Models & their chaperones - Boyfriends?

[abitfishy]

Hi all,

I have a few models lined up with a few more ideas for some shoots, and I've suggested they bring a chaperone which I understand is pretty normal, however a few have mentioned bringing their boyfriends.

Maybe I'm underestimating the younger generation but I can imagine bringing a boyfriend along to a shoot, particularly younger models (18-20 for instance) might be more of a hindrance to the connection between the model and the photographer. Particularly if the boyfriend is a bit of a 'pee are eye see kay'. Am I right? Not to mention, particularly being new to it all, when it comes to swimsuit etc I think I'd be a little uncomfortable. Would I come across a perv if I say I have no objections to a female friend/family member but not a boyfriend?

Thanks.

[mercho]

I can't say I have ever been in the situation where I have hired a model, so don't take this as rock solid, just some advice from a 22yr old male ;)

I would say it could work in 2 ways

1. Because the model has a familiar face there, she may lighten up a bit more, and be a bit more relaxed, helping you to get a few more natural shots! You never know, the boyfriend might be able to help you to get her to laugh/smile in a natural way

2. The boyfriend may be a pr!ck and a limit what you are trying to achieve.

Personally I wouldn't "object" or limit who she can bring along, because I think it MAY sound a bit "pervy" for want of a better word, but thats just me... I would say you have a 99% chance of landing a situation 1, then again if your in the city, that may be a whole another scenario ;)

[abitfishy]

Thanks for your reply young man.

I have no real objections to it being a boyfriend if he is a really nice guy, but its situation 2 that's my concern! You know, the young people of today and all that. :)

Maybe I just need to word my concerns in a particular way when the subject comes up.

[mercho]

I guess if you can try and word it right like you say, that might be your best bet!

I know what you mean though, the youth of today, walking around with their iPods blaring out of their "hoodies" ;) hooligans! ;)

[abitfishy]

And their shorts hanging half down with their Calvin Klein boxers showing :)

[Xenedis]

Provided the boyfriend doesn't get in the way, I have no issue with it.

I had one model travel from another city to do a shoot with me. I told her I had no problem if she brought a male companion (I brought up the subject).

As far as I know, the guy wasn't her boyfriend. He didn't get in the way, and I had no problem with him being there.

[I @ M]

Fishy, first up, please don't tar all "young" people with the same brush, being an "old geezer" I can usually get a good laugh from a lot of things that young people do so long as they aren't objectionable and I know quite a few people in their 30s and 40s that are far worse in their behaviour than some teens and 20s era kids.

As for the boyfriend / friend situation, my advice is learn to live with it or go without. Anyone should be able to turn up with who ever they feel like it and be able to get on with the task at hand. I have had experience with people coming along and bringing their boyfriend, sister, mother, and same sex friend, never had a problem with anyone so far.

If you get a situation where a "boyfriend" is objectionable I would suggest you simply cancel on the spot, send em away and let the "subject" figure out whether the modelling game is for her and whether she has made the right choice in boyfriends.

[David]

I have only been to a couple of model shoots where the b/f was there or another fella; what we did was to introduce ourselves to the b/f and get him involved if he wanted to, in the shoot...have a natter, make him feel comfortable, get him to hold a slave flash, treat him like he mattered and got a very positive response.

I think most young people would be bringing along someone for a range of reasons: his age will not make him/her more or less of a "prick" than someone of a different age and if you treat them right you should expect the same in return: If NOT, kick them both to the curb and find someone else.

[ricktas]

Why not throw the BF in front of the camera, you might just find that males are just as interesting to photograph as females?

[abitfishy]

Thanks all for the feedback and thoughts.

I'm actually not that 'old', but I guess our thoughts of young people can sometimes differ depending on our last experiences. And your absolutely correct, it could be beneficial, a second model and a really nice guy. Maybe I just need to take my lawn bowls hat off for a minute. :)

[para]

I have shot a couple of teen models I actually encourage chaperones/bf if under 18 I actually bring a female friend of my own

[kiwi]

for gods sake it's a photo shoot, not a first date, if she wants to bring genghis khan to be her chaperone so be it

[oldfart]

I shoot a lot of models and like girls to bring someone to the shoot they feel comfortable with, but I discourage boyfriends.

It has been my experience that b/f's by and large fall into 2 categories.

1. The Censor. This b/f constantly interrupts the shoot or uses gestures to ensure his g/f photos will please her grandmother but will probably not be the ones the model is chasing.

