Important Information: Younger Members (aged between 16 years and 18 years)

Whether you are a new model (check out How to Become a Model - Top Tips & Advice) or already have some experience in the industry, make sure you are fully aware that being a younger member on-site (under 18 years of age) does have some restrictions on the work you can undertake, both on PurplePort and in terms of UK Law.

This information is also important to anyone arranging shoots with members aged between 16 years and 18 years. 

PurplePort operates under UK Law

There is a piece of UK legislation called The Protection of Children Act 1978, which you need to be aware of. It is "An Act to prevent the exploitation of children by making indecent photographs of them; and to penalise the distribution, showing and advertisement of such indecent photographs".

This Act states that it is an offence:

• To take or make any indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child;
• To show or distribute such (pseudo-)photographs;
• To possess such (pseudo-)photographs with intent to show or distribute them;
• To advertise for showing or distributing such (pseudo-)photographs.

A child is defined as a person under 18 years of age. The minimum age for PurplePort members (applicable to all account types) is 16 years old. In our Website Terms and Conditions, we state that:

2.5 PurplePort is a 16+ service. PurplePort do not vouch for the age of anyone on the site. Anyone between 16 and 18 wanting to join the site should have a representative (18+) who can join the site on their behalf, answer all communications and take all bookings.

It is also worth familiarising yourself with The CPS's website Indecent Images of Children (IIOC), and UK Legislation The Protection of Children Act 1978.

Make sure you also know about The PurplePort Glossary of Terms.

Appropriate shoot styles

Images for members under the age of 18 should always be SFW (safe/suitable for work) only. Any images uploaded to PurplePort that appear to be Adult or not suitable/safe for work (NSFW) will be removed. This may also result in account removal.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with our Image Upload Guidelines, and if in any doubt, please contact the Admin Team via support ticket and ask us for advice.

Below is a list of the shoot styles on site, which can be SFW:

• Alternative: Typically, this means something a bit gothic, lots of tattoos, just something out of the ordinary, really
• Beauty: Mainly referring to highly polished headshots. Mostly there will be a stylist and make-up artist present too
• Body Paint: Preferably, a make-up artist will apply body paint in some way. You'll then be photographed
• Commercial: Shots for sale in publications and on the web. Think magazine adverts
• Fashion: Mostly, there will be a stylist and make-up artist present
• Fitness: It's all running around in lycra, looking fit and toned
• Landscape: Just beautiful pictures of the landscape
• Lifestyle: Portraying real-life situations, bright lights, and happy smiling shots usually used for magazine advertising
• Portrait: Images that capture the expression, personality, and mood of the subject
• Promotional: Typically posing with products of some kind so a company can use them in their own brochures
• Swimwear: Posing in your swimmers. Be aware that context is important for models under 18 years of age. Images that look like lingerie-style shoots will be removed, so it helps if you are in a swimming-related setting to show context.
• Wedding: Shooting as though it's a wedding. Photographers may use models to pose as the bride to promote themselves on their websites

For a full list of all shoot styles available on PurplePort, take a look at The PurplePort Guide to Shoot Styles.

Appropriate casting calls, events and discussions

You must only apply for casting calls and events and arrange shoots that are appropriate for your age. This means you cannot be involved in any shoots where NSFW/Adult images are being created with you as the model. For example, you cannot be involved in the following shoots: nude, sheer, lingerie, topless, glamour, etc.

If you are found to be arranging, discussing, or participating in shoots where these kinds of images are being created, not only could we permanently remove your account but also remove the accounts of any other members directly involved in these shoots with you.

Model release forms and chaperones

A model release form is something a lot of photographers will require you to sign - in the UK, it's essentially nothing more than a proof-of-age form. Make sure you read it and sign it before the shoot, not afterwards! It's a legal document, so treat it as such. In the case of an under-18 model, a parent or legal guardian will be required to sign it.

In the UK, there is no requirement for a model release form in order to publish your images wherever the photographer likes, and the photographer owns the copyright on all images unless a contract has been signed to say otherwise.

If a photographer says the images are "not for publication", then insist on a contract that states that clearly states the images will not be used for publication. Without a contract, the photographer can do as they please with the images.

Please remember that members may choose to bring a chaperone (usually a parent or guardian) because they are a minor (under the age of 18 years). 

Not sure? Ask us first

Remember, if you're unsure about something, please contact the Admin Team via support ticket and ask us first.

If you discover any members who are not abiding by the information listed in this article, please report this to us as soon as possible. You can do this by either:

• Report Profile by viewing the member's profile page and from the grey cog click "Report this profile"
• Report Message by viewing the message and clicking the "Report" button at the bottom

You can also find information about this in A Quick Guide for Reporting Issues.