This will continue to be a huge issue far after this post has been read. It has been talked about, read about, argued over and debated in forums all across the Internet and beyond. I may as well chime in and express my opinion of models that require escorts to their photo shoots as well as the photographers that allow and disallow them.
First let me express that I cannot condemn anyone for doing what they feel is in their own best interests. Chief among those interests being personal protection and safety. I cannot possibly know what past actions and/or inaction compels a person to such extreme measures and I feel that everyone must do what they feel is best. Your safety should be your primary concern and I respect that position.
Let me repeat the aforementioned conclusion, I respect the position of requiring an escort to the photo shoot but I do not agree with it. I am first and foremost a professional and any such action that implies that I am anything but a professional photographer or businessperson is insulting. You don’t go to a job interview with an escort. Models do not go to agencies with an escort. You would be escorted out and rightfully so. This isn’t a game, it is the real world and any such action toward me would be regarded as highly offensive. I am even offended by what such a thing implies. It says that any photographer is a potential sex offender. That's a horrible message to be sending a professional whose only goal is to have a creative exchange. What kind of message would I send if I assumed every client was a gold-digger out looking for a lawsuit so I must have two escorts onset one male and one female? Would you not be offended that I thought you were a trouble maker ready to launch false allegations for money or attention? Not nice is it?
Additionally, escorts are extremely distracting. Many photographers have said that the escorts often intervene in the process, giving instructions to the models and even telling the model over and over that you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Some even walk on the set and try to jokingly show the model how to pose or frowning when something doesn't agree with them. Your client/model will sometimes ignore your instructions and look for reactions from their distracting escorts. Often times, it has been proven that the escort was the offender.
You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to and you shouldn't need someone to remind you of that. If you do then you’re not ready to model nor are you ready for any job in any profession for that matter. We (professionals) assume that any legal person of sound mind and judgement has the faculties to do and not do whatever they wish to. Statistically speaking the legally recorded instances in which a model was assaulted or threatened were extremely low to near none existent as compared to any other profession. In fact, such evidence suggests that offensive behavior is more common in an office environment than practiced by a photographer. Furthermore, any such concern might be addressed by doing your due diligence by taking some personal responsibility and ask for a couple of references of past clients. Just as an employer would as for a reference on a prospective employee you have the option to do the same as does the photographer. In most instances, an offender has established a pattern of misconduct on sets that would be made evident by checking one or two references.
If you’re modeling for fun, most photographers would much rather pass you over if you hold such a stipulation as a deal breaker. If you’re seeking out or considering modeling as a profession then you’ve already failed because no agency is gonna sign an amateur if everywhere you must go and every shoot requires that you have an escort.
This practice is very common among “Internet models.” Internet models are generally considered “fly by night” individuals who incorrectly say they are models but are usually just someone who just wants to pick up a bit of extra cash because someone said they were cute. They have no representation or have been rejected by agencies for some reason or another so they inflate their self-importance by a demand of what they will and will not do. Be a professional and just post your stats; height, dimensions, hair color, eye color, ethnicity, etc. More importantly, put up your past work (some but not all) and a couple of references if you have any. You will get more work that way. Any more information than that is considered by most professionals as damaged goods. Once you know and understand the shoot parameters and you're uncomfortable then do the professional thing and respectfully decline.
Some photographers may consider reasonable accommodations. I don’t mind a client or model checking in with a friend every few minutes or during breaks. Text or call a standby frequently and let them know how the shoot is progressing and that you’re okay. Even on my side of the coin I am often accompanied by my wife who sometimes serves as an assistant. But even when my wife, other assistant, an mua or stylist isn't available you can bet that I "discreetly" make certain that someone knows the who, what, when, where and how of that day. But it never comes to no way will you ever step foot on set without a bodyguard or my lawyer. It just sends a bad message and creates a negative tone for what could be a great working relationship.
Don’t walk up saying what you will and will not do before we even meet or before we’ve even established the parameters of the shoot. I’ve often read “I will not do any free shoots.” Guess what? Officially nor will I but I have made and continue to make exceptions. Consider if the editor of Vogue called and wanted a cover shot of you. As a model or even a wannabe would you be ignorant enough to turn that down if it were volunteer only? Think of the exposure and press. I think not. What if Gisele B. called me and I said that I needed an escort? What do you think she'd say?
You do not always know who your photographer, model or designer is or will become. Jason Wu began designing doll dresses. Now he’s one of the world’s leading high fashion designers. Would you have refused to try on a dress for free should he have invited you to do so because he felt it may have looked great on you? But what if you said you have to have an escort and young professional Wu is trying to start a fashion business? What would he have thought of you? Of course you wouldn't have in hindsight. But what if it had been before he became the Jason Wu you know?
A garage startup may eventually become head photographer for Vogue, Elle or GQ. Look at each others portfolios and decide if you each have something to contribute. Otherwise, leave your drama at home. We don’t need your jealous boyfriends or girlfriends, your BFF, or your kids on the set disrupting a professional and creative interchange. Check references and above all else retain professionalism. If this doesn't sit well with you, the next time you have a job interview to a place you've never been tell them you're bringing an escort that will sit in on the interview and see where that gets you. Life is an interview if you haven't noticed.
Don’t take any of this as a reason to not protect yourselves or believe that I do not want you to. As I mentioned, I respect the position to decline a shoot where an escort is mandatory. I applaud anyone willing to take reasonable accommodations at making sure they are safe and protected. I will always respect and often accommodate some measures to insure that a client or model is safe. However, I’d prefer you leave your past and your drama at home and not on set. Time is certainly a great deal of money for a photographer and equipment cost are even more. I’m here to work and make something unique and creative from which I and the client/model will benefit. It's really just common sense when you get down to it.
Always err on the side of caution but leave the accusations implied or otherwise at home.
