What's the general feeling towards chaperones? I have my own views, but I thought I'd let others chip in first.
Of course, for under age models it's essential. Although I've only done a few shoots with friends' children, I would make an exception for this young model but ONLY if her mother came along as well to chaperone her
Not interested in chaperones to be honest. If my references are not enough to make a model realise that I will not leave her rolled up in a carpet on the side of the A38 i'm not that interested in working with her.
I used to be ok with them, then I met one who did nothing but interfere, now I refuse to have them, simple. Any model who is too precious to need one after reading refs and so on, isn't one who'll get on with me anyway.
Besides, the thought of some guy sitting in my place while I'm in another room working? Bugger that.
Oh great. A thread with both the word 'chaperones' AND a daily mail link! Making two baby jesus' cry in one go IS impressive...
I'm like Rob, I have no time for chaperones. I've had a girl who's boyfriend has come round with her and simply asked if he could stay as they were driving back home and that was an hour half, 2 hour drive. I agreed but rule was he sat and watched tv, even the girl told him to stay out of the way.
I've been told it's "Baby Jebus" God knows why
I have had one very bad experience with a chaperone and that is why I'd rather work with "grown-up" models who are over 25. However, if you do work with younger models then a chaperone may be necessary to protect you (I've had that experience as well)
I prefer to work with models who don't have chaperones. In the past where chaperones have been present, they interfere with the shoot, answer for the model when I ask questions / discuss ideas and generally hover around me as if im about to rape / murder her. One even turned up in a seperate car to the model 10mins later!! The shoots without chaperones have been much more relaxed and enjoyable and productive. I know my situation as a 'hobby' photographer is somewhat different to the 'pro' photographers here, but I would like to think that two mature adults (no matter of experience) working together on a project, both with clear references, contact details, pre shoot chat is enough and if any side is unsure of the shoot then cancel.
I do still work with models with chaperones present though and of course chaperones have their place esp for models who are minors, new to the work, or working with a photographer with no references, samples of work etc etc.
One thing I don't like and to be fair I've not seen on this site are the models who seem to think all photographers are a danger and almost state this on their profiles, hence their reasoning for using chaperones, or those who mention 'I'm here for modelling not dating / sex etc'. Any model with these on their profile is for me immediatley taken off the consideration to work with list, as it prob says more about their choices of dodgy photographers to work with than anything else!!
I did, now I don't, had one of those experiences that ruined a shoot, so no, no chaperones I'm afraid, and, if I might be so bold, no 'managers' either - really, what is THAT about?
I do like to meet up before a shoot, face to face (if its reasonably local) to let the model put a name to the portfolio, and vice-a-versa. I've got numerous portfolios on a number of these sites, lots of refernecs on anither site, if that's not enough then ok, I can respect it, just don't expect to shoot with me...
Not interested in chaperones, they spoil the mood when I'm working with guys.
I too prefer to work without chaperones, had a couple shoots where they just got in the way/distracted the model. Also same as Rob, have worked on a good set of references to if they still not sure then not worth the hassle.
Also we are adults - i dont take one to my work place so why would you need one for yours
I only took a chaperone to my first ever shoot, haven't needed one since then. As long as references are there, and I can contact models to check them, it's all good :)
Agree with Violet, as long as references are there and I get a full name and an address I dont need a chaperone. Also wouldnt want one there anyway, I know it would make me awkward and pretty shy to be posing around with a mom or boyfriend etc there!
I took a chaperone to my first two shoots (mostly to keep the other half appeased until he got used to me modelling) and they REALLY spoiled the shoot, I felt ten times more nervous having one of my friends watch me model than I did when it was just me and the photographer! Refs are easy enough to get and if you are still not sure, build up a relationship with a local studio and get first time photographers to shoot you there!
No problem with it personally. If someone is paying for a shoot they can bring whoever they want with them.
Edited by DrewJ
