Photographer Red Flags! Part One 🚩

If theres one thing that I've learnt in this industry its that not everyone that approaches you is safe! No matter who they've previously worked with. So I believe it's important to be able to recognise photographer red flags to keep yourself safe and to ensure that you get the most out your shoots as possible!

Ill be posting these in numerous blog posts throughout the months as there is so many to cover but for our first three;

🚩 Photographer Red Flag #1 - No reference photos shot by themselves 🚩

There is a lot of new photographers out there looking for their start and I do completely understand that. However, these photographers, if their serious, should be more then happy to pay money to start at a workshop to build a small portfolio or should have someone in their immediate vicinity that they can practice on for now.

How to double check a photographers reference images;

If you are approached via instagram there is a few easy steps that you can take to check the photographers validity.

1. Check their tagged photos album - Generally if a model is happy with what is produced they will post these photos to their own profile tagging the photographer in the process.

2. Check WHO they have tagged - Some photographers will tag old or unused accounts to make their profiles seem more valid. If your suss of a model they are using and their own validity, message them and ask for advice on said photographer.

3. Ask for their past works or a link to past works - Most professional photographers will have either a stack of photos they have permission to send through as reference to their work or will have their own website to publish their works on.

4. Ask their references - If a photographer has or has not referenced a model or you have found one on their Instagram reach out. Ask the model about the photographers professionalism and also for any advice with the photographer.

5. Google them - A lot of photographers will message through acting as though they have a big reputation when in reality they've bought all of their followers. If they are to be as big as they say, google them, find any of their other websites or profiles and judge for yourself

They seem legit but there's something off about them

If this ever goes through your mind don't go! You want to feel comfortable with who you are shooting with at all times, including the planning process, if you are uncomfortable and feeling pressured simply do not go.

🚩 Photographer red flag #2 - Pressure to shoot nude photography with no shown experience 🚩

One thing I have learnt since I have began my modelling journey is that once you post one photo of yourself naked every photographer will all of a sudden have interest in working with you.

I receive numerous enquires each week and one way that I can ensure the photographer is shooting for the right reasons is to outright ask what type of shoot they were thinking of shooting and for some inspiration photos.

My automatic red flag responses from photographers include;

🚩 "I wanted to do a full nude shoot as I have never shot one before and want to expand my portfolio" - The red flag here is no mention of any other types of shoots to ensure we would both be comfotable shooting nude. You always want to shoot clothed first to ensure that this person doesn't want your nude photos for the wrong reasons.

🚩 "Im happy to shoot clothed first but here is my inspiration for when we are comfortable" Sends through full frontal images of other models private parts including opened 'holes'

If a photographer sends you something that is pornographic in nature and I don't mean art nude style or implied, I'm talking moaning face, touching yourself or pulling apart your downstairs, photos that make you generally go 'Oh um thats a bit gross'. Do not go ahead. There is a fine line between 'Nude art' and 'Pornography' and each to their own which direction they decide to go, however, this is a major red flag for me.

🚩 "Here are some of my own images" Sends through photos of other models with their private parts showing

If a photographer is happy to send you images of other models naked then they will be more then happy to share your naked body around whether you like it or not. I, myself, allow some of my photographers to send me through as reference, however, these images are never to be uncensored for my own privacy.

🚩 "I'm from an international magazine/competition/agency, looking for new models to take part in a shoot at.. or a competition in.."

I can almost 100% guarantee that the site this person is running from is either full of pornographic images of the other 'models' or if you google the company or person there will be tonne of complaints about them online. I have heard that some of these types of people are either looking to steal your information or are linked to human trafficking.

🚩 Photographer red flag #3 - Their own reputation 🚩

Listen to whats going on around you, of course not everything you hear is going to be 100% true but its always best to stay safe. When researching photographers if a model or another photographer mentions any of the following, steer clear;

1. 'Ive heard they've shot girls underage before nude/in lingerie' - This is partly personal opinion but it's never okay to shoot someone underage NAKED or almost naked. I have attended a shoot before and found out afterward one of the girls there was under 18 - shooting naked and in lingerie. And not only does this compromise every single photographer at the shoot but it is also not legal as a model to post photos with that person (unless you have parental consent, which I don't believe you should be able to get for nude photography of minors).

2. 'They're very pushy' - You want to be comfortable at your shoots. Pushy should not be a thing especially if this person is going to push you out of your comfort zone when you're not ready.

3. 'They've been known to touch girls before during or after shoots' - There is no reason for a photographer to ever touch you. The most I allow is if a photographer needs to move my hair when I cannot or I do allow some photographers to touch my ankles and wrists to show me where they want me to pose. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE HUGGED, KISSED OR TOUCHED IN GENERAL TO GREET OR TO SHOOT.

4. 'They post to so and so website' (That you're not comfortable with) - This is a red flag if thats not the direction you want to take but its also a major reminder to read your contracts and find out where your photos and videos will be published!

5. 'They're a very good photographer but it took me over three months to get two photos back and they didn't communicate the whole time' - I get it, TFP is TFP, however, effort is put on in both sides. The least a photographer can do is send you through a few of your best photos and put them through some general editing. I know editing for some takes a while but I can edit a photo quickly in under 10 minutes. Being a poor communicator is also a red flag and if a model says she never got any photos back, Run!

But thats just a start into the craziness that is some of the red flags for photographers. I honestly hope that this helps you work out who's reaching out to you and it also helps to keep you safe.

There is no opportunity that is worth risking your safety for period!