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Model escort at shoots?
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. Some of the modes profiles say they always bring an escort and that it is “nonnegotiable if you don’t like it don’t ask to hire me” I guess I understand why some feel the need to bring an escort, apparently there have been issues in the past… to bad that not everyone was able to keep professional. Why are some of the models so defensive about bringing an escort? Do the escorts get in the way? Inhibit the shoot? As a photographer what do I need to be aware of here? Dec 05 12 08:52 am Link Whatever the llamas issue, if she wants an escort, that should be fine. Everyones comfort level is important. Dec 05 12 08:56 am Link 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. Dec 05 12 08:56 am Link 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? Dec 05 12 09:01 am Link Ken Sanville Photo wrote: Dec 05 12 09:01 am Link When you make a deal to shoot with a model, you can find out a lot about him/her from their profile and by asking others about that model. That is not true with an escort......with an escort you do not know who that person(s) is, and how they might behave at YOUR shoot. Beware the escort. Dec 05 12 09:01 am Link How are you sure the model really wants to be there if she's always in the presence of a minder? Dec 05 12 09:01 am Link This is one of those age old questions that has been addressed a thousand times in these forums. Do a simple search for model escort and you'll find perspectives from both models and photographers on this. I personally do not allow escorts during my set - unless they: 1. MUA 2. Stylist 3. Hairstylist 4. Upon dropping off the model and seeing that no horrific murder will take place avail themselves to the many local restaurants, botanical gardens, or parks in my area for the next 1 - 2 hours we will be shooting. As long as you are professional in your shoots and arrange your shoots that way you will have little problem. I have never felt the need to communicate/text a model constantly other then confirming they are on their way and if they need a special drink/snack on the set. Everything else is worked out before hand with the appropriate people. To answer your question - yes escorts can sometimes get in the way - sometimes they can be useful for holding lights/props - sometimes they can steal equipment/ipods/pads - but I tend to err on the side of if you are on the set of a photoshoot then you should have a specific reason for being on set. Protection, unless you are famous is 99% of the time not needed. I don't need to professionally deal with other people relationships if the escort is a boyfriend/significant other/jealous/whatever. I spend my day job working with a very difficult population and would prefer that what I do for artistic enjoyment not be marred by petty things. Dec 05 12 09:03 am Link 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. Dec 05 12 09:04 am Link If you don't allow the model to have an llama herder...you are obviously a "perv". At least that's what I'm told. John Allan wrote: 1000 Dec 05 12 09:06 am Link 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. Dec 05 12 09:12 am Link Sorry I do not allow escorts to be on set when I shoot a lone (i.e. no MUA or assistant). There are 2 reasons: (1) A fellow photographer of mine arranged to shoot in a upscale hotel in Germany. The model arrived with the escort. The shoot lasted 5 minutes, maybe less, because it didn’t happen. What did happen is that his camera and lenses were stolen and he was pretty shook up. Don’t know the details, but I much rather deal one-on-one than anything. (2) I don’t like escorts when I am alone, because they distract me. Not sure why, but they distract me and I make mistakes. Maybe it is because I am "newer" or less experienced. Usually I meet models before the shoot for coffee, do some public shoots, or just meet. Bottom line, if a model doesn’t want to shoot without an escort, I understand, but won’t shoot with her When there is a MUA on set or I have somebody helping, it is different for some reason. Things are more relaxed and things are slower and I feel less stressed. Dec 05 12 09:18 am Link Interesting replies, thanks for the welcome too. My initial thought was the models that mentioned escorts seemed more like bachelor party strippers. I read one that said her escort was her husband and he was going to be it the room the entire time “no matter what”... that profile started raising my awareness to the escort issue. The two I am currently booking don’t have escorts. BTW does anyone have any suggestions for models in LV? Dec 05 12 09:39 am Link 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). Dec 05 12 09:42 am Link I am ok with most llama herders, but absolutely refuse significant others. No boyfriend/fiance/husband. But that is just me. My two cents, YMMV Daeda1us Dec 05 12 09:53 am Link Lately I've been seeing girls on MM saying they need to bring "one or two friends/llama herders with them"...Wow (!) ....I understand the need to be cautious, but often the girls who need llama herders live in such a shady world ( and have dealt with such creepy guys and thus have so little trust in people) I frankly don't want to bring them into MY world. Dec 05 12 09:53 am Link Click Click Click wrote: Some of the models that hang out in this forum a really cool.... Dec 05 12 09:54 am Link Click Click Click wrote: 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. Dec 05 12 09:56 am Link twoharts wrote: 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. Dec 05 12 09:56 am Link A few reasons I'm not a fan of models wanting to bring escorts (though I don't yet have a policy against it): 1. If someone feels I pose a safety threat to them, I'd rather just not shoot them. 2. It increases the odds of a cancelation since two people, not just one must stick to their commitment. 3. Every person at a shoot brings some liabilities, but those invovled with the shoot bring something to the table that makes those liabilites worth while. Since an escort brings nothing of value to the shoot, it's a liability only. Dec 05 12 10:31 am Link Abbitt Photography wrote: That's pretty much why I don't want 'em too. Dec 05 12 10:35 am Link 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 Dec 05 12 11:01 am Link 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 models. and we've done many shoots over the last 3 years with llama herders 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 model 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 llama herders (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. John Allan wrote: Dec 05 12 11:08 am Link ArtisticGlamour wrote: +1 Dec 05 12 11:16 am Link CRAWFORD, thanks for the reply. Shooting bodyscape and such is " kind of pervy" Hu, I had not considered the sexual aspect until now.... really? I have shot lots of different styles over the years but never female models, I would like to try it to see what I can accomplish. I am still looking for a style in my portraits of people (landscape, macros I can create what I would like to see, street needs work). I had advice from a photographer years ago "shoot what you like" that happens to be women looking beautiful. Dec 05 12 12:06 pm Link 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. Dec 05 12 12:11 pm Link twoharts wrote: 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. Dec 05 12 12:19 pm Link I am just going to say this quickly and easily.... I have a rule, you bring the llama herder, 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. Dec 05 12 12:57 pm Link C R A W F O R D wrote: Yep, you are saving me a lot of typing time. Dec 05 12 01:13 pm Link Click Click Click wrote: For boudoir, art nudes, nobody beats this chick in regards to posing and emoting: https://www.modelmayhem.com/1408998 Dec 05 12 06:09 pm Link Steamy Imagry wrote: 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. Dec 05 12 06:13 pm Link I typically arrive with about 10 people at my side. You know, the whole safety in numbers thing. Yeah. Dec 05 12 11:04 pm Link Click Click Click wrote: 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). Dec 05 12 11:14 pm Link Abbitt Photography wrote: This is a point worth emphasizing. I have had scheduling complications because the model had to schedule the escort as well as herself. Dec 06 12 07:07 am Link 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. Dec 06 12 07:19 am Link Carolina Goddess wrote: There are models who are tied up all the time. If you are not comfortable with the photographer don't do the shoot. Dec 06 12 08:00 am Link Jerry Nemeth 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. Dec 06 12 08:09 am Link Miss Deux wrote: 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. Dec 06 12 08:15 am Link John Allan wrote: +1 AJScalzitti wrote: +1 Herman Surkis wrote: +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 Dec 06 12 08:17 am Link Illuminate wrote: --That model looks a little depressed. Dec 06 12 08:23 am Link |