Working with a young model

[mpistone]

I did a search for similar threads and didn't see anything to answer my questions, so here goes.

I'm planning to do a creative shoot in a few weeks with a 16 year old girl. She has parental consent and I'm not planning to sell the images, just a fun shoot for the portfolio (nothing risque, just modest costumes/props).
Do I need to worry about anything because of her age? I could probably get a parent to come along but it will be an all-afternoon thing and I got the impression that her mother wouldn't want to join us.
Is there any need for a model release? I've been doing a few TFP shoots in the area lately and haven't done anything like paperwork to accompany them, but her age is my concern.
thanks!

[Scott-JL]

I can't comment on the legal side (as I know nothing of the local law there). Ethically, I would suggest you outline the sort of work you intend to do with her - get some shots from magazines or websites showing the sort of thing you'd like to do. I'd recommend putting together a model release to cover your usage of the photo in your portfolio, just purely to avoid any issues - although you aren't selling that shot, you are using it to represent your business. Whilst the model release might not be necessary, it would probably just be a safe bet. If you don't know the family well, then I'd recommend getting a parent or another adult to join you. Whilst it is rare, you do occasionally hear horror stories about shoots going wrong in one respect or another, whether it be the model or the parents who think you might have gone too far.

[Karl Johnston]

Age 16 and above you do not need parental consent, and the girl can sign her own release. No nudity or implied nudes, though, that requires parental consent on the model release (at 16 it is possible, but no commercial use). Always, always always have a model release and state the terms of what your doing, how its done, why, what for, rights, etc.

Be prepared that she will likely bring an escort. In fact, demand she bring an escort (such as a parent). You don't want to have her turn out to be loony-tunes and say you raped her or something similar.

Honestly though it depends on your area, I know the law for my region but what's it for your region in cali?

[Helen Bartlett]

I would get her to bring a parent along, better to be safe than sorry. Anyone under 18 I like to have an adult present for my own piece of mind.

[DANNY454]

I don't mean to be a thread hijacker, but what if the photographer is under 18 (Such as me being 17) and the model 17 also. Would you still need a model release?

[mpistone]

Thanks for the tips everybody.
Danny, I suspect you don't have anything to worry about, but of course I came here with my own question so I'm not much of an authority on it!