Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
Hi MM!
I was asked by a photographer(he sent me his work and it looks very legit) to do a body paint photoset. I won't have to get painted nude, I can wear a bikini and get painted in it. If I do the shoot, I will get quite some money and it wil be my first payed photoshoot(very exciting for me). I am ok with getting painted in bikini, but, unfortunately, I am still a minor(17) and will have to convince my parents to sign the release somehow. What do you think about this whole thing? Should I try to convince my parents and do the shoot or wait until I am 18? I live in Utah and there isn't a lot of work here so I try to take every opportunity that I can.
Model
Daisy Fields
Posts: 148
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
I don't see the harm in talking to them about it.
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
Let me ask a few questions:
1. Who is painting you, the photographer or a body-painting artist?
2. Is the artist a male or female?
3. What type of paint, air brush or hand applied with brushes/sponges/etc?
4. What is the project for?
Since you are wearing a bikini, this will obviously not be risque'. On the other hand, since it is non-nude, I am wondering why he is asking you, rather than an older model? I do love your look.
I am on the fence with this. If you have to "convince" your parents, it is obviously not right for you. If they are on the bandwagon and support it, then I think it is fine.
I have done a lot of bodypaint over the years. I have always selected models over 18.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
Talk to your parents about it.
Who would be doing the bodypainting? A professional, or the photographer? Have you checked references and seen other girls' experiences yet?
I don't see a huge issue with it, personally, but I'm always up for being a bit more cautious with minors. Most photographers aren't creepers, but the worst ones like to go after minors.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
Let me ask a few questions:
1. Who is painting you, the photographer or a body-painting artist?
2. Is the artist a male or female?
3. What type of paint, air brush or hand applied with brushes/sponges/etc?
4. What is the project for?
Since you are wearing a bikini, this will obviously not be risque'. On the other hand, since it is non-nude, I am wondering why he is asking you, rather than an older model? I do love your look.
I am on the fence with this. If you have to "convince" your parents, it is obviously not right for you. If they are on the bandwagon and support it, then I think it is fine.
I have done a lot of bodypaint over the years. I have always selected models over 18. Great questions!
Photographer
pdxROCKpix
Posts: 119
Hillsboro, Oregon, US
it's your parents call to make. like it or not. they are responsible for you until you turn 18. if they say no it's not the end of your world or career as a model. at worst it just means you have to wait a bit until you can legally decide for yourself. just keep in mind that your parents have your best interest in mind, even if you don't agree.
life is long and holds many opportunities. if this is something that fits for your future then it will come back around.
by the way, i wouldn't let my 17 year old daughter do it.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
pdxROCKpix wrote:
it's your parents call to make. like it or not. they are responsible for you until you turn 18. if they say no it's not the end of your world or career as a model. at worst it just means you have to wait a bit until you can legally decide for yourself. just keep in mind that your parents have your best interest in mind, even if you don't agree.
life is long and holds many opportunities. if this is something that fits for your future then it will come back around.
by the way, i wouldn't let my 17 year old daughter do it. Out of curiosity, would you let your 17 year old daughter do a bikini shoot at all? Is it the pictures that would be the problem, or the act of the bodypainting?
Not that you have to answer, of course! I'm just curious and if the OP's parents say "no" it may give her some outside perception on why.
Wardrobe Stylist
Tiffany_B
Posts: 1551
Atlanta, Georgia, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
Let me ask a few questions:
1. Who is painting you, the photographer or a body-painting artist?
2. Is the artist a male or female?
3. What type of paint, air brush or hand applied with brushes/sponges/etc?
4. What is the project for?
Since you are wearing a bikini, this will obviously not be risque'. On the other hand, since it is non-nude, I am wondering why he is asking you, rather than an older model? I do love your look.
I am on the fence with this. If you have to "convince" your parents, it is obviously not right for you. If they are on the bandwagon and support it, then I think it is fine. +1
Additionally as you are a minor what's the photographers stance on having one or both of your parents on set for this? Note that the answer to this question may give you all the insight you need.
Photographer
Toto Photo
Posts: 3757
Belmont, California, US
Incredibly mature of you to seek other opinions here! I'd suggest you also ask some friends your age, male and female. But, being a father of two girls, the only opinion that really matters IMO is your folks. They'll have your best interests in mind even if there aren't a lot of shoot opportunities in your area.
