I was recently planted by a new and inexperienced model. In itself, this is not something new. The model had every right to walk away because the situation felt awkward and awkward.

However, he had not fully communicated with me, even after I had decided not to attend.

To help avoid these types of situations, here are a few tips to help you stay safe and confident, not just during your first photo shoot, but every subsequent one.

BEFORE SAYING YES TO SHOOTING

1) GOOGLE-SEARCH THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Get a good solid idea of ​​what they like to photograph. Does it overlap with what you want to do? Are there reviews, comments about this person? If their stuff makes you uncomfortable, working with them will probably make you uncomfortable.

2) CHECK THE WEB PRESENCE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Does he or she credit their models? They are new? Do they have many followers? Are there any reviews or comments about other models’ experience with this photographer?

3) GET IN TOUCH WITH FORMER MODELS
Don’t ask for references… Instead, contact reputable models to ask for their opinions. Believe me, the other models will be happy to share their experience, good or bad.

ONCE YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO IT…

3) TELL SOMEONE WHAT YOU ARE DOING
Tell someone you’re going to a photo shoot. Give them all the information you have about the photographer.

4) CONTROL SOME OF THE RUNNING CONDITIONS
If the limitations of the shot allow it, agree to meet in a public place or even film in a public place. But it’s not just the location. You need to talk to the photographer to arrange what you are going to photograph. if he has specific limits, he should also communicate them.

The photographer does not want you to be nervous and uncomfortable, that is reflected in the image.

5) ORGANIZE TIMELY CALLS
Arrange to call someone you trust at specific times. Say, every hour, to say that you’re fine and this is where you are…

6) BRING A COMPANION
Ask the photographer if you can bring someone to act as an escort. Different photographers have different views on the presence of an escort. Many don’t like the idea of ​​multiple strangers in their studio with unsupervised access to their equipment. It’s always good to ask. If they say no, it may be a concern for you.

IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO GO TO THE PHOTO SESSION
If, for whatever reason, you decide that whose you want to get on with things, tell the photographer! You want to minimize the investment of the photographer’s time and potentially the money spent on this.

Other people may need to be informed, such as a makeup artist, hairdresser, and other support people. If you don’t tell them you’re not coming, they’ll see it as frivolous at best and insulting at worst. And it is possible that the photographer can yet you have to pay the makeup artist, the hairdresser, the support staff. The sooner you tell him, the better!

DOING YOUR HOMEWORK OFF COUNTRY
I recently shot with a fantastic young lady earlier this summer. I approached her on the street, looking to fill the spot left by yet another last-minute cancellation. The concept I presented was “under the covers making faces”… This involved the iffy situation of her coming to my hotel room for the shoot.

This lady did her homework. She checked my Facebook page, my website, she checked “the dirty”…, she realized who I am and what I photograph. We set a time limit and she called a contact at specific intervals.

Because he had his security protocols in place, things went smoothly. She didn’t seem nervous at all. Shooting with her was fun and relaxed. And we check in from time to time, hoping to set up another session the next time I’m in her neck of the woods.

EVERYONE GETS NERVOUS FOR THE FIRST TIME
No matter who you shoot with, if you’re new to modeling, you’ll have to deal with nervousness and awkwardness. You are doing something new. But if this is something you really want, you’re going to have to move on.

Discomfort shows that you are pushing your limits. MUCH TROUBLE shows that you should probably get out of there. You have to take care of yourself. But it’s respectful to make sure others involved in this know what’s going on. Once you’re safe, of course.

online resources
For more information on model security, see:
Model Mayhem Educational Page – http://www.modelmayhem.com/education