-JAY- wrote:

One of the straws that broke the camel's back - an escort let a quite expensive light fall into a pool while he was tweeting.

Fuck that. No escorts.

I'd rather use sandbags. "Dear twitter, I cannot type, as I am holding up expensive shit. Also, I have no thumbs because I am a sandbag."

Every time I had an "escort" show up to a shoot it caused problems and I swore I'd never allow them. Then time would pass and I'd turn into an old softy again and I'd allow an "escort" on a shoot, only to have them fuck it up again. Now I have a very, VERY strict policy on not allowing them.

I had a similar experience to Jay's, which was my straw that broke my camel's back. I was doing a shoot on location in at a ghost town. The model brought her (jealous) boyfriend as her "escort" to the shoot, even though there were numerous people around the immediate area to make sure I didn't rape or murder her. Anyway, I needed to get a light set for a shoot so I brought out my Vagabond II, light stand, etc. to where we were shooting. I got it all setup and mounted the softbox to the light. I had it all setup, but I needed a sandbag or two. So I asked the "escort" to hold the light while I went back to the car. He said, "No Problem" and as I started walking a way...not ten seconds later, I hear this loud crash. I turn around and the "escort" is now sitting on a rock. A gust of wind must have come by and it blew over the light stand. When the light blew over, it went over sideways and the softbox was pierced by a branch sticking up through a pile of rocks. When it fell over, the softbox was ripped off the mounting bracket on the light and, in the process of destroying that, it even broke off both bulbs as well. The softbox and the light were trashed. I look at the asshat sitting on the rocks with his phone in his hands and he says, "Oh, sorry dude."

That was years ago and it was my final and last time I've ever had an escort on a shoot and I will NEVER allow them on any others. PERIOD.

- Escorts make shitty sandbags
- Escorts don't hold reflectors well
- Escorts distract the model in more ways than can be counted.
- Escorts need babysitting
- Escorts frequently cause shoots to end too soon because they are bored
- Escorts get jealous and have been known to cause fights on the shoot
- Escorts cause models to be late
- Escorts cause models to flake alltogether
- Escorts interrupt the creative process of a shoot
- Escorts steal equipment
- Escorts frequently have no clue about anything that takes place on a shoot but always want input ideas.

I'm very serious with my graph above. The more amateur the model, the more they want an escort. The more professional the model, the less they want one. I've done shoots with world famous porn stars, published models, famous entertainers, etc. If you ask any of them why they don't bring an escort to a shoot they'd tell you something like, "What, are you joking? What business would my boyfriend have on the set of a shoot?" But young, amateur models are told that every photographer out there is a rapist, murdering, sex offender, even though there is no basis in truth to that at all. A model has a higher likelihood of being raped or murdered in a grocery store parking lot than they do on a photo shoot.

The bottom line is, "escorts" ruin shoots. PERIOD. And the only photographers who still allow them on shoots are the ones who haven't been burned badly by one yet, but when they DO get burned (it's not "if", it's "when") they'll never allow them on set ever again.

Miss Deux wrote:

She mentioned that he said he "didn't think he could contain himself." I can easily see why she would want an escort for that particular shoot, especially if she wanted the pictures (or money)  for it.

You can see? I can't.
What I can not see is why she'd ever get near that photographer or project at all after his declaration. It's not an excuse for an escort, it's idiotic to work with him.

TheHonoraryLoli wrote:
I've never brought an escort to a shoot, nor will I ever.  It is not only unprofessional, but why would you even want to go to a shoot if you were not 100% comfortable with the situation and photographer? 

Maybe I am simply too picky, but even if I am getting paid for a shoot I make sure that the photographer has worked with multiple, contactable people that I can reference to be sure he is legit, and that I like their work on a basic level, and am comfortable with what they are asking me to do.

That said, my boyfriend does always drop me off and pick me back up from shoots, mostly because, well, fuck driving in this city, but he goes /home/ in between, even when photographers ask if he wants to stay.  Having another person in on the shoot is distracting and poor form, and something that neither my "escort" (hah.) or I would ever request.

I think that the escort thing, like the graph earlier so eloquently put it, is in direct relation with the amateur level of the model - not necessarily because they aren't great models, but because they haven't yet built up a sense of stability and comfort in the business.  This could mean they simply aren't sure how to take certain precautions before a shoot (references, etc.), so they freak out and ask their "big, strong" boyfriends to "protect" them from whatever perceived dangers they might feel or whatever their mother's best friend's neighbor told them would happen to models that shoot with strangers.

