Red Flags

No Means No

So the term 'red flags' get banded out a lot, and sometimes can be used far incorrectly than what it should be used for.

Red flags by definition are 'warning signs'.

So when it comes to working with people that are new to you, there are always certain things to be aware of, and not be judgemental from the start, but more a 'bare in mind'.

For Models:

1. If you are approached by a photographer for the first time, the simplest start is HOW and WHERE they are contacting you. IF via a portfolio site (Model Mayhem, Purpleport etc) thats a start as they should have a portfolio on there, with images and references to be checked on first (even before replying) - at this stage you may not like their style or themes to begin with, so that can be part of your first communication to them - saves going around the houses to an eventual shoot they may not give you the outcome wanted.

Red Flag advisory - IF they have no references, even recent, WHY?

Red Flag option - You could message ANY of the previously worked with models for references either via that portfolio OR via any of their work on other sites (instagram eg)

2. Then its HOW are they communicating? Do they seem pushy on any levels? are they being too direct? as a professional they should have looked at your portfolio and noticed levels, rates, cancellation policy etc (WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE ON THERE) - so they should have all info before contacting you, therefore should be no discussion of levels other than what you state you do,

NOW please do be aware that people often communicate differently via written than they do face to face, I have come across this many times and found the person to be an actual delight face to face. So just because someone isn't all smiles and happiness in writing, does not make them an instant predator! ALSO some people who have autism, asbergers etc communicate differently in writing compared to face to face - just something to be mindful of.

Red Flag advisory - Sometimes a harsh, direct or misleading communication can be an instant 'turn off' and as such a personality in text can be overwhelming and untrustworthy

Red Flag option - THINK about the aforementioned different communication before judging, and if needed, theres nothing wrong with asking someone to slow down, or repeat or clarify what they're asking for.

3. Behaviour, sometimes behaviours can be spotted on a message or even voice note that may be a warning, if someone is messaging/voice noting very late in the evening without prior agreement, why? Same as if someone is messaging constantly without waiting for replies (However dont forget constant single line messages are a common sign of ADHD) but if someone is constantly messaging, and not giving time for any kind of reply, before they then start to seem harassing, this is an issue. Same as if over voice they seem pushy or hurried trying to get the details sorted before anything else, patience is a virtue, and nothing is worth the rush to get things perfect.

Red flag advisory - Often 'angry or pushy' messaging can be an instant sign to back away, as what is someone hiding to be so demanding/pushy/rushing!

Red flag option - Simply ask them to slow down as YOU need to make sure all details are correct and nothing is missed, if legitimate, they should not have a problem, but more apologise and continue as requested.

There are so many 'red flags' listing them all could take considerable time HOWEVER, the 3 above are your starting points, and from there can determine whether you wish to continue on that shoot, or bypass completely. Do not be thinking all about the money because your safety is and should be far more important that a few pounds!

Then its onto the shoot itself.

Chaperone - a BIG bone of contention is having a chaperone with you NOW I have seen both sides to the #chaperonegate controversy - BUT at the end of the day TOUGH if a model wishes to bring one, then they have every right to do so, whether a photographer likes it or not. IF no one has anything to hide then there should never be a problem with having a chaperone there. NOW I absolutely understand that sometimes...sometimes a chaperone IF not advised correctly can be a nuisance BUT then 1. make them chaperone aware of whats going on, what they are to do and not do. also 2. Get them involved with filming any bts etc (agreed with the photographer of course) and make a useful situation of someone being there.

At the studio/location - Normally all should be well and good and all agreed prior to the shoot itself BUT if anything at the studio gives off an issue then there are red flags to keep note of.

Other people being there - not agreed to - instant red flag! studio/location not looking appropriate as agreed so many factors that again all go down to whats been agreed to prior. Refusal to sign a release form? Why not, its a piece of paper that just outlines who, where, when what has technically already been agreed to.

Level Pushing - the whole main reason No means No was created - end of the day NO MEANS NO - if the levels of a shoot have been discussed & agreed to, there should NEVER...NEVER be any further discussion on changing this UNLESS the model themself asks to do so. ANY photographer pushing or asking to try should not be in this industry end of.

Again so many things that can be classed as 'red flags' but not always as red as they seem. Most of the time its using some common sense or going with a gut feeling that would serve just as well as any 'list'.

For Photographers:

A lot of the above will also apply the same to photographers with models, so I wont re-waffle the same info as above.

The No Show - a huge frustration of a photographer as its the biggest disrespect any model can do, a photographer arranges everything, often paying for studio hire, the model goes silent on all communication and the shoot then gets cancelled leaving the photographer out pf pocket, which is just not acceptable behaviour.

Red flag advisory - If a model goes silent from all arranged, they're not answering messages, all calls, or whtasapps etc thats usually a sign the shoot is not going to happen as they wont be turning up.

Red flag option - It can be far easier and more effective to take a deposit to at least cover any studio deposit for any shoot. At least that way you've only lost out on time, and if the model is genuine they shouldn't mind paying a refundable deposit, they turn up, they get it back (again all agreed prior). This is by far the easiest way to look at a preventative no show measure.

References from other photographers and/or brands the model has worked with show your own due diligence, as does checking in with us to see of we have had reports on any models prior to any discussion. Also their purpleport = is it as descriptive and full of info as it should be for someone as a professional model? little tell tale signs are always there, its always a case of spotting them.