Ken Sanville Photo wrote:
Whatever the models issue, if she wants an escort, that should be fine. Everyones comfort level is important.

There are about 22 trillion escort threads on this website and none of them ever go well. Congratulations OP, you just opened up one massive can of worms.

John Allan wrote:
If the photographers interested in shooting these llama herder-demanding models, would grow a pair and just refuse to use them with their risky (monetary and safety) demands, then these 'models' would be forced to act professionally or not model.

Of course there are enough timid GWCs on places like MM to keep these wannabe girls in g-string dollars for the 'pretty years' they have left.

1000

PS: welcome to Mayhem!

Click Click Click wrote:
BTW does anyone have any suggestions for models in LV?

Some of the models that hang out in this forum a really cool....

https://www.modelmayhem.com/t.php?forum_id=21

one word of warning, that forum is supposedly the underbelly of MM; you may never make it back out!

Just look under their names for location several are from Vegas.

Click Click Click wrote:
I am new to this and just hiring a couple models for a shoot in LV next month, I would like to try to shoot boudoir, lingerie and some artistic body scapes.

Hiring girls in Vegas for "Lingerie/ artistic bodyscapes" is playing with fire anyway, IMHO. There's some pretty hardcore girls and their friends in Vegas...Maybe start with some Russian girls in NYC just to get a feel for it.

twoharts wrote:
we allow escorts and haven't had any major problems (one boyfriend who didn't like any of his girlfriend's outfits). we've had moms, babies, friends, dads, you name it.

some models are just testing you by asking about escorts. they won't necessarily bring one but they want to know you would allow them to do it.

i think models are probably more at risk from men they do know then men they don't but i certainly understand their concerns and many sites advising models tell them to only shoot with photographers who allow escorts.

the funny thing is we have high school senior girls come shoot with us without their moms (the moms are aware of the shoot but often are too busy to sit in on the session itself).

I have only ever had two or three boudoir customers come with a friend (well one that we were not also shooting).  That's Mrs Smith doing boudoir!  Much like you business.  Never has a professional model I was testing come with anyone unless they were under age - actaully that is far more common given fashion models starting so young.

Abbitt Photography wrote:
1. If someone feels I pose a safety threat to them, I'd rather just not shoot them.

That's pretty much why I don't want 'em too.

John Allan wrote:
Of course there are enough timid GWCs on places like MM to keep these wannabe girls in g-string dollars for the 'pretty years' they have left.

ArtisticGlamour wrote:
It's not a bad idea to bring your own "escort" as photographer...you never know when the model's "escort" may be just a hired thug that's out to steel your camera gear while the "model" distracts you. $10K in camera gear will buy a LOT of Meth.

+1

twoharts wrote:
now that i've been doing this for a while i'm aware that some guys are doing it mainly for sex (or at least the hope of sex) so i'm sympathetic to the llamas. and we've done many shoots over the last 3  years with escorts of all kinds and have never had a major problem. i've done intimate nude shoots with the boyfriend sitting on the couch and it didn't bother me. the naked llama would jump on his lap during breaks and i thought it cute.

your assumption may be valid for some but for others i think they just don't have a problem with escorts (or at least not yet but i've been doing this for 3  years now).

maybe my situation is different because i shoot with the wife so the nature of the shoot has to be something we're both comfortable with.

But it's the llama's responsibility to be capable of identifying those that are likely to being in it for sex rather than the images. It's usually not rocket science to figure out. And there is plenty of help for newbies on some of the red flags.
But you (@models), don't get to burden me and/or put me at risk due to your fears. Maybe you shouldn't be llamaing until you (@model) figure it out.

That said, there are quite a few llamas on MM (yep I said it), that specifically target exactly those 'photographers'. So to those: reap what you (@model) sow and stay away from me.

C R A W F O R D wrote:
OK I usually avoid these types of threads but, I feel like your being sincere with your question. Sooo I'll offer up my "opinion"

When your browsing profiles looking for a model. You'll generally see a night and day difference between the quality of work from models who do this as their job, versus the models who are dead set on escorts and do this as a hobby. And when I say quality of work I mean... look at the models work, you can tell the ones who know their shit and you can see who works with kickass photographers and who doesnt.

Also, realize that just because someone has a model portfolio, it doesnt mean they're a model.

Personally, If I see this "its my right to bring an escort" in someone's profile I wont shoot with them. It's usually not worth the headache for me.

With all that said, this is what works for me and what has always produced the best results for me. I obviously cant speak for every model out there which is why I made it a point to use terms like "generally and personally".

You may want to think about paying a seasoned pro model. They always know tons of poses that work well. They often have a good understanding of how to work under lights and what types of lighting works best on them. And best of all they're pretty much always willing to help and give information IF you ask for it during your shoot. (let them know your new and wanting to learn)

Ohhh and keep in mind.. your asking for lingerie, boudoir and body scapes. Those types of shots from a newish photographer can be interpreted as "pervy creeper" which is why some models may prefer to bring an escort. It's understandable if you think about it. If you really want to shoot that stuff by all means do what you enjoy, but at the same time realize how that can come across to a complete stranger. Again, you may want to think about hiring a profesional model who specializes in that type of work. There are a ton of good ones who are used to working with new people and dont mind it at all.

and in the end... no matter who you decide to work with or what route you take... Always ALWAYS ALWAYYS be as polite and profesional as possible. This will give you a good reputation and over time that word gets out and more people are happy to work with you based on that outstanding reputation.