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Great questions!
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
pdxROCKpix wrote:
it's your parents call to make. like it or not. they are responsible for you until you turn 18. if they say no it's not the end of your world or career as a model. at worst it just means you have to wait a bit until you can legally decide for yourself. just keep in mind that your parents have your best interest in mind, even if you don't agree.
life is long and holds many opportunities. if this is something that fits for your future then it will come back around.
by the way, i wouldn't let my 17 year old daughter do it. Interestingly, I am a father, although my daughter is now over 17. For me, I can't tell you definitively if I would or would not let her do it at this point. First, I would want to know the answers to the questions I asked above. Legitimacy of the project would be a big factor. The maturity of my daughter at the time would also factor in.
While the project isn't nude, the sex of the body-painter would make a difference as well. That isn't to say that I would rule it out with a male, it would take a thorough discussion to be sure my daughter had a full understanding. Having a male hand apply the make-up could be different than air-brushing, as well.
Having been in this business for years I have had teens seem very confident until they are put into the reality of the situation. So, I guess what I am saying, is this is all about good parenting. Giving your seventeen year old the latitude to be themself but being there to help them make good decisions.
So I can't tell you what I would say. I can tell you that I would be honest and open with my daughter. Hopefully, between the two of us we'd make the right decision.
Photographer
eybdoog
Posts: 2647
New York, New York, US
Toto Photo wrote:
Incredibly mature of you to seek other opinions here! I'd suggest you also ask some friends your age, male and female. the only opinion that really matters IMO is your folks. They'll have your best interests in mind even if there aren't a lot of shoot opportunities in your area. ^^ this, and worst case scenario if they say no for any reason, just wait til you turn 18 if body painting interests you. There is no rush or lack of artists out there. good luck
Photographer
David Nelson Photograph
Posts: 348
Dallas, Texas, US
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
Hi MM!
I was asked by a photographer(he sent me his work and it looks very legit) to do a body paint photoset. I won't have to get painted nude, I can wear a bikini and get painted in it. If I do the shoot, I will get quite some money and it wil be my first payed photoshoot(very exciting for me). I am ok with getting painted in bikini, but, unfortunately, I am still a minor(17) and will have to convince my parents to sign the release somehow. What do you think about this whole thing? Should I try to convince my parents and do the shoot or wait until I am 18? I live in Utah and there isn't a lot of work here so I try to take every opportunity that I can. What would be the point of doing body paint over a bikini? I would be very cautious about a photographer who wants to body paint a 17 year old. My guess after ten minutes he's going to say this doesn't look right, why don't you take this off..
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Great questions! 1. I will be painted by a professional
2. The artist is not chosen yet, but I'd prefer it to be female of course
3. I am not sure about this as well. I was told by the photographer that he will give me all the details if my parents approve the photo shoot.
4. The project will not be for commercial views, its for a private commission.
My parents are not so crazy about all these stuff. They are rather protective, but support what I do. I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset.
Photographer
David Nelson Photograph
Posts: 348
Dallas, Texas, US
Tiffany_B wrote:
+1
Additionally as you are a minor what's the photographers stance on having one or both of your parents on set for this? Note that the answer to this question may give you all the insight you need. Agree, asking if a parent can come along will tell you a lot.
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
Let me ask a few questions:
1. Who is painting you, the photographer or a body-painting artist?
2. Is the artist a male or female?
3. What type of paint, air brush or hand applied with brushes/sponges/etc?
4. What is the project for?
Since you are wearing a bikini, this will obviously not be risque'. On the other hand, since it is non-nude, I am wondering why he is asking you, rather than an older model? I do love your look.
I am on the fence with this. If you have to "convince" your parents, it is obviously not right for you. If they are on the bandwagon and support it, then I think it is fine.
I have done a lot of bodypaint over the years. I have always selected models over 18. 1. I will be painted by a professional
2. The artist is not chosen yet, but I'd prefer it to be female of course
3. I am not sure about this as well. I was told by the photographer that he will give me all the details if my parents approve the photo shoot.
4. The project will not be for commercial views, its for a private commission.
My parents are not so crazy about all these stuff. They are rather protective, but support what I do. I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset.
