Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
I have come across this a few times now and feel compelled to say something:
photographers, please, for the love of all that's good and fluffy, SAY SOMETING if you work out of your home and you have pets.
I have stepped into the umpteenth photographer's den now, to work out of their kitchen/garage/living room/bedroom/whereverthefucktheyshootat, only to be greeted by someone knee-high and beady eyed.
Now I love all mother Nature's creatures, but some of the gals you may want to point your fancy apparatus at may be sniveling messes if you wait to ask them if they are allergic to your dog until they meet face-to-face. (That's how one particular group shoot ended in a shit-show: model allergic and has to go home, ratio already super tight... Good times. )
"Oh I hope you don't mind, I have a [insert your critter here]", is super cute, and thankfully I am not afflicted, but 'minding' and being blindingly allergic are two different things.
I know a bunch of youse who've shot themselves in the foot by hiring a gal only to have to send her home after 5 minutes of hanging out with Cujo or Mr. Mittens.
Photographer
Maxximages
Posts: 2478
Los Angeles, California, US
Yep i mention my 2 puppies in all my first messages. Not only for allergy sake but some people may just have an aversion to dogs or whatever your pet maybe.
Photographer
KungPaoChic
Posts: 4221
West Palm Beach, Florida, US
I know businesses that have pets in the office or shop too.
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
KungPaoChic wrote:
I know businesses that have pets in the office or shop too. And that's their business.
With people who walk into that business with the option to leave immediately if they find it to their dislike, since they are the ones who shop, not the ones who are bringing the business.
A model walking into a job not knowing there is/ are [again, insert critter] , is different than your insurance guy taking his terrier to the office which I can choose to leave.
If I show up and get blinded immediately, because they forgot to mention you have pets, I will still want to get paid, shoot or no shoot. I did my part by letting them know I do not shoot outdoors in certain States because the bugs will send me to the ER, for example.
I think it's just as much the photographer's responsibility to advise about pets as they would advise about rusty nails in abandoned structures, poison Ivy in the shooting area outdoors, and other crap that would sincerely diminish a model's ability to work (which is supposedly why one gets hired. To work, not to hang out with your pets).
And every time I read any of your posts, all I do is get the munchies!!! GAR!!! 
Photographer
Solas
Posts: 10390
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Anything against pet rocks with googly eyes?
Model
Isis22
Posts: 3557
Muncie, Indiana, US
My ex-husband was one of those highly allergic types. He couldn't be in my house for 10 minutes and was an absolute mess and wheezing. My half-sister was bitten by a dog when she was little and she is still traumatized from it. I imagine shooting with a dog loose would be a no go with her as well.
Model
P I X I E
Posts: 35440
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
If I have photographers shooting in my apartment, I always mention that I have 3 cats early on.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
P I X I E wrote:
If I have photographers shooting in my apartment, I always mention that I have 3 cats early on. And you could not pay me to shoot you in your house. So I get it.
And it matters not what the critter.
I have had a model state that she would not step into a house with snakes, even if they were under lock and key (figuratively) in another room.
And another model only allowed me the privilege of shooting her, because it was going to include one of the snakes.
And the model is due the minimum agreed amount, if she has to leave due to allergies.
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
we have cats and always mention that upfront.
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
I have these Critters. ![https://www.chud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/critters20.png]()
Model
P I X I E
Posts: 35440
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Herman Surkis wrote:
And you could not pay me to shoot you in your house. So I get it.
And it matters not what the critter.
I have had a model state that she would not step into a house with snakes, even if they were under lock and key (figuratively) in another room.
And another model only allowed me the privilege of shooting her, because it was going to include one of the snakes.
And the model is due the minimum agreed amount, if she has to leave due to allergies. I completely understand. I would hate to make anyone uncomfortable.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
P I X I E wrote:
I completely understand. I would hate to make anyone uncomfortable. Unless you had medivac, in which case...
Photographer
DougBPhoto
Posts: 39248
Portland, Oregon, US
Yes, it should be mentioned up front and in advance, period.
Of course, many people don't think of others, and many can be so used to their pets that it genuinely does not cross their mind.
Personally, if you ever come here, I will try to see if the sloth can be gone.
Photographer
Emanelle Photography
Posts: 135
Le Roy, New York, US
Up to fairly recently we had 4 rabbits, 2 cats and a bird, I would have felt obligated to mention that little fact.
Photographer
JDF Photography
Posts: 2064
Marengo, Ohio, US
The issue of allergies, especially to cats (we have two) is brought up right from the beginning. If the model is allergic we shoot elsewhere. jmho
Photographer
TheNormGallerys
Posts: 1512
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Reasons to NOT BOOK with TheNormGallerys!
Your reasons "allergies to felines"
#1, I have three rescued kittens / cats living in this studio / condo with me!
My reasons "not that bright, low I.Q., drug use, abuse"
#2, Smokers, due to body-odor, and breath that would stop a turd in mid-drop!
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
DougBPhoto wrote:
Yes, it should be mentioned up front and in advance, period.
Of course, many people don't think of others, and many can be so used to their pets that it genuinely does not cross their mind.
Personally, if you ever come here, I will try to see if the sloth can be gone. I was rather hoping to hang out with the sloth.
I slothe well. 
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
Sungoddess Studios wrote:
![https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7728/17703574384_6c25484d1f_z.jpg]() _MG_7786 by Philip Levy, on Flickr
In his 10 year lifespan he didnot miss one photoshoot or 1 photo-op Precious!!!!!!
