Will I get a copy of
the photos?
I will out of
courtesy always give
any model a copy of
my finished shoot
(assuming I haven’t
my finger over the
lens or pointed the
camera the wrong
way). All I ask is
that I get a clear
credit if they are
used anywhere. Do
bear in mind this
can take around four
weeks. If you are
doing paid work for
me – it means I’m
usually testing for
something - so I
can’t always
guarantee that I can
release everything
to you (coz it might
be rubbish).
What about contracts
and other
documentation?
All I am interested
in is that any model
produces
photographic
Identification in
the form or a
driving licence or
passport that proves
she is over the age
of eighteen.
If collecting or
meeting a model I
will always bring
proof of my identity
and proof of
address, so you know
you’re not about be
taken off by “God
knows who”, and
taken “God knows
where”.
So at least you can
be reasonably sure
you won’t be
kidnapped, chained
to a rusty radiator
in a “porn dungeon”
and then chopped up
and hidden under my
floor boards or put
in a meat pie….or
something (!).
In terms of
contracts and
copyright, from my
day job, I know that
in practice
protecting any image
is utterly
impractical, so
there’s little point
in bothering with
all that malarkey.
What will you use
the pictures for?
Obviously, as the
photographer I own
the copyright to any
picture that I take.
On TFP and
commercial shoots
with models, I use
the images for my
own promotional
purposes, which is
either for my print
portfolio or my
portfolio online. I
do reserve the right
to use the images
for art prints which
may be sold
commercially. This
applies to any model
making a booking
with me even on a
TFP basis. For
anything else - then
the appropriate
licences and
releases will be
completed.
I am accompanied on
all shoots is this
ok?
I always work on a
closed shoot basis
I'm afraid, so if
you you're not
comfortable and are
not happy with
references I'll have
to leave it I'm
afraid.
I really do have
better things to
with my time than
behave
inappropriately with
models.
This does not apply
of course – if you
are under 18 years
of age!!!
I’m shooting with
another
photographer, would
you like to work on
a joint shoot basis?
Do you want to get
in touch with him
(or her) to discuss
photography in
general?
Sorry, no –I enjoy
photography and I
enjoy working with
models. I’m always
happy to listen and
take advice from
models that I work
with - but I really
just want to stick
to the bits that I
really like.
I have no interest
in joining
photography clubs,
doing joint shoots,
going on photography
courses, evening
classes, buying “How
to” books,
photography
magazines, entering
competitions or
having my work
critiqued.
I just do the stuff
I like, please
myself, and am happy
enough to toddle off
in my own
(frequently
misguided)
direction! Don’t get
me wrong - I love to
look at other
photographers
finished work – but
that’s all!
(Sorry!).
What about
references?
Please email me and
I’ll provide these
to you.
Um…actually, I am
under the age of
eighteen, and am
really keen to work
with you, can you
help?
If you are under the
age of eighteen,
then you should
already be aware
that the style and
content of the
shoots etc outlined
in this guide cannot
and will not apply!
I may be able to
help you with some
fashion/portrait
shots but only under
certain strict
conditions.
As a model, how do I
ensure things go
well on the shoot?
Finally! A chance
for me to sound a
bit grumpy! Whether
it’s commissioned,
paid or time for
prints – there are
some common issues
that do seem to crop
up time and time
again.
To be honest, it is
never the issue of
“limits” or models
pricing themselves
like a takeaway menu
– ascending prices
by state of undress
that causes problems
(wish people
wouldn’t but hey
that’s the world we
live in) nor is it
punctuality, late
cancellations – or
all the other things
that at first glance
might be a source of
some chagrin to any
photographer!
Bearing in mind I do
like certain
“looks”, for models
– I build backdrops,
choose locations and
choose clothing and
make up to - and
probably most
critically use
lighting to hit the
overall “target”
images I see in my
head when working
with a model.
Therefore it is
important that
models make up (this
causes the most
“problems”) and
wardrobe – need to
be left to me to
make the final call
on.
What can happen on a
shoot is that it
becomes apparent,
either by an idle
comment or by a
models general
demeanour that they
typically with me,
feel over “made up”
– and some of the
clothing styles I
pick are not
“typical” for them.
I have a fair few
mates that are girls
(!) so I can spot
this. Ultimately,
when the models see
the final work –
they always have
been utterly
delighted with the
results – so please
please, go with it,
trust me to get the
job done and get you
looking great!
As I’ve gone through
this process of
“model is quietly or
openly unsure about
my calls on make
up/fashion, then
ultimately surprised
and happy with the
end results”, so
many times now, I
feel exactly like
Sisyphus (despite my
gutteral estuary
English tones – I am
reasonably well
educated!).
Anyway, there you go
– rant over!
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