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Great questions! Alisa Meshkova wrote:
1. I will be painted by a professional
2. The artist is not chosen yet, but I'd prefer it to be female of course
3. I am not sure about this as well. I was told by the photographer that he will give me all the details if my parents approve the photo shoot.
4. The project will not be for commercial views, its for a private commission.
My parents are not so crazy about all these stuff. They are rather protective, but support what I do. I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset. Those two highlighted things concern me. The method of application is going to affect your comfort level. I am more concerned that he wants to tell you after he hires you, rather than before.
I am also a little be concerned of the words "private commission." Does that mean that he is working on his portfolio or that he is looking for pictures he can just stare at all day?
Having read your answers, I am less confident, not more confident of the project. I don't think you have enough information.
If your parents are non-supportive and the photographer is being vague, I tend to think you might consider waiting until you are 18. From what you are saying you will have to persuade your parents. Absent good, clear answers, as a father myself, I would be skeptical.
Photographer
lyriQz
Posts: 12
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, US
I always say, if you feel uneasy about anything, move on..
If you feel comfortable, ask your mom & after bring your brother..
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
David Nelson Photograph wrote:
Agree, asking if a parent can come along will tell you a lot. Yes, I would definitely ask...
If they say no, something is fishy.
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Yes, I would definitely ask...
If they say no, something is fishy. oh yes, they said it's fine if a parent/friend comes along and watches.
Photographer
rfordphotos
Posts: 8866
Antioch, California, US
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
Hi MM!
I was asked by a photographer(he sent me his work and it looks very legit) to do a body paint photoset. I won't have to get painted nude, I can wear a bikini and get painted in it. If I do the shoot, I will get quite some money and it wil be my first payed photoshoot(very exciting for me). I am ok with getting painted in bikini, but, unfortunately, I am still a minor(17) and will have to convince my parents to sign the release somehow. What do you think about this whole thing? Should I try to convince my parents and do the shoot or wait until I am 18? I live in Utah and there isn't a lot of work here so I try to take every opportunity that I can. It is a good thing that you seek advice when you are unsure! There has already been good advice offered here.
Talk to your parents! They have been signing the releases for your existing work, right? Tell them what you know about this project, and let them ask questions you might be overlooking. Communicate clearly with the photographer regarding any issues your parents might raise.
If you think they will need "convincing"--maybe you already know this isnt the right project for you, right now......??
Good luck!
Photographer
American Glamour
Posts: 38813
Detroit, Michigan, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Yes, I would definitely ask...
If they say no, something is fishy. Alisa Meshkova wrote:
oh yes, they said it's fine if a parent/friend comes along and watches. Although I am sure you would prefer to bring a friend, it is probably better to bring a parent if you do it. It is important because you are a minor, but I am sure they would be more supportive if they could come along.
Model
K I C K H A M
Posts: 14689
Los Angeles, California, US
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
oh yes, they said it's fine if a parent/friend comes along and watches. Ok, well that's a big plus. If your parents end up going for it, take one of them with you. You need a parent in this case, not a friend.
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
K I C K H A M wrote:
Yes, I would definitely ask...
If they say no, something is fishy. Although I am sure you would prefer to bring a friend, it is probably better to bring a parent if you do it. It is important because you are a minor, but I am sure they would be more supportive if they could come along. Actually, I would rather bring a parent(even both if possible) to a photoshoot than a friend. 
Wardrobe Stylist
Tiffany_B
Posts: 1551
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
1. I will be painted by a professional
2. The artist is not chosen yet, but I'd prefer it to be female of course
3. I am not sure about this as well. I was told by the photographer that he will give me all the details if my parents approve the photo shoot.
4. The project will not be for commercial views, its for a private commission.
My parents are not so crazy about all these stuff. They are rather protective, but support what I do. I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset. Some of these answers raise red flags for me and they likely will for your parents as well.
It's great that the body painter will be a professional BUT without knowing who this person is you don't have any idea about their quality of work and unfortunately your preferences relative to gender are irrelevant. Beyond that (and this is just the cynic in me) what's to stop the photographer from claiming he secured someone only to have that "fall through" at the last minute and have him need to paint you himself. I've set up hundreds of shoots and models are usually one of the last things I consider.
Also consider that the details may make the difference between your parents saying "yes" or "no". For example your parents may be cool with you being painted to resemble a superhero or a wood sprite but less okay with you have dirty words painted on you (and YES, I have seen images of the latter).
