TopMember

Before I start, I should say not all togs are like this but when I have been approached by photographers looking to do 'magazine work' they always leak me information in drips and drabs and when I ask about the publication it's for they always back right off and give me some reason why they can't tell me.

Basically I want to know if these photographers are legit and there is a reason you can't tell people what publication you're shooting for or is this people just trying to scam you?

I've experienced this scam before on here, someone telling me they want me to do a paid magazine shoot, asking for some test shots then never, ever getting back to me.

Is this normal? Really quite lost at the minute!

Manager

Hi Alyce,

You've always had quite an extensive portfolio on here, often with a wide range of styles, so I can see almost no genuine reason for anyone to request yet more photos from you before deciding to work with you.
If they do, they're quite likely to be a "pic collector" and not offering genuine work, and so it's best to report them to us, we can look into their profile, and if they are just a pic collector then they get removed.
The majority of pic collectors I've come across almost always use a similar spiel. They're either doing magazine work (normally for a new magazine), or work for a major lingerie company, and refuse to give any details about the company/magazine apart from a generic gmail/hotmail account for the model to contact for a reference.

There are occasions where a photographer may need a few polaroid style photos initially, for example to see you without makeup on - but these photographers would have no problem with providing full references and contact details for the magazine.

I hope that helps,

James

TopMember

Hi James,

That does help.
So if someone is pressuring me for nude test shots to 'see how I shoot' should I be very wary of this?
This most recent incident hasn't happened on this site, but the last few times it has.
Most frustrating!

Alyce.

Manager

Hi Alyce,

I would certainly advise that you shouldn't send any photos until such time you've:
1) Confirmed their references
2) Confirmed for yourself that they're working for the magazine or company they say they're working for.

James

TopMember

Thanks for the help!
I've sent a reply stating my position and what I need before I can send anything over.

Alyce.

Premium

Hi Alyce,

I often advise models not to send any images out to people they don't know. After all you probably may not own the copyright for the images as that would usually be the property of the original photographer.
So just say they are copyright protected and you cant send them.
You could agree to a nude test shoot (max 1 hour) if its paid then deduct that from the 'paid magazine 'work later if it happens!

Regards
michael

TopMember

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the advice. The issue with this is that the tog is looking for me to send him some DIY test shots. If it were a test shoot I probably wouldn't have many qualms about the whole situation.
That's what raised my suspicions to begin with, I don't think I have ever been asked for this from a reputable tog before.

Alyce.

Premium

Hi Alyce,

Oh dear, as you say that doesn't sound like a reasonable requset from an established photographer!

I think you're right and just 'move on'

Michael

TopMember

Thanks Michael,

I guess going with your gut instinct is always a good idea after all!

Premium

I think James hit the nail on the head.

If a Photographer is looking to book a model they will be very open and honest about the shoot and its details even if its on a hush hush IE a new unseen line of fashion Shoot, giving the info such has wear and when it will be published isnt going to harm anything! after all the photographer MUA and a whole line of people will know all this.

also you have the right to request to see a copy of the model release form or contract if its going to be more than one time shoot in advance of the shoot.

also as James has said always Confirm for your self that they'er working for or on be-half of the mag or company that they say they are.


oldest line in the book is Im looking for models for a shoot for so and so Mag! or a New mag thats going to be launched very soon
(the new mag one lets them play on the so i cant give out much info crap)

Best wishes
James.

TopMember

Thanks so much for the tips,
It's hard to spot a fake without knowing whether I was just being a bit paranoid or not!
Good to know I wasn't.
Unfortunately people like this do exist and it's a shame, it makes a mockery of the people who are actually trying to be decent and reputable within the business.

Alyce.