Iffy proposal

Hi guys,
I wasn't sure where to post, but since it's about business of photography, it seems like a good place. Anyway, here's the scoop:
My girlfriend designs some fashion accessories and naturally, tries to promote them via different source, including Facebook.
Some time ago, a photographer contacted her, saying that she works with a designer and they would love to match my girlfriend's accessories with the designer's clothing and do a photoshoot. There was no question about the money, so I guess it would have to be done on a mutually beneficial basis - the designer gets photos, my girlfriend gets her accessories promoted and the photographer gets her name out.
Initially, it was agreed that the photo shoot will take place outside, in the park or something like that.
Everything sounded fine and dandy, up until the last week, the photographer informed my girlfriend, that the photoshoot will take place in a hotel, which was kind of strange, but still understandable - maybe she decided to setup up studio lighting, etc.
Now, today, the photographer sent out yet another email, saying that the designer bailed out, she won't be present, it will be just another model and some of the designer dresses. The address she has listed is apparently her private residence, because her website is registered to this address.
She said they are going to shoot in a studio and on location and also suggested (really weird!), bring the swimming suite, the water in the pool is warm.
Well, I looked at her house at Google maps - there is no pool.
I found her flickr page - she shoots with Canon XTi with kit lens. There a couple of pictures taken with Canon 28-200. She also uses built-in flash for product photography. (Amazing how much exif information can tell about you, isn't it?)
And, frankly, her photo's aren't good.
All-in-all, call me paranoid, but my girlfriend's well being and safety is way more important than anything else, including iffy promotion of her products.
I wasn't able to find anyone who knows this woman photographer personally.
I could find her online on a couple of websites, but nothing too specific.
By the way, her website is really, really bad with no decent design. Looks like it's been slapped together within a couple of hours.
What do you guys think - am I too paranoid and watch too many spy movies or else...?

Thanks,
Aleness

I personally would run like hell. Either that or go there packing heat just in case. It sounds way too shady.

Sounds a little strange to me. If you're worried about your girlfriends safety, you should go along to make sure everything is on the up and up. If you don't feel right about it , maybe the best thing to do is to just cancel out.

Walk away.

Run

call the cops

I think the decision is pretty anonymous

rlconklin wrote in post #9951194
Sounds a little strange to me. If you're worried about your girlfriends safety, you should go along to make sure everything is on the up and up. If you don't feel right about it , maybe the best thing to do is to just cancel out.

I would definitely go with her, but I have 2 very important meeting tomorrow and I just can't get out of them.

I've checked another profile of that woman and it sounds like she just trying to get started in the business, but she probably needs to have a different approach.

Thanks a lot guys for your input.

sounds like a bad attempted kidnapping ready to happen.

you should show up in a 2 piece.

Walk away...even if it's legit, the people involved sound like they are complete flakes.

i think in the best case scenario - its just gonna be a waste of time... at best...

Funny, maybe she read this thread, but an hour ago, she has sent an email to my girlfriend, stating the following:
"...bad news. Last minute delay...(
our model and wardrobe supporter has changes in the schedule. She is out tomorrow.

I am so much disappointed with the situation. "

Some people....

well that worked itself out then... good to hear

Wow, it sounds like she's stalking you online too! So creppy. It seems strange that your GF wanted to do the shoot with her without approving her portfolio first though to begin with.