The Private Dancers
"I'm your private dancer, a dancer for money, I'll do what you want me to do.
I'm your private dancer, a dancer for money, and any old music will do."
As we gradually shoot with more and more models, we are increasingly coming across models who approach Rich for a shoot, but who want to know what is going to happen to their images.
Now this is an entirely understandable question, and I approve entirely. Every model should ask it. We are only too happy to explain that the finished images will be used for prints, and will be displayed on our web site and this blog. I also make sure I send them an advance copy of the model release, so we can go through any questions they might have before the shoot and I can make sure that they are happy and comfortable working with us. This is important because our model release protects not only the photographer, but the model too. Plus, with newer models in particular, some are understandably rather nervous and need a little reassurance that Rich is a legitimate and honourable photographer, and that I’m not a jealous axe-murdering wife (only when the moon is full, in case you’re wondering.)
But the strangest thing is starting to happen. We are increasingly coming across models who are initially keen to shoot with Rich, and they want to be paid handsomely for it too, but they stipulate up front that the images are not to be made public at any time. In essence, these models do not want to sign a model release, and they want the photos only to be seen by the photographer and no-one else, in case they are recognised. “Shooting for the photographer’s private portfolio” it’s called. In other words, there is a growing industry niche for models who will only shoot with GWC’s (That’s Guys With Cameras for new readers.) When Rich gently explains that a model release must also be signed, they demand loadsa extra cash. When I politely explain that the images are to be published on our blog and possibly elsewhere in the future, they run screaming for the hills.
To some extent, you can understand the attractions of shooting only for GWC’s. The advantages are that models get paid very well, they know exactly what is going to happen to their photographs, they don’t have to sign any legal documents (and thus the photographer is therefore guaranteed unable to publish or use the photos for commercial purposes) and they don’t have to worry that their own families or day-job employers might find out about their little cash-making enterprise on the side. Anonymity is assured.
These models are not professionals (although I suppose it depends on your definition of “professional”) nor do they want to shoot with professionals. The fact that some guy is tossing off over photographs of them nekkid, doesn’t phase these women at all. They prefer it. The audience is one, not thousands. Not every model wants fame. Not every model does it for art. Sometimes it really is just for the money.
I’m not sure of an appropriate label for this type of model. Rich has some ideas, but they’re not that polite I’m afraid, so I’m just going with “private dancer” from one of my all-time favourite Tina Turner hits.
As for us, sometimes life would be a lot easier if we were simple pervs and we just did photography to get horny. For some reason some folks find that easier to comprehend than the concept of photographic art.
Alexis Summers, a completely professional model, and a joy to work with.
I'm your private dancer, a dancer for money, and any old music will do."
As we gradually shoot with more and more models, we are increasingly coming across models who approach Rich for a shoot, but who want to know what is going to happen to their images.
Now this is an entirely understandable question, and I approve entirely. Every model should ask it. We are only too happy to explain that the finished images will be used for prints, and will be displayed on our web site and this blog. I also make sure I send them an advance copy of the model release, so we can go through any questions they might have before the shoot and I can make sure that they are happy and comfortable working with us. This is important because our model release protects not only the photographer, but the model too. Plus, with newer models in particular, some are understandably rather nervous and need a little reassurance that Rich is a legitimate and honourable photographer, and that I’m not a jealous axe-murdering wife (only when the moon is full, in case you’re wondering.)
But the strangest thing is starting to happen. We are increasingly coming across models who are initially keen to shoot with Rich, and they want to be paid handsomely for it too, but they stipulate up front that the images are not to be made public at any time. In essence, these models do not want to sign a model release, and they want the photos only to be seen by the photographer and no-one else, in case they are recognised. “Shooting for the photographer’s private portfolio” it’s called. In other words, there is a growing industry niche for models who will only shoot with GWC’s (That’s Guys With Cameras for new readers.) When Rich gently explains that a model release must also be signed, they demand loadsa extra cash. When I politely explain that the images are to be published on our blog and possibly elsewhere in the future, they run screaming for the hills.
