Be Safe
Some golden rules…
Use e-mail or mobile phone for making bookings.
Never give out your land line phone number or home address.
Always have a friend or family member know when and where you are modelling.
If you are suspicious about a booking…cancel it.
Avoid modelling under your real name.
Here is how one professional model works…
"I always check out the photographers web site pictures or e-mail samples first. If they contain sex or bondage or obvious pornography I decline. If the photographic quality is abysmal I also decline. I know that photographers have to start somewhere but I am now established and "bad" pictures can have an adverse affect on my career.
I insist on either a full posted address or a home or business telephone number. No genuine photographer, no matter what his personal circumstances, has a valid reason to decline.
Most of my work is away from home. I never travel without secure accommodation being arranged and paid for. I always confirm the accommodation before commencing travel.
My first best friend is my mobile phone. Before travelling to an assignment I always give one of my friends all the details. If I am travelling to someone’s home or studio by car I phone my friend as soon as I arrive and confirm the address.
60 minutes into the session my friend will phone me at the address. I give them a simple code word like "Okay Dokey" to let them know I am comfortable. If I do not give it, the friend will phone 5 mins later. If I still do not give it they will phone a local taxi company with the address and send them round. Perv’s do not like dealing with "establishment" and taxi drivers come into that category because they keep records.
If I travel by taxi to an assignment I let my friend know the taxi company. If I am picked up by car I phone my friend with the registration number.
Some photographers will make passes at you…be firm and tell them you are not interested!!! Do not under any circumstances lead them on.
I am experienced and work on my own. This is not for Newbees. If you are still gaining experience insist on bringing a friend along to help with changing and make up.
Tip: Newbees should try to find photographers in your own area. I am going to anger a lot of guys by saying that. It will be cheaper for you because of less travel. It will be easier to bully photographers who are slow in giving you your prints (many are). And dodgy photographers tend to behave more with models from their own patch (scared of Dads and boyfriends). Once you have your folio and a bit of experience you can spread your wings.