Finally, the fact that it's a "private commission" is...questionable at best. For who? For what? Will the images ever be displayed anywhere?
You can WANT to do this shoot but I personally don't think you should and I can see your parents taking issue with it as well.
Photographer
Toto Photo
Posts: 3757
Belmont, California, US
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
...I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset. First of all, your last post, about wanting your parents to come along makes me have to say once again, you've very mature for your age.
Regarding your new question: there isn't much rational about body painting. To me it seems like a totally irrational, artistic and sometimes (usually in the hands of very talented painters) wonderful endeavor.
Photographer
pdxROCKpix
Posts: 119
Hillsboro, Oregon, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Out of curiosity, would you let your 17 year old daughter do a bikini shoot at all? Is it the pictures that would be the problem, or the act of the bodypainting?
Not that you have to answer, of course! I'm just curious and if the OP's parents say "no" it may give her some outside perception on why. most likely no, i wouldn't. if it was a major agency or photographer that had a legit place in advancing a real chance at a career then there would be different consideration. if it's just another photographer, no offense to anyone here on MM, they can find someone else that has a bit more experience to do the shoot.
don't get me wrong. i'm not some kind of puritan or anything like that. i just feel that our kids need time to grow up and as a parent it's my job to try and ensure they don't do it too fast. i would rather that she do some other modeling and get her feet under her a bit better in modeling and just life before doing it. and in full disclosure i'll say that both if my kids are boys so this is talking hypothetically for me.
also, seeing where the OP is from there could also be some very real social consequences if people in her community saw the pictures. like it or not it's a fact and one more thing to be factored into the decision.
also, i just saw the "private commission" part. no freaking way. go find someone else.
Photographer
All Yours Photography
Posts: 2729
Lawton, Oklahoma, US
K I C K H A M wrote:
Ok, well that's a big plus. If your parents end up going for it, take one of them with you. You need a parent in this case, not a friend. A minor should always have a parent present at a shoot (possible exception if she is with a legit agency who can adequately screen clients).
Model
Alisa Meshkova
Posts: 58
Salt Lake City, Utah, US
thanks everyone for the great advice and taking their time to reply! appreciate you lots.
Photographer
Miss Photog
Posts: 288
VALLEY VILLAGE, California, US
talk to your parents! and make sure one of them comes along with you to the shoot. if he has any issue with you bringing a parent (which you should be doing when you go to any shoots) then giant red flag - do not go!
As a photographer I will not shoot a minor without their parent present (and I'm a female!) If a male has an issue with a parent being present at the shoot there is something really sketchy about that-he should be insisting one accompanies you!
but I don't see the harm in talking to your parents and getting their opinion on it. if your parents have a problem with it, wait until you are 18 to do those kind of shoots; trust your parents on this one.
Photographer
Jay Farrell
Posts: 13408
Nashville, Tennessee, US
Great topic, and great attitude OP I personally don't see the point in body paint with a bikini or bra and panties...seems to me it would be easier for the photographer to find a model 18 or older who is ok with being painted nude. But that's just me  I just couldn't see myself doing a project involving body paint that's family hour.
Photographer
SayCheeZ!
Posts: 20616
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
My thoughts are aligned with GPS's in this statement: https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st18322565 With that being said, I recently got heavily involved with the bodypainting community in LV. I'm averaging at least one or two shoots a week from it. Most of the events involved topless models wearing pasties. There were a few events that they weren't wearing pasties, and a few events where they were wearing bikini tops or bras. Although it's not common, so far children are allowed to attend any of the events (most are open to the public). Some of the children even get painted depending on which artist is around and the time that's available. The artists tend to only paint the kids faces and arms, but they will paint almost every nook and cranny on an adult model (whether they're clothed or not), so I have mixed opinions on whether or not the OP should go with it or not. ![https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/130307/09/5138d511ddefd_m.jpg]() OMG, she's not wearing pants!!! As a sidenote, The largest percentage of Fakers that I've come across on MM is from people claiming to be bodypainters. It's a HUGE percentage! I think the reason for this is because bodypainters can, and do, work very closely on the intimate areas of a model. Please make SURE your bodypainter is experienced and well qualified. Most of the bodypainters that I know all know each other very well and can quickly identify a faker right away.
