Laura1982 wrote:
Since I have always worked with an agency before and worked with photogs I knew, I'm not sure what the rules are or how to make sure I'm going to a safe location when responding to casting calls. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Laura

Read all the 'sticky' posts in the Newbie and Modelling forums.

Plus - somebody will be along shortly to post lots of useful links for you here.

Drew

Paolo Diavolo wrote:
use common sense.
check references.
let someone know where you're going, and what time you expect to be back.

+1

Also, if you feel uncomfortable or are asked to do something you dont want to say so.  If they persist or you don't feel safe LEAVE immediately.

Neil Snape wrote:
You can never be 100% sure of anything with strangers.

Or people that you know, for that matter.

Laura1982 wrote:
Since I have always worked with an agency before and worked with photogs I knew, I'm not sure what the rules are or how to make sure I'm going to a safe location when responding to casting calls. Any advice would be appreciated.

Get to know the models in your local area.  When you are thinking about working with a photographer, ask them if anyone has any stories to share.

Look at their portfolios:
...  If he has credited models, ask them for a reference.
...  Has he worked with a variety of models, multiple times (different dates)?

Ask the models & photographers who are local to the candidate photographer.

Ask permission to bring an escort.  Some photographers are okay with that; some are not.  As a compromise, have a friend drive you to the location, leave, and come back at an agreed upon time.

If you are still worried, decline the opportunity.

The F-Stop wrote:
Bring an escort!

If anyone has a problem with that then leave.

Bringing someone with you does not mean its automatically a safe situation.
This is ignorant advice.
Laura1982, dont listen to that troll.

Its pretty simple:
If you dont feel safe taking internet modeling gigs, then don't model with hobby photographers you meet on the internet.

Work through an agency, or promo company, or work directly with businesses, or find another hobby.

Just use common sense, and have trust in people.

The F-Stop wrote:
Bring an escort!

If anyone has a problem with that then leave.

Your troll post is not wanted here.

The F-Stop wrote:
Bring an escort!

If anyone has a problem with that then leave.

Yup, it's the safest. Because you may not have the shoot then. Stay at home after all. The safest.

Laura1982 wrote:
Since I have always worked with an agency before and worked with photogs I knew, I'm not sure what the rules are or how to make sure I'm going to a safe location when responding to casting calls. Any advice would be appreciated.

I've never felt scared, threatened, or uncomfortable when planning shoots, and I've literally met hundreds of people who I initially met online.

You greatly reduce the chance of running into problems by ensuring good communication (trading phone numbers), asking other models (who should be credited in the photos) about their experience, and doing your research online about the photographer.

You should always put your safety first.  Sometimes the way people talk encourages a sense of risk-taking and dangerous behavior backed up by the suggestion that "that's what the pros do".  As a new amateur/hobby internet model, you're not a pro - experience counts for something, and so does knowing your limits and when to back out if something smells fishy.  Newbies (new to internet modeling) don't always know these things right away, and frankly,  amateur/hobby internet models don't need to take "risks" at all.  Don't get caught up in the sense that you have to take every opportunity and do everything to be perceived as "professional".    Regardless of what others might say, you should not feel pressured into doing anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, ever, but especially as a new amateur/hobby model.  Set clear goals and comfortable limits for yourself when first starting out and communicate them to photographers so that there are no surprises when you work together.

Christinare wrote:
Would you bring an escort to a job interview, or a first date, or any other time you might be alone with someone for the first time?

S230 wrote:
use common sense and let people know where you are, who you're with and when you are returning.

Katherine1959 wrote:
Take an escort!

The F-Stop wrote:
Bring an escort!

If anyone has a problem with that then leave.

Where's the shield and cape?

Katherine1959 wrote:
Take an escort! I made the mistake of not taking one, and it lead me to a bad exprience which has almost cost me my chance at modeling.My word vs the photographer.

TAKE AN ESCORT!

If you stereotype, your options will remain rather limited.

If you don't do your homework and/or don't understand the business, don't think an escort is going to fix things.

Laura1982 wrote:
Since I have always worked with an agency before and worked with photogs I knew, I'm not sure what the rules are or how to make sure I'm going to a safe location when responding to casting calls. Any advice would be appreciated.

I'll say for the most part you're in just as much danger getting out of your home and going to work or to the store.  Discuss things up front.  Don't do anything that isn't covered unless you both agree.