Voice of reason, from the other side.
BTW, that is a driver, not an escort. And I doubt you will find many, if any, photographers who will have a problem with a driver.

John Allan wrote:
If the photographers interested in shooting these llama herder-demanding models, would grow a pair and just refuse to use them with their risky (monetary and safety) demands, then these 'models' would be forced to act professionally or not model.

Of course there are enough timid GWCs on places like MM to keep these wannabe girls in g-string dollars for the 'pretty years' they have left.

This!

Brianne Crystal wrote:
Also, I only do trade shoots right now. If the photographer was paying me I would certainly understand if they wouldn't want an llama herder to be there, but I'm not booking paying jobs so at the moment it's not something I need to worry about.
I don't think I'll always "require" an llama herder, but as of right now, it is my preference.

How does the nature of the compensation offered, affect your safety and need for an llama herder?   Why does offering you money instead of images, make me safer to you?  I don't follow your logic there.

Brianne Crystal wrote:
The reason I "require" an escort is partly due to the fact that I can't drive, so I need someone to drive me. I realize "driver and "escort" aren't the same thing, but a lot of the time the driver/escort I bring with won't want to feel like driving back home only to pretty much drive right back as soon as they get there (right now I only do shoots an hour away at most). Yes, I'm an amateur/new model so that's another reason why. As I gain more experience I'm going to feel more comfortable without an escort.
Also, I only do trade shoots right now. If the photographer was paying me I would certainly understand if they wouldn't want an escort to be there, but I'm not booking paying jobs so at the moment it's not something I need to worry about.
I don't think I'll always "require" an escort, but as of right now, it is my preference.

Logic fail.

James Crafford wrote:
As a rule, I will honor the model's request for an escort w/o complaint, but in reality, does it make one safer?  I doubt it.  If you run into a pyscho, you are BOTH in danger.

I love multiple meat grinder feedings

Herman Surkis wrote:

Voice of reason, from the other side.
BTW, that is a driver, not an escort. And I doubt you will find many, if any, photographers who will have a problem with a driver.

Haha!  Yes, just a driver (or chauffeur if I'm feeling fancy ;P) , I simply thought the word choice was amusing.

TheHonoraryLoli wrote:

Haha!  Yes, just a driver (or chauffeur if I'm feeling fancy ;P) , I simply thought the word choice was amusing.

Don't even think about saying the pun that you are thinking>

GreatMomentsPhotography wrote:
I am usually okay with female escorts. Many times they have ended up in the shoot. What I don't welcome are boyfriends. They normally are too jealous or overprotective.

I don't like escorts, but I tell models they are welcome to bring anyone except a significant other. They usually bring a friend of the same sex at that point. If I'm indoors, the escort can wait outside. No bringing them into my home unattended. Had one smoking pot in my bathroom one time, and then the model wandered into the bathroom. She came out, eyes a bit bloodshot, and I ended the shoot. I've also noticed a few items missing (luckily not equipment but just CDs (when I had a music collection on a bookcase in the living room instead of all stored on an IPod).

If we are outside, the escort can carry her bag, help with a robe or something if she's unclothed. But when we are ready to shoot, I get them as far away as possible. "You go over there to keep an eye out for other people." I don't want the model to see their face nor talk to them.

With all this said, many of us on here have been shooting for years. You stated you are newer. That can have some effect on the model's desire to bring an escort. If the model is a pro they likely won't bring an escort. They can bring a cell phone and check in at random or specific times if they feel the need to do that.

Recommendation for a Las Vegas model? Tomiko. Maybe she has a new profile here because the old one says removed. Reach her at her website, http://tomiko1.com. Lots of us will give her a great recommendation.

Illuminate wrote:
You would bring an escort too with guys like this



Seriously though, it's a comfort thing. As long as they don't interfere I don't see the issue.

New Art Photo wrote:
--That model looks a little depressed.

No, she just realized the photographer in front of her forgot his zipper and left his willy wonka swinging in the breeze

Misty Matthews wrote:
So let me ask all of you that oppose to an escort. What if the model has a medical condition that it would just be easier if there was an escort with them at all times?

What if the only escort they could get was a boyfriend or husband??

Would you just say no thanks I don't want to do a shoot with you?

Yup! No thanks.

It's very frustrating (usually a waste of time) to try to get a model to focus on the camera "connection" while she's constantly distracted by her "significant other". She often will get self-conscious and be more worried about pacifying and soothing her "escorts" feelings (and insecurities) than focusing on the "connection" and energy of the shoot. No thanks.

