Chaperones

Hell, it's almost like there are reasons for having a chaperone and reasons for not having a chaperone :(

Guess I shall just have to restrict myself to working with models who share a similar view to me. 

what about protecting the photographer, I dont know who "your" partner is, you might both be there to kick the crap out of "me" and still my kit etc - what about the old folks, might want to take their pension as well  - It works both ways.

People say about references but did you just read the glowing ones or actually speak to the people who left them,

Unfortunately I don't have the time to shoot models as often as I would like, but when I do I really don’t have a problem with chaperones; in fact I encourage it especially if were doing a first shoot together.  I find it puts the model at ease and makes for a better working environment, but I do request that its not partners, husbands or fathers if were doing nude, lingerie style shoot as they can feel uncomfortable in those situations which tends to radiate outwards impacting on the model.  However, as long as the chaperone is aware of what we will be shooting and is comfortable with it then I have no problem with the above attending.  But if I do feel during the shoot that they are really not comfortable with it then I will stop the shoot.

Now I’ll probably get slated for this, but I’ve found that photographers who don’t like chaperones generally fall into three categories [1] photographers who feel insecure when others are watching & [2] photographers who can’t or just don’t know how to manage people, which is not their fault as managing people effectively rarely comes naturally and is a skill that needs to be learnt.  [3] Photographers with large egos.

Where chaperones are involved you really need to set down the rules before you start shooting.  Once this is out of the way I like to get the chaperone involved, little things like holding a reflector, making the tea, adjusting a light, talk to them, ask their opinion, basically you need to make the chaperone feel part of the shoot.  Their boredom is the photographer’s worst enemy.

Finally:  seeing as I rarely shoot without a chaperone / assistant it would be rather unfair of me to deny the model the same courtesy.

Just my 2p worth.

Rob

www.robstanley-photography.co.uk

www.midlandsrocks.co.uk

Edited by Rob Stanley Photography

Edited by Rob Stanley Photography

Edited by Rob Stanley Photography

@more_m  References - not really important.  I mostly recruit from Model Mayhem where there are no references.  Don't think I've ever asked for one, and models have never asked me for them.

@Charlotte: I accept that references will often "over-egg" how good the person/shoot was, but they do show that photographer x has worked with model y. If I was a model and photographer x was not very well known, I would almost certainly send a private message to model y to ask for the lowdown before I worked with him

@Rob: I don't think I fall into your 3 categories (but I would say that wouldn't I). I have only had one terrible chaperone experience (a chav boyfriend who was clearly getting off on the fact that his girlfriend was nude with a stranger & started egging her on). I stopped the shoot, but it coloured my view, not of chaperones, but of working with younger (18-22) inexperienced models.  The very few other times when an experienced model has brought an experienced chaperone/driver/friend have been fine. In fact I recently shot an experienced model in her home while her partner, who had been working nights, was asleep in their spare room. I liked the fact he was there, but felt a bit guilty that he had been turfed out of his comfortable bedroom so we could use it for the shoot

Don't do it, no shoot happening.

"  Of course, inappropriate chaperones or loud interfering chaperones are a different matter "

But you won't know until they arrive and then it's too late...... or is it?

I haven't done that many shoots, but only 1 of the models asked if she could bring a chaperone. In the end she decided not to - maybe that was down to the comms before hand I'm not sure... but you can see her situation.. "I'll pick you up from the train station, then I'll drive you to my friends house where he has a studio in his back garden". If you saw it on crimewatch, you'd be thinking "Why did she do that ?!". Anyway it all turned out well and I didn't murder her.. but my point is I would have let her bring the chaperone if she wanted to but under strict instructions of how I expect the chaperone to behave. The model and chaperone expects the photographer to act in a professional manner (whether amateur or pro), so it's only right we have the same expectation of them.

This was my 2p worth, but due to inflation whilst writing it you may find it's only worth 1.37p

Edited by Andrew Johnson - TMBPhotography

Boyfriends/Partners are a no no.  Other chaperones are acceptable, but are not usually allowed in the studio while I'm shooting.

@ Rob Stanley:  Off the top of my head, you could add a fourth category:  Those photographers who cannot see what a chaperone brings to a shoot?  Specifically, the shoot.  I, alongside pretty much anyone I think, wouldn't have any concern about meeting a model's driver or the like, showing them the studio if they really felt a need to see it and even having a chat with them over the cup of tea before I start the shoot with the model.  Then they can toddle off somewhere (go to a library, shopping, for a meal etc) whilst the shoot happens before returning to collect the model.

@more m:  The list is nether definitive nor meant to imply all photographers who don’t like to shoot with chaperones fall into one of these 3 categories.  I can think of many more reasons why a photographer might not want a chaperone present, some are legit and some not quite so legit.  My top 3 noted in my previous post are based purely on photographers I either [1] know well or [2] have had the misfortune to work with either in a studio / location or in the tog pit at a gig.

As for ‘young models’ I won’t shoot anyone under the age of 21 unless it’s a family oriented shoot or a direct member of my own personal family.  Regarding inexperienced models, I think I must be one of a small number of photographers who actually loves working with them.  It can be great fun, which for me is what it is all about, seeing their confidence grow in front of the camera during a shoot and then coming away from the shoot with a beaming smile can be quite a buzz.

As for unruly chaperones, I never shoot blind.  I always like to meet the model and if possible the chaperone that she will be bringing with her prior to organising any shoot.  In my day job I rely 100% on gut instinct, so if it doesn’t feel right at the meet then I will not go ahead with the shoot.   So far this has worked well.

Why will you only shoot models over 21? Seems crazy to cut out most of the models that way! So many beautiful young models out there!

"Now I’ll probably get slated for this, but I’ve found that photographers who don’t like chaperones generally fall into three categories [1] photographers who feel insecure when others are watching & [2] photographers who can’t or just don’t know how to manage people, which is not their fault as managing people effectively rarely comes naturally and is a skill that needs to be learnt.  [3] Photographers with large egos."

What a load of rubbish.

I don't allow unnecessary people on set, no matter if that's a chaperone or interested friend. But I'm in no way insecure, I always work with a team so no problem managing and I think you'll find I don't have much of an ego problem either.

I don't have a fancy list of people saying how much fun I am either, but I've had no problem - ever - to arrange a shoot with people I want to work with, and I've never been asked for a reference either. I've also shot several under 18's without a parent present, imagine that.

So, how would you label me hen?

Edited by Majk

@ Charlotte:  I would have thought that he would find the greatest number of "inexperienced" models in the age bracket 18-21 so I, too, find it a little perplexing.

I was actually thinking younger than that burntlight! Might be shooting a 16 year old lad soon, he's one of the most beautiful creatures I've set eyes on. Can't imagine cutting out such a wide gamut of people!