Art of the nude wrote:

Demands, like "all images at the end of the shoot" or "I get to decide what is done with the images", unless they're planning on paying.

Nasty attitudes, including the likes of "I don't do nudes because I have morals."  Make your own choices for yourself, but when it comes to the choices others make, being judgmental doesn't look good.

Fear / threats.  "I always bring my boyfriend to shoots; it's a matter of safety."  If the model is afraid of me, how are we supposed to build a working relationship.

Lack of value for my role; "I won't work for FREE!!" or "NO FREE NUDES!!!".  Nude work is a big part of what I do, but whether or not it's in the plans for a specific shoot, I want to work with people who value my efforts.  An exchange of professional services is not "free."

Exactly! There are a few here who have biographies longer than War & Peace The funny thing is that many of the 'models' described in the quote aren't worth the effort, why bother with a potential problematic drama queen?

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

Just move on and find another photographer! It's clear you're not confident working with this individual. No need to continue this any further.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

1. When they haven't logged in fro 2-3 years
2. Even though they may not have had many shoots, they have an attitude like it is all about them or they won't even think of shooting with you

Eliza C wrote:
How about mis spelled words in forum posts?

Ha ha just kidding....I hate grammar fascists. But one of the best models on here with amazing credits does not speak English as her first language so there are a dozen mistakes. So that is nothing to go by.

Generally, you can tell ESL from "I don't think communication is important enough to use real words."

vbabe wrote:
Good points. His profile pic looks like it's his photo for his OkCupid profile. Even has the OkCupid label on the image. He has some great ideas, but I really need more samples of his work to continue.

Ideas are meaningless as images if one does not have the skill to execute them

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
Crappy images alone are not a red flag - everybody has to start somewhere.

For me, any of the following in a model's bio would be a red flag:-

"** I HAVE MY STANDARDS! **"

"I love nude work, but..."

"my manager" or "my boyfriend" or "my husband" or "my kids"

"up to implied" or "implied only"

"through my agent"

"escort" or "chaperone"

"for my safety"

"RAW images"

"all images"

"my concepts"

"collaboration"

Of course, any one of the above might be entirely innocent, but when you see one red flag you start to look for others.




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Can you please use all of those phrases in a paragraph and share it with the class

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

What would you like the Red Flags to tell you?

If its Creeps, shy away from Photographers that 1.) Don't use a real name or give their real name. 2.) Don't credit models. 3.) Their Tag, well there is nothing personal about them. 4.) No Phone number   5.) no email address

When it comes to Type of photography, thats a crap shoot.... If you look at my port, you would never know that I spend most of my day shooting Product and Professional headshots of Lawyers and Doctors... and that I do weddings..

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

Lack of shoots or credits do not bother me.

Red Flags:
Models who say they're "also photographers" and want to work with me to "see how I work."  Ha! Go take self portraits. Delete.
Models who write in their profiles "don't be a pervert - no nudes!" or words to that effect. Stupid. Delete.
Models who email off MM asking to shoot, but don't even send a photo or portfolio link. Stupid. Delete.
Models who approach me then say they will call to discuss setting up a shoot and promptly disappear. Unprofessional. 
If they shoot a bunch of really graphic, almost porn stuff, which makes me think they're somehow involved in the adult industry. I don't want my work used to promote someone in that industry. Delete.
Profiles written in text-style abbreviations. Ugh!
Models who go on and on about their kids and hubby - we will never shoot because you won't have a sitter or the kids will be sick, etc. delete.

Eliza C wrote:
Here is my list of what i look for in red flags.

1. Miss spelled words on bio.

2. Cell self shot images on port.

3, More Ass Booty Tail images I car to look at.

4. Credits that indicate nothing worth reading about.

5. No expierance but wants top dollar for pay.

6. will not shoot nudes unless paid the allowed amount.

7.No TFP unless you pay them for gas make up artist and wardrope

8. Must have Escort friend grandma or bouncer at shoot.

9. Demands all RAW images on day of the shoot.

10. Will not shoot with Fat over weight photographers

just a few red flags i dont bother with.

How about mis spelled words in forum posts?

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
Ha ha just kidding....I hate grammar fascists. But one of the best models on here with amazing credits does not speak English as her first language so there are a dozen mistakes. So that is nothing to go by.

me too - but I can't pass up the irony (it made me grin) - "Miss spelled" is actually spelled misspelled

vbabe wrote:
I'm just curious, but how come so many people are turned off by a port that says "I do not do nudes"? I think this prevents anyone from wasting their time with a model who clearly does not want to do nudes.

