Photographer: Rosa Rendl
I had heard about the dark side of this particular site from an American model and blogger, Unbearable Lightness. However, it is also true that this site has members who are very genuine people. I have certainly met some of my best collaborators through this site. Once I was approached by someone who sounded suspicious and reported his message to the site moderators. The matter ended with him being removed.
It is very important to remember that wolves in sheep clothing abound and models, especially younger ones, are most vulnerable. Site owners should be screening would be members but let's not forget that people who are up to mischief will be careful and will present a flawless profile. They will clearly not declare their true intentions, certainly not publicly, until much later, when they have the opportunity to pounce on the unfortunate young woman who has approached them and who has disregarded basic safety precautions.
Photographer: Rosa Rendl
Model Roswell Ivory has recently posted on her blog about a photographer she outed in 2011 and whom the police is currently considering prosecuting - yes, it takes that long. She has been brave and courageous, going public about this and taking the initiative to speak in a public forum, to help other models.
I have to admit that I did work with that photographer and though I was not over the moon about the images, my experience was not particularly negative. I am saying this because people behave differently and they may attack those whom they perceive to be vulnerable and be perfectly normal and pleasant with those whom they know would fight them back or they have no interest in. He clearly made a mistake with Ros, totally underestimating her.
In the fashion world today everyone is aware of the allegations made about photographer Terry Richardson, regarded by many as a pornographer and an abusive man. Model Alliance has bravely taken it upon themselves to out him, collecting testimonies from models that have been the target of his predatorial behaviour. Richardson is one of the highest paid fashion photographers in the world and is the one who directed Miley Cyrus recent video 'Wrecking Ball'
Which brings me to the point I have made again and again. Models in Britain, whether you are agency represented or freelance please consider joining Equity Models Network. If you have problems and concerns please contact the Network. Founded by models and for models, and linked to Equity, the union of performers, the network is there to protect your interests and help you no matter what the issue might be. American models may find the Model Alliance of help.
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(All photos modelled by me. The photographer has absolutely nothing to do with the topic of the post but she is someone I came in contact with through the model/photographers site I mentioned. The shoot was for Sager Forsberg's look book)
Caution is strongly advised to models no matter how they arrange the shoots. Model networking sites might offer some anonymity in the beginning, but once the model starts vetting the photographer, eventually that anonymity should break down. Models should check references if there's any doubt. At some point, a phone conversation or several will not only help in gauging personality and temperament, but also provides a phone record. Letting people know were you'll be and when is also highly recommended. And so on.
ReplyDeleteBut booking through an online networking site is not the only time a model should take such precautions. Terry Richardson didn't meet the models he allegedly abused online. And as you mentioned, some bad guys slip past even experienced models like Roswell Ivory.
There be monsters out there. But they were there before the internet. So yes. Be as cautious as ever but don't be particularly fearful of any given site.
Thanks, Phydeau. This was the point I was trying to make and it is for this reason that I used Rosa's photos, because I met her through MM and she was fantastic as so many others were that I met through it . It is important to keep your wits about you as you would in any other situation that requires a one to one interaction. To give an example, there have been cases of therapists abusing clients but this does not mean that therapy as such is bad, only that there can be abuses within the profession. Like you said, Terry Richardson got his models from agencies. Many of these girls were naive enough to believe they should do everything he asked for because he is a big name. I feel sorry for those girls and yes, I think that what Model Alliance is doing is wonderful as it empowers the models and gives them a voice.
ReplyDeleteModelling is a wonderful activity and so is photography, let's not forget that. The purpose of these sites is to bring together people who are interested in making creative work. Sure, we can demand that security is tightened but we cannot truly hold the owners of such sites as totally responsible for what goes on.What about the individuals themselves?
I've actually changed my opinion on Model Mayhem after Unbearable Lightness posted an article about the site knowing of some rapists for years and covering it up. I defended them too quickly.
ReplyDeletehttp://drlightness.blogspot.com/2013/12/mayhem.html