Things that Annoy Me

May 2008

Fake Magazines - Con Artists - Gullible Models

Fake Magazines that set up on MySpace, or their own website, with the help of a flashy Mock Up Magazine Cover, and give this incredible spiel about how they are going to take over the magazine industry. The Con Artists behind them that make it all seem to good to be true..and it usually is.. And the models that email these people, or leave comments similar to what a bunch of screaming teenagers would do if they could send an email direct to their biggest fan or Idol. Not all of these things are scams..But they are around. Read and THINK!

I know of at least 2 such scams at the moment. I cant say anymore about the Magazines or the Con Artists behind them..But I will comment more on the Gullible Models, as some of you guys need a reality check. Its amazing to see the number of girls that have fallen for these scams..and left comments like:

AWESOME!!!! I cant wait
I'm definitely in
Cant wait to meet... so excited!
I would love to do a shoot :) Message me and I will give you my email and phone number if that makes it easier.
Hi, l would love to be apart of your magazine! xxx
wow this is awesome!
im going to the beach to get a tan, and don't worry ill be ready
you gonna rock my world!! im EXCITED!
Count me in too! Love it.

Ok..Here's the thing...WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED or BEHIND THESE THINGS?

Usually Nothing...You saw the Mock Magazine Cover..Read the Spiel..and thats it..Your ready to jump on board and offer them anything and everything.

My tip......DO SOME RESEARCH...ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS...AND BE CAREFUL. You don't want to blow it by giving it them flick up front, because it could be the real deal. But at the same time, you should be cautious. If its legit..It shouldn't be a problem answering any question that you throw at them..And they shouldn't have a problem answering them..If all else fails. Go with your gut instincts.

On a similar topic. I cant use the actual names..But does anyone stop and think who is behind MySpace Pages such as.

The 100 Hottest girls of Afghanistan (just an example)
The top 100 sexiest girls from Bellingen (another example)

Some of them are legit. and a bit of fun...But once again.. WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED or BEHIND THESE THINGS? There are a hell of a lot of girls adding themselves to these pages, sending pics and information...But sometimes you just have to ask WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED or BEHIND THESE THINGS?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Please read on to see what Sh*! me over the past few months. And come back next month as I will be concentrating on "Models with Attitudes" and a few other topics.

April 2008

Boyfriends

That take or destroy their Model/Girlfriends disks of images after a break up.
Over the years, I have had several girls contact me and ask for another copy of their images because they broke up with their boyfriend and he either destroyed or took all the disks and wont give them back. This hasn't been a big issue, as most of the shoots I have done are swimsuit related. But it does seem that a few of those that have done topless, implied nude, or nude..Are the ones that are at most risk.

Come on girls!! Unfortunately, not all relationships these days last forever. Just think about it!

Thank You

This one is really simple. Two Words "Thank You".Is it that hard for some people to say Thank You these days? Come on...It's not hard to say..But it really means a lot

March 2008

Boyfriends

That don't support their Model/Girlfriends.

Especially Insecure, Controlling, Demanding, Jealous "New" Boyfriends that come into the lives (usually for a short time) of models, and start demanding that the model stops doing what they have been doing prior to them.....coming into their life. Demanding that they stop pursuing their dreams, stop entering competitions, stop doing Photo Shoots or Glamour Work (because they don't want other guys seeing "their woman")

For years, I have heard stories from other photographers, and witnessed it first hand as well.
Comments such as:
I cant enter the competition, because my boyfriend doesn't want me doing that type of thing any more.
Can you remove those images from the website. My boyfriend doesn't like other guys seeing those pics.
My boyfriend wouldn't like that pose...Can you delete those images so he doesn't see them.
Don't send those photos. My boyfriend wouldn't approve if those shots where published.

