Jay Farrell wrote:
You misunderstand.....I see your point and appreciate it. But, I don't get many under 18's, nor do I want to really DRAW that market, but when the opportunity comes, I want to sell myself. They are already sold on my work when they contact me. Besides, they do not see this portfolio, this is for existing models. People who find me locally and see www.jayfarrellphotography.com where there is nothing suggestive, and there is a mix of family and model images. I don't take any of the parents' apprehensions personally.....usually once they meet me, we're good. They have either heard horror stories about the industry or have been burned before.....just like how some women feel about going to a mechanic they don't know......My question was about assuring them, and teaching the parent etiquette while we are shooting. Most do not want me using the minor's pictures on the web which I sortof understand, that is why you don't see lifestyle or earlier teen models on my port. I may do a TFP shoot with an experienced younger model so I can build that end of my book.

Jay what i usually do with any model, is to arrange a meeting at the local mall food court, to have a "break-the ice-meeting" with the model and friend, if she is under 18, she MUST have mom with her at the meeting. Sometimes that is not feasible, do to travel distance and we just have to "cold " shoot. but mom is always there.
No exceptions! At least maybe try and talk to the mom on the phone before the shoot.
I recently had a shoot with a 14 yr old, met with her and mom, and her friend and mom, at the mall. When we finally got to  do a shoot, one of the gilrs mom wouldn't show with her daughter. I said, no mom, no shoot.
I did shoot with the one girl, all was fine, i used mom to hold a second flash and also a reflector.(we were out doors)
Well maybe try it and hope all goes well for you

Patrick Michael wrote:
I agree with George.  Have a parent there if you are going to meet with a minor.  I also suggest simply not going in any direction that even comes close to suggestive work with teenagers.  Even if they say they're 18, be careful. There are 18 year old women.........but there are also 18 year old girls.........simply too immature to bother with.  As a general rule, I dont' shoot nudes with anyone under 19. Why bother with all that teenage nonsense?

Ummm - isn't a 19 year old girl a teenager?..=*^)

Myself - I've had mothers email and call me wanting me to shoot their daughters - which always surprise the heck out of me considering that I am mainly known for "Sensual and Erotic" images. If they are in Europe, no problem as long as they are 15 - here in the States. unless they are 18 I won't even talk to them...=*^)

Seriously, I tell them my concerns and reasons I won't and ask them to come back when their daughters turned 18. They invariably tell me they will.=*^)

Jay Farrell wrote:
I have grown to dread it, even for starter portfolios......it seems more often than not, they have a controlling or paranoid mom to deal with.....I've had more moms (Dads usually don;t get involved)  come to me and think all photographers are trying to get their 15 or 16 year old daughter to do porn........um, isnt that illegal? Granted there are many creeps out there but that doesn't make all of us that way!

GIMME A FUCKING BREAK! My only reply I know is "Mam, I don't know who you've gone to, but I for one have no interest in ruining my reputation or being arrested and put in jail." Surely you come to me because you have researched my reputation and saw I wasn't that way. I do what you come here to do.

By law a parent needs to be present while shooting, I just need to find a tactful way of saying " you're presence is wanted here, but not to be up our butts, or play art director, or watch so close that your daughter can't "shine"  for the camera because "like oh my God, my Mom is soooo watching, ewwwww" LOL

With those circumstances it is harder for me to bring out the best in those models.....I have had only a very few with parents that know the boundaries and weren't a detriment to the shoot. I'd like models' perspectives on how I can fine tune my approach of creating a bond with the model and at the same time easing apprehensive parents......for those who modeled young, how did you deal with that situation as models, assuming you liked and felt comfortable with the photographer?

I am lucky to have never had any problems with mom being there(I do find it odd that Fathers have never come along to any of their daughters shoots considering how protective they are). I always talk to them before we meet, by phone and then again before the shoot to let them know that this is in fact my shoot and that if mom has any objections to any outfits/poses,etc to please speak up and the photograph will not be taken. The moms I have had along with their girls have actually been a total blast to have around. In a couple cases mom being there actually helped me bring the daughter out of her shell a little easier.
Two of my favorite shoots were of two girls, one 15, the other 17(face shot in my portfolio , blonde hair, fence in background looking like squares.And the girl by the neon sign with the colors reflecting on her skin, and the shot in black against the cement brick wall).I have more of them which I will be displaying later or could give links to those interested.
In one case mom asked if she should say or go if it would make her girl nervous. I wanted her to stay of course and we all had a lot of fun.
Just explain to the parent that they are there because they feel you can do great shots of their girl or they would not be there and to please let it happen. But of course if they have any objections tell them you insist they speak up about it immediately.
I happen to enjoy shooting the younger models sometimes more than the older experienced ones. To me they seem less jaded, they don`t watch clocks, and seem to be more interested in trying more creative things just for the heck of it and like to go with the flow more,imo.