It does prevent wasting time if a photographer is looking for models who shoot nudes.  I think there are more photographers on this site that shoot nudes than not, and those models that don't do nudes might be sensitive to that?  A model who has a derogatory message on her/his profile directed towards those models and photographers that do shoot nudes ... for an extreme example "I find nudity distasteful and refuse to do such dirty garbage!"  Don't contact me for nudes ... I don't do porn!"   No one I know has posted those exact words, but there are some models with a prejudicial attitude towards models who do nudes. 

When it comes to attitudes, I do not enjoy working with any people who are racist, overtly judgemental towards others, or pushy (bossy) about everything having to be their way.  I call those types "Diva's" and not in a good way.  It is a fact that I do shoot nudes, and I also shoot with a diverse number of models of all shapes, ages, and ethnicities.  Each person is different, so I respect the individuals right to choose what they wish to do.  Models do not have to do nudity!  It's the attitudes towards others that do I think these photographers are dealing with.  Just because you don't model nude doesn't mean I wont shoot with you!  (and you know that!)

vbabe wrote:
I'm just curious, but how come so many people are turned off by a port that says "I do not do nudes"? I think this prevents anyone from wasting their time with a model who clearly does not want to do nudes.

Not me, but I can't speak on everyone's behalf.  Then again, I'm fat and overweight, probably explains why I don't get as many gigs as I would like to...

vbabe wrote:
I'm just curious, but how come so many people are turned off by a port that says "I do not do nudes"? I think this prevents anyone from wasting their time with a model who clearly does not want to do nudes.

It's the WAY they say they don't do nudes. 
If they just say, "I don't shoot nudes," that's fine! No problemo!
But if they say, "Don't even ask me to do nudes because that's just nasty!" or "Perverts who shoot nudes better not send me a friend request, because I will block them!" that insinuates a photographer who shoots nudes is creepy or perverted.

All nudes are not the same. I'm a normal, non-perve art photographer and I get insulted when I see that kind of thing.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

The lacking of lack makes me always very suspicious!

There is nothing worse in a portfolio if it doesn't contain non-lack.

It's just a really baaad sign!!!

Sentimental-SINtimental wrote:
Damn after reading this... I have many red flags. 
Guess I should be a signalman and start waving them instead of picking up my camera 


Anyone want to volunteer to correct my profile?  PM me   

not trying to steal thread

No, you are fine!  We are all looking for the green flag, and someone will get the checkered flag ... is that how it works?  Red flag means you stop on the course, yellow is caution and no passing.  Just don't get a black flag.  That means you get pulled from the course.  I used to work at race tracks.   

Teygan Ajani wrote:
Also just curious - I'm much more of an observer than a participant in forums such as these; although since reading through a few of these threads I have noticed a few folks say that not having forum posts is a "red flag". Why are forum posts so important?

I don't think it's so much about forum posts as what people say when "Tagging" a profile.  However since you posted here, I've noticed you.  Posting in the forums can be a good thing! 

Teygan Ajani wrote:
Also just curious - I'm much more of an observer than a participant in forums such as these; although since reading through a few of these threads I have noticed a few folks say that not having forum posts is a "red flag". Why are forum posts so important?

There not.....but some forum folks are a little absorbed with the supposed importance of them.

Forum participation is probably in the 1-2% range, if that.

Patrick Walberg wrote:

Stop right there!  ANY "demands!"  I don't like people who are demanding divas.  All those with demands can take it else where. 

Agreed.

vbabe wrote:
I'm just curious, but how come so many people are turned off by a port that says "I do not do nudes"? I think this prevents anyone from wasting their time with a model who clearly does not want to do nudes.

Well, I usually shoot nudes, so that's helpful, but I'm not offended.

What tends to offend people, often including models who DON'T do nudes, is things like "I don't do nudes, I HAVE SELF RESPECT!!!!"  (or Morals, or standards; or I don't want to hear from perverts, etc.)

Art of the nude wrote:
Well, I usually shoot nudes, so that's helpful, but I'm not offended.

What tends to offend people, often including models who DON'T do nudes, is things like "I don't do nudes, I HAVE SELF RESPECT!!!!"  (or Morals, or standards; or I don't want to hear from perverts, etc.)

I think the first part of your quote is understandable and I have attacked it when I see it. But the second part I think fair. You should see some of the pms and emails we get and what they ask us to do. I don't want  to hear from them. Half the time I think they get off on just sending the pms. So if you see a girl saying they don't want to hear from perverts it doesn't mean that they see shooting nude as immoral they just literally are fed up with the pervy pms. I don't get it so much now here but there is another site in the UK where the barrage was ridiculous. Shooting with artists like you is one thing but we also get requests from the 'reader's wives' mob. And when you try and politely turn that down you get the who do you think you are you snobby c***" attitude.

vbabe wrote:
I'm just curious, but how come so many people are turned off by a port that says "I do not do nudes"? I think this prevents anyone from wasting their time with a model who clearly does not want to do nudes.

