TopMember

I was looking to book a model on here and she added me on facebook. When I looked at her pics on there there was probably 2 dress sizes difference and a shall we say a much less than flattering stomach difference. When I asked the question about which were most recent I was told I was a "dick" and that she was bound to look worse because it was a real picture, and I should "get a life".

The moral for me? Thank god I saw the pics before I spent serious time effort and money booking the girl!

The question though is "if a model changes substantially, should she post a recent picture to cover it?"

TopMember

Bit of a delayed reply on this tread (I am having fun reading all the posts, have a feeling I will be resurecting old treads).

In answer to your question, I believe that a model should always post a photo of herself showing exactly what she looks like, although I doubt many models would agree with me.

I make a point of not having any of my photos (even though I only have a few) retuched or polished or photoshoped or whatever it is called these days, in any way.
I am totaly comfortable with the way I look, stretch marks, scars, saggy boobs and all lol, and strongly believe that a potential photographer should know exactly what he will work with. That way he can decide in an instance am I suitable for what he is looking for, and saves a lot of time and misunderstandings down the line.

There would be nothing worse than to turn up for a shoot with a misconception that he will be getting a perfect model only to find that he has the sudden urge to put a bin liner on me lol.

Not to mention the wasted time and corespondence on both our parts.

Poppyxx

"The question though is "if a model changes substantially, should she post a recent picture to cover it?"

Absolutely,I view a models portfolio as their cv,on that basis it must be true and accurate.
As Poppy states,being honest about your appearance is a vital selling point,and also an updated profile infers that a model is thinking about her "shop window" and ensuring "what you see is what you get".
Some girls post changes of hair colour,length,style, piercings etc and this gives a potential client an idea of what a model is all about when looking to book for thier project.
Let's take the scenario that you've booked a size 10 model for a fashion shoot and on arrival it's pretty much apparent that she's crept up a size or two.If she hasn't updated her portfolio or indicated this beforehand,I'm thinking you'd be justified in cancelling there and then without any come back.Before I'm leapt upon by the model police,I only used size 10 as an example,it could be any aspect that substantially changes a models appearance,hair,tattoos, etc etc.
It doesn't matter whether you're a size 8 blonde doing fashion or as per my good lady a size 14 doing topless and adult,you've got to be 100% honest.This is an unforgiving industry and you'll soon be rumbled if you try and pull the wool.
At the very least, if the model hasn't got any recent work depicting any changes, a line or two outlining them should be offered as a courtesy,
Regards Wayne.

Premium

I agree with all that has been said so far.
I also think it would be good to have a section in the models Gallery entitled "The Real Me", where a model could place a few images depicting their real look.
Thus separating reality from the fantasy that make-up, camera, lighting and photoshop can create.

I select models on their look and descriptions from their profile and gallery, to fit my concept/theme.
If a model misrepresents them selves to get a job (verbal, written description, images, and/or working levels), and it turns out that they applied for a casting for which they were not suitable.... Job cancelled, pay forfeited and a few harsh words about time wasters.

Honesty is definitely a must, from both sides...

Photographers should also make it perfectly clear as to what they require from the model, in the casting and subsequent contact.... no surprises on the day.

A good idea re: the "real me" section.However if models aren't comfortable showing themselves in the raw so to speak online, another idea maybe to have a few select images,showing them as such and offer them if requested to potential clients.Having dropped a dress size in 10 weeks and lost approx 1.5 stone,my mrs would never have dreamed of posing fully nude, but now is coming round to the idea.I have however told her that sooner or later a photographer is going to ask for a bare bones shot, no makeup, lingerie etc and if she wants the chance to apply for the project, she's going to have to comply.
If both parties are honest and up front about their respective details etc,there can be no grounds for debate and argument come the day of the shoot.
Regards Wayne.

I think it's important to be 100% honest, not just with pictures, but where profiles, messages and forum posts etc. are concerned.

Wouldn't this be the same as if the model didn't write any of the message, casting or forum replies that their name was put to? You wouldn't be communicating with the model themselves, but someone writing for them.

I have been watching this thread with interest, I would agree that when booking a model for a specific assignment, then a current photograph is essential, as could be accurate statsitic should you or your client be supplying clothing. I also think it is important to be totally honest in your portfolio. I think this topic is a double edged sword though because the same could be said for a photographers portfolio and images.

Should photographers state that they have infact taken the images, Was the image edited by the photographer, or was it out sourced.

I actually think this topic could be a can of worms.

I look forward to others comments

Premium

I don't see why the topic should be a can of worms, surely Honesty is the best policy and everyone is in full understanding of the shoot requirements and expectations.
Obviously, a photographer should only lay claim to images that he/she actually took, if the image was out sauced for editing and/or art work, then the third party should be acknowledged.
Likewise, a Make-up artist, Stylist, Wardrobe, would not claim to have actually taken the image or claim to be the owner of the copyright, but simply lay claim to their roll it it's creation and credit given to the Photographer and anyone involved.

Misunderstandings and complications only arise where dishonesty and misrepresentation, are given or implied.

From my perspective,whether it's a TFCD shoot or a paid assignment,honest pre-shoot communications should iron out any queries and both parties should be satisfied that they are both singing from the same sheet on all aspects and expectations.A little homework by both sides usually eliminates any shocks or upsets come "strike a pose" time.
It is of course a two way arrangement, If a photographer lays claim to be renowned in whatever genre is booked and doesn't deliver, then he's just as accountable as the model who turns with short blonde hair as oppossed to long dark hair.
As I have found out personally in both business and day to day living,communication is paramount.
Regards Wayne.

Quoting Woolfe:
"Should photographers state that they have infact taken the images, Was the image edited by the photographer,or was it out sourced".

I'm not going to derail the thread by delving into copyright issues etc, but on face value,I thinks it's entirely reasonable to assume that any images on a photographers portfolio are his own work unless specified otherwise.Why someone would choose otherwise is of course their call,but nonetheless I'm sure it's happened.As for editing,if an image has been edited etc, most would assume the photographer would have carried this out themselves again unless stated to the contrary and outsourced to a 3rd party.I guess this is where watermarking etc comes into it's own.
Regards Wayne.