Not ALL husbands or boyfriends are like that (but I'd guess probably 90% are)...it's a VERY common theme.

And it can be even worse/ugly...what I describe is usually the best-case-scenario.
It CAN turn into a tantrum or worse.

Click Click Click wrote:
I am new to this and just hiring a couple models for a shoot in LV next month, I would like to try to shoot boudoir, lingerie and some artistic body scapes.

Some of the modes profiles say they always bring an llama herder and that it is “nonnegotiable if you don’t like it don’t ask to hire me” I guess I understand why some feel the need to bring an llama herder, apparently there have been issues in the past… to bad that not everyone was able to keep professional.

Why are some of the models so defensive about bringing an llama herder? Do the llama herders get in the way? Inhibit the shoot?

As a photographer what do I need to be aware of here?

Then don't work with the model...models who think that they need an "llama herder" are delusional to think that they need protecting from a photographer. Who protects them from their boyfriend, when he gets jealous or protective?

Shot By Adam wrote:

Every time I had an "escort" show up to a shoot it caused problems and I swore I'd never allow them. Then time would pass and I'd turn into an old softy again and I'd allow an "escort" on a shoot, only to have them fuck it up again. Now I have a very, VERY strict policy on not allowing them.

I had a similar experience to Jay's, which was my straw that broke my camel's back. I was doing a shoot on location in at a ghost town. The model brought her (jealous) boyfriend as her "escort" to the shoot, even though there were numerous people around the immediate area to make sure I didn't rape or murder her. Anyway, I needed to get a light set for a shoot so I brought out my Vagabond II, light stand, etc. to where we were shooting. I got it all setup and mounted the softbox to the light. I had it all setup, but I needed a sandbag or two. So I asked the "escort" to hold the light while I went back to the car. He said, "No Problem" and as I started walking a way...not ten seconds later, I hear this loud crash. I turn around and the "escort" is now sitting on a rock. A gust of wind must have come by and it blew over the light stand. When the light blew over, it went over sideways and the softbox was pierced by a branch sticking up through a pile of rocks. When it fell over, the softbox was ripped off the mounting bracket on the light and, in the process of destroying that, it even broke off both bulbs as well. The softbox and the light were trashed. I look at the asshat sitting on the rocks with his phone in his hands and he says, "Oh, sorry dude."

That was years ago and it was my final and last time I've ever had an escort on a shoot and I will NEVER allow them on any others. PERIOD.

- Escorts make shitty sandbags
- Escorts don't hold reflectors well
- Escorts distract the model in more ways than can be counted.
- Escorts need babysitting
- Escorts frequently cause shoots to end too soon because they are bored
- Escorts get jealous and have been known to cause fights on the shoot
- Escorts cause models to be late
- Escorts cause models to flake alltogether
- Escorts interrupt the creative process of a shoot
- Escorts steal equipment
- Escorts frequently have no clue about anything that takes place on a shoot but always want input ideas.

I'm very serious with my graph above. The more amateur the model, the more they want an escort. The more professional the model, the less they want one. I've done shoots with world famous porn stars, published models, famous entertainers, etc. If you ask any of them why they don't bring an escort to a shoot they'd tell you something like, "What, are you joking? What business would my boyfriend have on the set of a shoot?" But young, amateur models are told that every photographer out there is a rapist, murdering, sex offender, even though there is no basis in truth to that at all. A model has a higher likelihood of being raped or murdered in a grocery store parking lot than they do on a photo shoot.

The bottom line is, "escorts" ruin shoots. PERIOD. And the only photographers who still allow them on shoots are the ones who haven't been burned badly by one yet, but when they DO get burned (it's not "if", it's "when") they'll never allow them on set ever again.

There you go...they are the 5th wheel on a tricycle!

Misty Matthews wrote:
So let me ask all of you that oppose to an escort. What if the model has a medical condition that it would just be easier if there was an escort with them at all times?

What if the only escort they could get was a boyfriend or husband??

Would you just say no thanks I don't want to do a shoot with you? Would you go ahead and consider that it might be better to let the escort come with them?

How about if the escort comes with them, but does not stand in the area where to photos are being taken??

If the model has that serious of a medical condition then they should most likely not be shooting.

ArtisticGlamour wrote:
It's not a bad idea to bring your own "escort" as photographer...you never know when the model's "escort" may be just a hired thug that's out to steel your camera gear while the "model" distracts you. $10K in camera gear will buy a LOT of Meth.

