Hello all, i am a very weary model and just wanted a second opinion as to if this is a scam or not,

"Hello Amanda,

I hope that this finds you well. My name is Aries and I am an amateur photographer currently located in New England. I came across your profile on MM while looking for potential models to work with. I was wondering if you would be interested in working together? You are very beautiful!

A little bit more about what I had in mind. I'd like to shoot in Vermont; in the woods and meadows and possibly by Lake Champlain as well. My concept is to show the comparison of the beauty of nature with the beauty of the female. To achieve this we'd be shooting a mixture of glamour/fashion (both high fashion and stuff more racy), swimwear, and lingerie. You'd be responsible for your own hair and makeup as well as for providing the wardrobe.

The photos will be used for my portfolio. Being fairly new to photography I need some good images to get my portfolio a little more professional. For your pay, do you have rates? In addition, I would help with your necessary travel expenses as well as provide food and drink while we shoot.

Thanks!"

It doesnt sound like a scam you should talk to him about concepts he's trying to portray and what exactly he had in mind for the more 'racy" photos talk to him about taking an escort since he is an amateur photographer he shouldnt mind you bringing someone with you for your safety! No model should feel uncomfortable at a shoot and do not be afraid to say NO if he wants you to do something you are just not comfortable with! Hope this helps take care!!
Serenity

The part about more "racy" photos is a concern since your profile says you do not do nudes and you don't really have any racy photos in your port..  I would also be very wary about going to shoot in the woods with a total stranger.  I think it's also a concern when a photographer offers to pay a models travel expenses rather than work with someone local.  Since your profile says that you only have "some experience" it's also strange that he would pay to bring you to his area rather than use the money to hire a local model with more experience.  Just my two cents.

Are you weary or wary?

I am geography challenged: how far is Kitchner from Vermont?  He must cover your travel expenses before you leave Kitchner.

Before you leave Kitchner, you must have enough cash in hand to cover any possible expenses in case he flakes.

Do not tell U.S. Customs that you are coming into this country to model.

Amanda,

I'm very new to Model Mayhem too, and I've got several "iffy" messages from photographers. I don't believe this is a scam, but I would strongly suggest looking through his/her portfolio and reaching out to past models that he or she has worked with. Be a little proactive, and do some checking up on any photographer that you're considering working with. If you hear good things about the photographer, then go for it! If it's the opposite, then keep away. Be safe, and best of luck!

Sincerely,

Teagan

This seems completely normal to me.  The photographer is interested in hiring you as a model and you would agree on the styles/concepts, rates, and travel expenses to complete the project.  Check the photographers work, check references independantly, and make sure you agree on a 50% deposit for all travel gigs and you will have very little risk of a bad experience.

This is an email I just received from a scammer. Sharing in attempts to spread the word.

Prospective Model,
          I am Gwen of  Mix Models International Agency and
i am the project personnel and also the
resource manager heading the recruitment of models for this project.

We got your email and checked your profile and photos on Model mayhem
and we were impressed with your portfolio

Foremost, I want to compliment on your work. I definitely like what I
see. You have poise and evoke emotion. You glow with good inner energy
as well. Your shots, especially your eyes, ring out a winner’s bell. I
have been in the business a long time and I know talent and
potential,I feel you have that elusive subtle "Special Something," or
"IT!"
Good for you! I highly encourage you to keep moving forward!

I feel you have the inner and outer elements of what I seek in a model
with which I would interested in working.

Well let me brief you a little about our company and jobs that we have
done in the past. ( www.mix-models.com )

The philosophy at Mix Models is by coaching, support and guidance we
can create a mix of top models.
We are not focussing on one type of model but we created a mix of
models who represent every continent of the world. We distinguish
ourselves by keeping our model database small. This way we can give
our models the full devotion and support they need to grown in their
modeling career.  being on the cutting edge of fashion trends,
upholding the utmost ethical standards, and tending to the needs of
talent and clients. Our management is individually tailored to the
models we represent; time, care, personal attention are our trademarks
as we direct and build each career.

we are an amsterdam based company with plans of expanding our operations
to other U.S states and so on

we have been
in existence for the past 17 years and we have worked with a lot of big
models internationally and locally,we have also worked with some
musicians in costuming them for shoots and so on we are not really a
forefront company so what we do is like we go scouting for models and
we put you up for the company you want to model for,we have worked with
companies like Tommy Hilfiger,Ed Hardy by
Christian Audigier and so many other private fashion companies,and
most times we have used popular models, ready known
or ready made models,we also like to scout for people then blend them into
what we feel they should be like and how they should be like for the
job,Well some of the attribute we need in you is just to be
bold,confident,social,
intelligent,ready to work and your commitment and also we need you to
always and  follow instructions at all times

Here are some details that may help you decide on a collaboration with
us. I should hope your decision would be positive.

CURRENT PROJECTS:we are in a random search of talented individuals to
work with me on a new project with automotive & bruneimotors
(Dealing with all type of cars)It's a model-centered project which
gives the model 100 percent control over the creative process while
the photographer intervenes only to capture the poses, postures and
styling on camera for the model.

OUTFITS: I am relying on your creativity and courage here. The project
requires that the model wear only ONE ARTICLE (examples: camisole,
coat, negligé, robe, etc.) or only TWO ARTICLES (examples:
bra-plus-jeans, t-shirt-plus-miniskirt, jacket-plus-thong, a pair of
high heels, etc.) and nothing else for skin coverage. Thus, shoes are
also part of the count. Not an impossible task physically, but
certainly a significant challenge psychologically.  The only limit is
your imagination with respect to your current wardrobe and sense of
styling.


LOCATION: we prefer studio settings to natural settings.  We may shoot
at an indoor or outdoor venue of your choosing with some planning.Of
course,you and the supervisor will choose a  studio very close to your
location so it would be easy for you and you don't have to travel
anywhere,Photographs will be produced on occasions convenient for both
model and photographer. Sessions are usually at least three hours
long, sometimes five hours.You are free to bring in escorts or friends
if that would give you more confidence.The photo sessions are closed
to
non-participants, who may accommodate themselves in adjacent areas
with their own work, while relaxing and waiting for the model.
Non-participants are invited outside of the sets in order to reduce
interpersonal distractions, to keep the set as unobstructed as
possible and to minimize the management duties of the photographer.



PAYMENT IN KIND:  Compensation takes the form of part payment first.We
would be paying you 1600$ in all for the job and 550$ first as part
payment  but our client would be writing you payment for your part
payment and payment to studio's
agent for the preparation of the next level of the project and studio
rental fee on our behalf before
you will be called for the shoot)
we will  Immediately mail out the check to
you via our courier service,you will get paid in full immediately
you finish the shoot, Please I'd like you to check your email on a
regular basis,we will update you with any
details on job, payments would be mailed out to you as soon as
necessary procedure is carried out in some few days by the financial
officer using a priority shipment,so that everything would be in place
for the job.you
are just to get fully prepared to for the shoot . please get back also
with your details
so that we can get your payment across to you and after receiving your part
payment and the one of the studio rental fee; the supervisor will call  you
to set up an appointment for date and time that will be convenient with you
so that you can both meet in the studio and have the shoot
done.


Please get back immediately
with the below details in this order so as to avoid mistakes:



Name on Check in full...
Residential address in full ( No P.O Box)...
City..
State...
Zip-code..
Phone number...(cell and home)
Age........
Statistics for Attires....
Statistics for shoes.....

and four recent standard photos so as to have your details documented
on our system,


Mix Models International Agency.
Regards
Gwen Agnes