Forums > Newbie Forum > Shooting females under the age of 18.

Photographer

zach

Posts: 5

New York, New York, US

I was approached this week on Model Mayhem (my first week on here) by a 17 year old asking if I wanted to shoot with her.  I'm new to portrait/modelling photography.  For me it is totally fine and i think younger people have a lot to offer in terms of stunning shots and looks. But I do worry that somehow things like this could be end up being trouble.  Especially unforeseen issues I haven't even considered.

Any thoughts on shooting people under 18?

Jan 09 16 03:30 pm Link

Model

CamelliaFlower

Posts: 385

New York, New York, US

If you want to be technical about it this applies to all young people under 18, not just females.

But basically just don't be stupid. Nothing explicitly sexual, no nudity or anything that can be seen as pornographic. Sexy, whatever, but not explicit. This is obviously somewhat subjective but for myself personally as general guidelines I'd say, anything you can safely show on TV--buttcheeks, cleavage, midriff, is "safe" as long as the model is willing. I'd steer clear of pubic hair (and in general steer clear of focusing on the crotch area) and anything fetishistic.

Be clear on what you will be shooting when communicating.

And this applies to working with legal-aged models as well, but respect a model's boundaries and limits! If you ask for a certain pose or something and she/he is uncomfortable don't try to talk them into it. Don't do anything that could be construed as pressuring that the model could later say as "I didn't want to do it but the photographer kept asking so in the end I gave in".

It may be a good idea to get a Minor Release Form signed by the model's guardian. At 17 it seems almost silly because they are almost adults but in the eyes of the law they are still underaged and thusly "children".

Sorry if this sounds scary...not my intention to freak you out lol.

Jan 09 16 03:42 pm Link

Photographer

TomFRohwer

Posts: 1601

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Shooting females under the age of 18.

Btw: is there a difference shooting males under the age of 18?

Jan 09 16 03:48 pm Link

Photographer

Paolo D Photography

Posts: 11502

San Francisco, California, US

Zachary Heilman wrote:
I was approached this week on Model Mayhem (my first week on here) by a 17 year old asking if I wanted to shoot with her.  I'm new to portrait/modelling photography.  For me it is totally fine and i think younger people have a lot to offer in terms of stunning shots and looks. But I do worry that somehow things like this could be end up being trouble.  Especially unforeseen issues I haven't even considered.

Any thoughts on shooting people under 18?

Just a thought, since you mention not having much experience with "portrait/modelling" photography:
Get some more shoots under your belt before working with kids.

The main thing when working with minors, especially female minors when youre a male is how you carry yourself and how her parents would perceive you / your intentions.

For example if your main profile pic is a shirtless bathroom mirror selfie, (or your profile is full of nudes), you're probably opening yourself up to liability.

Jan 09 16 03:50 pm Link

Model

CamelliaFlower

Posts: 385

New York, New York, US

TomFRohwer wrote:
Btw: is there a difference shooting males under the age of 18?

Not legally...but I can understand if a male photographer is more wary of shooting an underaged girl vs an underaged guy, or a female photographer in either situation. Simply because an accusation under those circumstances has more risk of being damaging.

Jan 09 16 03:52 pm Link

Photographer

Francisco Castro

Posts: 2628

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Always always always have a legal guardian (a buddy isn't going to cut it) in the same room as the model; getting hair/makeup, changing, shooting, etc..

If the guardian has to step away from the set to make a phone call or for any reason, STOP SHOOTING.

If any adjustments need to be made to the model or the model's clothing, let the guardian do it.

When sending communications to the model before or after the shoot, copy the guardian on all messages.

In other words, for all intents and purposes, think of the guardian as your protection.

This may sound overly cautious, but do you really want to take a chance on a he said/she said situation with a minor? Win or lose, you lose.

