DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Erotic Photos and a Model's Accusations
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 35, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 11/08/2007 07:44:25 PM · #1
A friend of mine who does erotic photography recently had a call from a model's mother. It seems this model told her mother and husband that the photographer 'touched her inappropriately' and supposedly filed a police report, which never materialized. Neither the mother or husband believe her as she is, in her mother's words, a chronic liar.

I know there are some crazy people out there, but do any of you out there require the model to sign a post-shoot release saying the photographer acted appropriately and they are satisfied with the shoot?

I'm interested in doing some erotic work, but don't want the hassle or possible legal issues associated with it.

The best answer is don't do it to start with...
The next is don't work with a questionable model...
Third... have other people present, escorts, etc...

thanks
-chad
 11/08/2007 08:00:57 PM · #2
#3 always have a third person
11/08/2007 08:03:59 PM · #3
Always have a third person present, very preferably the same gender as your model.

It's always a good idea to avoid working with anyone you find questionable.

The release would probably do you no good as the person could always claim they signed it under duress - plus they could simply refuse to sign it.

~Terry

Message edited by author 2007-11-08 20:04:19.
 11/08/2007 08:07:22 PM · #4
4. Set up a video camera in the corner and video the whole shoot in a wide-angle view.
 11/08/2007 08:17:02 PM · #5
Never done glamour/erotic (hec even portrait) photography but 3 & 4 sound like a must!
 11/08/2007 08:46:35 PM · #6
Always always have a 3rd person you know and of the same sex as the model present all the time. 4. works too.
 11/13/2007 04:52:29 AM · #7
Originally posted by ct_lane:
I know there are some crazy people out there, but do any of you out there require the model to sign a post-shoot release saying the photographer acted appropriately and they are satisfied with the shoot?


No. I work with sane people.
 11/13/2007 06:02:34 AM · #8
I've recently started hosting some photographic activities for the local photography club and the first five minutes or so of every meet go over a few things regarding modeling as a job.

I include a few words about some really basic stuff, then highlight a few things regarding conduct and legal issues.

-- do the release. If they won't sign it say 'thanks for the time' and send them packing.

-- ALWAYS have others present, both one party on your side and one who is a friend of the other party. DoctorNick recommends having two on your side. This would be wise too. More hands is always good. Lighting helpers, hair and make-up helpers. lots to do! For the Uni projects, I try for 4 shooters and 2-3 models.

-- discuss the type of photography and outline a few specific shots that you are looking for so the model knows beforehand what will be expected of them.
Do this on paper and if it includes nudity/erotica, make sure they are aware of this and understand what is involved.

I've not done anything erotic/nude, so I'm sure there are a few extras that I would prepare beforehand if I were to go in that direction.

The first thing that comes to my mind would be the inclusion of a brief definition of terms along with a few checkboxes so I could have an opportunity to assess the comfort level of the model with what she/he is doing. The list would include specific terms which I would adhere to throughout the shoot for professionality such as 'breast', 'nipple', 'aereola', 'crotch - closed-legs', 'crotch - open-leg', 'pubic hair'.... etc

Even if things got out of hand with an overactive imagination on the part of the model later, I would hope that this would set a standard. I can imagine that some models would feel uncomfortable having the whole thing taped, but having a camcorder present for this initial orientation would probably serve some use.
11/13/2007 05:27:49 PM · #9
Originally posted by eschelar:
I've recently started hosting some photographic activities for the local photography club and the first five minutes or so of every meet go over a few things regarding modeling as a job.

I include a few words about some really basic stuff, then highlight a few things regarding conduct and legal issues.

-- do the release. If they won't sign it say 'thanks for the time' and send them packing.

-- ALWAYS have others present, both one party on your side and one who is a friend of the other party. DoctorNick recommends having two on your side. This would be wise too. More hands is always good. Lighting helpers, hair and make-up helpers. lots to do! For the Uni projects, I try for 4 shooters and 2-3 models.

-- discuss the type of photography and outline a few specific shots that you are looking for so the model knows beforehand what will be expected of them.
Do this on paper and if it includes nudity/erotica, make sure they are aware of this and understand what is involved.

I've not done anything erotic/nude, so I'm sure there are a few extras that I would prepare beforehand if I were to go in that direction.

