Bristol School of Self Defence

1. Do your homework - find out who the photographer is, take a look at their work (watch out for those using stolen images as their own!), ask for references, etc. The more information the better. Speak to other models that have used that photographer. If claiming to work for a magazine, call the magazine and check if he is genuine. Be wary of random requests for work from lone photographers. Anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer these days, regardless of skill, experience or intention. Check if they are registered with an approved body and preferably Criminal Records Bureau checked. If you have any doubts, don’t use them - find another photographer, there are plenty out there!

2. Once booked, ask for the address of the shoot location(s). Also ask for the address of the photographer (if different to the shoot location) and their telephone number (preferably landline). If being picked up, also ask for the car registration number (or obtain it when leaving).. Note these down and leave a copy with a friend, relative, partner, etc, before going on the shoot. If a photographer is unwilling to provide you with any of this information, DO NOT trust them and cancel the booking! A genuine photographer will be happy to provide these details.

3. Always let someone know where you are going, who with, and how long you will be. If there are any changes to the arrangements, let that person know. You may wish to consider having code words to use with that person to let them know how things are going. That way, you could make the call during a break in shooting without raising suspicion. For example “Shall we have salad for dinner?” meaning everything is OK; “Shall we have steak for dinner?” meaning you’re a bit worried; or “Shall we have take-away for dinner?” meaning you need to get out of there immediately. You must agree what action should be taken if you do not contact them/return home by a set time or the code word for help is given, e.g. person goes to the location or calls the police.

3. If possible, take a chaperone with you, whether it be a friend, relative, partner, or other model. Any professional photographer will be happy for you to bring someone with you. Do not work with anyone who refuses you this right.

4. Be very wary of requests for shoots in your home, the photographer’s home, hotel rooms, or remote/deserted locations. If a photographer insists on doing the shoot at that location, ask yourself why. If in any doubt, take someone with you or cancel the booking. We are aware of attacks that have happened recently during photo shoots in the model’s own home.

5. Know what your limits are as to what you will do, let the photographer know at the booking stage, and stick with them. Make certain that both you and the photographer are well aware of them. Leave if the photographer insists you go beyond them. (e.g. do nude when you don't want to)

6. A private area should be available for you to change outfits. Preferably, this should be a room with a lock. Remember, you are there to do a photo shoot, not a striptease!

7. When you arrive at the location, make sure it corresponds with the agreed address. Look around and become familiar with where the exits are.

8. Do not let the photographer touch you. There is no reason for them to touch you in any way. Any adjustments to hair, clothing, posture, etc, should be done yourself or by someone you are comfortable with. If the photographer tries to touch you, be firm and say no. Stop the shoot if the attempts persist, make your excuses and leave.

9. If you are uncomfortable with a photographer but are not sure how to leave, fake illness, pretend you have received an urgent call from your pregnant friend, etc. Have an excuse ready in mind in case you need to use it to leave. If you are in an area you are unsure of, go to the nearest shop or petrol station and phone for a friend to pick you up.

10. Invest in self defence lessons. Self defence is the last resort and hopefully won’t ever be needed, but there may come a time when it could save you from a terrible ordeal. The Bristol School of Self Defence are able to provide training in all aspects of self protection and self defence, including both verbal and physical defensive techniques. Check out our other pages to find out more.

Certain occupations carry more risk of violent encounters than others. One such occupation which tends to get forgotten about is modelling. We have been approached by models seeking self defence training, who have already been the unfortunate victims of attacks whilst working. There have been a number of cases recently where aspiring models have unwittingly agreed to work with bogus, forceful, or inappropriate photographers, resulting in terrifying ordeals for the models. Anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer these days, regardless of skill, experience or intention. This, unfortunately, can lead models into potentially dangerous or distressing situations where the ‘photographer’ is actually someone seeking sexual gratification or worse. Therefore, we have put together a 10 point personal safety checklist for all models to use when booking work:

Self Protection Tips for Models