for the shoot!   I start with a firm handshake and I am a pretty tiny lady so I have my bf close by somewhere for safety for myself.  I do not give hugs because I'm not a very open person when you first meet me, I'm friendly but I keep my distance until I know more about them.  I stay pretty professional and keep everything to business.

Ahhh...I was wondering who that strange guy staring at us through the binoculars and talking into a walkie-talkie was I thought the IRS had finally caught onto me. I'm sure glad I didn't opt for the hug greeting. Whew.

Frank McAdam wrote:
In NYC, a handshake is always best when first meeting a new model.  Always keep it professional -- it's a business meeting, not a date -- and act accordingly.

I think this might be my problem. I give a handshake on a date. But since I usually buy the models dinner or at least a coffee before our shoots, I expect more. And God forbid they order an extra shot. *okay...sarcasm over*

INever wrote:
I don't touch at all. Extending your hand for a shake is actually a sign of your insecurity.

I used that line on my last job interview. I don't understand why I didn't get it?!

John Allan wrote:
Am I the only one - this seems like such an obvious thing to me....

You shake hands when meeting someone new. It doesn't matter if they are a new model, or whatever....

Affection (kisses, hugs), evolves based on the relationship between two people. It's just way too obnoxious and fake hollyweird, to greet a new person with a kiss or hug..

I think the reason why people often depart a shoot with a hug, is because the photographer/model relationship can be more intimate and can evolve a little faster, than a typical business relationship. Kind of like the hairdresser/client, or the masseause/client, or therapist/client.

John

Hey John,  As another Californian, I completely agree with you!  Hugs with people you've "just met" is far too Hollyweird unless your Dr Phil or something.

Mark Reese Photography wrote:

So THAT'S why you won't shoot with me huh? Just 'cause i'm not "GORGEOUS!" (Just so everyone knows, this is said with tongue firmly planted in cheek).

I said that coz so many of them I worked with are on here...just trying to get brownie points!  LOL