The first thing that comes to my mind would be the inclusion of a brief definition of terms along with a few checkboxes so I could have an opportunity to assess the comfort level of the model with what she/he is doing. The list would include specific terms which I would adhere to throughout the shoot for professionality such as 'breast', 'nipple', 'aereola', 'crotch - closed-legs', 'crotch - open-leg', 'pubic hair'.... etc

Even if things got out of hand with an overactive imagination on the part of the model later, I would hope that this would set a standard. I can imagine that some models would feel uncomfortable having the whole thing taped, but having a camcorder present for this initial orientation would probably serve some use.


Regardless of whether it's erotic or nude or whatever, models are people so talk to them like people. Is it really necessary to have a videotaped orientation? This isn't the way to get people to feel comfortable.

Regarding assistants and escorts and whatnot, some people feel comfortable shooting with other people around. Some don't. Take it on a case by case basis.

I agree that things need to be discussed and laid out in the open, but this is bordering on paranoia.

As far as the release goes, it really depends on what you're planning on doing with the shots. It'd be a good idea to actually think about intended image usage before subjecting everyone to something that isn't always a necessity.
 11/13/2007 06:09:42 PM · #10
I never work with a videotape, rarely have escorts (although I do allow them) ... never have any problems. Why? Because, I talk to the models and clients first and don't shoot everyone. That includes nude and non-nude work.

If you produce quality work and act professionally, people are less likely to see you as a "guy with camera". Ofcourse, I suppose I could run into a drama queen eventually, but I'm sure I could provide enough character witnesses to disprove any false allegations.
11/13/2007 08:19:00 PM · #11
[quote=ct_lane] Third... have other people present, escorts, etc.../quote]

Hell yeah, have lots of escorts for erotic photography "sessions".
 11/14/2007 06:05:30 AM · #12
Originally posted by virtuamike:
Originally posted by eschelar:
I can imagine that some models would feel uncomfortable having the whole thing taped, but having a camcorder present for this initial orientation would probably serve some use.


Regardless of whether it's erotic or nude or whatever, models are people so talk to them like people. Is it really necessary to have a videotaped orientation? This isn't the way to get people to feel comfortable.

Regarding assistants and escorts and whatnot, some people feel comfortable shooting with other people around. Some don't. Take it on a case by case basis.

I agree that things need to be discussed and laid out in the open, but this is bordering on paranoia.

As far as the release goes, it really depends on what you're planning on doing with the shots. It'd be a good idea to actually think about intended image usage before subjecting everyone to something that isn't always a necessity.


Just to clarify, I was suggesting a different take on videotaping the entire session. However, I don't think this is all paranoia. Plenty of people out there get pretty uncomfortable about pictures of them in erotica or nude situations. Understandably so. There is reason to want to be protected as a photographer both for the reasonable and the unreasonable ones.

Having extra people around is a must, but they do need to have a specific role. They are not there to gawk. This is important regardless of the type of photography you are doing.

there is a difference between being paranoid and being organized.
 11/14/2007 07:51:08 AM · #13
Originally posted by eschelar:
Originally posted by virtuamike:
Originally posted by eschelar:
I can imagine that some models would feel uncomfortable having the whole thing taped, but having a camcorder present for this initial orientation would probably serve some use.


Regardless of whether it's erotic or nude or whatever, models are people so talk to them like people. Is it really necessary to have a videotaped orientation? This isn't the way to get people to feel comfortable.

Regarding assistants and escorts and whatnot, some people feel comfortable shooting with other people around. Some don't. Take it on a case by case basis.

I agree that things need to be discussed and laid out in the open, but this is bordering on paranoia.

As far as the release goes, it really depends on what you're planning on doing with the shots. It'd be a good idea to actually think about intended image usage before subjecting everyone to something that isn't always a necessity.


Just to clarify, I was suggesting a different take on videotaping the entire session. However, I don't think this is all paranoia. Plenty of people out there get pretty uncomfortable about pictures of them in erotica or nude situations. Understandably so. There is reason to want to be protected as a photographer both for the reasonable and the unreasonable ones.

Having extra people around is a must, but they do need to have a specific role. They are not there to gawk. This is important regardless of the type of photography you are doing.

there is a difference between being paranoid and being organized.


I shoot nudes pretty often. It's a lot simpler than you make it sound.

I also feel that if I can't trust my subjects then I'll never be able to shoot them comfortably, so why even bother?
 11/14/2007 09:33:00 AM · #14
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
If you produce quality work and act professionally, people are less likely to see you as a "guy with camera". Ofcourse, I suppose I could run into a drama queen eventually, but I'm sure I could provide enough character witnesses to disprove any false allegations.
Disproving is only half the battle. I think the point here is protecting yourself, not just from judgement should litigation occure but from litigation itself.

