MonsterJazz Photography wrote:
I don't see a problem with it.  As long as they stay to the side and are respectful of the process.  Plus they can hold on to stuff if I need another pair of hands.

Mj

"IF" and the liability. No thanks.

Mel Recker wrote:
Here's an experiment:

Look at ports of each photog that has commented in this thread.

Note the number of nudes you see.

Compare that number with their stance on escorts.

Notice trend.


Mel

Mel - if you weren't a newbie I'd CAM your snarky ass.

You're implying that photographers that shoot nudes do not allow escorts because they have ulterior motives.

And just to buck your 'trend'; I allow escorts - as long as they are not significant others. On all but one of the nude shoots in my port there was a third party.

Good luck with your acting 'career'.

Mel Recker wrote:
Here's an experiment:

Look at ports of each photog that has commented in this thread.

Note the number of nudes you see.

Compare that number with their stance on escorts.

Notice trend.


Mel

Here is another trend, compare the number of posts and how long the photographer has had an account here.

Newer less experienced photographers are likely to accept escorts.

The more experienced (hopefully better) photographers almost exclusively will not allow them. I myself used to allow them until too many shoots got derailed by an escort.  The simple fact is that eventually if you allow escorts you will have problems with them, so eventually you make the choice not to allow them. It's simply a matter of time.

I might also add that the more experienced photographers are unlikely to still be working so long with models if they are creeps, bad news travels fast and bad reputations even faster.

Ultimately its the models choice, choose to cripple their chances by not working with better more experienced photographers after checking references or allow paranoia to take control, not work with them and go with inexperienced photographers who are less likely to be able to deliver quality images.

Mel Recker wrote:
Haha. What I was implying was that if you're into shooting nudes (which I have no problem with), then you're probably an adult...and therefore won't need an escort. Geez. Don't hate.

Mae

No hateage, I agree.

Mel Recker wrote:
"Newer less experienced photographers are likely to accept escorts. The more experienced (hopefully better) photographers almost exclusively will not allow them."

I find this very difficult to believe, especially considering so many professional models working with top photographers are underage.

"I might also add that the more experienced photographers are unlikely to still be working so long with models if they are creeps, bad news travels fast and bad reputations even faster."

Clearly you're unfamiliar with Terry Richardson.

Mel

Underage is a different situation. But usually when photographers develop experience and longevity, they learn the pitfalls of allowing escorts, and don't. Because they don't have to. And you're right, those who mistreat models etc. the word will travel, those people eventually self destruct. Terry is a pro at it, it's his brand, lol.

Revenge Photography wrote:
Newer less experienced photographers are likely to accept escorts. The more experienced (hopefully better) photographers almost exclusively will not allow them.

Mel Recker wrote:
I find this very difficult to believe, especially considering so many professional models working with top photographers are underage.

Simply look at replies in this forum

Revenge Photography wrote:
Newer less experienced photographers are likely I might also add that the more experienced photographers are unlikely to still be working so long with models if they are creeps, bad news travels fast and bad reputations even faster.

Mel Recker wrote:
Clearly you're unfamiliar with Terry Richardson.
Mel

Terry is a perfect example, everybody know he is a creep his bad reputation has spread the world over

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
Great idea for a forum topic . . . !

What we all love about Ken, he always goes right to the heart of a problem!

Molly Hoover wrote:
Does a lot of photographers allow escorts , if not why ?

Unless you are under 18, I do not allow escorts. Although I have made exceptions in the past. I have been in this business for many years, and have many references. Sometimes someone comes with the model to meet me first, and then goes and hangs at Starbucks or so while we are shooting.
In one of your responses above you say that sometimes "your gut says NO".
My personal opinion. Always follow your gut!!!
All the best to you.

Mel Recker wrote:
"Simply look at replies in this forum."

I understand, but I'm gonna go with what I personally know of the professional modeling world.

And everyone and their mom still shoots with Terry. He still works a LOT and he still gets away with it.

Yes, he does but those people knowingly shoot with him.
An escort will make no difference either, he shoots on a set full of people.

Mel Recker wrote:
I hope you can understand, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm voicing some things that many are thinking, but not saying for fear of repercussion.

You are just repeating things that have been beaten to death here repeatedly.

References are easily checked, most photographers here credit the models. Just ask the models we shoot.

If you don't feel safe don't shoot, it's that simple. If its unsafe, bringing an escort just puts a second person in harms way.

A model has every right to "want" to bring an escort, just as every photographer has the right to choose not to shoot those that want to bring one.

So unless the model is a minor and the escort is a parent or guardian, I choose not to shoot those that want to bring an escort. Simply because any person not actively contributing to a shoot is a liability that doesn't need to be there.

Mel Recker wrote:
Haha. What I was implying was that if you're into shooting nudes (which I have no problem with), then you're probably an adult...and therefore won't need an escort. Geez. Don't hate.

Mae

Mel, you seem to be arguing both sides.  And please do not imply that Terry Richardson has anything to do with me and my practice.

Molly Hoover wrote:

I'm just starting out so i feel very uncomfortable and sometimes my gut says no so i would like for someone to accompany me

If your gut says no don't do the shoot.

Mel Recker wrote:
Here's an experiment:

Look at ports of each photog that has commented in this thread.

Note the number of nudes you see.

Compare that number with their stance on escorts.

Notice trend.


Mel

It does not mean a thing.  I have photographed many models nude and they have not needed escorts.  I just booked 6 models for the next 2 days.   

Mel Recker wrote:
I must admit that I'm also very confused by this thing about not allowing significant others. Do models show up with their bf's or gf's...and they haven't told their partner they're shooting nudes?!!! That seems cray cray.

Mel

I have had model's boyfriends drop them off and pick them up.

Mel Recker wrote:
"It does not mean a thing.  I have photographed many models nude and they have not needed escorts.  I just booked 6 models for the next 2 days."

I'm pointing out a trend.

You're using an anecdote.

I'm just going to assume you know why those two things are different.

Your most recent post does not really address my question. Do you think your models tell their bf/gf they're shooting nudes with you?

Mel

Many boyfriends know that they are shooting nudes.  I have been told by models that they enjoy shooting nudes after they started shooting nudes.

I will be shooting nudes here in the desert for the next 2 days.

Mel Recker wrote:
Do you think your models tell their bf/gf they're shooting nudes with you?
Mel

I don't know and don't care.

Their relationships are their own business. My interest is primarily limited to the shoot and getting the best possible result.

Revenge Photography wrote:

I don't know and don't care.

Their relationships are their own business. My interest is primarily limited to the shoot and getting the best possible result.

+1

Mel Recker wrote:
Hey, I'm just illuminating some logical fallacies. People can draw their own conclusions.

With that, I think I can bid you all adieu for the night. It's been a pleasure.

You can illuminate but I am here shooting.  There are great models here!
You need some rest.  I'm going to get breakfast.

Mel Recker wrote:
If Candice Swanepole approaced you tomorrow and said, "Hey, let's shoot. I'm gonna bring my bf, cool?" would you say no?

In some situations, for some photographers, I do believe that this is about making a power play.

Never heard of her, had to look her up.  Lovely girl.


The answer would be no

Mel Recker wrote:
If Candice Swanepole approaced you tomorrow and said, "Hey, let's shoot. I'm gonna bring my bf, cool?" would you say no?

In some situations, for some photographers, I do believe that this is about making a power play.

You seem to think that I would shoot any model nude.  That is not true.  I would say no.