Vintagevista wrote:
Evening all - Just thought I'd pass this one on.

If you see my pics you know that I shoot mostly outdoors in natural locations with casual clothed shots as well as outdoor nudes with some models.  I made a firm resolution that when I started working with models - that their safety was 100% my concern and responsibility.

I always scout my locations ahead of a shoot - even those I have used before.  Light changes and differences in sun angles as the seasons change can make a real difference.

Today I went back to my main area which is a secluded valley in a wildlife area.  This is an area where my favorite rock formations are and you have no real worry about unexpected visitors walking in.  I've shot there for more than a year - not
any issues in the past - but, still . . . . Ya gotta check ahead of bringing a model into the area.

I walked up to the formation and instantly noticed that  - -  "Houston We Have A Problem" - - a huge diamondback rattler has staked a claim to "MY" rocks.  Bigger around than my wrist and I'd guess pushing about 5 feet long.  Just laying under a ledge like he owned the place (He does)

Clearly, it will be some time before I'll be back to that area - and I'll certainly scout the area with a fine tooth comb in the future.  Because that's my job - To Make Sure The Model is Safe and Comfortable - THEN I can think about pictures.

I shudder to think of the GWC's that have that "Lets run to the hills somewhere and you can take your clothes off" attitude.  If anybody looks to shoot outdoor locations - especially in wild areas - please just remember the level of trust the model has to put in you, that she will not be put into harms way.

This is why I scout locations - no model should ever put her foot into any area until I have checked it ahead of time. - period.  This could have been an "All Points Disaster" - but now it is a cautionary tale on a BB.

Thanks for your time - Tom

It's good to know I'm not the ONLY photographer who thinks of this stuff.  I also make the model's safety my first priority. 

When I use a remote location, I am the first person into the location and the last one to leave it.  I usually only use places I know well, or sometimes one the model picks out.  I shoot primarily outdoors and Safety has to be an important issue. 

As I am in Upstate, NY I only shoot from April-October.  I VERY RARELY shoot in the winter months, unless the model is nearby, or they really want to shoot in the snow.  Primarily because travel can be dangerous in the wintertime for both the model, and for me.  There is also the danger of exposure and hypothermia to consider.