Forums > General Industry > nude shoot -photographer and model alone dangerous

Photographer

Howard Tarragon

Posts: 679

New York, New York, US

Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

Aug 28 25 03:11 pm Link

Photographer

DonNelson

Posts: 12

Rapid City, South Dakota, US

No, it’s a normal practice. Or it’s always been a normal practice. If anything is standing in the way it’s the me-too boogyman and its reflexive “false accusation” response. The cure is to develop reputations as responsible people and presume others are responsible until shown otherwise. Back in the old days here there was a models’ underground where models privately talked about their experiences with various photographers. I doubt it exists anymore, but it was very useful in reducing anxiety and building trust and reputation. Photographers did talk to other shooters about models they wanted to work with. I don’t remember any photographer ever warning about false accusations or suchlike. Mostly they warned about flakes, or models wanting to renegotiate at the last minute.

My port is full of nude models who were alone with me. The pix with two models usually started as one model plus security - the security deciding to join in.  I have only once been accused of misbehavior, and that was partially true, and partly hyperbole, and eventually settled as shared responsibility. Regrettable, but no police were called, no lawsuits threatened, no effect on either the model or me. (I understand it was thoroughly discussed in the models’ underground though.)

Businesslike behavior, respect, remember what your mother taught you, build a good reputation and it will pay off.

Aug 28 25 04:46 pm Link

Photographer

rxz

Posts: 1287

Glen Ellyn, Illinois, US

Howard Tarragon wrote:
Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

My first photo session alone with a nude model was 1985.  Too late to change now.

Aug 28 25 06:17 pm Link

Photographer

LightDreams

Posts: 4886

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

If both parties are acting professionally, and know their roles, it shouldn't be an issue. 

Generally, the photographer likely has scoped out the quality and quantity of the model's previous work and the photographers that they've worked with.

The model also has either gotten some feedback on the photographer, or is aware of the models that they've previously worked with.  They've likely looked for other clues such as the quality of their work, how much experience do they have with nude models, and are there models that "repeat" with the same photographer.  Not to mention things like are there any "red flags" in their communications with the photographer (never underestimate the "spidey sense" of experienced nude models!).

A little bit of common sense goes a long way...

Aug 28 25 07:49 pm Link

Photographer

LightDreams

Posts: 4886

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

P.S.  If you're new to nude photography and want to get established at it, you might consider the following suggestions:

- First, work with a very experienced nude model or models, not someone who's new to it.  At least one of you should know what they're doing.  Seriously!

- Second, if necessary, give them the option of bringing along a female companion.  NOT a male sluggo "manager".   Even a well-intended male boyfriend can be a real problem (avoid that scenario).

But an experienced nude model that wants to bring along a female friend (some traveling models travel in pairs on their tours) that she can trust and, even better, understands modeling, might be an option for you to consider.  At least while you're getting established.

- Third, you might also consider working with the better models more than once, to help you become more experienced.  The work is easier, and the results get better, when there's mutual trust and better communication between the two of you.

- And finally, act professionally.  That doesn't mean you can't have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while you're working.  But understand the boundaries.  Trust is important.

Aug 28 25 08:22 pm Link

Model

UtahWifeKris

Posts: 4

Tucson, Arizona, US

It depends on the photographer and how "well known" he is. I have done both, alone or bring a friend.

Dec 01 25 01:50 pm Link

Model

Model Sarah

Posts: 41069

Columbus, Ohio, US

Wait what? Almost all of my art shoots have been alone with a male photographer. It's called professionalism.

Dec 17 25 02:40 pm Link

Photographer

Abbitt Photography

Posts: 13574

Washington, Utah, US

Depends on how cold it is.

Dec 18 25 07:25 pm Link

Photographer

Camera Buff

Posts: 1111

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

Howard Tarragon wrote:
Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

Ultimately, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and professional boundaries of everyone involved is paramount in any type of photography, particularly those involving nudity.

I never shoot nudity, but I generally work with a female assistant, primarily for their help with adjustments to my models wardrobe, hair and make-up.

Bottom lime is that should either party feel, or begin to feel, uncomfortable about being alone on a shoot due to inappropriate behaviour, they should let their legs do the talking ... and walk away.

It can be a good idea to bring your own transport to the shoot location, if not convenient, ask a friend to wait nearby.

Personally I find behaviours that were acceptable in the past, are frowned upon today. As an example. Model Mayhem no longer allows participation, or posting images of models under the age of 18. And images containing even modest levels of nudity are being strictly scrutinised.

Dec 18 25 09:44 pm Link

Photographer

Patrick Walberg

Posts: 45553

San Jose, California, US

I've done many model photo shoots one on one with models, and I have also done plenty of photo shoots where the model or myself have someone with us.  We talk and decide if an assistant is needed, or a look out if we are on a location. It does not matter if it is with nudity or not, it is professionalism, communication, and providing a safe environment that I believe are the keys to a good model photo shoot.

Dec 18 25 11:37 pm Link

Photographer

Rhea Monson

Posts: 80

Walnut Grove, Alabama, US

Never been a problem for me. Rule #1  never disrespect any one with your camera
weather nude or not. When possible meet for conversation first,maybe have a cup of coffee.
and discuss the project at hand. Always behave in a professional manner, and always be
willing to answer any questions related to the shoot.

Dec 19 25 11:33 am Link

Photographer

Garry k

Posts: 30211

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Those Nakid Models scare Me

Dec 19 25 03:46 pm Link

Photographer

Omaroo

Posts: 1175

Madison, Wisconsin, US

Howard Tarragon wrote:
Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

Is there a face palm emoji here?

Dec 21 25 08:40 am Link

Photographer

Chris Macan

Posts: 13197

HAVERTOWN, Pennsylvania, US

Howard Tarragon wrote:
Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

Honestly, I'm pretty sure dating is more dangerous......

Dec 21 25 09:09 am Link

Photographer

Znude!

Posts: 3388

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Howard Tarragon wrote:
Is it not a good idea for a male photographer to do a nude shoot alone with a female model?

So far I have not been attacked by a model and I have been shooting since 1970. It seems pretty safe so far.

Dec 21 25 08:56 pm Link

Photographer

D L Photo

Posts: 79

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

is this a joke post?

Jan 16 26 01:44 am Link

Photographer

D L Photo

Posts: 79

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Garry k wrote:
Those Nakid Models scare Me

must be why u turned to cloning models with AI

Jan 16 26 01:45 am Link