For years I have "succumbed " to these requests. Out of courtesy to the model. Did I have to? No. Does it Sh!t me?...Eventually...Yes!
Especially after 3 recent events over the past 3 months, and talking to other photographers that have had similar experiences.
Where the models doing this type of work before the "new" boyfriend? Yes.
Was the model asked if this is what they wanted to do or pursue? Yes.
Was the model present and of sound mind when the photos where taken? Yes.
For F#@! Sake. If he doest like what you do, knowing full well, what you did before you met him.
Tell him to F#@! Off or GET OVER IT!

I can think of a dozen "Good" reasons to make these requests. But a "new" boyfriend isn't one of them.
Follow "YOUR" Dreams. Not His.

From a photographers point of view. Is the "new" boyfriend going to cover the photographers time, expenses and loss of sale for images that can no longer be sold or used, because "he" doesn't like other guys seeing those pics (but he's happy to look at them or keep them for himself), or he wouldn't approve if the shots where published.
Did "HE" Pay for the Photo Shoot?
Perhaps we should introduce a "new boyfriend tax" So that in the event that a "new" boyfriend comes along, and starts implementing these new "rules" on their model girlfriends.
At least the photographers time and effort is covered.

Boyfriends - A Models Point of View

In response to the recent post on this site regarding girls in the industry facing difficulties with their boyfriends inability to accept the nature of their work:

I have been in the modelling and promotions industry for 8 years and earn a living from this work full time. I believe I am in a perfect position to comment on this issue as I have experienced it from all angles.

Starting at 17 my then boyfriend had some problems dealing with what was required of me as a model. In effect, I lost work in order to accommodate his insecurities. Upon meeting my current boyfriend, I politely explained the requirements of my job and gave him the option to leave if he would be uncomfortable with it.

At this stage, I simply was not prepared to make any sacrifices that would affect my career based on someone's control issues or insecurities. He decided to stick it out and although there have been ups and downs, I remind him that he accepted me and my job from the beginning and over time he has learned to embrace the perks of the industry. He is constantly surrounded by models, loves to participate in photo shoots and events and travels with me for interstate jobs. He even does my spray tans for me!! lol

So I am just grateful to have one of those guys who feels lucky to be part of my life and all that comes with it. He understands the industry and supports my role in it. I just feel sorry for the guys who cant be proud and supportive because the jealous and controlling approach only gets in the way of what could be a great experience for you and your model girlfriend. Guys would probably kill to be in your position so make the most of it before she finds one of those proud, supportive boyfriends who know that no matter how many guys drool over those images - she's going home with you! Those guys are out there... I found one!

I started my modelling career with Peter Rollans 8 years ago and have enjoyed working with him and developing a close friendship with him over the years. The Australian Swimsuit Edition has launched my career and these days I would not let any guy get in the way of that. So thanks Peter for an interesting post focusing on an issue that has long needed attention. I totally understand the time and money that goes into a photo shoot and girls need to set their limits before posing so no shots are wasted on "boyfriends not approving"

If you are a professional model, then you should be shooting with the aim of being published. If you don't want to be published topless, then don't pose topless.

Well there you have a models point of view. I would love to hear more opinions on this topic.
Finally, thank you Peter for years of highly entertaining shoots, great images and a cherished friendship from both Lee and I. Keep up the great work and thanks for saying what need to be said!

Kirra Tipping
Australian - Swimsuit - Edition Model

Australian Magazines

That invite models to submit images for Competitions such as Hottest Beach Babe, Real Girls etc, knowing full well, in a high percentage of cases the images where not taken by a friend, they where taken by a working photographer. As a result, the model is asked to declare as part of her entry that she is the copyright holder, even though she is not, and has no legal right to do so. Looking at it from another angle, I also see this as a rort to get free content for their Magazines and Special Editions.

Models
Do you know what you are agreeing to when you submit photos to competitions in these Magazines?
Even though you are not in a legal position to do so if the images where taken by a photographer who "owns" the Copyright.

Here is an example of a typical magazine competition explained.

