Teen fashion...just how messy can it get?

[FlipsidE]

After reading a book that went into a fair amount of detail about teen fashion shooting and the laws around it, it seems that it can get really messy really quickly when it comes to what the law covers and what it doesn't...mainly in favor of the minor. But, I'm curious if any teen fashion photographers have had any problems at all. Also, I would most definitely have someone around for the shoot at all times. Would you recommend that it be a parent or guardian or maybe an assistant of the same sex instead?

Thanks

FlipsidE

[sony23]

My wife and the parents are in the studio at all times, we make it a rule, we have had some parents ask to go out but we insist they stay or we stop the shoot.

Bruce

[MTalley]

Ditto with sony23. Or, in my case, at least one parent. But, I've not been shooting much more than senior class portraits, definitely not glamour.

[subtle_spectre]

Well I am not a pro of this sort but I have represented a fair number of people over the years on different charges that one might think relevant to this discussion. By all means, a credible witness must be present at all times. If that is not possible, video taping with time log would be an acceptable safety net. Otherwise, as said above, messy , messy business may await.

[PhotosGuy]

My wife and the parents are in the studio at all times, we make it a rule, we have had some parents ask to go out but we insist they stay or we stop the shoot.
My wife = your witness! Which offsets...
the parents = their witness. ;)

I like the videotape idea!

[sony23]

yes but you cant just video people without there permission.

Bruce

[Tripod]

Go in to any mail now days and look around at the security cameras. MR vidio and your image being recorded on privet property is a part of life now days.

[subtle_spectre]

yes but you cant just video people without there permission.

Bruce

I wouldn't suggest that, although I believe the ability to do so varies from state to state and nation to nation. In this sort of instance, though, it would be advantageous to disclose the surveilance thereby diminishing even more the likelihood that some untoward act or claim might occur. In the US, videoing would not, in my professional opinion, although not advice, be problematic in these instances.

What becomes of the video later is usually what gets people in trouble anyway!

[dshootist]

i shoot senior portraits on location, so the issues are not too disimilar to fashion projects. at the very start of my business i tried to think of all of the things that could lose me my whole setup. lack of insurance was a huge one as well as professional credentials (PPA, for example, will offer some support for their credited members in the way of malpractice lawsuits). the biggest was (especially in this sue-happy society) accusations of impropriety from clients. all it takes is one person to cry foul and my client base vanishes—not to mention my credibility with the community.

usually my wife accompanies me on a shoot, but ALWAYS i have at least one parent within view of their child AT ALL TIMES. this goes for both boys and girls. it is made very clear during the consultation part of the session that parents must be present throughout the shoot. i have been fortunate enough to work with the children of people whose faces are not unfamiliar, but you can't be too careful. the only situation i haven't experienced is the split family deal where the parents don't get along. i'm not sure how that will go, but overcommunication may be the order of the day...

[Wilt]

Always have the parent, or an adult guardian who has been previously authorized IN WRITING by the parent to take the place of the parent, present. You do not want to be in the situation where you and an adult friend -- of any age or gender! -- are present with the minor, as you both could be accused of some impropriety! (And there have been court cases -- not necessarily photographic in nature -- with husband and wife BOTH involved in committing the improprity!)

[mbze430]

I work with some 15-17 year old models too. We required that the parents to be present at all times. The parents must sign a release form. I DO NOT accept "adult guardian". I insist on ONLY their legal guardian, or no shoot.