I was chatting with my girlfriends the other day and we all agreed that there are quite a number of people proclaiming themselves as photographers. True enough, with the increasing number of “models” joining the modeling industry, there are bound to have a fair number of “photographers” joining in the fun, and trying their luck to take advantage of the ladies!
I am not saying that all the photographers are bad, most of them are really professional and nice. In fact, most of the photographers that I have worked with before were really professional and attentive to my needs, and I am thankful for that.
Needless to say, I do encounter sleazy photographers too! So since I am into this topic today, why not I share some of my personal pointers in spotting a sleazy photographer!
Checklist to spot a sleazy photographer:
- Portfolio
Request to view the photographer's portfolio to have a better understanding of his past works. A portfolio is like their resume/CV. It usually represents the photographer's own style and record. Most of the time a decent photographer have varied themes from simple indoor fashion theme to even an artistic nude theme.
Take this time to also observe his photography style. It is usually easy to spot a sleazy one from the way the photos are taken.
- Watermark Logo
Prior to the point mentioned above, do remember to check out the watermark logo. Most photographers do watermark their works. From my personal experience, photographers usually like to place their watermarks on the side of the photo, and it varies from opaque to full colour. Personally I have seen some sleazy photographers/ unethical GWAC (Guy With A Camera) take other people's work and claim it as their own. There are even people who crop/ erase watermarks and pass them off as their own!
- Running a brief background check
I have to stress that this pointer is really important, especially with regards to those who are still new to this line. Running a brief check really doesn't take up too much time. You can easily check through search engines like Google search, and maybe even through forums! It would be even better if you have models and friends in the same industry! You can check with them and see if they have ever worked with the photographer mentioned before, if so, they will definitely have some feedback on them too! (This can also help you to have a brief idea of his character before you work with him!)
- Request to bring a Chaperone
Bringing a chaperone to shoots is like an added protection for yourself too. The chaperone not only can acts as an assistant to assist with the shoot and makeup, but also helps keep sleazy photographers at bay too!
Most of the time the proposed photographer will agree with the request. So if the proposed photographer declines the suggestion, you might want to be wary of him. He might have hidden agendas.
BUT! I have to emphasise more on this pointer. There are some reputable photographers that are rather uncomfortable with having someone else during the shoot. I have to say that the chaperone SHOULD NOT BE IN ANYWAY INVOLVED with the shoot!
The chaperone is only there to accompany you to the shoot and not to be engaged in any case such as giving suggestions and directions with regards to the shoot, and even standing near the model during the engagement time.
- Proposed Shoot Location
Based on my personal experience, those sleazy photographers tend to propose shoot locations that are rather secluded or some may even suggest hotel rooms.
Unless the theme suggests, otherwise try to arrange the shoot location that is nearer to the public or slight crowd. This can help to prevent unwanted circumstances from happening.
Prevent your proposed photographer from bringing you to a location that is really secluded/ confined space. If nessessary, bring your chaperone along.
Always trust your guts and your instincta. It will never be wrong. If you think that you are uncomfortable with him even just by chatting, my suggestion to you is to just reject the shoot no matter how tempting the offer is!
