How do you handle being approached to do modeling by people you don't know?

[Miss Honey]

I get approached at car shows and concerts to do modeling quite often, but because I'm just starting out, if I don't know the person or if the people I'm with don't know them, I'm always leery of just saying "yes, I'll do it" because I want to find out if they're on the level or not first before agreeing to anything.  But what's been happening is by the time I find out more about them and try to reconnect with them, I don't get a response or they seem to have lost interest.  I know it's all about trust, but how do you handle being approached to do modeling? 

[Lucky O'Day]

Great topic, indeed!

Always be gracious, and ask for THEIR contact information, be it a business card or a website to their portfolio. when I'm asked to be photographed, I always ask them what ideas they have in mind for the shoot, and location. SAFETY is key. Many photographers don't want you to have a buddy come with you, but there are some who are totally fine with it.

Never be afraid to back out, though, if you suddenly get uncomfortable about shooting with someone. It's not professional to bail on photographers, but if you've got a gut feeling, go with it! 

Best of luck to ya! :)

[Miss Laura Lavelle]

I was apporached a few times at an event I was working at in London called Erotica. It was great to meet some very well known photographers and some not so genuine, admittingly I was selling porn at the time haha long story but I was bound to be approached my some how do I put it.. shady characters.

I find just smile say thank you very much ask for a business card or website and have a good stalk at their work and you can usually tell by that alone that they are more than genuine or simply not what your looking for. Also I make it a rule if its a photographer I have never shot with before that I politely say I have one friend coming with me and if they hate that idea then well no dice x

[Cynthia Marie]

Agreed on the excellent topic!

While it is always complimentary for someone to ask you if you are a model, and if would you'd care to model for them, there's so many issues that can come up with lack of arrangements and all of these aspects can be tricky even for a seasoned veteran.

I worked in art direction for Zappos.com outside Louisville; all of our models came to us from a modeling agency located in Nashville. When assigned to our projects, we would immediately get a contact sheet for each model, giving height and measurements, but most interestingly it gave specific non-negotiable aspects of their contracts which we had to abide by. Specific hours were laid out as to how long they were allowed to work, and even added times for lunch and breaks. It was clearly stated which models would allow in their contract to model swimwear and lingerie. Others did not allow their faces to be used in photo shoots, just specific body parts such as hands, legs, or feet. The modeling agency did a briefing to their models, as they were considered contract employees, on what to expect from our studio, and a code of conduct and basic rules for being on our sets.

While all this seems rather formal and stuffy, it was informative to see this other side of modeling. I had been working on my own with various photographers providing sets, wardrobe and styling. I often saw a lack of consistency and respect to the models and staff between how each person worked. Often times I did not speak up about my personal boundaries while working, and to my own fault - this would have been much more professional on both mine and their parts. I credit making these mistakes by jumping into projects without asking for details and specifics in writing by email.

One of the classiest things I've ever seen a model do, I was at a car show also a attended by Dolly Esquire. Being a popular model, she had to fend off various people seeking to photograph her while she was with friends. Her very simple but cute business card gave her name, website address, and email. This is a perfect way to keep in contact with someone who might be a valuable contact, but without having to jump into specifics without learning more details. Her solution allowed to her have fun with a group without any awkward 'on the spot' questions or photo requests.

Does anyone have any personal policies about when a car owner just wants to take a single shot of you with their car? This has always been awkward to me, as there's no clue where the photo is going to turn up, but you want to have a good time and talk to people. I've always assumed it to be harmless, yet I always wonder how many photos of me with my eyes shut, camel toe and a sunburn exist out there.