Photographing a 16 Year-Old Girl

I might be photographing a 16 year-old girl. Thus far all the photography I've done has been on location with available light or sometimes with fill off-camera flash. I have the opportunity to photograph in a studio for the first time and need a subject. I'm considering asking a 16 year-old girl I met who is the checkout girl at a local grocery store. I would love to photograph her because she's very good-natured and fun. She has a brilliant sense of humor. She's also very nice looking. I think a shoot with her would be fun and I would very likely get a lot of expressiveness from her. I believe I'll get some quality and unique shots for my portfolio if I do this shoot.

If I land the gig, I'll be doing another post about photographic technique. This one is about the business side of it. Obviously, I'll need a model release. Because of her age, do I also need a parental consent form? The other issue is gaining and honoring people's trust. I've already got great rapport with her. We've become friends, and she's added me on Facebook. I believe she'll agree to do the shoot and will be excited about it. However, I cannot afford to have her parents think I'm some perv with less than honorable intentions. I'm just a photographer who wants some good photos. Nude shots are out of the question. In Nebraska the model has to be at least 21 anyway. I'm not even going to do bathing suit shots. I want to do only fully clothed work – jeans and T-shirt, and maybe some shots in a dress. I'll likely also do some head shots.

Do you think I should type up a parental consent form and then ask to meet the parents in person? I'm pretty good with people. I'm thinking if they meet me, they'll realize I'm not going to do anything bad and that they'll likely get some quality photos of their daughter.

I would love to do this shoot. This girl's a lot of fun. I've found in the past when I have a good connection with the subject, the results have been good. It's an unpaid thing. I haven't done any studio work. The purpose is to build my portfolio in that area.

I wouldn't touch it without mom being there during the shoot. And that's with the consent forms signed.

The parents or legal guardian of a minor are the only ones who can the legally sign a model release form. Her Jane Doe without there's will get you in worlds, you do not want to be.

And as Thor stated, if a parent ain't there, do yourself a favor and don't be there either.

Unless this is extremely important and a one-of-a kind opportunity, you should not pursue this. Having chatted her up, become friends and having become facebook buddies, parents should have some natural suspicions about your motives, unfortunately. Too much danger of being misunderstood at this point. Parental approach first might have worked, but too late for that. I say pass.
John

One wrong move, one wrong word, even one of her friends say something and you will have more grief than you can shake a stick at.

You better have a registered business or it will look even shadier. If you are going to approach anyone it would be her parents first.

ONE SCREW UP AND YOU ARE MARKED FOR LIFE!

Ask her and someone overhear and raise a thought and you could have suits at your door with a warrant to search in, through, under, over anything and everything you own.

Lots of ands in there. Have a photograph of her without parental consent, oh geez, it's a fine line and it can get thinner.

You need parental signatures to do anything with the photos, so you may as well have mom or dad stick around after they signed. Preferably mom because she can keep an eye on her daughter's hair/makeup/outfit and adjust as necessary.

I've had 17 year olds with me and me alone without anything bad happening, but mom knew about it, signed off, and took business cards with her after being pointed to EXACTLY where we'd be shooting.

However, I'm short and rather wussy. The girls could easily kick my ass so they knew I'd be no threat. If you're anywhere near average size or bigger or look shady I don't recommend doing the same.

I wouldn't touch this... no pun intended. Even with a parent's release AND their physical presence, I wouldn't do it if it were my idea. I might if they approached me, but I would not approach them. Basically, perception and reality don't always mix, and nobody will care one whit that you're actions and intentions were honest if perception gets around otherwise.

photoguy6405 wrote in post #11734213
I wouldn't touch this... no pun intended. Even with a parent's release AND their physical presence, I wouldn't do it if it were my idea. I might if they approached me, but I would not approach them. Basically, perception and reality don't always mix, and nobody will care one whit that you're actions and intentions were honest if perception gets around otherwise.

That level of fear is rather extreme and IME, unnecessary. Cover your bases and you'll be fine.

I would also agree that the parents, or at least one, preferably mom, should be present. This is for Everyone's protection.

Jpatten wrote in post #11734260
I would also agree that the parents, or at least one, preferably mom, should be present. This is for Everyone's protection.

You gotta approach these things positively though, not hesitantly or negatively. If you go saying things like "hey mom I need you there so your daughter feels safe and so I don't get sent to prison" you're pretty much TELLING her that you're a creep...even if you're not.

In other words, it's not THAT big of a deal so don't treat it like one.

No, just say that it is policy to have the parents present at any shoot involving minors.

cdifoto wrote in post #11734229
That level of fear is rather extreme and IME, unnecessary. Cover your bases and you'll be fine.

Probably so, but it only takes one time gone wrong.

Jpatten wrote in post #11734413
No, just say that it is policy to have the parents present at any shoot involving minors.

I like that, and the idea to not act like it's a big deal. Just get forms signed and have a parent present. The studio is also in a very nice house and is owned by a pleasant woman. The atmosphere will be good.

I think I can pull it off and it will be worth it. This girl is wonderfully expressive, and I think I can capture that.

yeah, if its a policy, and I think it is a good idea, it puts the parents at ease, rather than making you seem creepy you are saying that you are a professional that understands parental concerns. And its a good policy to have. When or if I ever get to doing photoshoots I will maintain the same policy,

can't you find someone 2 years older? the amount of trouble your going thru could already be interpreted in a negative way. i also wouldn't make a habit of having under-agers on your fb either. this whole situation just screems creepy already even if it isn't.