Senior Portraits - Do You Work Alone?

[ScottShephard]

I am a high school teacher who is toying with portrait photography as a side business. I am impressed by the sharing that takes place in this forum - in the week that I have been a member, I have learned many things.

I am curious about one thing, however. In this era of concern about men having improper contact with females, especially when they are 17 or 18, do any of you pros worry about working alone? I read Ron's great comments about improving Tim's pictures but was struck by all the poking, smoothing and touching that was recommended. Maybe I am just sensitive to this because I am a high school teacher.

I am just curious about what your policies are.

Scott S.

[Ron]

[ June 06, 2002: Message edited by: Ron ]

[Mike Brown]

I am in a very small town, and I find that most of the girls come with their moms. I sometimes find that distracting, but in the long run I think it is better that way. Sometimes I have better luck selling a pose to the mom than I do to the girl! Makes for some interesting times!!
Since that was the case, we now use the fact that they are here to go ahead and sell prints right off the computer screen. So we put up with a little distraction on the shoot, but then hit their pocket book while they are still excited about it. Seems to work for us.
As far as touching, I do some of it, but always try to keep my hands flat, I never grab and squeeze. If I want them to turn, I place a hand on both arms, and apply just a little pressure, then gently turn them to where I want them to be. The feedback I get is that the open, flat hands are not considered threatning or something. You are right, one has to keep all this in mind with these youg girls.
Mike

[AaronHochman]

ron, what was the guy doing with the pictures? a minor needs a parent or guardian to sign a release for any kind of photos before they can be used.

distributing or publishing photos of a minor that are deemed pornographic is against the law, but the mere act of photographing a minor topless or nude is not against the law. it happens all the time in art and documentary photography and often in movies as well

i can understand the problems with his family and community, especially anywhere near grand rapids. but as far as the legal aspects... he must have had a terrible lawyer! unless there's more to the story

[Ron]

[ June 06, 2002: Message edited by: Ron ]

[MR PHOTO]

RON YOU THE MAN......well said wish everyone in this world had the standards and the moral value that you do. Thanks Mike [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] NO FLAME WAR NEEDED [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Shannon Baldwin]

I'm not as worked up emotionally about this emerging conversation that, essentially, boils down to business philosophy. Some are artists, some are technicians, some are neither and just plain suck. I do agree with Ron that if your efforts are wholly focused on producing a quality product then revenue (or, "success" in Ron's case) will follow with little additional effort needed.