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Import Models II, Welcome Stacey Lee!
The previous thread on Import models has grown into a Godzilla size monster! I noticed towards the end of it that Stacey Lee, a model I have seen at HIN's has joined the Mayhem. Welcome Stacey!  At this time, I assume that most of the photographers and models here are not involved with car shows or the genre called "Import" modeling. Yet that thread that Tina started was wildly popular for comments. I have some questions, and since I know that Stacey and Tina are not the only models on here with interest in the Import scene ... I will start a new thread. Many photographers worry about shooting with minors. If the modeling is not pornographic in nature, then where is the problem with working with a 17 year old who wants to do the Import scene? FOR THE MODELS; What age did you start? Do you see the "Import" genera as being different from being a spokesmodel for other less exciting products? (Some one questioned why the separate genera) Because you do car shows, do you think that a natural progression is to someday do nudity, or are you completely sure you will not go that far? Will having "Import Model" on your resume hurt, or benefit your career? Thank you! Jun 01 05 01:59 am Link The problem with having a 17 year old doing the import scene is primarily with the audience. The primary demographic of the import scene are males 16 and up, I would think. Now ok, a 16 or 17 or even 18 year old ogling a 17 year old girl...thats ok. But a 25 yr old guy ogling a 17 yr old girl? That's where the problem lies. If a young girl under is going to be modeling for an event or magazine where a lot of the readership is 18+, there is potential for all sorts of trouble! Especially if you are at an event such as Hot Import Nights. I started modeling at age 18. Just because I knew that there were genres of modeling that I wanted to do, i.e. fine art nudity, bikini, etc. It just makes things so much easier. However, I do make sure that the photog also gets a picture of my I.D., because even though I'm 20, I can still probably pass for a 13 year old. As for Import cars being different from spokesmodeling...i would have to say yes. I think Import modeling has mutated into its own genre, because Import models do get a large following and lots of exposure. More people would probably recognize Tila Nguyen, as opposed to a girl from the Women in Waders calender. I think that once one has crossed the threshold into being an "Import Model," thats all you will ever really be known for. And as for the nudity issue, I did nudes before I ever did anything else. In fact, it was hard for me to go from being nude, to being clothed...I had no idea what I was doing. (And by nude, I don't mean porn!) Jun 01 05 03:06 am Link Posted by Patrick Walberg: for me, not being too much older than 17 (21), it still just doesnt 'feel right' shooting suggestive photos with a minor. I suppose it can be argued that it's all in the mind of the photographer doing the shooting, but it can't be denied that most import modeling is supposed to be sexy and/or sexually suggestive....more suggestive, than say, fashion or glamour, where, [usually] the photos are less about the body and more about their 'look'. and that's where the problem with minors lies. Jun 01 05 04:33 am Link I would have second thoughts of shooting any models under the age of 18 mainly because if anyone either the model, parents or a friend wants to give you a bad name for whatever reason they can pretty much ruin your career by just starting rumors about "that dirty photographer that likes to shoot little girls" It doesnt mater how many model releases you have or how many chaperones she brings to the shoot, the photographer is always going to look like the bad guy. Jun 01 05 05:58 am Link OK, my thoughts on the age thing; Since I've worked in retail studios, I've photographed thousands of minor age children. The parents PAY me to shoot their kids! Of course we are talking about portraits which are different from model shoots, but I make the kids look like they are in a commercial shot if the parents like that idea. I have also been paid to shoot minor age young ladies for their modeling portfolios. I've also managed minor age musicians, but the headaches that these talented kids caused me was not worth it! NEVER have I been accused of doing anything inappropriate! "Knock on wood!" How much does a young person change on their 18th birthday? How is 17 and 362 days so different from 18 and 1 day? It's the courts of law that say there is a difference. Different on paper, and in law books, but still the same person days after turning 18. I find it interesting, but do understand that it is to protect children even if the number seems arbitrary! That's just my observation. Some how I've maintained having a good reputation for many years, probably because I try not to do anything stupid! I like to provoke discussion on here regarding shooting minors because they deserve to be photographed if they want to. Parents love great pictures of their kids! Most of us photograph our own kids, but is we were not photographers by trade then we would probably go pay a professional to shoot them. If you do it right, then there is no reason to be fearful of photographing kids. Thank you for your comments. I do hope more models respond to this topic. Jun 01 05 06:35 am Link Posted by Lemi: Lemi, thank you for your response. You are very petite so I understand how you could be mistaken for much younger than you are. Now that I'm getting older it's fun when that happens! LOL Jun 01 05 06:59 am Link Posted by Patrick Walberg: It is arbitrary because there is no other logical way of protecting children. Someone could be very mature at 17 