vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

The greatest and most professional photographer that ever lived once had a lack of experience.

vbabe wrote:
I got a request for a shoot recently and the photographer has 2 photos in the port. One is a photo of himself and another I cannot tell if it's a model or himself as the lighting is a bit dark. He joined earlier last year, no tags or anything. I am iffy on it if he's been on MM for almost a year and no photos of his work online since it states he's been doing photography for years. He wants to shoot a good concept, but with no samples of any of his work, I am iffy on it.

Your questions are reasonable so ask him.   Heck, I'm curious.   Any member model or photographer who's been here for a while should have more images.   Especially someone who claims to have been shooting for years.   If you have safety concerns ask if you can bring a friend.   More importantly if its unpaid will you get images you can use.

vbabe wrote:
I got a request for a shoot recently and the photographer has 2 photos in the port. One is a photo of himself and another I cannot tell if it's a model or himself as the lighting is a bit dark. He joined earlier last year, no tags or anything. I am iffy on it if he's been on MM for almost a year and no photos of his work online since it states he's been doing photography for years. He wants to shoot a good concept, but with no samples of any of his work, I am iffy on it.

CAM the sumbitch. lol

"Provide 4 Different Photos (or more!)
At least four different photos are required for all accounts. No duplicates, re-crops, or manipulations of the same image. Members are expected to maintain a minimum of four relevant photos at all times."


i don't understand why a model would even bother to trade messages with somebody with only 2-4 photos in their portfolio. you have no idea whether you're going to get any decent images or not.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

If a model claims extensive experience and has only a few cell phone mirror photographs in their port, that is indicative of a problem. For photographers, I would expect to see some variety in both concept and models and some level of technical quality.

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

Why would you even bother, their must by more photographers near you with a stronger port to shoot with.

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

Our profiles and portfolio is how we represent ourselves on this site.  Even though he might write a "good line" of ideas, he does not represent himself well for having been around for so long.  Also he does not even have the minimal amount of images (2?) required for a membership here, as it should be at least 4 images.   You could send a CAM and let the admin of this site check him out. 

That being said, "red flags" to you personally might be considered any profile or portfolio that does not present itself to you in a manner to your own liking.   Work with those who've already impressed you with what they present of themselves through what you see of their work here.  The comments (tags) should also be considered as well.  Most important is try to find a group of "like minded" people to work with and stick with them.  You'll be happier for it! 

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
10. Will not shoot with Fat over weight photographers

just a few red flags i dont bother with.

OMG, I cannot believe that would even be an issue with some people. LOL!

vbabe wrote:
the photographer has 2 photos in the port. One is a photo of himself and another I cannot tell if it's a model or himself as the lighting is a bit dark. He joined earlier last year, no tags or anything.

vbabe wrote:
He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

I would disagree. That is not a "red flag".

That is a air raid siren with fireworks and blazing search light.

With two pictures, he can have a 60 page screenplay; but he won't be able to get those ideas on to an image. Ideas will be useless without the ability to create the images

vbabe wrote:

OMG, I cannot believe that would even be an issue with some people. LOL!

Model had asked for me to email her images of me or meet up for coffee as she does not or will never shoot with fat photographers i told her i was a body builder but she still demanded to see what i looked like lol

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

Demands, like "all images at the end of the shoot" or "I get to decide what is done with the images", unless they're planning on paying.

Nasty attitudes, including the likes of "I don't do nudes because I have morals."  Make your own choices for yourself, but when it comes to the choices others make, being judgmental doesn't look good.

Fear / threats.  "I always bring my boyfriend to shoots; it's a matter of safety."  If the model is afraid of me, how are we supposed to build a working relationship.

Lack of value for my role; "I won't work for FREE!!" or "NO FREE NUDES!!!".  Nude work is a big part of what I do, but whether or not it's in the plans for a specific shoot, I want to work with people who value my efforts.  An exchange of professional services is not "free."

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
Here is my list of what i look for in red flags.

1. Miss spelled words on bio.

2. Cell self shot images on port.

3, More Ass Booty Tail images I car to look at.

4. Credits that indicate nothing worth reading about.

5. No expierance but wants top dollar for pay.

6. will not shoot nudes unless paid the allowed amount.

7.No TFP unless you pay them for gas make up artist and wardrope

8. Must have Escort friend grandma or bouncer at shoot.

9. Demands all RAW images on day of the shoot.

10. Will not shoot with Fat over weight photographers

just a few red flags i dont bother with.

All of the above + the biggie: REFERENCES !  If he can't give references, that would be the biggest red flag of all for me. 

And, before scheduling a shoot, you might want to consider meeting him in a safe, public place.  There you can discuss his work (or lack thereof) and his vision for what he wants to shoot.  You might want to also ascertain that he has something more advanced than a point and shoot -not that good work can't be done with one, but if he's a serious photographer he's probably going to have serious tools of the trade.

