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| Article: The Elephant in the Room |
Most photographers are men, most models are women and the Elephant in the room is something nobody likes to talk about.
Models want to model and photographers want to photograph but we all know there are a few bad apples that cause us all to be more careful. As a professional photographer, I can tell you we worry about that psycho model that will eventually show up and cause problems. Models worry they might end up alone in a small room with a disturbed man. Finding the right person to work with is not completely without risk. So how do we work together?
Communication is the key. Good old fashioned common sense will get you 95% of the way. Models should take a few minutes to look through the portfolio of the photographer who has approached them or that they are interested in. You can’t just say “Yeah I’d love to” when a total stranger offers you the chance to model. Find out if they work from their home or a studio. Check references on NMD by viewing samples and by contacting other models they have listed. You don’t have to over-think it and freak yourself out but a few basic checks will give you valuable piece of mind. Modeling can and is fun most of the time. Don’t let the few bad apples put you off. Just take a couple minutes to be cautious and when you are satisfied the photographer is right for you, go for it.
Photographers and agents have more responsibility. Before listing models, photographers/agents need to obtain accurate measurements and openly discuss the types of work the model will perform. Almost all photographers eventually have to ask someone about nudity and we sometimes worry we might alarm the model unintentionally. We sometimes have to reassure mothers, fathers, boyfriends and anyone else the model brings around to check us out.
As photographers and agents we want models to carefully investigate us but it takes valuable time to go through the motions with them. Don’t rush it. Communication is easy through NMD. You can email the model to ask questions. Usually we see some samples of their work and if we are lucky, we can email a photographer that worked with them to ask about their professionalism. This really comes in handy because we have all sat in a studio waiting for that model that never shows up. It’s frustrating and irritating. We can nearly eliminate that by checking them out a little first.
About measuring models; if you have a small studio and need measurements, the process can have its own concerns. Generally, models are measured in some stage of partial or full nudity. This can be awkward for some models especially if they are a complete amateur. It helps if you have a person of the same sex do the measurements but that is not always possible. In my studio we measure and certify. Models with us can bring a certification with them to jobs and therefore not have to be measured everywhere they go. Some models might like to have a friend or relative with them while being measured. Start by clearly explaining the process. Explain how measurements are taken and why. If the model seems nervous, I find it helps to allow the model to assist. Some measurements can be taken from behind the model. Also, it helps to keep a towel or robe handy, allowing models to keep covered as much as is possible. Be sure you measure fast and make good notes. You certainly don’t want to have to do it twice! Try to avoid touching any sensitive areas and if you do need to touch the model, announce it and ask. As photographers who see people everyday, it is easy to become comfortable and forget that for the model, being measured is not a daily routine. Take the time to talk openly with your model and things usually go smoothly. Remember, the more comfortable a model is with you, the better the pictures will be.
This business does not always have the reputation it should. By taking advantage of the tools NMD provides and by using some common sense, we can all help to keep the industry healthy and fun for everyone. |
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| Comments about The Elephant in the Room |
| zikadyy rated at 06-15-06 20:26:42 |
| good |
| MeL rated at 06-14-06 16:01:53 |
| Great Article |
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