Yes.
I called this “model behavior” because this is geared to
understanding the rights and needs of our models... even the paid
kind.
I'm
not shy about the fact that I was a model years ago. I feel that
time on the other end of the lens has given me insight that some
photographers will just never understand. I also have been
uncomfortable with my surroundings, something that every woman can
tell you is all too common an occurrence when any form of even mildly
sexual topic is involved. It is from this perspective that the
following post was written; I am posting it in the “raw and
unedited form” that I want you to witness.
In
the last few weeks there has been a good deal of chatter between
myself and one of my favorite models about the concept of “escorts”.
No, not the kind that wealthy business partners pay for while on a
trip so they can have arm candy. I'm talking about the kind that are
there as an assistant and a bodyguard for the model while they are on
location for a shoot. And I am going to be completely clear here...
I SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO BRING AN ESCORT 100%.
I
will ask that they take a seat in my waiting room while shooting any
subject 18 and over. This is because I work in a small studio space,
and there is a big risk of tripping over equipment cords or
distracting the model. I keep parents in the room with children, and
if the model is not there for a boudoir shoot or actively changing,
the door stays open so there is no feeling of a threat. I usually
suggest that the escort be the same gender so they can assist with
outfit changes or even hair and make-up application in some cases.
What
I do not support, is an escort that is a significant other or highly
distracting friend. I will ask anyone with lewd or offensive
language and behavior to remove themselves from my studio. I do this
because it is my right to keep a clean and welcoming atmosphere for
myself, my clients, and my landlord (and fellow renters). I will not
allow an escort to sit in on a boudoir shoot because that is a very
personal situation that requires the model be able to stay serious in
what can often be an uncomfortable situation; but I also take the
time to talk to my clients about what they can expect from a session
so there is never anything they feel pressured to do.
There
are behaviors I will not support from a model or an escort because
they are unprofessional and speak to the lack of respect held by that
person for the photographer and their business.
I
do not support models or escorts who feel it their right to make a
mess. I am not your mother. I have my own family to clean up after.
If you or your escort want to bring a drink or a snack, that is
fine. I just ask that you recycle your bottles and cans, toss your
food wrappers in the garbage, and act just as you would on a job
interview. Consider me your potential boss, and know that I do not
give recommendations lightly. You will need to earn my respect if
you want to receive future offers for work when I have paid shoots
and need to find a model for hire.
I
do not support having an escort come in and babble on their cell
phone while in the room. Actually, I require that clients turn their
phone to silent or completely off while we are shooting because it is
a distraction. I have gone so far as to turn away sittings because a
parent refused to turn off their phone or even put the device down.
I know that turning away business seems counter intuitive, but I will
do it because I believe in running an ethical and focused business.
I
do not support models or escorts who feel the need to complain,
argue, or generally cause problems when I am giving direction for a
pose or an outfit. I have a rough picture in my mind before I ever
walk into the studio. I will listen to requests for poses or image
types. I will listen to a model who says that pose is uncomfortable
or needs help with body placement to achieve the right look. I will
never force a model to be nude, pose suggestively, or do something
that makes them feel unsafe in some way.
What
I will not support is a model that thinks they have the right to make
things harder on others. I'll make it very clear right now, if you
want to throw a fit and storm out because you are not being pampered,
I will not be hiring you on as a model. Divas don't get rich just by
behaving badly to those around them, they get rich because they have
a look we can sell even if they make others miserable in the process.
Models have to understand that the photographer knows what they are
doing (or should if they are any good at their job). If we ask you
to drop your shoulder, turn your cheek slightly, shift a hand up or
down slightly... chances are it is because we see something that
doesn't look right. We might need to make a few changes or moves
before things come out just right; this means we are doing our job
well.
If
you want to be taken seriously as a model I suggest you keep the
things I covered here in mind. Always ensure that there are specific
terms and they are clearly hashed out before you ever agree to a
session and/or any money changes hands. You have the right to say
“no” when you are asked to do anything that violates your agree
upon terms or makes you uncomfortable. You do have the right to
bring an escort to private sessions, but in the case of large shoots
with a crew you may want to skip it because they will end up being in
the way of those working. Both the model and their escort must agree
to behave as guests and respect their host's property both physically
and verbally. There is much to be said for professional behavior in
the modeling business... practice it and you will be far more
successful than the self important divas that never took the time to
learn the words “please” and “thank you”.