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
Model had asked for me to email her images of me or meet up for coffee as she does not or will never shoot with fat photographers i told her i was a body builder but she still demanded to see what i looked like lol

I am good friends with some black male photographers here on this site.  They don't sound "black" on the phone and have told me about female models who are racist and say something upon meeting them and walk out!  I'm sure that racism still exists, and so does prejudice towards age, weight, and just not looking like the models "idea" of what a photographer should look like.  Shocking, isn't it!  And photographers are the ones supposed to be making the model look good, and therefore should have the most concern about physical appearance.   It's a strange World, huh?

Patrick Walberg wrote:

They don't sound "black" on the phone

What does black sound like?

Art of the nude wrote:
Demands, ...

Stop right there!  ANY "demands!"  I don't like people who are demanding divas.  All those with demands can take it else where. 

Patrick Walberg wrote:
They don't sound "black" on the phone

Images by MR wrote:
What does black sound like?

Man, that's a GREAT question!  They've had models say "well, um ... you didn't sound black on the phone" or some such thing.  I would love for one of my buddies to tell about that because even though I'm a mix of a whole bunch of stuff ... I look white.   I don't even know what I'm supposed to sound like! 

Light and Lens Studio wrote:

All of the above + the biggie: REFERENCES !  If he can't give references, that would be the biggest red flag of all for me.

References given by the photographer are about as handy as tits on a boar.

References in general, aren't all they're cracked up to be, but better than the above.

Google is your friend OP.....learn how to use it well. And learn how to see what's in front of you on many profiles, vis a vis, learn to read between the lines.

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
Here is my list of what i look for in red flags.

1. Miss spelled words on bio.

2. Cell self shot images on port.

3, More Ass Booty Tail images I car to look at.

4. Credits that indicate nothing worth reading about.

5. No expierance but wants top dollar for pay.

6. will not shoot nudes unless paid the allowed amount.

7.No TFP unless you pay them for gas make up artist and wardrope

8. Must have Escort friend grandma or bouncer at shoot.

9. Demands all RAW images on day of the shoot.

10. Will not shoot with Fat over weight photographers

just a few red flags i dont bother with.

How about mis spelled words in forum posts?

Ha ha just kidding....I hate grammar fascists. But one of the best models on here with amazing credits does not speak English as her first language so there are a dozen mistakes. So that is nothing to go by.

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

The very fact that you posted here asking for red flags is an indication you are not comfortable with this photographer and you have already seen enough red flags to make you concerned.  Why bother proceeding any further, just find someone else to work with.  As others have said, look for someone with a quality port that credits the models so you can contact them for their opinion of the photographer.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

A picture speaks a thousand words.

Credits are no guarantee of safety or quality. Lack of shoots doesnt mean anything, everyone starts somewhere.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

I always look at their work and their profile page. If I see they have all these requirments like.... you need to have this, you need to have that, I dont put up with this, I dont put up with that. I never bother with those folks. I'd rather not deal with that kind of arrogance. I dont care how good their work is.

Also, if someone messages me, and gives little or no infomation other than... lets shoot!

There's lots to look out for, but one thing I find obnoxious on a photogs profile is when they write FLAKES: (referring to a potential model they already assume is gonna flake out) Thats a real turn off. If you have been burned on here by someone, that's just one person. Move on, and dont take it out on every other innocent model who is reliable.

But to be safe, I always talk with them over the phone before shooting to get a feel for their character. I get their phone number's and website info and contact one of the model's they have worked with.

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

Big red flags there at least to me

vbabe wrote:
I got a request for a shoot recently and the photographer has 2 photos in the port. One is a photo of himself and another I cannot tell if it's a model or himself as the lighting is a bit dark. He joined earlier last year, no tags or anything. I am iffy on it if he's been on MM for almost a year and no photos of his work online since it states he's been doing photography for years. He wants to shoot a good concept, but with no samples of any of his work, I am iffy on it.

I'd call that red flags.  If he's been a member for a year, he should have some forum posts.  If not it's at least yellow flags.  You might also google both his screen name and his real name, if he'll give it to you.  If he won't, a very large red flag.

And you could also meet in a public place such as a Starbuck's, etc. but from the description you give of his portfolio and his time as a member, I probably wouldn't go to all that much trouble, I'd just send a "Thanks but no thanks," message, if it were me.

37photog wrote:
Mostly I look for last login date.  If it's relatively recent I'll still write them.  For the most part about 3-6months & I don't bother.  That and cell phone pics in the mirror, myspace/duckface/booty shot style stuff.

Duckface really bugs me. But demanding is the real red flag. That and putting down the work of others. -- John ==