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? 

[Little Miss]

Just wanted to say this is a great topic and something I'm curious to see the response for....

[The Trousseau]

It is interesting to see this from the other side.  Richard and I often ask women we see out and about to model for us.  It rarely results in a shoot, but we figure it doesn't hurt to try.  I imagine we have made a few people feel good along the way, too. 

The only real way to know is references.  Check with people who have known this person for some time.  Look at their website.  Check their ModelMayhem account.  Does this person credit his or her models?  Do they have a body of work behind them that is impressive?  Does this person's pictures show the level of respect for women that you want to maintain?  Is this person willing to let you bring an escort?  If not, why?  Does this person share enough personal information so that you feel like you can trust them? If you told a friend all that you knew about this person, and you turned up missing, could this friend find out where you were based on the information the personal information the photographer shared with you? 

On the other hand, if these people are asking you to model for them, and then disappearing, I think you have your answer.  They are flakes.  Even if they did set up a shoot, most likely you would never see a picture from them.  Anyone who expects you to say yes right away based on a meeting at a car show is out of touch. 

You are lovely.  You will have many people who want to take your picture.  You don't need the flakes or the pushy ones. 

[Desirée {PL Team}]

I wouldn't feel comfortable committing to a shoot right away either. You're doing the right thing by taking time to check out their work and look into any available references.

Take advantage of them being in front of you, as well, if you have the time. Chat with them a bit about their work, their style, etc. Hopefully you'll be able to gauge their creep level, since this is something you can't do online. Also, in this day and age of electronics, ask if they have their portfolio or any examples of their work on their phones. I would imagine most photographers serious about their work do this. This doesn't mean you'd have to make your decision on the spot, you can always delay. Grab their business card or contact info and when you get home, use the internet to research them as you would any other photographer. But hey, if it's someone super cool with incredible talent you might as well seal the deal right away.

If you find the photographer unresponsive, oh well. It's their loss now. You are indeed a lovely girl, so don't assume their interest (or lack of) is a reflection of you. There are plenty of other - better! - photographers you could easily work with.  :)

[NicCole Weinberg]

As a photographer, I can give you the opposite's perspective(ish). When I see someone I'd really like to shoot, I will sometimes approach them and introduce myself, let them know my interest, and offer them my card. I then assume they will look into me, check out my site, check my references, and then may contact me. I'm not looking for someone to suddenly pose, unless that's what I asked them about. Different than modeling though.

To answer your question, you *should* look into someone before shooting with them. There are basics that should be followed by anyone, on either side of the lens: check references, check body of work, check location, check rates and Check Reputation.

If you want to keep someone interested in you, start carrying your own cards as well. If I approach someone for a shoot, and then don't receive contact from them for days, it's 50/50 that I'll remember who they were off-hand. You can get simple business cards from like Vistaprint that have your photo on it, and maybe an email. If you're interested, when they ask you, give them your card too. This way, when you contact them, they'll remember your face faster. If you're not interested, politely take their card (or tell them to bugger off) and don't give them yours.

Safety should always come first. Opportunities should still be there after checking out someone legit. ;-)

[DJ LaSha]

Although there is no sure way ro ensure the person you are meeting for the first time is not going to turn freak for the first time there are several ways to reduce the chances that you are dealing with a GWC (Guy With Camera).

1. Google him/her and the business name
2. Ask for documentation. I am prepared to show my business license showing I have been in business over 13 years in the same location. I am prepared to show proof of insurance. I am prepared to show past work.
3. Ask for Business to Business references.  A good scammer can have decoy references they set up with a script.

Usually when you google or Yahoo a reputable person you will get not just a few but several hits on the search engine. Consider how you were approached. Was there a business card professionally done, Not printed on a home printer. Were they pushy to get a committment or did they ask you to look at their work and consider it.  If they are just starting out they should not be approaching strangers.  they should use friends and family first. If friends and family wont help them You may not be safe to either.

I personally was banned from Model Mayhem because I book Talent.  That makes me an Agent or Manager and its against their Policy.  All along I thought it was the object to get each other work!  Everyone is welcome to book me!  I love it.

Good luck and Happy shooting! DJ LaSha http://www.djlasha.com

[Donald Puccini]

As a photographer its imperative to always remain respectful and professional... When I see a model with whom I want to work with, I introduce myself, state my intentions and always let the model know that she is always welcome to bring any one with her on a shoot. As a result I've worked with some amazing models who have become amazing friends... Hope this helps....

[Cherry Club Inc.]

Desire has some great advice! id say too, you should not be asking someone to model for you unless you have a real and specific project in mind, otherwise just make a connection with someone and let them know you'd be interested in working with them in the future. This can imply paid, tf work, or paying work depending on the model the project etc etc. as a model I would say try to get details about what they want you to model for. as much info as possible. the time frame they are looking at the requirements whats expected of you and the payoff. Even if it is just portfolio work and one party pays the other, the agreement should benefit both parties. you should know pretty quickly if this is a specific project or a big broad in the future thing. If you want to be taken seriously you need to balance the line between business deals and making connections. Everyone wants something. and if you let everyone take it all (bending over backwards for nothing)you will be worth nothing. pick a goal and go for it. always be polite respectful and appreciative but don't be afraid to tell em what you want for your time and effort. Be worth hiring, work hard at what you have to offer and expect the same in return. good luck girl! xo

[BoldDaniel]

This is a great question>

There are a great number of models who have lost out on work with me as a result of their indecision to work with someone they didn't know. Fact is, especially if you are new, you won't know that many people in the industry. When approached, ask for their card, and quickly check their references. If you wait to long, the project that they had in mind for you will be done by someone else. That's not to say that they won't have anything for you in the future, though I for one more often then not will work on a project with a model that I have worked with before and thus if a new model doesn't reply in a timely manner to the first request, it is not likely I will ask her for a second project.

[Swanlove]

As a female photographer it is much easier for me to approach someone I would like to shoot because I am very direct and honest.  I make sure that I give that person as much info as I can about myself and my business.  I also make sure I give them information that can be easily proven.  I always, always give them my Facebook info so they can see my work for themselves.  If they choose to friend me it is totally up to them.  I always tell them it is ok for them to bring someone to the first shoot so they can have a since of security.  You must have some type of security with you and if they tell you that you can't have anyone with you on set than I would not give them the time of day.  Just be careful and smart.  

[Brenda B]

Interesting topic

I like the idea of the busness cards with your photo and an email for them and of course I would expect them to give me something so I could see their work. Just because someone wants me doesn't mean that the subject matter and I are suitable. I would never go alone without someone either

[Nothing is Real but the Girl]

A good rule of thumb is: Is the person who is asking you me?

If so, it's legit and you should do it!

:D

[Tai Wilson]

well, seems like the same logic you would apply to anything, if you feel uncomfortable at all, don't do it. if you get a good feeling about someone, or recognize the brilliance of their work, maybe worth a try....