Robert_Vega wrote:
I have a simple question:  what are general rules when photographing an underage model?  I'm not sure and I figured I should make sure before I do the shoot.
Thanks.

Well. I require an underage model to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire shoot. So I leave it up to the parent. But in the event that the parent let the model make that decision, I've always been told that if a girl can legally wear a certain garment/outfit in public, I can legally photograph her in it. I've heard, but I'm not sure if it's true, that if a girl under 18 is married and/or has a child, she is legally an adult. That might vary from state to state though.

Freelancer wrote:

Well. I require an underage model to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire shoot. So I leave it up to the parent. But in the event that the parent let the model make that decision, I've always been told that if a girl can legally wear a certain garment/outfit in public, I can legally photograph her in it. I've heard, but I'm not sure if it's true, that if a girl under 18 is married and/or has a child, she is legally an adult. That might vary from state to state though.

I know in NY its legal for minors to be in about what a bakini covers. No genitals or nipples and no peitration.If you dont pass those boundries your fine.You can even photograph them as smexy as you like,so long as there isnt anything "explicit" about the img. No touching of the "nono"areas in "that way" and your fine as well.

Robert_Vega wrote:
... What are general rules when photographing an underage model?

Do not, under any circumstances, fuck them.
It's a really bad idea.

Kassandra wrote:

I know in NY its legal for minors to be in about what a bakini covers. No genitals or nipples and no peitration.If you dont pass those boundries your fine.You can even photograph them as smexy as you like,so long as there isnt anything "explicit" about the img. No touching of the "nono"areas in "that way" and your fine as well.

A regular bikini. Not a thong. Right?

Paul Ferrara wrote:
Just don't ask her to take her clothes off.  Seriously.  I wouldn't shoot her in lingerie either but swimwear is okay.

Paul

I agree with you about the lingerie. But I have seen 16 & 17 year olds with lingerie pics in their ports.

BlacklistVisual wrote:
Do not, under any circumstances, fuck them.
It's a really bad idea.

Was this meant as a joke answer to a real question?

Robert_Vega wrote:
... What are general rules when photographing an underage model?

Check with your local laws and check them as often as you can, because they change at times without much notice or warning to the public.
I'd follow the specific laws about photographing a minor and then follow your heart as to what would be appropriate to shoot.

Craig Thomson wrote:
...and then follow your heart...

Was this meant as a real answer to a real question with possible legal implications?
Guess what...
Judges don't give a fuck about what your "heart" told you to do.

Kassandra wrote:
...Most of the time its fine, ppl make shooting minors into a horror story it isnt...

All minors say that.
And the one time it turns out NOT being fine is enough of a mess to make it never worth doing.

Robert_Vega wrote:
I have a simple question:  what are general rules when photographing an underage model?  I'm not sure and I figured I should make sure before I do the shoot.
Thanks.

General rules:
Know the laws.
Obey said laws.
Remember that you don't have to break any laws to be arrested, sued, or defamed.

Xi wrote:
Have the parent of legal guardian sign the release forms/be there at the shoot. If not, have them accompanied by someone who is over 18, and have an assistant/witness there for you as well.


It is NOT illegal to shoot minors for artistic nudes. Most photographers just avoid shooting minors altogether to avoid any potential problems. Fair enough.

But there are no laws about photographing nude minors in a non-sexual manner. The problem then lies in how people conceive sexuality, yadda yadda...

I guess that's how that photographer legally photographed Brooke Shields nude when she was only 10.

BlacklistVisual wrote:
Y'know, man...
I gotta give you my honest answer here, because it sounds like you're opening yourself up to a lotta shit that nobody wants to deal with.
You're looking for general rules to your simple question.
I have a simple rule I stick to, no question.
Do not shoot underage models.
That's it.
Hold out til you find someone over 18.  It's really not that hard to do.
Save yourself the world of shit you could be landing yourself in and just don't shoot them.
If you look at my shit, I've got 1 photo with kids in it.  And I made sure that the image didn't have have even the slightest tinge of anything that could be misconstrued as innapropriate sexuality.
If you're looking for something running the gamut, just don't.
Shoot implied with some chick who turned 18 this morning.
In the long run, you'll be happier.
Because fighting that shit out could be hell.

I used to feel the same way about working with underage models. But they are easier to schedule for summer because they don't have full time jobs & requiring a parent/guardian to attend decreases the chances of the model not showing up for the shoot.

Kassandra wrote:
Thongs are fine as well so long as you dont have any um.. wardrobe misfunctions i believe ppl are calling it? Always pre aprove the skimper things with the gardiant before hand. Most of the time its fine, ppl make shooting minors into a horror story it isnt.

This brings up another advantage to requiring a parent/guardian be present for the entire shoot. Only clothes approved by the parent will be brought to the shoot.

Robert_Vega wrote:
Is it legal for the model to be nude, but having nothing showing on the picture, like implied nudity? :-|

Rule # 1- laws vary with location.

That said, nudity does not always = porn or obsenity.  if it focuses on genetalia or is overtly sexual, or involves any actual, implied, or vaguely hinted at sexual contact, conduct or situations, it is most likely going to get you in a whole lot of trouble.  Nudity per se is not illegal.  Check your local, state and fed laws, make sure a parent/gaurdian is present, signs a consent form that explains exactly what is going on, and try to have a make up person or assistant around so there's no chance for "he-said, she-said" B.S.  And be real wary of parents that are interested in having their children photographed naked.