Photographer
DougBPhoto
Posts: 39248
Portland, Oregon, US
Amadea T wrote:
I was rather hoping to hang out with the sloth.
I slothe well. It would probably be the highlight of his lifetime, especially if you can talk golf, LOL
May need to find a new pet, the cat is becoming long in the tooth.
I wish someone would breed smaller sized german shepherds!!
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
DougBPhoto wrote:
It would probably be the highlight of his lifetime, especially if you can talk golf, LOL
May need to find a new pet, the cat is becoming long in the tooth.
I wish someone would breed smaller sized german shepherds!! They do.
My aunt used to have one. Nando. Not a working dog like the standard size ones but cute as a button.
Photographer
East West
Posts: 847
Los Angeles, California, US
When I scout locations, I will take note if the location has pets. I will make this known to crew and models.
Photographer
Good Egg Productions
Posts: 16713
Orlando, Florida, US
I choose not to have any animals for partly that reason. And partly because I'm totally lazy but weird about smells. I've been in few homes where I am surprised if I see a cat. I can often tell immediately after entering the house that telltale ammonia smell.
Dogs are different. They usually don't smell until they get up on you. Unless the homeowner is a total slob. But I can't have a dog either. 6am wakeups to go out doesn't fit my lifestyle.
As a result, no person has ever come into my house and had an allergic reaction.
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
MDWM wrote:
When I scout locations, I will take note if the location has pets. I will make this known to crew and models. Your half- arsed attempt at sarcasm aside for a second,
I always appreciate being told whether there are fucking snakes in the outdoors I'm to be nekki in. There were more than a few occasions where I walked with a stick to stir up the old rattlers in CA...
Photographer
Jerry Nemeth
Posts: 33355
Dearborn, Michigan, US
Amadea T wrote:
Your half- arsed attempt at sarcasm aside for a second,
I always appreciate being told whether there are fucking snakes in the outdoors I'm to be nekki in. There were more than a few occasions where I walked with a stick to stir up the old rattlers in CA... I have had rattlesnakes and scorpions at shoot locations.
Photographer
DougBPhoto
Posts: 39248
Portland, Oregon, US
Amadea T wrote:
Your half- arsed attempt at sarcasm aside for a second,
I always appreciate being told whether there are fucking snakes in the outdoors I'm to be nekki in. There were more than a few occasions where I walked with a stick to stir up the old rattlers in CA... at mine.... Vipers and Cobras, oh my !!!
Photographer
NYC fine art nudes
Posts: 263
New York, New York, US
If I were a model and highly allergic to "critters", I'd simply ask during the back and forth of messages: "hey, would you happen to have any animals ? ...I'm really allergic to _____ ".
I wouldn't make the assumption that all photographers are going to be mindful of that and mention it from the onset.
Photographer
East West
Posts: 847
Los Angeles, California, US
Amadea T wrote:
Your half- arsed attempt at sarcasm aside for a second,
I always appreciate being told whether there are fucking snakes in the outdoors I'm to be nekki in. There were more than a few occasions where I walked with a stick to stir up the old rattlers in CA... I don't see how you see sarcasm in my comment... I'm agreeing with you.
I'm mindful of people who have allergic reactions to animals. When I scout a location, I want to know if there are any pets/animals to be concerned with. If someone in my crew or models have a problem with animals they can decide to work or not.
I'm speaking from the commercial level of shooting where there's lots of money on the line and canceling a shoot because of someone's allergic reaction is not an option.
Photographer
Evenfall Photography
Posts: 308
Menifee, California, US
Don't go near the door at the end of the hall! ![https://wegeekgirls.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/hey-you-guys.png?w=640]()
Photographer
Lightcraft Studio
Posts: 13682
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
And don't forget to mention if you have an attack cat (or whatever): ![https://hollywoodwebs.com/AttackCat.jpg]()
Model
Dea and the Beast
Posts: 4796
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
NYC fine art nudes wrote:
If I were a model and highly allergic to "critters", I'd simply ask during the back and forth of messages: "hey, would you happen to have any animals ? ...I'm really allergic to _____ ".
I wouldn't make the assumption that all photographers are going to be mindful of that and mention it from the onset. When shooting at your own house I would very much make the assumption that you'll kindly let me know about the potential perils of your household. Just as much as you would let me know that you have a creepy neighbor and we can't use your back yard to shoot or where to park my vehicle, I would assume you'll advise of Cujo/Mr. Mittens/Ringtailed Lemurs.
Just like I would assume that people coming to my house to shoot would be interested to know that I have pet rats and a bunch of other fluff.
Some are afraid of dogs.
Some just don't like any animals.
Photographer
Herman Surkis
Posts: 10856
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Dea and the Beast wrote:
When shooting at your own house I would very much make the assumption that you'll kindly let me know about the potential perils of your household. Just as much as you would let me know that you have a creepy neighbor and we can't use your back yard to shoot or where to park my vehicle, I would assume you'll advise of Cujo/Mr. Mittens/Ringtailed Lemurs.
Just like I would assume that people coming to my house to shoot would be interested to know that I have pet rats and a bunch of other fluff.
Some are afraid of dogs.
Some just don't like any animals. Pet rats!!!
So if I catch the next plane...?
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_MG_7786 by Philip Levy, on Flickr 
