Is He a Creeper?

So many of the photographers that want to work with models are male. Some are newbies, just learning their craft, some are pretty decent at their work, and a few are the creepers we call GWC's (guys with cameras or gals).

How does a model tell if the free shoot she/he is getting is with a creeper GWC? There are signs, but I think it is more positive to work on finding a good photographer than it is to avoid a bad one. It is easier too.

New photographers need to find someone to work with. I had to find models to learn my craft with. But as a photographer, finding models was my problem. As a model, being safe and getting good work is your problem. So lets work on that, finding a good photographer.

Signs of a good photographer:

1) They have a killer portfolio.

2) Their pictures are much more than T & A. They might have some sexy eye candy, but the focus is on overall beauty, form, sensuality, style, fashion, etc. Not so much on body parts.

3) They have a reputation. I have worked with many models who don't know me, but have asked about me. I'm always hearing models tell me they have asked others about me. Are you new to modeling and don't know any other models? Ask the photographer you are considering working with for contact information for references. Certainly he/she will give you references that they know will speak well of them, but it is a start

4) The photographer is willing to have you bring an escort. I don't buy the creative interference crap that some photographers cite as being reason to not want an escort present.

Other things you can do to get a good photographer:

1) Insist that you can bring an escort, and bring one. The escort can stay a distance if desired, but have them handy. Many good photographers love escorts and put them to work helping with props, lighting, and carrying the couple hundred pounds of camera and lighting gear.

2) Don't show booby and butt pics in your portfolio. If you have only one decent looking photo, use only one photo in your portfolio.  If you show yourself trashy in your port, that is what you are going to get asked to model.

3) When you do shoot, ask the photographer (if you end up liking them) who else is great

4) Join and participate in forums. There are FB groups, ModelMayhem, etc. Sit back and listen.

5) Wait. This is very important. Wait for the right offer. If you don't like an offer, don't be so impatient to model that you just take an iffy offer from an iffy photographer. Wait. The right offer will come and once you do get started with a positive experience, more opportunities will come. Don't squander a first start on something chancy or more risque than you want.