How can a beginner photographer come across as safe and professional when working with models?
Asked 8/6/2020
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2 answers
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I’m a new photographer and expect some future projects to involve models. Since I don’t yet have a track record, I want to make sure I present myself as safe, trustworthy, and serious—especially for concept shoots that may involve unusual locations. What practical steps help build trust with models early on? For example, is it best to start in public places and encourage them to bring a friend? What information or paperwork should I provide ahead of time?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
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Tell them the exact time and location of the shooting well in advance. Plan the first test shooting with each model in a public area (or close-by) to build up trust, and go to remote places for later shootings.
Provide a written contract that is clear and precise and which should contain a list of intended uses for the photographs.
Provide proof that models are covered by insurance if any accidents happen. Abandonned places are highly risky. Beware, that many insurances won't pay if you have an accident in abandoned places. You could find a professional who assesses if it is safe to enter a given place. However I think it will be very, very hard to find someone doing that if you're not the owner of the place. The professional way is to hire a set designer and build an abandoned place in a studio. This is the only way that you can make the shooting really safe.
While I can understand the thrill, personally I would not enter such abandoned buildings, but be happy with outdoor shootings that have the building as background.
Originally by user80733. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user80733
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—start by making the shoot feel organized, transparent, and low-risk.
Key things that help:
- Share the exact time, location, and plan well in advance.
- For first-time shoots, choose a public or nearby location rather than a remote one.
- Be clear that the model may bring a friend/chaperone.
- Use a written agreement that clearly states the intended use of the photos.
- If there’s any chance of physical risk, be prepared to show appropriate insurance coverage.
Professionalism matters as much as personality: clear communication, a defined concept, and proper paperwork all signal that you’re serious.
Also be cautious with abandoned locations. They can be unsafe, and insurance may not cover accidents there. For early shoots, safer legal locations are a better way to build trust. If a concept requires that look, a controlled set or safer alternative location is the more professional approach.
In short: communicate clearly, start in safe public settings, welcome a companion, and handle releases and risk responsibly.
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