The following is an excerpt from the SG Hopefuls group that I posted regarding model safety with unknown photographers.
"Wholeheartedly am I in agreement with being cautious. I do erotic (non-sexual) exhibitionist photography which, depending on the model's preferred theme, can even take us way out in the boonies. Most of my models contact me by word-of-mouth or on select mature sites (since the majority of them already have an open mind + theme ideas). They contact me either by word of mouth or by viewing my profile/group. I repeatedly STRESS during both email and telephone conversations":
1-That the model PLEASE let someone know where she is going.
2- Meet first at a neutral, very public location in order to check on comfort factors. Escort if possible. Be up-front if you are NOT completely interested. Too many photogs get no-shows at the last minute.
3- Bring a cell phone + have someone check on you, even if you have an escort. (You have some very dangerous people out there!)
4- Bring an escort to the shoot, if possible. Any number of female escorts and up to one male escort are allowed along.
5- Have a positive attitude that you would like photos, even if unsure or nervous on your results.
6- Know that if your theme is at a lake or other outdoorsie venue, that you take appropriate hiking gear. (Had one model insist on walking in high heels!)
7- Do a test session long before the actual shoot date.
8- Understand copyrights and sign necessary documents, with extra-specific areas as to limitations from either party.
9- Be prepared to show identification. If you are in a state that also puts your real address on the ID (and you are uncomfortable giving this to the photog), show the ID with your thumb covering your address. I don't want to know where my models live unless invited for a shoot at that location. Creepy people that see your ID but don't take your photos can stalk you, so be careful!
10- SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY! And have some ideas of what kinds of poses you'd be interested in. If possible, bring photos from magazines for both parties to work with.
"Wholeheartedly am I in agreement with being cautious. I do erotic (non-sexual) exhibitionist photography which, depending on the model's preferred theme, can even take us way out in the boonies. Most of my models contact me by word-of-mouth or on select mature sites (since the majority of them already have an open mind + theme ideas). They contact me either by word of mouth or by viewing my profile/group. I repeatedly STRESS during both email and telephone conversations":
1-That the model PLEASE let someone know where she is going.
2- Meet first at a neutral, very public location in order to check on comfort factors. Escort if possible. Be up-front if you are NOT completely interested. Too many photogs get no-shows at the last minute.
3- Bring a cell phone + have someone check on you, even if you have an escort. (You have some very dangerous people out there!)
4- Bring an escort to the shoot, if possible. Any number of female escorts and up to one male escort are allowed along.
5- Have a positive attitude that you would like photos, even if unsure or nervous on your results.
6- Know that if your theme is at a lake or other outdoorsie venue, that you take appropriate hiking gear. (Had one model insist on walking in high heels!)
7- Do a test session long before the actual shoot date.
8- Understand copyrights and sign necessary documents, with extra-specific areas as to limitations from either party.
9- Be prepared to show identification. If you are in a state that also puts your real address on the ID (and you are uncomfortable giving this to the photog), show the ID with your thumb covering your address. I don't want to know where my models live unless invited for a shoot at that location. Creepy people that see your ID but don't take your photos can stalk you, so be careful!
10- SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY! And have some ideas of what kinds of poses you'd be interested in. If possible, bring photos from magazines for both parties to work with.