2. The Porn Director. This b/f is the the exact opposite of 1. He's constantly trying to get his g/f to do poses etc that show more n more skin etc and is actually a bigger pain in the rear end than The Censor.

Having a model bring a girl friend, makes her comfortable, ensures she has someone to help her with hair and make up and most importantly someone to make those little adjustments.

[abitfishy]

Thank you oldfart. Thats exactly what I was thinking and my concerns.

Glad someone understands me! :th3:

[jeffde]

I agree with Old farty unless the BF is going to be invloved in the shoot.
(if your thinking sales can actually increase the amt of images they may buy)
I've done a heap of shoots and chaperones have never been an issue, although one shoot the boyfirend dropped in and the atmosphere just changed, and he picked up on the vibe and left.
If the model is under 18 must bring a parent or guardian along, even though my wife is with me at the shoot, and they sign the model release as well (if your under 18 i believe you can't legally sign the relaease by themselves.

[abitfishy]

Hi Jeff.
Absolutely, I'm aware of the under 18 thing although I don't expect it will arise for me, but might. One girl wanted swimsuit and was 15 but I think I'll reply with a nice no thank you.

[bigdazzler]

Ive had a few of the models boyfriends come along ... never had any problems.

Always better to have a female present in some form though. If you dont have a female assistant, a female friend is handy to have around .. number one rule, well for me anyway, is NEVER EVER touch the models. Thats is a potential headache that I can do without.

[bigdazzler]

REMOVED: double post :confused013

[Paul G]

If the BF does come along maybe get him involved. Get him to help with reflectors etc.

[Brodie]

I shoot a lot of models and like girls to bring someone to the shoot they feel comfortable with, but I discourage boyfriends.

It has been my experience that b/f's by and large fall into 2 categories.

1. The Censor. This b/f constantly interrupts the shoot or uses gestures to ensure his g/f photos will please her grandmother but will probably not be the ones the model is chasing.

2. The Porn Director. This b/f is the the exact opposite of 1. He's constantly trying to get his g/f to do poses etc that show more n more skin etc and is actually a bigger pain in the rear end than The Censor.

Having a model bring a girl friend, makes her comfortable, ensures she has someone to help her with hair and make up and most importantly someone to make those little adjustments.

I'd agree along the lines of this, although I could certainly add a few more categories for the typical boyfriends these "models" seem to attract.

I always encourage models to always bring a friend, especially when starting out, just not the boyfriend. bring mum! mums are great, unless your doing some really raunchy stuff and its embarrasing for them.

I found, once you build up a good reputation for yourself and get to know more people in the industry you will find models etc will have complete confidence to shoot with you by themselves and you dont have to deal with the issue. Once your shoots get to a bigger scale with stylists and make up artists the models feel more comfortable already. Especially if each person has made a name for themselves.





Bringing boyfriends however, is a recipe for disaster 9 times out of ten. I have found that the models dont usually want their boyfriends there anyway so its all good.

[Xenedis]

Why not throw the BF in front of the camera, you might just find that males are just as interesting to photograph as females?

I did one shoot where the boyfriend of a makeup artist actually ended up posing.

[James T]

He shouldn't be involved at all (unless you want him to be).

You're there to do a job. The model is there to do a job. The chaperone is there to stand quietly in the corner and not distract anyone. Shouldn't matter who they are in that case.

That said, I've never been on a shoot where a chaperone has been involved..

[Xenedis]

You're there to do a job. The model is there to do a job. The chaperone is there to stand quietly in the corner and not distract anyone. Shouldn't matter who they are in that case.

That pretty much sums it up.

[Erin]

Stipulate that boyfriends are not allowed as chaperons, and once they both arrive and the meet & greets are out of the way, make the chaperon comfortable in another room, nearby but out of the way. That way model feels safe and you're not hindered.

[dowden photography]

I've got a rule.
They can have a chaperon but they are not to talk or get in the way, the second they do they're out.
My girlfriend & I work together on shoots, shes also a photographer and having a female in the room seems to settle the model down most of the time, but if they feel they need someone they know in the room (parent, boyfriend, friend) I tell them that they are not to talk or get in the way and it can mean loss of payment because I won't get the shot I need.

I'm very hard in that way but when doing a shoot I'm the boss.

[Jeanette]

Why not throw the BF in front of the camera, you might just find that males are just as interesting to photograph as females?

could work like in this one
http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=56338

i know not all would be good to put in front of the camera but never know:o