Is This Common?

margosoriginals · Oct 30, 2011

Recently I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a model to practice taking portraits. I got 2 emails from men saying they would like to have nude photos taken as a gift for their wives. My first reaction was to write them off as creepers, but then I realized that this isn't really fair. Women have nude and boudoir photos taken all the time as gifts, and its normal, but if a man really wants to do this for his wife it should be fine. I'm not going to do the shoots because unfortunately as a female, I wouldn't feel safe putting myself in a situation like that. But I guess my real question is: Is this a common request that photographers get? I don't see any problem with the idea of a man having nude photos taken, but at the same time, I don't know who I am dealing with, so I would rather be too careful.

cgipson1 · Oct 30, 2011

I wouldn't go near that if I were you! Sounds like that would be trouble! I also wouldn't advertise for models on Craigslist... no telling what you might get. Try this.. place a ad looking for models on Craigslist.. but make sure that the ad indicates you are a man... not a women. It is unlikely those guys would respond... they only responded because you are a woman. Don't be a victim!

have your tried Model Mayhem? Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem

joealcantar · Oct 30, 2011

Yep, second that , do the Model Mayhem thing and play it safe. You still have to watch yourself.
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Shoot well, Joe

KmH · Oct 30, 2011

Is advertising for models on Craiglist common?

margosoriginals · Oct 30, 2011

Thanks, that makes me feel better! I thought it was weird too, but I didn't want to be closed minded and I didn't know if maybe this was a common thing. KmH, the only time I really see people looking for models on craigslist is when male photographers are promising young women their "big break" by posing nude. Back when I posted the ad I hadn't heard of Model Mayhem. I am setting up an account now.

lizcaldwellphoto · Oct 30, 2011

It's not unheard of for men to want to do nude shoots. I'm not sure I would have taken that job offer either (not from craig's list anyway... lol) but whenever I do nude shoots I always suggest the model bring a friend they trust to help them feel more secure... In the case of you being a female, I would make sure you have a male "assistant" and that you inform the customer that it will not be just one on one, you will have an assistant, so (insert male name here) will also be on site, and likewise, you encourage them to bring along their wife.

That gives them a chance to back out if they are creepos, and serious customers can still get the shoot.

Derrel · Oct 30, 2011

Pervy, creeper-types responding to ads on Craigslist? Huh...whoda' thunk it!

spacefuzz · Oct 30, 2011

I'm sure they thought once you saw them naked you would be overcome........lol

AMOMENT · Oct 30, 2011

lol...NO GO, NO GO! Totally freaky and even though there is a chance these guys are innocent, not worth the risk IMO. Turn the tables and it will give you a better idea of the people you might be dealing with. Would you ever voluntarily take off your clothes and model for some random (no offense) person requesting models on Craigslist.