Do You Know Your Photographer?

Having a photo shoot with your photographer should be an exciting event with the anticipation of a great experience from the shoot to the final images. When scheduling a photo shoot with a photographer you should do your homework to ensure that the quality of the photographer's images match what you are envisioning as a finished product. Your photos should provide memories to last a lifetime and you want the best product you can afford. 

Beyond researching a photographer's images online, what do you really know about the photographer you are going to entrust your images and your SAFETY with? A simple Google search can reveal a lot about your potential photographer but some of the other points to consider:

• Testimonials- what are his/her clients saying about their customer service, speed of photo delivery, services offered etc. 
• Reach out to models or clients the photographer has worked with to get an independent review of their work and do not just go by reviews or testimonials on the photographer's website or social media platform. 
• RED FLAGS- I always encourage models to have an escort with them for your photo shoot and that is especially true if it is our first time working together. If a photographer tells you that an escort will not be allowed you need to get another photographer. Also be aware that if a photographer offers to pay for your airfare, hotel etc to travel to their location, have them purchase the accommodations BEFORE you travel. See example below...

A model that I have worked with on several occasions relayed a horror story to me where she was invited to New York for a photo session and the photographer stated he would purchase her airfare and hotel accommodations. When she arrived in New York she was ghosted by this photographer and she was struck with the cost of her airfare, hotel, food and transportation. He also deleted his social media platforms. Sadly,  she had worked with this photographer in the past so she trusted him. 

Your safety should be a top priority when doing a photo shoot. Serial killers William Richard Bradford and Charles Rathbun posed as professional photographer to lure victims. 

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