Scumbag photographers:a guide for new models

[kitten kong]

To all you girls out there considering a modelling career, I've taken the liberty of listing a few truths about so called "Glamour Photographers". Perhaps you should print this page (if u can) and pin it on your wall.

Firstly, why does someone decide to be a glamour photographer? Well firstly, its to be around naked girls, possibly shag some of them and lastly make some money.

1/ Remember, the photographer (when in business mode) has one thing in mind, that is, to shoot as many poses of you in as many outfits and guises as he possibly can. This is so he can flog each set to many different publications worldwide.

2/ Did you know that many photographers simply lease their pics to the publications, so they get them back to sell again and again. So take note of this when, you are being bleated to about the measily fee, he's grudgingly paying you.

3/ Watch out for photographers telling you to get breast enlargements. This so he can re-shoot you and flog the pictures again, then dump you in the trash when he's finished with you. All you've got to show for it, is a pair of wonky, mishapen, tits and a pair of scumbag soiled knickers and he's laughing all the way to the bank.

4/Watch out when he says, "Lets do a bit of video". This is because he can flog this to some else as well, he'll usually include himself as the stud, in order to "Put you through your paces" or to "test" you.

Finally, a good day for a glamour photographer is, to shoot 10 different sets of you, a bit of video and get a shag at the end.
And you bet he'll still be whinging about the money, when he turfs you out the door afterwards!

Anyway I'm not saying all "Glamour Photographers" are like this, in fact there are 1 or 2 who are quite nice.

[steveuk]

I don't know quite what it is but I sense a little anger in there somewhere?

[Paul L]

Kitten,

Maybe you have had bad experiences with some photogs, but it is highly unfair to tarnish all the same.

I can give you a list of all that's bad about some models (as I am sure many photogs can) but wouldn't do such a thing in such a public forum as 99.5% of the models I have worked with have been totally professional, reliable and great to work with.

Also, remember, that without the photographers paying you to take the pictures you would have no income or work. I know the same is true that without the models we would have no-one to shoot and for me no website, so I treat all models with upmost respect, and think it is a fair comment to have that respect reciprocated.

[steveuk]

I think it's fair to list possible scams and lines that unscrupulous photographers and producers might try on with models. Whether they're a minority or not these gits do exist and they do take advantage of performers.

The post was perhaps a little general?

Photographers will certainly try and get as much for their money as they can, everyone does, whatever their job. The question is how they do it? By asking nicely or by being a twat?

The leasing thing is the way most photography works. The majority of photographers outside porn get their income from stock libraries. They receive a small payment everytime one of their pictures is licensed for use by a book or magazine. To make real money from it you need hundreds, thousands of pics in libraries.

Trying to get laid? Only in it to meet girls? Yup, sounds pretty accurate for me. Again, if they're honest and not pushy it should be ok. It's the dickheads who try to con girls into "Free Auditions/Screentests" who are the problem.

At the end of proper, professional day of shooting the girl should have her money and the photographer/producer should have a good range of material to sell in order to make that money back, plus a tidy profit.

Anything more than that should be up to the girls and the guys together.

[Peter]

What, professional photographers trying to sell their pictures for profit?

What is the world coming to.

[Joe A]

Kitten

I have to agree with Paul L in thinking you've had a bad experience.

I know of Paul but haven't met him and there is a small group of adult photographers in the UK who all know or know of each other. I haven't heard of any leasing pics... In fact two very well known guys, who shoot for mags are moaning as the rates have dropped from ?600 to ?150 for a set of pics these days !!!

As for asking for a video afterwards.... Evere photographer I know arranges the details of the shoot beforehand with the model.

Finally your comment:

" Anyway I'm not saying all "Glamour Photographers" are like this, in fact there are 1 or 2 who are quite nice."

I can say that it's completely the opposite !!! I think you've had problems with amateurs... How long would a pro last if he behaved as you appear to think we all do !!!

[MensWorldMayfair]

I think if you actually stick to working with photographers who actually have decent reputations, you won't go wrong.

If any girl is ever in any doubt: call the magazine the guy claims he's shooting for.

There are a lot of photographers in the UK, but not many of them sell to top shelf magazines. I could quite easily list the bad ones here, but the mods would whip the post off in seconds. That's why I pass on a list of genuine photographers to any models who ask for contacts.

[John Mason]

Well, I think it's only fair that I put the photographers side up here as well.

What about the models who don't turn up for shoots, leaving the photographer to pick up the bill for locations, make-up artists, etc etc

What about the models who don't turn up at the airport for overseas trips! (One model cost me ?2500 by 'blowing' me out for a Seychelles trip!)

What about the models who don't turn up with their ID and still get paid on the basis that they will send you a copy of the said ID. Only for the ID to NEVER turn up and the photographer then not being able to sell the pictures!

What about the models who get paid up front for a shoot because they are pleading poverty, when you are too busy to shoot them, only for the model to avoid you like the plague when you try to book in the shoot!

What about the models who steal sets of underware and clothing from the photographers when they're not looking!

I could carry on all day on this theme, but like the original post, it's already boring, pointless and a total waste of time!

[marcusallen]

When I was (Paramount) THE model agency for many years, I knew every photog I dealt with and any newcomer had to be vetted by me.

I insisted each girl tell me who she was shot by and in that way I knew where he sold his stuff and did not send the girl to a similar source.

This way, no girl got abused, ripped off or anything else and no photographer wasted his time/money.

I told everyone - girls and snappers THE WHOLE TRUTH and in this way, none of us had any problems.
With respect to current agencies, they do not do their homework and/or they simply see their commission first and the details run a poor second.

Yes girls, I received a commission, but it was earned and all problems were averted. Saving on pennies can sometimes cost pounds - or even worse.