Photographer Professionalism...

[Big Things Eryn]

So I'm having some trust issues networkers....

I've worked with a PinUp Photography group for about 3 years, had some great shoots with them, met some great people, and have generally had a great time. I stopped shooting with this group for a number of reasons. These aren't a judgment upon all photographers in this group, because many are great professional people. This is about the select few that ruin it for everyone and make me not want to work with the group anymore, or anyone I meet from an internet group. This has all come to a head just recently because of a series of inappropriate requests from people in the group I received via email.

I am NOT interested in porn or anything related to it. That means I'm not posing nude for you or filming videos for your website. I'm not going to clean your apartment in my underwear while you take pictures. PinUp, from my understanding is not porn. Pin Up, like burlesque, is about the art of the tease, the flirt, sexy, but not too revealing, cute, vintage style. I feel like certain members of the group use it as a way to get some free nudie shots, which are not in the PinUp style AT ALL. The group has lost it's focus. It's not about PinUp anymore, it's about getting a bunch of models half-naked in a room and men taking photos of them.

When a model says NO it means NO. This goes back to the above. Many "photographers" think this group is a free for all of girls for them to do anything they want with. They make inappropriate requests and then when a model says no they give the girl a hard time. Would you do this in a bar? Or any other place for that matter? This speaks to the overall professionalism of the group. Respect your models and they will love you back.

TFCD means I get copies of the pics. I am very happy to exchange my time for pics instead of cash, TIME FOR CD means just that. I get copies of the pics. I've shot with soooo many photogs and NEVER seen the pics. If I give you my time to shoot you at least owe me the fruit of our labors because with out me there wouldn't be anything. And don't say you had no way to get in touch with me because I don't let anyone who I've shot with leave without my business card, often times at the bigger shoots, models info is posted on the wall for all to see and take down.

Also...WTF is up with the point and shoot cameras? This is a professional photoshoot and you're shooting me with your Canon PowerShot? You expect me to think you're not a perv looking for some half naked chicks? Give me a break.

I'm sorry to vent like this but I really want to create better shoots for all. I really want to make a great portfolio for both the photographer and myself. I really want people to understand that PinUp is not porn and that I will not be treated like a piece of meat. I know who the professionals in the group are and they know it's not directed at them but I think the group as a whole has lost focus and along the way has picked up a lot of creeps. I want to work with the group and do a shoot but anytime I start to consider the idea again, something comes up that reminds me why I stopped shooting in the first place.

Is there anyone out there interested in creating some high quality TFCD shoots? Models, photogs, clothing designers, MUAs? Please! I'm dying to create on a professional level and want to collaborate with others who feel the same!

[Rocky Ride]

a very valid argument Eryn. I am very sorry that you have had such bad past experiences.
I couldn't agree with you more on many of these points. You seem to understand what "Pinup" is all about.
Anytime you would like to shoot. I am available and with no games. Images will be yours within a reasonable amount of time.
Feel free to check my mayhem link to see my referrals. I still have yet to have any issue with any of the models I have worked with....In fact all have become fast friends.
Give me a shot back anytime. Us east coasters need to stick together. There's not a whole lot of us.
Shout back when you can.