Chaperones

I have worked with models that have crossed the Atlantic then travelled up here and of course did not bring a chaperone as that would be highly impracticable, shot them at a remote location which I informed them of up front and asked then if they would be accompanied  and the answer has always been similar, I just cannot drag a chaperone around all over the world/country but I do seek references, seems a wise answer.

I have also worked with models that have wanted one and it has never been a problem thus far, though my preference is not to have one, I don't really have a problem with it, but I do lay down some "non interfering" and no over my shoulder shooting ground rules, one actually did this and the model gave him a sound telling off, which was actually quite a bit harsher than I would have been, it was also quite amusing.

So I guess the bottom line for me is, if someone can travel the world and not need one, then its probably not really necessary, but if you really want one its probably OK, but there will be some conditions that I will expect to be respected.

Edited by Simon

nice summary simon

I have to say this makes me a little uneasy reading how many people say no to chaperones straight away.... I don't always have one but if I know I'm going to be in a location that is going to have a fair few people around I like to have someone I definitely trust with me because I have social anxiety issues.

Unless you want to deal with me crying and having a panic attack and passing out because I can't breathe then it's suggested that my boyfriend [also a photographer but only as a hobby now] is allowed to come.

In the end it is a preference and choice that one can either agree to or decline, no reason to feel uneasy about it.

There is no reason to "feel uneasy" and I trust you understand that in reality, next to no photographers are "bad guys" really. But you have to accept that when you give Rule 1 (whatever it is... ), there will be photographers who will pass you by because of it. This does not make them in anyway bad, they have every right to not work with you in exactly the same way you have every right to take a chaperone. Surely it makes sense that if you impose a condition, it will always cause something?

I don't mind chaperones at all. it was almost normal 20-30 years ago and I worked with a lot of families and children then so sometimes there were more chaperones than subjects. the only time I've been uncomfortable with one was a husband who kept trying to push his wife to a higher level than I was comfortable with.

I consider that legal guardians must be present for under 18 shoots and otherwise , chaperones must be willing and able to brew a decent pot of coffee every half hour. Failing to comply means they are not welcome. I often provide a bed to bikers ( internet contacts) touring the country and have no problems dealing with strangers. 35 years work in a service industry dealing with Joe public in their own homes means I've already met most situations.