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.
I think that this is quite an obvious one, and obviously, the photographer is going waaaaay over the line. Usually out advice would be to make sure that there would be someone else on the set, but obviously, this did not help here.
For Photographers
If you are a photographer and you care (which you should), Photographer Andreas Bergmann has some tips for you to avoid this situation.
- Take your sexuality, pack it up inside yourself and tell that f—er to stay put till you’re done with work. Nobody is claiming that anyone should be able to not get aroused, not be attracted to people or anything like that, that would be ridiculous. What you need to be able to do is keep it in till you’re done with your photography. Nobody is there to be subjected to anyone’s sexuality, they’re there to make images, and so should you. If you fall heads over heels in love with your subject (I’m sure it has happened), then give them a call the next day, and ask them out. The photography session is NOT the place to shove your sexuality all up in people’s face. Besides, wouldn’t you rather have somebody go out with you because they want to, and not because they’re super intimidated by the situation in which you ask them? (If the answer is no, please seek help, you need it, tho it might be a long road.)
- Make sure you have a feel for people before the shooting starts. This is part of why the pre-shoot talk is so important, preferably on an entirely different day. This is where you feel people out, get to know what their humor, attitude etc. is like when they’re not in an intimidating situation, and that knowledge empowers you to not trample all over their boundaries once the shoot starts.
- Put some energy into being sensitive to people’s reactions to what you do and say. We’re actually pretty good at understanding each other, us human beings, and if you devote a fraction of your attention to it, you’ll be able to recognize when you’re crossing the line with people. When you do, acknowledge it, apologize and back down. It is much better to relieve the tension by actually verbalizing that something awkward, uncomfortable etc. just happened, that you’re aware if it and that you’re trying to avoid it happening again than to let it just hang in the air.
- Realize that the situation is about one thing, and that is to create an awesome image. That is why everyone is there, not to make new friends, not to blind date photographers or models and certainly not to be subjected to your sexuality. If that isn’t why you’re there, then stop photographing people and start saying hi to them instead, and ask them out for coffee.
For Models
If you are the model, photographer Jake Hicks has these tips for you:
- Search: Simply Google the photographer’s name. If nothing comes up then this should be your first warning sign.
- Ask your photographer questions: ‘What type of lighting or setups will we be shooting?’, ‘what kind of styling are you looking for?’ and ‘what sort of makeup do you think will work best?’. If all you’re getting back is ‘whatever you think looks best just bring lots of lingerie’ then this photographer might require a bit more research.
- Ask for examples and concept: Ask the photographer to send you example pictures of the ideas they’re looking to achieve. Remember when somebody says ‘I want to shoot boudoir’ images this could mean anything from suggestive well lit black and white shots or it could mean Playboy centrefold imagery. Make sure you’re both aware of what to expect from the shoot.
- Meet in a public place: If you decide to arrange a shoot then you could also get them to meet you at a public place like collecting you from the train station or stay in your car until you’re happy they seem to be who they say they are. This is not ideal but it is something to consider if you have the option.
- Ask about a chaperone: If you don’t trust the photographer enough to go alone but instead would rather attend with a chaperone I’d think about why you’re not trusting them in the first place. If you don’t trust the photographer enough to go alone, you shouldn’t go at all.
- Talk to people: Reach out to other models who have worked with the photographer in the past. Message them directly, mention that you’re starting and get them to give you an honest and private opinion.
- Utilise model communities: Use a model community site like Purple Port or Model Mayhem. They have a community of models that have worked with more well known photographers and you’re sure to find plenty of good ones that have a great track record.
[via SLR Lounge]
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