Photographer
Thomas Tran
Posts: 362
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models.
Photographer
Thomas Sellberg
Posts: 140
Knoxville, Tennessee, US
I can't see anything wrong with it. If I had friends that were models I would do the same thing. It's really no different than shooting my uncle's wedding. While working it was a professional relationship, after we were done it's was back to uncle/nephew.
Don't let it get to you.
Model
_ Robyn Elizabeth _
Posts: 436
London, England, United Kingdom
Thomas Sellberg wrote:
I can't see anything wrong with it. If I had friends that were models I would do the same thing. It's really no different than shooting my uncle's wedding. While working it was a professional relationship, after we were done it's was back to uncle/nephew.
Don't let it get to you. ^^This
Also, you're 23, you're probably about the same age as many of the models, nothing creepy about that. Maybe he was just jealous, I wouldn't let it worry you.
Photographer
S W I N S K E Y
Posts: 24376
Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. I spend most of my non shooting hours around models less than half my age..
it's funny, but the only people that suggest i'm creepy are younger dudes, that aren't hanging with these beautiful young women.
i am concerned with what my friends think of me, not some frustrated douchebags..
![https://i.imgur.com/m8TQi.png]()
Photographer
Wayne M Photography
Posts: 145
Virginia Beach, Virginia, US
_ Robyn Elizabeth _ wrote:
^^This
Also, you're 23, you're probably about the same age as many of the models, nothing creepy about that. Maybe he was just jealous, I wouldn't let it worry you. I agree with the above posted
Photographer
kitty_empire
Posts: 864
Brighton, England, United Kingdom
_ Robyn Elizabeth _ wrote:
^^This
Also, you're 23, you're probably about the same age as many of the models, nothing creepy about that. Maybe he was just jealous, I wouldn't let it worry you. Totally this.
I've been called out recently for the same thing by a 50+ y/o photographer.
Water off a ducks back my friend 
Photographer
Llobet Photography
Posts: 4915
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
Whoever told you that is probably just jealous.
Hang out with anyone you'd like to. There's nothing wrong with that.
And I'm 50+.
Model
christiecreepydolls
Posts: 322
Los Angeles, California, US
I would rather be on good terms with photographers I work with than bad. You can be friends and be professional.
Photographer
M Pandolfo Photography
Posts: 12117
Tampa, Florida, US
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. So you encountered an older photographer who is jealous that you're hanging out with young, attractive models. Not exactly shocking.
It only "looks bad" to him. If your female friends were unattractive IT employees or staff at a Law Firm, would he feel that it is giving you a bad reputation? Is he suggesting you hang out with older, less attractive people?
I'm calling bullshit, envy and jealousy.
With that said, you must feel a little self-conscience or you would laugh it off and not give it a second thought?
Edit: I've never ever encountered a profession, photography, that is more intent on advising others in their profession how they should conduct their business...and personal lives.
Photographer
B R U N E S C I
Posts: 25319
Bath, England, United Kingdom
S W I N S K E Y wrote:
I spend most of my non shooting hours around models less than half my age..
it's funny, but the only people that suggest i'm creepy are younger dudes, that aren't hanging with these beautiful young women. +1
There's nothing wrong with having friends of any age regardless of your profession.
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano
www.stefanobrunesci.com
Photographer
M Pandolfo Photography
Posts: 12117
Tampa, Florida, US
This is even more absurd after seeing the OP is only 23. I assumed he was in his 40's for someone to make that kind of comment.
Even if you were 50 it would be fine. But considering you're the same age, or a couple years older, than most of the models you work with who would this photographer suggest you include in your circle of friends?
Anybody EXCEPT attractive models I'm guessing.
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
he's just jealous! i'm friends with one of my models and we do stuff together. most of my facebook friends are models. it's good to have friends.
Photographer
Arizona Shoots
Posts: 28657
Phoenix, Arizona, US
Yeah.. I wouldn't give much thought to this.
Photographer
SH PhotographyAndDesign
Posts: 175
Richmond, Virginia, US
I don't see what the problem is. That's just like saying you shouldn't have friends that are younger/older than you. That's actually a really stupid statement. Friends are friends, models or not.
Besides, it's none of his business who you choose to have as friends.