If you have ample paperwork and witnesses in place at the start one could argue that there is less likelyhood of having to deal with litigation in the first place. Litigation, even if judgement goes in your favor can be costly in terms of time and legal expenses.
 11/14/2007 04:35:57 PM · #15
Originally posted by Kaveran:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
If you produce quality work and act professionally, people are less likely to see you as a "guy with camera". Ofcourse, I suppose I could run into a drama queen eventually, but I'm sure I could provide enough character witnesses to disprove any false allegations.
Disproving is only half the battle. I think the point here is protecting yourself, not just from judgement should litigation occure but from litigation itself.

If you have ample paperwork and witnesses in place at the start one could argue that there is less likelyhood of having to deal with litigation in the first place. Litigation, even if judgement goes in your favor can be costly in terms of time and legal expenses.


*sigh* with all the fears of litigation, it's a wonder people ever shoot in the first place.
 11/14/2007 04:49:23 PM · #16
Originally posted by virtuamike:


*sigh* with all the fears of litigation, it's a wonder people ever shoot in the first place.


It's a wonder anyone does anything
 11/14/2007 04:52:00 PM · #17
I remember a video segment of Helmut Newton where he said, "I NEVER touch the models". That statement stuck with me and given his success I don't believe it's a limitation.

I'm sure there is still room for somebody to make an accusation, but if you can say I have never touched a model and produce a list of models to support that statement I think it goes a long way to establishing your credibility.

I also ask that people bring a guest, even for a sexy clothed session, if I do not already know them well.

Message edited by author 2007-11-14 20:50:01.
 11/14/2007 05:18:15 PM · #18
I think if you're going to have an escort there, make sure it's someone you know as well. If she's likely to lie about the situation, she may bring someone with her to back her up on that lie.
 11/14/2007 05:20:16 PM · #19
Originally posted by virtuamike:

*sigh* with all the fears of litigation, it's a wonder people ever shoot in the first place.


I agree.
 11/14/2007 05:28:34 PM · #20
Some days I think my wife must be testing me. While I've never had a woman make accusations against me, I have had them ask me to 'participate' in their session.

No, that is NOT bragging. On the contrary; I think that it shows a great deal of trust exists, and that there is no such thing as being "too" professional. And yes, it DOES require tact to turn down someone's advances while still encouraging the right mood / atmosphere (in other words, not ruining the moment.) Several models have actually told us that we are TOO nice. Do you think that would have any bearing on said (hypothetical) court case?

Me too...
 11/14/2007 08:14:12 PM · #21
Originally posted by ct_lane:

I know there are some crazy people out there, but do any of you out there require the model to sign a post-shoot release saying the photographer acted appropriately and they are satisfied with the shoot?


That's funny.

11/14/2007 08:58:19 PM · #22
I do Erotica photography and I always have my models sign a release (however it doesn't include that my behavior is going to be perfect, but simply that both parties act respectfully and that nothing be descreated after the shoot).

However, I always find it VITAL to have a third party there (a stage hand) and it really helps in this case, though I've never had this issue.
11/14/2007 09:03:41 PM · #23
so that's how you get them in the hot tub....

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
If you produce quality work and act professionally, people are less likely to see you as a "guy with camera".

11/14/2007 10:23:03 PM · #24
I was reading though some models portfolios today and came across this which I think ads to the discussion.

from models portfolio on modelmayhem.com

'Also, let's be clear. If you are so horrid that I feel like I'd need a babysitter just to safely shoot with you, why would I want to work with you at all? Typically, I try not to associate with those who give off the vibe that, should the mood strike, I might find myself taped up inside their trunk... bringing a buddy along to join me inside the trunk doesn't make much sense to me. Bodyguard or not, if you're an ax murderer I call that a bad photo opportunity. All that to say, escorts aren't my thing-- I prefer to check references. Expect me to contact several of your models before working with you. '

reiterating that she didn't say this directly to me :P
 11/14/2007 10:28:33 PM · #25
Originally posted by Chinabun:
so that's how you get them in the hot tub....

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
If you produce quality work and act professionally, people are less likely to see you as a "guy with camera".


teehee :-)
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 08/02/2025 08:02:40 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/02/2025 08:02:40 AM EDT.