I’ve heard endless stories from my models, especially the ones that are natively from overseas, about predator photographers. Whenever I’m browsing Craigslist (CL) for the few and far between quality gigs, I make it my duty to flag the predator posts and have started a photographic campaign against them. They’re harmful to the industry, misleading young ladies who have true talent or the qualities to grow into super models. All aspiring models need to understand the difference between a real potential gig and the guy using the images for his own personal fantasies. It’s one thing to aspire to be a nude model working with artistic photographers, it’s another for some weirdo to get you into his “home-studio” and ask you to strip bare after a few clothed shots.
Wondering how to avoid the predator scams?? Key words in the title alone can be great indicators to predator postings. Such things as “looking for new or amateur models” or “seeking non professional models” should trigger you to skip over that post or at minimum be very wary of the fine line. If indeed you miss the signs in the post or it originally seemed to be upstanding, do not hesitate to ask to bring a friend on the shoot if it’s your first time with that photog or run like hell if you’re asked to attend solo and something seems off. Remember all trails to the door and do not go into any basements that seem dark or extra secluded. This should sound like second nature, but how many times have we seen those doing the unthinkable for their dreams. Take the safe path first, if you’re unsure follow your gut and get the hell out of dodge. Best to be safe to model another day than have some perv selling images of your body online or, worse, doing you physical harm.
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