Is this legit?

[Bette LaChevrolet]

Hi!

So I found a photographer on craigslist (I know, I know, but where else do I look?). He said I could not bring my boyfriend because boyfriends "get in the way". I am not going anywhere without my "bodyguard"! Plus, these pics are not for pay, they are just for my portfolio, so shouldn't I be able to do whatever I want to? (Lol.....I may be branding myself as VERY amateur, but oh well.)

Thanks guys!!

Any input is greatly appreciated, as I feel kind of stumped!

xoxo

[Goldie @ 660Photos.com]

Ummm No....

As a photographer i would NEVER tell anyone they couldn't bring some one. Its unprofessional on that guys... run away and fast...

[Tattooed Dolls Custom Jewelry{★}]

It's way better to be safe than sorry. Either bring your boyfriend or skip it! There are sooo many cases of murder, torture and rape that happen directly from answering ads on craigslist. Google "craigslist murder" and you'll be shocked at how many responses you see, from all over the US, and even the world.

[Miss Audrey Brooks]

Dont do it !! First and foremost if a guy declares himself a photographer it is not necessarily so. There is a difference between a photographer and a guy with a camera. Bringing an escort is the most legitimate and normal thing ever ! Be wary of that sort of thing. Sounds like a pervert to me.

Also Model Mayhem is a better resource than CL at least there you can see if their work is worth your while free or not

[Haley Hellian]

No no no! The photographer should always allow to bring someone esp if its for TFP.

[Harlean Carpenter {★}]

I have to jump in here and ask a question; did the photographer say you couldn't bring ANYONE, or just specifically say you couldn't bring your boyfriend? There is a difference. One of my oldest and closest friends is a photographer, I've worked with him since the 80's, and one of his conditions for shoots is you are welcome to bring 30 of your closest friends along to any shoot but no boyfriend/husband/significant other because if they are the jealous type, it can create a great deal of tension on the set and pretty well ruin the photos.

So you might want to clarify that with your photographer. If he says no, absolutely no one can come with you, then forget him, he's most likely scum. If he has a good reason for specifically excluding someone who might respond badly to the kind of flirty playful interaction that can result in a fantastic shoot while still remaining completely platonic, you might want to give him a chance to explain that

[Mischa Marie]

There are a lot of photographers who don't like "escorts."

Why?

They get in the way. If it is a jealous boyfriend, even worse.

Many photographers have been stolen from.

Just because he doesn't want you to bring someone doesn't mean it's a scam.
Most of the photographers I have worked with didn't allow people. And they have great references and great work.


If you don't feel comfortable, hire and bring an mua. I'm sure he wouldn't object to that.

[Elle Rae]

Usually, bringing an escort is welcomed or at the very least, allowed. This guy sounds shady. I would run the other way.

[Auburn Hills]

Escort not allowed should be a warning sign. I agree with boyfriend/husband issue stated by Harlean and Mischa. But a friend shoud be able to go with you.

You have never met this person before?? Don't do it if you feel even a little hesitant about it. If you do go with or without an escort, always leave the address, name, phone # and any other info about the shoot with your loved ones.

Be safe.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

This is a great guide for starting out. http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/tip-models-be-selective-...

And as for where to look, this is the best place. http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/group/castingcalls

[Kim Coquette]

I would say definately not. A legit photographer will always let you bring someone with you, especially if you've never met before. This sounds very sketchy...

[Mischa Marie]

Seriously... just because a photographer doesn't want you to bring an escort doesn't mean they are not legit or are a creep.

Does he have a website or model mayhem? Is there a way to check references on him?

Just be smart about it.

Are you on model mayhem? Post this there and see the responses you get. They will be completely opposite of everyone here.

[Lillian Raven]

I agree with everyone else. This guy sounds shady. It's true that photographers don't like escorts sometimes, but most of them know when you're meeting them for a first time, you're going to want to bring someone to make sure you're safe!

If he has a problem with the escort specifically being your boyfriend... then I agree with the other option of taking a MUA instead. Or at the very least, I wouldn't take my bf inside the actual shoot but I would make sure he at least met the photographer (and has their info), saw where you will be shooting, and waits directly out front for you!

Please be safe and take care!