Photographer
Rays Fine Art
Posts: 7504
New York, New York, US
"Professional" is not a synonym for "Repressively Conservative" no matter what those repressively conservative folks say.
Relationships between photographers and models are sometimes professional, sometimes social and sometimes both, just as in any other profession or hobby.
There's nothing wrong or creepy about older people and younger people being friends. Indeed, they, and society as a whole, can benefit from cross-generational friendships just as we all benefit from friendships that cross ethnic, economic and religious barriers. It's called inclusion and democracy and it's very, very good for everyone.
Those exclusionary, repressively conservative folks are the common seed from which Nazi storm troopers and KKKlansmen spring--Not always, thankfully, but far too often. Recognize them for what they are.
All IMHO, as always.
Photographer
GCobb Photography
Posts: 15898
Southaven, Mississippi, US
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. If someone said that to me I'd tell him to get off his insecure soapbox, or go to F himself.
My conversation isn't limited to a certain age group and when the younger crowd calls me to say hey, I don't have a problem with it at all.
Photographer
Jeffrey M Fletcher
Posts: 4861
Asheville, North Carolina, US
Why the heck are you being friends with models when you can be friends with crusty old uptight photographers who can tell you war stories?
Damn straight it doesn't look right. Where's your head at?
Artist/Painter
MainePaintah
Posts: 1892
Saco, Maine, US
Nothing wrong with it. I am professional with my models, yet have become friends with some. Although I do not hang out with them, one of my models did invite me to her wedding! 
Model
P I X I E
Posts: 35440
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
A lot of the photographers I shoot with have become great friends of mine...
Photographer
Christopher Hartman
Posts: 54196
Buena Park, California, US
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. Tell him to mind his own fucking business.
I don't hang out with models much anymore. But when I first started I was only 34 years old. Often these girls would invite me out to clubs. I never even dated any of these girls, but we'd go clubbing, have dinners. Most of the girls is was shooting I'd introduce to other girls I was shooting and they'd be friends and they'd invite me out to do stuff.
So...i think he's just being jealous. Don't sweat it.
Photographer
D S P
Posts: 510
Portland, Oregon, US
Jealousy is a bitch!!!
I've never "hung out" regularly with anyone that I worked with. But going out for a drink after work on occasion was always OK. Mainly because I was taught not to have personal relationships with people I may have to fire.
Regarding age, who cares?! My sons' college aged friends invite my wife and I out for drinks all the time. Friendship is friendship regardless of age.
Photographer
Awesome Headshots
Posts: 2370
San Ramon, California, US
I agree with all the above. I'll bet if you asked your friend to hang out with you and some of the younger models, he'd jump at the chance. 
Photographer
John Fisher
Posts: 2165
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Thomas, if you aspire to be recognized in this business write this down for frequent reference: "If they are not saying something bad about you, it's because you are not very important." This is a very strange business. I've said that professional photographers are like vampires in that we are aware of each other's presence, but we don't like to spend much time in each other's company. John -- John Fisher 900 West Avenue, Suite 633 Miami Beach, Florida 33139 305 534-9322 http://www.johnfisher.com
Photographer
Light and Lens Studio
Posts: 3450
Sisters, Oregon, US
-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
1
There's nothing wrong with having friends of any age regardless of your profession.
Just my $0.02
Ciao
Stefano Yes. 1
I have llama friends that I've been working with for 10 years. They like to come visit when they are in the area. Sometimes we shoot on their visits, sometimes not.
Stuffy friends of any age who have negative attitudes towards nearly everything are just not fun to be around and they are bad for your psyche and energy level.
Just learn to ignore the remarks of grunt bumps who are envious of your situation.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Personally I don't have time to hang out or go to clubs, but I am not 23 and have a family I would prefer to spend my off time with. If I am out after hours it's with clients but It makes perfect sense for someone your age and I would not worry about it.
Photographer
Bob Helm Photography
Posts: 18909
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, US
I have friends that are 30 years younger than me and some that are 20 years older.
The only way you will get a bad rep is if all those friends come with "benefits".
Model
Jordan Bunniie
Posts: 1755
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
I wouldnt worry about it. You're allowed to befriend whoever you want.
