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Model Safety

Metropolitan Police detective to serve three years in jail for secretly filming models

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A London Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism detective has been sentenced to three years in jail for secretly filming models during fake photoshoots. The BBC reports that 40-year-old Detective Inspector Neil Corbel was said to have committed the crimes in hotel rooms and Airbnbs across London, Brighton and Manchester using cameras hidden in tissue boxes, phone charges and glasses to film women unaware.

Corbel, who is married and has a family, admitted to 19 counts of voyeurism. One model stated that she has been left with bald spots as a result of pulling out her hair due to stress since the incident, according to a victim impact statement presented to the court. Two other victims also told the court of their distress, as reinforced by Judge Martin Edmunds QC during sentencing.

These are the safety tips that every model and photographer should know

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This is an opinion piece and considering I am not a lawyer or work in law enforcement, this is all just advice from experience. Always check the legal and health legislation in the area you are in. Seek professional advice if you feel you have been the victim of a crime.

I’ve been swimming in this industry since the spring of 1997, ultimately on both sides of the lens. I have witnessed titans rise and fall with the decimation of film in favor of digital pixels. I’ve taken part in the tidal wave of new and incredible talent from around the world thanks to affordable cameras and computers. I watched with mixed emotions at the absolute thrashing that Photoshop and the rise of digital art gave to an industry that overnight transformed successful businesses with 30 years of experience into dinosaurs on the brink of extinction.

In short, I’ve not been around forever, but I’ve been around long enough to earn a couple of my stripes, and seen some difficult things.

I have been lucky enough to witness the start of a movement that has begun to change everything.

The rise of #MeToo has really shifted the dialogue around safety. It’s generations overdue, but at least it’s starting. I wish it had been a thing when I was 13 and a baby in this field, but alas, life isn’t always fair. So, I’m going to keep it going. Each line on my face, each grey hair, and every sleepless night comes from some lesson or experience lived through. Such is the inevitability of aging.

The dark side of modeling: what it looks like and how to stay away from it

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We have heard of multiple cases of sexual misconduct in the photography industry. The latest case was revealed only a few days ago. There’s a dark side to modeling, where models are exploited and harassed by photographers who abuse their power. In this video, Jessica Kobeissi talks about this dark side of modeling. She mentions many examples she’s heard of and this video will be useful for both models and photographers. If you’re a model, this video will help you recognize “red flags” and stay away from predators. And if you’re a photographer, there are plenty of useful tips on how not to be perceived as “that guy.”

Canada-based model suffers severe burns during fire photo shoot gone bad

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Using fire in photography is not a new idea. But it’s one that requires the utmost respect. We’ve featured a number of photographers here on DIYP who work with fire the right way, including this one from Von Wong, who had a crew of around 50 people helping to maximise safety and be able to respond quickly in the event of an accident. Not everybody is as well planned, though.

22-year-old international student and freelance model Robyn-Lee Jansen is currently residing in a Vancouver hospital recovering from first and second-degree burns as the result of what she describes as “negligence and recklessness on the unnamed photographer’s behalf”. And, if Jansen’s account is true, I’m inclined to agree.

This video shows how easy it is to fall for sexual harassment [NSFW]

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Ever heard the expression “don’t be that guy”? Here is the perfect example of what it means. [We are putting the actual video after the jump. It is neither work-friendly nor kids-friendly and it is not an easy watch]

David Schwimmer (that nerd from Friends) learned that one of every three women in the US got sexually harassed at work and decided to take action. He produced a six-par PSA series about sexual harassment, but the one I want to focus on is the photographer one.

A beginner’s guide to working with models

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Running a shoot from start to finish can be pretty demanding; working with creative staff, managing your camera, adjusting settings, directing, and ensuring that everything is going smoothly. It can be pretty daunting with the prospect of trying to handle all of this right?

One of the more challenging aspects when starting out can definitely be getting comfortable working with the model(s) on a shoot, and how to ensure everyone comes out happy and satisfied.

Model Bs: A Tinder-like app that conects models and photographers in only a few swipes

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A young actor Troy Akin has created an interesting called ModelBs. It’s designed like Tinder, only this app is strictly business related. It serves to connect models and photographers in a safe and efficient way. Swipe left, swipe right, and find an ideal match – but in the photography or modeling business.

How to define the chin on sky-faced subjects.

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Really quick and dirty article for you this week on a handy little tip I found myself having to find for a solution to a problem.

I was doing a photoshoot with this subject when I noticed how awesome the decking looked, I decided that I wanted to get a shot of him led down on the decking but still wanted that jawline / chin to pop. He didn’t feel comfortable forcing his chin towards the camera while laying down due it being difficult as hell because your head is heavy!

Models Beware! Warning and safety tips for new models

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For the second time in as many months somebody has tried to use my images to deceive models about their skill level in photography.

Because of this deception it’s certainly no giant leap to accuse these individuals of ill intent, especially if they are actively seeking out images of models in their underwear in their first messages of contact.

At the weekend I received a concerning email from somebody who follows my work. I have said that I will keep their name anonymous and they have kindly let me share the situation but I will change the models name in question to Sue for the purpose of this article.

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