To some extent, you can understand the attractions of shooting only for GWC’s. The advantages are that models get paid very well, they know exactly what is going to happen to their photographs, they don’t have to sign any legal documents (and thus the photographer is therefore guaranteed unable to publish or use the photos for commercial purposes) and they don’t have to worry that their own families or day-job employers might find out about their little cash-making enterprise on the side. Anonymity is assured.
These models are not professionals (although I suppose it depends on your definition of “professional”) nor do they want to shoot with professionals. The fact that some guy is tossing off over photographs of them nekkid, doesn’t phase these women at all. They prefer it. The audience is one, not thousands. Not every model wants fame. Not every model does it for art. Sometimes it really is just for the money.
I’m not sure of an appropriate label for this type of model. Rich has some ideas, but they’re not that polite I’m afraid, so I’m just going with “private dancer” from one of my all-time favourite Tina Turner hits.
As for us, sometimes life would be a lot easier if we were simple pervs and we just did photography to get horny. For some reason some folks find that easier to comprehend than the concept of photographic art.
Alexis Summers, a completely professional model, and a joy to work with.
Labels: AlexisSummers, modelling, money
posted by Lin at 7:12 AM
9 Comments:
Strange...they get paid..but demand that no one sees the photos? Kick um to the curb...
bt
A few years ago an anonymously written article appeared in "The Asylum," a zine now defunct I believe, wherein the writer-model claimed a main source of income was charging GWCs (this was before that term gained currency) $100/hour to model for them in motel rooms on the Jersey side of the Hudson River, across from NYC. I thought that since that was a going rate for street walkers, such a mercenary approach to this otherwise noble pursuit had more in common with the oldest profession than with art.
For those models who desire cash, I pay a modest hourly fee. It's lower than some models otherwise demand for modeling, but some of even them work with me because of the superior quality of my photography. (Or so I think.)
Fascinating topic to me. I may write independently at greater length.
Very interesting, Stephen. I shall look forward to reading your article about this topic.
I simply cannot imagine why I would want to take photos that I can't show to anyone. The only way I shoot with a "model" who doesn't want to sign a release is if she pays me to do the shoot. But, in general, if you are going to model for me you are going to sign a release. Otherwise the camera stays in the bag and I don't waste my time.
That's just sad. I mean, is a camera even necessary? And these women should know that there is no real assurance that some of their photos will never surface out in public. Everything is on a network these days, and a GWC can always claim his computer/server was hacked.
I have never heard of such a thing... a "model" who wants to get paid, yet essentially wants to own the images herself? Odd indeed. I'm guessing this falls into the category of models who want it all yet have little to offer in return, much like models who don't show up for scheduled shoots, or models who would diss a photographer publically on his style of shooting, yet are first to come knocking on his door if there is an opportunity for a paid assignment or a workshop. Pretty discouraging and sad, in my opinion.
Like a GWC, I'd say call them MWC...Models Without a Clue.
Lin, I have run into this as well, in a slightly different fashion...models signing a release with the photographer giving him or her the right to show any photos taken, and then being told by the model in a shoot that I cannot show our images in a public venue.
Really, why do we waste our time with a shoot if we can't do anything with the pictures? It has been my time and expense since I still do some TFCD or TFP work.
If everyone involved in a shoot signs a release saying the photos are for public display, then each person should honor that legal agreement.
UL brings up an interesting point. If a shoot is with just one model and one photographer, and it is paid, it is very simple. Model gets paid, model signs, and the photographer can use the images however he chooses, as long as it's not in a way to purposely cause harm or ridicule to the model. If the model trades, I think the photographer should be a little bit more flexible and allow the model a certain amount of input in which images can be used or not. If a shoot involves more than one model, and it's a TFP/TFCD shoot, it becomes even trickier. I go into that type of shoot knowing full well that the images that result from the shoot may not be used if the other model doesn't like them, and I will ALWAYS repsect the other model's wishes. No exceptions.
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