It's common for people with similar interests to want to be friends. How you meet is irrelevant.. all that matters is that those who work with you and those who befriend you dont feel you are crossing any lines and that when its time to shoot everyone can act professional and get the shots done.
Photographer
Cherrystone
Posts: 37171
Columbus, Ohio, US
I'll be the continuing echo here.......whoever told you that is full of shit. Point him towards this thread. 
Photographer
Loki Studio
Posts: 3523
Royal Oak, Michigan, US
Your work speaks for itself-nobody could look at your work and ever call you a GWC. Don't let others jealous of your friendships and photographic skills bother you. I am great friends with many of the models I have shot over the years and work with several of them on client projects every year.
This industry is full of grumpy old men scared of new technology, social networking, and the power of a generation full of brave new concepts. Luckily, they are fading out quickly.
-Scott
Photographer
Farenell Photography
Posts: 18832
Albany, New York, US
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. Some people will never know what its like to care about an individual outside of the work environment. To hang w/ them, to get to know their real hopes & dreams, see them accomplish (whatever) in life, find the love of their lives, get married, have kids, watch the kids grow up. OP, I truly pity these people.
If doing so makes other photographers think I'm "creepy" or a "GWC", then I whole-heartedly embrace those silly titles.
Photographer
John Fisher
Posts: 2165
Miami Beach, Florida, US
Loki Studio wrote:
This industry is full of grumpy old men scared of new technology, social networking, and the power of a generation full of brave new concepts. Luckily, they are fading out quickly.
-Scott I denies the allegation, and I defies the alligator!
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
Photographer
ontherocks
Posts: 23575
Salem, Oregon, US
it's bad enough that we have GWCs. now we have GOMs. lol. sadly i'm a bit of both. Loki Studio wrote:
grumpy old men scared of new technology, social networking, and the power of a generation full of brave new concepts. Luckily, they are fading out quickly.
Photographer
AJ_In_Atlanta
Posts: 13053
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Loki Studio wrote:
grumpy old men scared of new technology, social networking, and the power of a generation full of brave new concepts. Luckily, they are fading out quickly. Lol, not likely. It often takes years to make it to the top so it will always be full of grumpy old men who dislike whatever the new technology of the day is, that's just life.
Photographer
Thomas Tran
Posts: 362
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
John Fisher wrote:
"If they are not saying something bad about you, it's because you are not very important."
This is a very strange business. I've said that professional photographers are like vampires in that we are aware of each other's presence, but we don't like to spend much time in each other's company.
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com Yes, this is very true. I really appreciate everyone's advice and comments.
Small Fruit Pits wrote:
I'll be the continuing echo here.......whoever told you that is full of shit.
Point him towards this thread. I just messaged him a link. lol
Photographer
DAN CRUIKSHANK
Posts: 1786
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Thomas Tran wrote:
Long story short, I was called out by an older photographer saying that it makes me look unprofessional and creepy because I hangout with "young models" outside of a professional environment. He pretty much called me a GWC. Last thing I want is to have a bad rep or be labeled negatively.
I can somewhat see where he's coming from, but to my defense, i'm friends with most of my models. To me, when they're on set, they're a model. After the shoot, they're a friend.
First time i've been called out on this so i'm asking the opinion of other photographers and models. He's probably jealous and sad because while you are hanging out with models outside of work, the only time he gets to hang with models is by paying them to shoot.
Photographer
name removed3
Posts: 264
Boston, Massachusetts, US
you are young too, weirdo old guy gtfo
Photographer
JAE
Posts: 2207
West Chester, Pennsylvania, US
Some models become friends, others are just there for shooting. It's like any other profession or hobby. No big deal. You are around the typical model age also, so you are more likely to meet people you have stuff in common with.
Even on the opposite end, nothing wrong with being friends with someone if there is an age gap. I've met some photographers who have become good friends who are a lot older then me.
Model
IDiivil
Posts: 4615
Los Angeles, California, US
I'm really good friends with many photographers Totally normal, IMO.
Photographer
Cherrystone
Posts: 37171
Columbus, Ohio, US
IDiivil wrote:
I'm really good friends with many photographers Totally normal, IMO. With some exceptions....
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