Forums > General Industry > Thoughts on models using a pseudonym (fake name)?

Model

Briangreencup7667

Posts: 6

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Does anyone have issues with models using a fake name for their modeling profiles?

A lot of us post nude art of ourselves, but would rather those pictures not be the first thing that comes up when people Google their name

Sep 17 25 01:37 pm Link

Photographer

LightDreams

Posts: 4886

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

For female nude models, having a professional alias is almost the rule, for reasons that are fairly obvious.   I presume that's also the case for male nude models.

However, your real name will be required behind the scenes on the legal paperwork (like model releases) along with real Gov't photo ID (for legal proof of age, etc).

Sep 17 25 02:30 pm Link

Photographer

The Other Place

Posts: 784

Los Angeles, California, US

Briangreencup7667 wrote:
Does anyone have issues with models using a fake name for their modeling profiles?

Not me.

Sep 17 25 04:40 pm Link

Photographer

Chris Macan

Posts: 13197

HAVERTOWN, Pennsylvania, US

Briangreencup7667 wrote:
Does anyone have issues with models using a fake name for their modeling profiles?

A lot of us post nude art of ourselves, but would rather those pictures not be the first thing that comes up when people Google their name

I don't think you are breaking any new ground here.
Aliases are almost the rule for models, and fairly common for photographers as well.

We "know each other"..... but still, we are strangers.

Sep 17 25 06:24 pm Link

Photographer

Arizona Shoots

Posts: 28888

Phoenix, Arizona, US

I encourage it. But I'll add..
Whatever name a model uses they should stick with it and not change it every 6 months.

Sep 17 25 07:31 pm Link

Photographer

Dan Howell

Posts: 3672

Kerhonkson, New York, US

I would say that the ability of women (and some men) to use a stage or modeling name to work allows hundreds, if not thousands, to work more comfortably who would otherwise not model. I see that as a net positive for both models and photographers. What is the downside that you see?

Sep 18 25 05:06 am Link

Photographer

Eric212Grapher

Posts: 3848

Saint Louis, Missouri, US

For models, I highly recommend a stage name.

My model release form asks for their realname and signature; however, I also ask for the modeling name they wish to be credited. I rarely refer to the model by their real name. Keeps things easier using their modeling name. I'm less likely to post with their real name.

Sep 19 25 01:40 am Link

Model

UtahWifeKris

Posts: 4

Tucson, Arizona, US

I provide my real name and I have a couple of state names I have used for many year. I work with the photographer on how to handle any use of names on a case by case basis.

Kris.

Dec 01 25 01:48 pm Link

Model

Model Sarah

Posts: 41069

Columbus, Ohio, US

I am the only model I know of that uses my actual name. The name Sarah has been around for thousands of years. It's not like I have a unique name.

Dec 17 25 02:42 pm Link

Photographer

Chris Macan

Posts: 13197

HAVERTOWN, Pennsylvania, US

Model Sarah wrote:
I am the only model I know of that uses my actual name. The name Sarah has been around for thousands of years. It's not like I have a unique name.

I worked with a model from here a few years back,
I asked what her real name was.....  She replied "this my real name". (first and last)
Which kinda took me by surprise.

Dec 17 25 05:24 pm Link

Photographer

shotbytim

Posts: 1059

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Arizona Shoots wrote:
I encourage it. But I'll add..
Whatever name a model uses they should stick with it and not change it every 6 months.

I second this.

Dec 18 25 03:28 am Link

Photographer

shotbytim

Posts: 1059

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Model Sarah wrote:
I am the only model I know of that uses my actual name. The name Sarah has been around for thousands of years. It's not like I have a unique name.

You do indeed use an alias.: "Model Sarah" . It just happens to include your real first name (which isn't uncommon to do)

Dec 18 25 03:34 am Link

Photographer

Dorola

Posts: 528

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

There is nothing wrong with a model having a stage name. In fact I would only recommend a model use their real name when absolutely required. I also had one move write her address as "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C". My outlook is that if you want to have separation from stage to personal life, it is fine with me.

Dec 18 25 08:26 am Link

Photographer

Rhea Monson

Posts: 80

Walnut Grove, Alabama, US

Not a problem. For decades performers of all types have used stage names,
also sometimes referred to as professional names. Not only models, but dancers
musicians, actors, and athletes as well.

Dec 18 25 10:42 am Link

Model

Model Sarah

Posts: 41069

Columbus, Ohio, US

shotbytim wrote:
You do indeed use an alias.: "Model Sarah" . It just happens to include your real first name (which isn't uncommon to do)

No I don't. Model is an adjective. roll And yes it is extremely uncommon for a model to use their real name.

Dec 19 25 04:38 pm Link

Photographer

Camera Buff

Posts: 1111

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia

The OP has closed his membership. Perhaps he has started afresh with a new pseudonym (fake name).

Dec 19 25 06:07 pm Link

Model

littlesunflower

Posts: 3

Los Angeles, California, US

Briangreencup7667 wrote:
Does anyone have issues with models using a fake name for their modeling profiles?

A lot of us post nude art of ourselves, but would rather those pictures not be the first thing that comes up when people Google their name

Why would this be an issue unless you're a stalker?

Dec 20 25 01:55 pm Link

Photographer

Omaroo

Posts: 1175

Madison, Wisconsin, US

littlesunflower wrote:
Why would this be an issue unless you're a stalker?

Exactly. I'm amazed at some of the stupid questions that come up in these forums. Who gaf about such a thing?

Dec 21 25 08:38 am Link

Photographer

D L Photo

Posts: 79

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Briangreencup7667 wrote:
Does anyone have issues with models using a fake name for their modeling profiles?

A lot of us post nude art of ourselves, but would rather those pictures not be the first thing that comes up when people Google their name

can't imagine anyone would have a problem with this.  one thing i love about MM is the names some models choose for themselves...some of which are hilarious

Jan 16 26 01:48 am Link