but no matter how mature they are they are still a minor. I've seen 15 year olds who could pass for at least 19 but it doesn't matter. If you're under age you are under age, period. Jun 01 05 07:40 am Link I'm gonna play the 'Devils Advocate' for this one. In the eyes of the law, a contract can only be considered legitimate and binding if it's agreed upon by adults of sound mind. That means a minor (person under the age of 18) can't sign contracts. A parent or legal guardian must sign for them. Therefore, a model under the age of 18 can't sign contracts (including model releases, agency contracts...etc). That puts a big damper on the situation! Jun 01 05 08:34 am Link WTF is this?! lol Jun 01 05 09:18 am Link Posted by SayCheeZ!: Well yeah I think most people already know that. Unfortunetly there are a lot of parents out there who will let their kids do suggestive modeling. Jun 01 05 10:54 am Link Posted by SayCheeZ!: OK, I'm going to jump in here knowing that I'll probably regret it later. While it's not a good idea to contract with a minor, the above isn't always true. The law varies from state to state, but a contract with a minor is not always void. In many states the contract is voidable by the minor, but he/she may still be liable for damages. Jun 01 05 12:18 pm Link Posted by Leila: Posted by SayCheeZ!: Well yeah I think most people already know that. Unfortunetly there are a lot of parents out there who will let their kids do suggestive modeling. Well, you know - there is nothing like living vicariously through one's own child... Jun 01 05 12:23 pm Link Who's to say if it's right or wrong? It's still done every day by millions of parents... Jun 01 05 12:24 pm Link Under 18 = Fashion Over 18 = Whatever you want to do..... I am amazed any company (in the tradeshow scene) will hire a under 18 model to rep their company in the booth - unless the person works for the company as an employee - office staff etc.. But to hire her to dress up in a skimpy outfit to rep product is just dumb.... sorry - but the liability that the company runs with that setup is monsterous.... All you need is one incident and deep pockets will be coming after you..... and just think she would not be there if you (the company) did not hire her - so anything that happens negative at the show will come to haunt you the employer.. nuts I would never do it... Heck I do not even shoot with under 18 models - seeing my laywer - was like - "are you nuts...." Jun 01 05 12:35 pm Link Posted by Brent Burzycki: good guidelines; because almsot anything outside of fashion and general portraits/headshots is fairly suggestive... Jun 01 05 12:52 pm Link Fashion can be pretty suggestive. And don't forget commercial for children. You know, that largest area of modeling that employs the greatest variety of people? Jun 01 05 12:58 pm Link HIN and the majority of Import / Tuner magazines and companies go through agencies or management companies, like iCliqueModels (kind of like the Ford of Fashion - only the Ford of exotic models). I don't recall having ever seen a minor listed on their sites as I perused their web pages. A girl that may stand as a "team model" representing a team of suped-up import rice burners, is not the same as an Import Model. She is however the representing hot chick that gets the judges to think twice about who's auto should win "Best in Show." The Team models tend to represent in smaller auto shows - usually unpaid... Now Import Models, termed for their usually excotic (often times Asian) appearence usually pop up to represent at large automotive trade shows and represent a product and often times a car is shown as well, like let's say, "Valvoline." They get paid anywhere from a piddly $100.00 a day to $3000.00 a day. They stand they look pretty, they let men oggle them and let photographers take pictures of them - or their augmented breasts - whichever... they sell their images on 24 X 32 posters (give or take) for about 15.00 a pop - if one is really nice they'll scribble the generic "Stay Sweet xoxo" on it. Make no mistake, "Import Models" are indeed getting paid... Such lovely ladies include Tila Nguyen and Playboy model Lorabel Rey - both representing in HIN (Hot Import Nights)... Anyone who is interested in modeling for this company, please feel free to email me and I will send you contact information IF you fit the description of what my contact is interested in. Both Tila and Lorabel (The once titled Miss Korea)were of age to model - neither being 16 doning on tight boy shorts and pasties... Jun 01 05 01:00 pm Link Posted by SayCheeZ!: True! It has nothing to do with a persons ability to model. There are many 17 year olds who are mature enough to handle being an Import model, but the law regarding contracts makes it so that they must have parental approval before modeling anything. Same goes for Elite or Fords contracts ... a parent must sign. Jun 01 05 04:01 pm Link Posted by Reese: OK, so they started after they turned 18 then. What about other models? Any 17 year olds on the HIN crew? AND also do most go nude? (I know some who even go into music like Tila!) Jun 01 05 04:09 pm Link iClique's site will not even let a minor apply. however, this is not because they do not hire minors. a friend of mine was recruited to be a spokesmodel at age 16. she was just not featured on their site, for that. i was one of those child models that parents push and the kid really has no idea wtf theyre doing, but i started in the import scene at 15. things like HIN are just public events. either way if you look good, guys of all ages will be oogling you wherever you go, so what makes HIN any different from the mall? HIN, and other carshows are actually safer since there is security all around to help you, if you need it. and on the nudity.. even