With the internet booming and sites like MySpace doing so well, many have flocked to social networking sites, both general such as MySpace and specific such as One Model Place, for self promotion and as a means to find work.
The problem that is created is one never meets the other party when contact is made. The anonymity of the internet allows for someone to create a completely false profile under false pretense to lure people, generally young women, in under the auspices of modeling.
What, then, is the best approach for a photographer, or other artist, to approach someone about possibly working together, and/or visa versa? Well, the answer is not simply clear cut.
First and foremost, above all else, I recommend that models do their homework! Learn about the person that you are talking to. Ask other photographers, ask models who currently work with them, ask models who no longer work with them, see if you can find any information in public records. Take a look at their portfolio and find out who they've done work for. Are they students or are they promising to make you a star? Watch for warning signs.
I am aware of a web site that has been floating around for a little while that keeps note of photographers reputations. It was a small personal website, but I cannot find it at this moment. If I come across it I will post it, and if someone else finds it, I would appreciate them emailing me the link.
Beyond that, everyone will approach this in their own way. One of the most effective means I've seen is for a photographer to meet with the model at least a week prior to the shoot, somewhere public if they don't have an office. That way they can become acquainted with one another. If the model is to do a nude shoot, I feel this is crucial. It would allow time for the photographer to talk to the model about all of the points surrounding that work, and lay things out clearly. Not all models realize just how exposed a nude work can make them feel, and, while done tastefully, can still make them feel shameful. On the other hand, it could make them feel liberated, free, and special to have been a part of a creation of art.
Models and photographers should not expect to trade time for prints. It is not a right to have TFP/CD (see thoughts on TFP/CD), but rather a privilege. Generally if a photographer approaches a model do develop their portfolio or work on a personal project, the photographer can offer TFP/CD but should expect to pay the model. If the situation is reversed, the model can request TFP/CD but should expect to pay the photographer. The exception to this is if they are simply contacting the other to advertise their rates, in which case there should be a polite response, inquiry, or declination and not some sarcastic quip about how they don't pay with an air of snobbish attitude.
Photographers should encourage escorts with models they've not worked with before, or for long. The model should use an escort until they are comfortable with the photographer they are working with.
Lastly, photographers and models both should be professional - even in reporting bad experiences. They should leave name calling and slander out of the equation, but it is their duty to report both good and bad experiences in order to inform those who follow in their footsteps.
Also See:
Photography and Social Networking - ArTech Art & Technology
The Truth About Social Networking - Modeling: The Real Life
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