Hi everyone! I’ll still be staying within the realm of topics pertaining to “newer” models in this blog post… The reason being because I have seen so many new models popping up lately (Welcome, friends!).
I have also been getting loads of DM’s about basic model safety topics. These are great things to touch on! Even more “experienced” models need a little refresher on model safety. Sometimes we slip up and let our guard down when we get into a rhythm of doing so manyshoots in a row, or get too comfortable, don’t want to come off as too assertive, etc.
I wanted to discuss why it is important to 1) Ask for references before working with a photographer, and 2) Have your own references ready when someone asks you for one before they decide to work with you. I’ll also provide a little perspective as to why I as a booking agent ask for references from freelance models.
Ask Photographers For References (Or Find Some On Your Own) When you are first starting out and don’t know your local scene it can be difficult to know who you should shoot with and who you probably should not shoot with. It can be very easy to be taken advantage of.
If you are curious to know what other models’ experiences with a photographer have been like, reach out to a few models who are tagged on the photographer’s social media pages. Word your message along the lines of, “Hello, my name is X. I was thinking of doing a shoot with X-Photographer. I saw that you have worked with them. Did you have a positive experience?” Super painless. The worst thing that can happen is that the model is rude or ignores you, and I can promise that this probably won’t be the case.
You will very quickly find out if a photographer is a bad egg. It is always your decision whether or not you are going to work with someone or not. You never have to work with anyone you don’t want to as a freelancer (pretty sure it works differently if you are signed with an agency… which is another reason why I choose to stay freelance, but that’s another blog post for another day).
Have Your Own References Since I work within the freelance part of the industry I almost always ask models for 2+ references when I am doing a casting. People can be flaky and I don’t want to risk hiring someone unprofessional for my paying clients. I am always taken aback when I ask for a reference from someone I am interested in using and they say “I don’t have one.” As a model, you should be giving photographers a fantastic enough experience that they would feel comfortable giving you a glowing review if asked for one. If you aren’t being professional and can’t get a positive reference, something needs to change. Make sure that you are showing up on time to shoots, coming prepared, being a nice human, not being a diva, etc.
I make a point to get to know who I am working with while I am shooting. I have worked with several photographers and clients long enough now that they feel like family. I know for sure that I can always ask them for a reference. Still, it is always a good idea to ask permission before giving out someones personal information.
In Addition… I would never be nervous when reaching out to other models about their experiences with a certain photographer. You honestly never know what someone is going to say, though you would hope the information they are giving you is both true and helpful. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Have specific questions that you would like me to answer? Feel free to reach out by clicking the button below.