though im not legally allowed to right now, when i do turn 18 in a year, i dont plan on doing nude. even artistic nude seems unnacceptable in my eyes, but i dont have a problem with others who do it. i would just not feel comfortable revealing myself in such ways to the world. i know MANY models that are or started under age. cosmopolitan-mzcosmopolitan.com allaya lee-missallayalee.com samantha jee-myspace.com/samanthajee alie layus-importculture.com (her features on there somewhere) and myself. im too lazy to research more, but you guys get the idea. most these girls get started by being recruited by companies like iclique at carshows, when they go just for fun. i know for a fact that thats how allaya and i got started.. so you cant really say that they dont hire minors, because obviously i work in the scene and i do not lie about my age or use my fake id. if you look at my myspace, im listed as 16 years old, and that is where i get most of my jobs for carshows, etc. Jun 01 05 10:36 pm Link ooh and ashleesem.com and yes, my parents do approve of my work, since they have met allaya and ashlee, and realized that the industry isnt as sleezy as some girls make it seem. actually, they wish that i could be a high fashion model, but im too short and too chubby. Jun 01 05 10:39 pm Link Posted by Patrick Walberg: as for going nude, i think most decide to because being an import model isn't going to pay the bills -- it's more a side job than anything, IMO; Import models arent making large sums of money for JUST modeling -- but they have a passion for doing so, so most will want to open their own site -- and, let's face it -- not many are willing to pay for a site that doesn't include nudity. Jun 02 05 12:18 am Link OK, so they started after they turned 18 then. What about other models? Any 17 year olds on the HIN crew? AND also do most go nude? (I know some who even go into music like Tila!) My friend Pam Rodriguez is part of the HIN Team and she will never go nude or imply topless. You will also not see Flo Jalin, Nikki Cash, Mia Guzman and others nude. Jun 02 05 12:44 am Link Ok guys, I normally don't post but this is getting interesting. Being asian I have a disadvantage of getting into high fashion(which is what I'd like to do because of my height. I'm 5'6 and too short for runway but I'd hate to think that most asian models are associated with the import scene. I have nothing against anyone in that genre but I personally think standing around with guys grabbing you just isn't my cup of tea. I've done one import show and after that I told myself I'd never do one again. Maybe it was just a bad first impression. Even if it was, nothing else about it was convincing enough for me to do it again. I'm sure most girls do it because they like it but it's just not that appealing to me. "as for going nude, i think most decide to because being an import model isn't going to pay the bills -- it's more a side job than anything, IMO; Import models arent making large sums of money for JUST modeling -- but they have a passion for doing so, so most will want to open their own site -- and, let's face it -- not many are willing to pay for a site that doesn't include nudity." I do agree with this point you made. There is definitely nothing wrong with that though. I've looked up the bigger names in the import scene and have noticed that most really do end up going nude. With all due respect though, whatever floats your boat : ) Jun 02 05 12:51 am Link Oh Rob, yes you're right also. There are some gorgeous girls who don't do nudes. I worked with Nikki Cash at that show and she's a very classy girl  Jun 02 05 12:55 am Link Posted by Mai Choua Lor: i wasnt saying anything wrong with it. hell, i'm male -- i approve of it! in any case, it's their decision. Jun 02 05 01:03 am Link Sorry Cicada, didn't mean for it to come across that way..that's what I meant..that whatever the outcome, it's their decision. Jun 02 05 01:06 am Link Posted by Tina Lee: I see your point ... it's like hanging out at the shopping mall except for a few differences. Making money for one! Would you wear the same outfits at the mall though? (... because you do have security at the HIN event.) Jun 02 05 01:29 am Link actually there ARE certain outfits ive used for shows and shoots that i would wear regularly.. for example the skirt in my avatar picture is a skirt from hollister that i originally bought just for wearing. Jun 02 05 01:35 am Link Aww thanks for the warm welcomes. I've only been here a day and there's a whole journal to catch up on. I guess the whole "import scene" is quite a genre of it's own. I've had my ups and downs in the industry. Now what was the original question again?!?! lol As for shooting under age minors. I'm not against it. However just like any other industry there are parental release forms. Some photographers just don't want the hastle of stage moms. Not to be confused with parental guidance. The import scene does draw a younger audience, so it's only fair that the girls who attend the shows end up modeling for these different companies. Gosh I started when I was 20 and that was by accident. Wow the outfits are just getting smaller and smaller these days. I personally try to get my feet wet with a diverse portfolio, and well import had some great glamour photographers. I've made many great connections and some outstanding people over the years. Some of whom have become my dearest friends. oh and as for nudes...I've never done them. I'm not against them. But if the perfect opportunity came around to do nudes, well I'm sure you'll all hear about it. LOL Jun 02 05 02:00 am Link Posted by Tina Lee: ewww...cabinwear Jun 02 05 02:42 am Link Posted by Mai Choua Lor: i know what you meant -- i was just agreeing with you Jun 02 05 02:44 am Link |