Take care and good luck,
Tim

Yep, you are saving me a lot of typing time.
My policy is pretty simple ... no escorts. Even if I have never had a bad situation arise the few times I allowed it.

On MM if the profile says Escorts, I say next.
One model brought her boyfriend unannounced. I relented (because). He was not a problem. During the shoot I would occasionally look at him thinking to myself, "you are dating this bitch. Why?"

On another occasion during an exchange of emails a model suddenly springs a "Can I bring my escort?". I says, " sure. you can bring your pimp". Ok, so I will never do that again, but it was fun at the time.

I personally like suggestions made on the 2 million other "Escort'" threads.
My fav. and I will use, when I don't mind wasting time, is to say " sure not a problem ... but I will need from your escort in advance, a photo ID, address and phone #, 2 references and proof of personal liability insurance". Likely end of conversation, but what the hell.

Click Click Click wrote:
BTW does anyone have any suggestions for models in LV?

For boudoir, art nudes, nobody beats this chick in regards to posing and emoting: https://www.modelmayhem.com/1408998

I have a couple dozen I can recommend, depending on what you want / budget.

Steamy Imagry wrote:
I am just going to say this quickly and easily.... I have a rule, you bring the escort, he/she has to work.  Doesn't matter if your bring 3 or 5.... They all get put to work.  Either holding modifiers, helping wardrobe or being a prop in the shot.  You bring, they work. 

One of the straws that broke the camel's back - an escort let a quite expensive light fall into a pool while he was tweeting.

Fuck that. No escorts.

I'd rather use sandbags. "Dear twitter, I cannot type, as I am holding up expensive shit. Also, I have no thumbs because I am a sandbag."

Click Click Click wrote:
I don't have a problem with a model brinig an escort, at least on paper, I was just wondering why it seams to be an issue?

Depends on the photographer I guess. Personally, I prefer to work one to one with a model - I feel more focused and I think it helps the model connect better too. Where I have allowed escorts, they are asked to stay in the other room while we actually shoot. From a chaperone point of view - the don't need to be that close to the action (and it really isn't practical in my small apartment anyway).

You probably don't want boyfriends, husbands, managers either. Especially anyone who suggests he has to be there to help the model with her poses! (as I've head at least twice before).

it is important to make a model feel safe though - i usually try and handle that by doing a coffee meet upfront. And if they must bring an escort, my rule is it must be female and she hangs out in the other room while we shoot (usually watching netflix and helping the model with clothing changes if she wants).

We are all entitled to make our own rules - models and photographers. You have to work out what works for you and stick to it. For those that don't have a problem with escorts - fine - good for you - but not for me ok?

Abbitt Photography wrote:
2.  It increases the odds of a cancelation since two people, not just one must stick to their commitment.

This is a point worth emphasizing.  I have had scheduling complications because the model had to schedule the escort as well as herself. 

I have allowed escorts in the past because I was willing to be more accommodating to get shoots when I just started out.  Now I have had enough of that.  No escorts ever.

Carolina Goddess wrote:
I cant say I always have my escort with me but There are times I just feel it necessary. I was asked to do a shoot where I was to be tied to a tree. The photographer had contacted me before gushing on about how he would like to work with me but didn't think he could contain himself. Later contacted me again offering to pay for a shoot if I could do the concept. I felt like I needed my escort and he said he just didn't think he wanted anyone around who might criticize his work. So No I will not travel out of town alone and let someone I do not know tie me half nude to a tree . When my escort IS on set he helps out any little job needed or stays out of the way.

There are models who are tied up all the time.  If you are not comfortable with the photographer don't do the shoot.

Jerry Nemeth wrote:

There are models who are tied up all the time.  If you are not comfortable with the photographer don't do the shoot.

She mentioned that he said he "didn't think he could contain himself." I can easily see why she would want an escort for that particular shoot, especially if she wanted the pictures (or money)  for it.

Miss Deux wrote:

She mentioned that he said he "didn't think he could contain himself." I can easily see why she would want an escort for that particular shoot, especially if she wanted the pictures (or money)  for it.

Exactly so I am not doing the shoot with him. I am however scheduled for 2 other bondage type shoots that I feel the photographer is professional enough to contain himself. My escort will be there holding reflectors helping with wardrobe adjustments and bringing me water.

John Allan wrote:
If the photographers interested in shooting these escort-demanding models, would grow a pair and just refuse to use them with their risky (monetary and safety) demands, then these 'models' would be forced to act professionally or not model.

Of course there are enough timid GWCs on places like MM to keep these wannabe girls in g-string dollars for the 'pretty years' they have left.

+1

AJScalzitti wrote:
Professionals don't bring escorts, not at Starbucks and not modeling (but I suspect those models who do will continue with the career aspirations at Starbucks).  It's simple, move on to the next model and consider yourself saved from the hassle that always comes from it.

+1

Herman Surkis wrote:
I personally like suggestions made on the 2 million other "Escort'" threads.
My fav. and I will use, when I don't mind wasting time, is to say " sure not a problem ... but I will need from your escort in advance, a photo ID, address and phone #, 2 references and proof of personal liability insurance". Likely end of conversation, but what the hell.

+1 I am going to have to use that one.  I will also add that an escort will have to pay a fee to be in the studio......that may be a game changer

Illuminate wrote:
You would bring an escort too with guys like this



Seriously though, it's a comfort thing. As long as they don't interfere I don't see the issue.

--That model looks a little depressed.