I'd guess because they are wanting to shoot nudes but you're correct, clear specific boundaries without emotional delivery is the opposite of a red flag.  It's professional and profiles that read that way repel creeps, a lack of assertiveness attracts others behaving unprofessionally.  Not that it's an accuse for their behavior but its a contributing factor.  Conversely, professional assertive communication attracts professional/mature artists.

Bravo Magic Images wrote:
Here is my list of what i look for in red flags.

1. Miss spelled words on bio.

...

Oh, the irony.

vbabe wrote:
What are the red flags you look for when browsing ports and people to work with? Lack of credits? Lack of shoots? What else?

I consider photographer portfolios that suggest a fixation on a particular gender, race, physique, or body part to be a "yellow flag". To me it suggests they might have some fetish or obsession that could lead to complications.

rp_photo wrote:

I consider photographer portfolios that suggest a fixation on a particular gender, race, physique, or body part to be a "yellow flag". To me it suggests they might have some fetish or obsession that could lead to complications.

Why are you a model? Why would you worry about working with a photographer?

Every male has a fixation on something. I can generally tell what it is. We wouldn't get any work if that wasn't the case. People like particular body types or boobs v bums or boots or stockings or blondes or redheads etc. That is natural. In fact it needn't even be sexual fetish.
If I was a photographer I'd have a port full of guys in leather with tattoos on vintage motrocycles but that is because I think it looks interesting I don't necessarily fancy them.  So I think also men can be the same. Visually interesting does not equate to sexual attraction. I know one guy who likes to shoot the ladies from Burma with neck coils  but he doesn't fancy them!

Eliza C wrote:
Here is my list of what i look for in red flags.

1. Miss spelled words on bio.

2. Cell self shot images on port.

3, More Ass Booty Tail images I car to look at.

4. Credits that indicate nothing worth reading about.

5. No expierance but wants top dollar for pay.

6. will not shoot nudes unless paid the allowed amount.

7.No TFP unless you pay them for gas make up artist and wardrope

8. Must have Escort friend grandma or bouncer at shoot.

9. Demands all RAW images on day of the shoot.

10. Will not shoot with Fat over weight photographers

just a few red flags i dont bother with.

Ken Pegg wrote:
Oh, the irony.

Apparently lots of irony!

rp_photo wrote:
I consider photographer portfolios that suggest a fixation on a particular gender, race, physique, or body part to be a "yellow flag". To me it suggests they might have some fetish or obsession that could lead to complications.

I shoot females because I find them more attractive.  I mostly shoot Caucasians because that's who expresses an interest in my work, although it's no where near 100%.  I shoot models who I find aesthetically pleasing, or interesting, because it's MY art.    And, when the model is comfortable with it, I shoot ALL body parts, from eyes to labia, although I very, very, seldom focus on feet.  I leave that to the experts.

Patrick Walberg wrote:
It does prevent wasting time if a photographer is looking for models who shoot nudes.  I think there are more photographers on this site that shoot nudes than not, and those models that don't do nudes might be sensitive to that?  A model who has a derogatory message on her/his profile directed towards those models and photographers that do shoot nudes ... for an extreme example "I find nudity distasteful and refuse to do such dirty garbage!"  Don't contact me for nudes ... I don't do porn!"   No one I know has posted those exact words, but there are some models with a prejudicial attitude towards models who do nudes. 

When it comes to attitudes, I do not enjoy working with any people who are racist, overtly judgemental towards others, or pushy (bossy) about everything having to be their way.  I call those types "Diva's" and not in a good way.  It is a fact that I do shoot nudes, and I also shoot with a diverse number of models of all shapes, ages, and ethnicities.  Each person is different, so I respect the individuals right to choose what they wish to do.  Models do not have to do nudity!  It's the attitudes towards others that do I think these photographers are dealing with.  Just because you don't model nude doesn't mean I wont shoot with you!  (and you know that!)

That is a good point and makes sense. I always try and make sure my posts and comments in my profile do not include any judgement on nudes. I simply say I do not do nude. No need to imply that you think nudes are porn or skanky or etc. I have seen some of those profiles that say "I don't do skanky nudes" and can definitely understand the offense. I personally think there are a lot of models on here that do amazing nudes! I have personal reasons for not doing nudes, but I definitely support models doing nudes because it's really a work of art. I definitely don't understand people viewing it as porn, as I'm sure it the photographer and the model don't view it that way. A lot of my family members are super conservative and like to say even women in bikini's are "slutty"...never understood it. No one was born with clothes on!