Messrs. Smith and Wesson are with me on most shoots with official approval by the State of Texas.

They are extremely discrete and have never alarmed anyone, almost as if they aren't there.

Misty Matthews wrote:
So let me ask all of you that oppose to an escort. What if the model has a medical condition that it would just be easier if there was an escort with them at all times?

What if the only escort they could get was a boyfriend or husband??

Would you just say no thanks I don't want to do a shoot with you? Would you go ahead and consider that it might be better to let the escort come with them?

How about if the escort comes with them, but does not stand in the area where to photos are being taken??

No shoot from me. 

So a health problem is the only thing keeping you from being a model?  Genetics is the number one reason people don't get to be models.  I don't get to be a model and I am in fine health.  Not everyone gets to do every job.

Ben Hinman wrote:
You can't blame them for bringing an escort along! In fact, their safety should be your priority anyway, so you should encourage them to. Worst case scenario you have an extra hand on set. Escorts to me are like the equivalent of that intern you tell to go get you coffee or hold up the reflector.

This has NOT been my experience.

Escorts are NOT good at holding lights/reflectors (while either  texting on their cellphone or jealously sulking) , and they end up being a distraction to the llama. The llama loses "connection" with the camera because of the escort.

I don't have an issue with a "driver" who disappears or waits somewhere else.
I have NOT found "escorts" to be the equivalent of an assistant or intern.

Ben Hinman wrote:
Worst case scenario you have an extra hand on set.

No, worst case scenario is an Escort's ugly-jealous temper tantrum, possibly violent, or theft of your equipment, etc.

ArtisticGlamour wrote:

Ben Hinman wrote:
You can't blame them for bringing an escort along! In fact, their safety should be your priority anyway, so you should encourage them to. Worst case scenario you have an extra hand on set. Escorts to me are like the equivalent of that intern you tell to go get you coffee or hold up the reflector.

This has NOT been my experience.

Escorts are NOT good at holding lights/reflectors (while either  texting on their cellphone or jealously sulking) , and they end up being a distraction to the model. The model loses "connection" with the camera because of the escort.

I don't have an issue with a "driver" who disappears or waits somewhere else.
I have NOT found "escorts" to be the equivalent of an assistant or intern.


No, worst case scenario is an Escort's ugly-jealous temper tantrum, possibly violent, or theft of your equipment, etc.

Damn. Maybe i just got lucky. Worst i've ever seen was at a friends shoot, the escort was a boyfriend, he got jealous and stormed off. The rest of the shoot went great.

Ben Hinman wrote:
Damn. Maybe i just got lucky. Worst i've ever seen was at a friends shoot, the escort was a boyfriend, he got jealous and stormed off. The rest of the shoot went great.

I've had a great shoot with a model who's husband was NOT jealous and was totally supportive and helped her with her clothes and was a total gentleman. There are a few good supportive escorts. But they seem to be rare.

More often the "escort" is a distraction with pouting and sulking. Almost to the point of "sabataging" the shoot. I'll stop the shoot before it get's any worse than escort's sulking and distraction...but, I've heard much worse stories from people who didn't (and it escalated).

But, it's almost as bad for a model to show up without the "escort"...then spend the shoot focused on her cellphone to provide "status updates" every 15 minutes. Hell they might as well just bring their "Mommy" or their (dying) grandmother. It's all just various forms of unprofessionalism...and a waste of my time.

These are just some of the many pitfalls of shooting with inexperienced and/or insecure models.

However, I can usually explain all this to a new model and with good "collaboration" communication, an escort is usually deemed not necessary. And I'm totally okay with a "driver" drop-off and pick-up.

Plus, I shoot in a very safe private park, that has gated security so I check both the model and myself in at the gate and check out. Clean, safe (for both of us), quiet, and no bystander or gawker issues.

Click Click Click wrote:
I am new to this and just hiring a couple models for a shoot in LV next month, I would like to try to shoot boudoir, lingerie and some artistic body scapes.

Some of the modes profiles say they always bring an escort and that it is “nonnegotiable if you don’t like it don’t ask to hire me” I guess I understand why some feel the need to bring an escort, apparently there have been issues in the past… to bad that not everyone was able to keep professional.

Why are some of the models so defensive about bringing an escort? Do the escorts get in the way? Inhibit the shoot?

As a photographer what do I need to be aware of here?

You need to be aware that there is a potential that if you choose not to allow escorts, some models won't shoot with you.  And if you do, some of the time, they will cause the shoot to not go as you'd like.

The balance between those things depends on how you manage your interactions and choices.