What to Know Before you Shoot with any Photographer

UNDERSTANDING YOUR WRIGHTS

If you think you have found the "right photographer," you will want a copy of the written Release form agreement. Unless you sign a written release agreement at the outset, the probability of your having an amicable conclusion to your relationship is zero. Ask for a copy of the release form agreement. As with all documents, make sure that you understand it fully before you sign it. No reputable Photographer will pressure you to shoot with out signing a release form agreement on the spot. Be sure to read and understand your legal rights are.

SELECTING A PHOTOGRAPHER

When contacting a Photographer, make sure he or she has references and proof of past work. Don't be fooled by amateur photographers that give Claims of great photography and how much better it is to shoot with them. When selecting or choosing a photographer for your modeling needs make sure you know more about the person taking your pictures. Be sure the work the photographer did for the client is similar to what you need and be sure also that the work was performed in the last 6 months to a year (this business changes too fast and sporadic in modeling). Always ask the Photographer for at least two client-references you can call. This is a perfectly reasonable request and any photographer who has a problem with this should be your cue to exit.

KNOWING THE TYPE OF MODELING YOU WANT TO DO

A Photographer is not much different than choosing the right professional to assist you with other needs that you might have. Your goal should be to find a photographer with the best qualifications, experience and knowledge to meet your modeling needs. Like a Painting artist, many photographers concentrate their practices in specific areas. Just as you would not consult with an artist to take a picture of your self, you should not select a photographer who is not qualified to handle your photography needs. Many Photographers stick to certain type shooting and one type of style who can handle a wide variety of modeling. Your objective should be to find a photographer with the most experience with the type of modeling you want to do. Also ask for pictures of current models they have taken pictures of to get a feel of what the photographer is offering you. If you do not feel computable with some pictures you see, ask the photographer if he or she will requires those types of pictures out of you. In many cases if you don't feel like you want to pose in that style you have a right to refuse to shoot with that person if they insist to shoot you in that manner. Always read all release forms before signing them prior to signing them. As one photographer might bring you up in the modeling business, so will another one might bring you down. Amateur photographers are a good way to get free photos but also a way to get scammed or even worse, bad publicity that could bring you down in the modeling business.


There are a lot of fakes on here so please make sure to watch your back. Don't listen to fake promises, fast talking, untrustworthy individuals that claim to have an up and up in the so call game of Entertainment... Look for the signs and keep you eyes wide open.