Photographer
AVD AlphaDuctions
Posts: 10747
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
For those who suggest simply waiting to be 18, I submit that this is incomplete and inaccurate, potentially bad advice.
The correct move is to wait until either
a) parents are cool with it or
b) OP is physically and financially independent enough to tell them 'sorry I'm doing it and nothing you can say will change my mind"
Turning 18 does not always magically transform a minor into an independent adult. parents can be controlling as long as they feel they can.
'wait till 18' is bad advice. "wait till you can afford the fallout" is better
Photographer
Designit - Edward Olson
Posts: 1708
West Hollywood, California, US
GPS Studio Services wrote:
Let me ask a few questions:
1. Who is painting you, the photographer or a body-painting artist?
2. Is the artist a male or female?
3. What type of paint, air brush or hand applied with brushes/sponges/etc?
4. What is the project for?
Since you are wearing a bikini, this will obviously not be risque'. On the other hand, since it is non-nude, I am wondering why he is asking you, rather than an older model? I do love your look.
I am on the fence with this. If you have to "convince" your parents, it is obviously not right for you. If they are on the bandwagon and support it, then I think it is fine.
I have done a lot of bodypaint over the years. I have always selected models over 18. Alisa Meshkova wrote:
1. I will be painted by a professional
2. The artist is not chosen yet, but I'd prefer it to be female of course
3. I am not sure about this as well. I was told by the photographer that he will give me all the details if my parents approve the photo shoot.
4. The project will not be for commercial views, its for a private commission.
My parents are not so crazy about all these stuff. They are rather protective, but support what I do. I just want to know if it's rational for me to do a body paint photoset. 3. How can your parents make an informed decision if they don't have the details in advance?
4. Private commission? Seriously? Like someone actually ordered photos of a bodypaint OVER a bikini? The only reason I would bodypaint over a bikini is if it was for a public event.
Photographer
DarrylPascoePhotography
Posts: 484
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alisa Meshkova wrote:
oh yes, they said it's fine if a parent/friend comes along and watches. Though I wouldn't really bother with an underage model for a body painting set myself, I would choose someone of age, given what info you have given and the fact that he is fine with a parent being there with no problem, I don't see the harm if you yourself are comfortable with doing it.
He may not have the answer to the question of how the paint is applied because he has not found a body painter yet so he really doesn't have the answer.
What you might want to do is say you are fine with it and parents have said okay (if they have) as long as it's a female doing it and airbrushed on. Something like that.
Photographer
theBeachStrober
Posts: 885
Robertsdale, Alabama, US
I have red flags about someone wanting to take photographs of a 17 yr old in body paint. Too much hassle to go through. Much easier to get someone 18 and can get permission themselves. From a practical/legitimate standpoint I just don't see why a photographer would NEED 17 yr old for a project like this.
Photographer
Art of the nude
Posts: 12067
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
AVD AlphaDuctions wrote:
Turning 18 does not always magically transform a minor into an independent adult. parents can be controlling as long as they feel they can. At various levels, this point has intrigued me for ages.
Leaving aside the parent who wants to control the choices of their 40 year old, turning 18 is NOT magical, but sometimes it's close in terms of public perception.
The way the world is right now, if there were two friends, one who turned 18 last week, and one who turns 18 next week, I'm more comfortable shooting explicit nudes with the 18 year old than I am shooting head shots alone with the 17 year old, and that's a bit stupid.
Photographer
Art of the nude
Posts: 12067
Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
JonPhoto wrote:
I have red flags about someone wanting to take photographs of a 17 yr old in body paint. Too much hassle to go through. Much easier to get someone 18 and can get permission themselves. From a practical/legitimate standpoint I just don't see why a photographer would NEED 17 yr old for a project like this. Given that it is apparently a "private commission," I CAN think of why the model would need to be underage.
And that's the problem.
Photographer
Garry k
Posts: 30129
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Regardless of your age - what do you think "body painting "photos are going to do for you ?
Photographer
Loki Studio
Posts: 3523
Royal Oak, Michigan, US
Discuss this with your parents and confirm that 1 of them can come to the shoot. A professional shoot should have no issues with a minor and her parent.
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I personally don't see the point in body paint with a bikini or bra and panties...seems to me it would be easier for the photographer to find a model 18 or older who is ok with being painted nude. But that's just me 
I just couldn't see myself doing a project involving body paint that's family hour.