Escorts have been known to destroy good shoots, steal from photographers, etc.  Many photographers will cancel a shoot if an escort is going to show up.  As for me, I don't need the distraction of an escort.  If a model ever decides she doesn't trust me before a shoot, I won't waste either of our time.

The F-Stop wrote:
Bring an escort!

Really? I am a professional with a studio. What is inherently more dangerous about me than a massage therapist or a hair stylist or a sole poleprietor CPA, FFS? Would you bring an escort to see your accountant?

Eyesso wrote:
Too many "have been knowns" in here....

Escorts who "have been known" to ruin photo shoots.   And then the photographers who "have been known" to kidnap and rape llamas.  People who "have been known" to steal stuff, blah blah blah. 

Why not just apply the eternal rules of the internet meet up....

If you are meeting somebody from the internet for the first time.....meet in a very PUBLIC location, not in the woods somewhere, never at their house.   If you have any reservations, bring a friend. 

If your photographer is not creative enough to work around an escort, then they probably are not creative enough to work with in general.  Epic photos are not earned on the first photo shoot.....they come after mutual trust is established.

I've gotten "epic photos" on the first shoot many times.  Perhaps because "mutual trust" was established through pre shoot and at shoot communications.  And illustrated by the lack of anyone brought to threaten me.

sammyspade wrote:
And photographers - you have no right to say, "You don't need an escort!"

Actually, I have every right to say whatever the hell I want.

Eyesso wrote:
Too many "have been knowns" in here....

Escorts who "have been known" to ruin photo shoots.   And then the photographers who "have been known" to kidnap and rape models.  People who "have been known" to steal stuff, blah blah blah. 

Why not just apply the eternal rules of the internet meet up....

If you are meeting somebody from the internet for the first time.....meet in a very PUBLIC location, not in the woods somewhere, never at their house.   If you have any reservations, bring a friend. 

If your photographer is not creative enough to work around an escort, then they probably are not creative enough to work with in general.  Epic photos are not earned on the first photo shoot.....they come after mutual trust is established.

What a bunch of White Knight tripe.

All the creativity in the world isn't going to isn't going to make a killer shoot out of a scared model constantly looking to her boyfriend escort who's indicating with a nod or scowl what poses she can or can't do.

As for epic photos not being possible on the first shoot... Just more tripe. Mutual trust can easily be attained during and even before the first shoot. Good clear communication, a bit of research, and conditions of the shoot (that don't require a sluggo) can make the first shoot a fun, safe and productive setting.

landscapeartphotography wrote:
Yes, I do encourage models to always bring an escort. Also, tell someone the exact location and time the shoot is.

Do they have a reason to not feel SAFE around you?

landscapeartphotography wrote:
Yes, I do encourage llamas to always bring an escort. Also, tell someone the exact location and time the shoot is.

If a llama wants to bring an escort there will be no shoot with her!
I will shoot with another llama.

Tonic Dog Studios wrote:

Actually, I have every right to say whatever the hell I want.

Oh, sure.  It's just that no one should listen to you.  You're like, "I have a studio!  I've spent a lot on lighting!  I have lenses!  If that doesn't make me a personal safety expert, I don't know what does!"

Why, I'm surprised you even have time to shoot, what with all the Fortune 500s and colleges that must be breaking down your door to get you to review their campus security.  You are, after all, a photographer!  I mean, who else would they call???

Tonic Dog Studios wrote:

Actually, I have every right to say whatever the hell I want.

No, you don't.

You cannot say "fire" in a crowded theater.

You cannot advocate for the violent overthrow of the government.

On this site, you cannot levy personal attacks or "out" someone for wrongdoing, even if true.

And in most cases, you cannot practice libel without potential consequences.

But you can, if you wish, take a nonsensical position and represent that you are an idiot. If you chose to do that, you would be correct that you, in some fashion, have a right to do so. Personally, I do not advocate for this course of action. The choice is yours, of course.

Sophistocles wrote:

No, you don't.

You cannot say "fire" in a crowded theater.

You cannot advocate for the violent overthrow of the government.

On this site, you cannot levy personal attacks or "out" someone for wrongdoing, even if true.

And in most cases, you cannot practice libel without potential consequences.

But you can, if you wish, take a nonsensical position and represent that you are an idiot. If you chose to do that, you would be correct that you, in some fashion, have a right to do so. Personally, I do not advocate for this course of action. The choice is yours, of course.

+1

(Except that in swden you are allowed and can advocate for the violent overthrow of the government. It is only the act of violent overthrow they will frown upon ).