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Deciding on a New Photographer: Here is what you should know before you shoot
Deciding on a New Photographer
Here is what you should know before you shoot
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by Ron Adams
As a photographer having a great relationship with your model is essential in making some of the most beautiful images imaginable. It is that relationship that transforms a normal and dull render into a true work of art. Unfortunately, those relationships are not fully forged through meeting on Instagram or Model Mayhem, that type of understanding can only be truly formed after you actually physically interact. It takes time, trust, and professional understanding from both the model and the photog to create that perfect frozen moment in time.
In most cases, the first meet is usually awkward. Although you have seen each other’s work dealing with a person in the digital age is more an art than natural occurrence. A lot of times models and photographers speak the same social media language, but in person real personalities, practices, and insecurities come into play and can make a first shoot a difficult experience. And then there are the horror stories of models being assaulted or placed in unwanted circumstances where they are asked to compromise what they want for what the photographer wants. It can be demoralizing, uncomfortable, and even dangerous. Now I will say this, the vast majority of shoots are conducted professionally and without incident, but it is important to be aware that there are those that will take advantage of dreams and aspirations of others. Here are five important tips to help ensure that you can place yourself in the best position for success when shooting for the first time with a new photographer.
Photographer's Reputation. As in all new jobs, it is important to know the people that you are working with. I often think of situations to where predators were allowed for years to continue to take advantage of victims. You hear terms like “quid pro quo” or “pay to play”. I always wonder how this happens because I know that in this day and age to get the dirt on someone is not only easy, but it is shared at the speed of light so to speak. Make sure that you do your research! Get as much information as possible when shooting with someone new. Look at their social media, ask other models and photographers about their experiences with your prospective teammate. And make a good choice. It is safe to believe that if a person is known for asking for “this for that,” then they will continue to ask for it.
Paid vs. TFP (Trade for Print). Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised at how many misunderstandings happen over the amount of images to be given, the cost associated with those images, and how long it will take to receive them. When shooting with a new shooter establish guidelines early and reiterate them before you depart from the shoot location. Having this information can save you the headache and stress of knowing someone is holding your images hostage for some unestablished reason.
Image use. I think this is very important to know. As a veteran photographer, I can honestly say that in an average shoot, there are literally hundreds of images that are taken, and it is normal to only completely process a few of the total shoot. The images that are discarded often contain mistakes, wardrobe malfunctions, and other unusable shots. Make sure that you know how your new photographer plans to use ALL the images, not just the ones that he or she processes for you.
Photographer's Rights. This is probably the most valuable thing to understand. The photographer that takes the images of you owns the images. “Copyright in photography means that you own an image you created. The law says you created that image as soon as the shutter is released. The photographer who pushed the button owns the copyright. A photographer will own that copyright throughout their life and 70 years afterwards.” This is important, because whether or not you like the images, you are exposed, or wish the images to be destroyed or deleted, the photographer owns the rights to those images and does not have to accommodate you in any way if he or she does not want to. Even if you fail to sign an image release the photographer still owns the rights to the images. Now without going into a whole bunch of legal terms, just know in this instance the law favors the photographer. Why is this important? This understanding should be in the forefront of every decision you make during the shoot. Do not place yourself in a position to where you feel uncomfortable and later regret what you have done, and then ask that new photographer to not post or delete and they do not want to. It happens and happens more than you think. Be mindful of everything that is going on during your shoot and never shoot something you do not feel comfortable shooting.
Feel Comfortable. I cannot say this enough, make sure that you feel comfortable. If you have never met the photographer and you want to bring a friend, guess what, BRING A FRIEND! If you do not want to shoot an implied or nude image, again DO NOT shoot it! If the photographer makes a big deal about any of that then that is a clear indicator that you might want to rethink the shoot. You have just as much control over what happens during the shoot as the photographer. Never be afraid to say that you do not feel comfortable doing whatever is being asked of you. Remember your trust should be earned and not just given away over Facebook or Instagram.