Jan 09 16 04:27 pm Link

Photographer

Hero Foto

Posts: 989

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Back when I shot under 18, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot youth sports, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for Boys & Girls Club, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for local designers, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

Jan 09 16 05:23 pm Link

Photographer

zach

Posts: 5

New York, New York, US

I agree with the idea of a guardian.  Thanks for the tips.

Jan 09 16 06:27 pm Link

Photographer

zach

Posts: 5

New York, New York, US

Also, I asked about females because I was trying to quickly figure out the appropriate way to handle this situation (she was a female).  She was escorted by her mom.  I think having a mother at your shoot could be an entirely different thread but I was glad she was there.

Jan 09 16 06:46 pm Link

Photographer

Paolo D Photography

Posts: 11502

San Francisco, California, US

Hero Foto wrote:
Back when I shot under 18, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot youth sports, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for Boys & Girls Club, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for local designers, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

I've shot with unsupervised minor models before. *shrugs*
If everyone has experience and acts decent to eachother theres no problems.
Its the same as any other shoot, hobbiest or pro.
Just make sure their parents know where theyre at.

Only difference for hobbiest:
If you shoot mostly adult themed images; best not to work with kids.

Also:
Props to the OP for changing his avatar. *thumbs up*

Jan 09 16 06:49 pm Link

Photographer

L O C U T U S

Posts: 1746

Bangor, Maine, US

My advice to anyone wanting to shoot under aged kids is; Cover your ass.
Know local and state laws on this subject as well.

Jan 09 16 06:51 pm Link

Photographer

Hero Foto

Posts: 989

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Hero Foto wrote:
Back when I shot under 18, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot youth sports, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for Boys & Girls Club, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

When I shot for local designers, guardian, mom/dad/grand parent was present.

Paolo Diavolo wrote:
I've shot with unsupervised minor models before. *shrugs*
If everyone has experience and acts decent to eachother theres no problems.
Its the same as any other shoot, hobbiest or pro.
Just make sure their parents know where theyre at.

Only difference for hobbiest:
If you shoot mostly adult themed images; best not to work with kids.

Also:
Props to the OP for changing his avatar. *thumbs up*

It was a CYA move on my part.
Why?
Cause people SUCK. There's a lot of twisted, messed up folks out there.
I'd rather shoot with witnesses and tons of people than face any type of legal battle.
Besides people SUCK.

Jan 09 16 07:04 pm Link

Photographer

Paolo D Photography

Posts: 11502

San Francisco, California, US

Hero Foto wrote:
It was a CYA move on my part.
Why?
Cause people SUCK. There's a lot of twisted, messed up folks out there.
I'd rather shoot with witnesses and tons of people than face any type of legal battle.
Besides people SUCK.

people don't suck.
i have faith in humanity.
...sometimes.

Jan 10 16 01:04 am Link

Photographer

Hero Foto

Posts: 989

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Paolo Diavolo wrote:
people don't suck.
i have faith in humanity.
...sometimes.

wink

Jan 10 16 07:52 am Link

Photographer

Kent Art Photography

Posts: 3588

Ashford, England, United Kingdom

It is a well-known fact that children are the spawn of Satan.

Jan 10 16 08:11 am Link

Photographer

Jim Stainer Photography

Posts: 4

Jonesboro, Arkansas, US

Personally I never put myself in any situation where I am alone with any woman that is not my wife.  But more to your question I work with a lot of students and am very careful with them.  Even the mere hit of indiscretion could ruin your reputation and it's not worth the risk. 

As a practical matter it's also really nice to have a parent there to double check they look and hold reflectors.  I tend to get caught up in technical details and miss the hair sticking up!

Jan 14 16 08:23 am Link

Photographer

Vagabond Jack

Posts: 1202

Hampton, Virginia, US

I simply don't work with minors I am 68 and one of the benefits of old age is the ability to be very selective on who you work with. To me working with minors is frought with legal perils. I simply stay with adults and will ask for proof of age if I even think the model is under age.

I know I am an extremist but I feel very comfortable with this course of action.

Jan 26 16 02:49 am Link