Each entry must include a photo of one person who has given their consent to enter ("Participant"). Complete with correct answers to all questions on the entry form and attach an image in the form of either a photo, video or a combination of both containing the image of the Participant only ("Entry"). All material submitted is subject to these terms and conditions.
What does "Participant" mean? - "Participant" is you the Model in the image.

Non Participants ("Agents") may provide to Promoter the email address of a potential Participant through use of the "Enter" link on the entry website provided they have the consent of that persons to be a Participant. Agents are ineligible to receive any Prizes under this competition.
What does "Agents" mean? - "Agents" In most cases is a friend that has entered you, Boyfriend, or Photographer.

The Participants (you the Model in the image) and Agents (friend, Boyfriend, or Photographer) agree to assign all rights ( What does "assign all rights" mean? - Give the Magazine Total Permission ) and interests in any intellectual property, including words, text, images or sound provided by the Participant or Agent, or generated through or in connection with the Competition throughout its term, including but not limited to Qualifying Material and any material or image arising or created in connection with the Promotional Activities ("Intellectual Property - The Images). Participants acknowledge that Promoter will collect personal information of Participants and potential Participants. By entering you give a worldwide irrevocable licence to reproduce publish adapt communicate and broadcast the Intellectual Property in any form and media and to sublicense those rights.
( What does "worldwide irrevocable licence" mean? - You are stating that you own the images and give them permission to take over the rights, and do what they want with the images, anywhere throughout the world. And, You cant change your mind. "reproduce publish adapt communicate and broadcast", means they can sell or use the image/s when ever they want, in other publications, use them as mobile phone downloads...Anything ) You also consent to the Intellectual Property (The Images) being edited reused stored and reproduced. (Forever)

Participants and Agents agree to indemnify the Promoter against any actions arising from the publication of the Intellectual Property. No material, text or images submitted will be returned to participants.

Participants warrant that they have exclusive and complete rights to deal with the material provided to the Promoter, including the right to offer the material for publication ( What does that mean? - You are stating that you own the image/s and have the right to submit them )
Participants agree to indemnify the Promoter against any actions arising from the publication of such materials
( What does "indemnify the Promoter against any actions" mean? - You take the blame ) Participants warrant that they are over 18 at the time of entry. Agents warrant they have obtained the consent of the Participant to entry and to the publication of all Intellectual Property provided by the Agent and agree to indemnity the Promoter against any actions arising from the publication of such materials.( What does this mean? - The friend, Boyfriend, or Photographer takes the blame for wrongful submission.)

These terms and conditions and the Competition are subject to the laws applicable in New South Wales, Australia (including federal and State legislation) and to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and courts of Australian Federal Jurisdiction.

All participants guarantee that they are the holder of the image's copyright and allow the publisher full use of the image as they see fit, ( What does "the holder of the image's copyright" mean? - You are stating that you own the images and have the right to submit them and allow the publisher full use of the image as they see fit means - The Magazine can do what they want with the images) whether that be in the magazine or in a digital format. The publisher accepts no responsibility for images submitted without the consent of the copyright holder.
( What does "The publisher accepts no responsibility" mean? - ( if you don't have permission from the photographer, the magazine has covered themselves, and put the blame back onto the Model )

Australian Magazines

That invite models to submit images for Competitions such as Hottest Beach Babe, Real Girls etc, and either remove or don't include a Photographers Credit, let alone give payment.

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Are you being used/ripped off, by Australian Magazines?

For the past few years I have sat back and watched as my images have appeared in Magazines and on their websites as a result of an increasing number of "Send us your Photo" Best Beach Babe, Best Bum, Girl Next Door Competitions.

After 17 years of shooting, I still get a buzz when my images are published. I am happy that the girls (may?) gain some exposure from the exercise...however, I do expect a photo credit. Without that. How the hell does anyone know that I took the image/s? Sure. Everybody knows its a picture of the model in the Magazine? But without a Photographer Credit, whose going to know who took the Photo/s?

I was recently contacted by a magazine asking permission to use and publish an image in a future "Summer Special Publication". I agreed on the point that I would be given a photo credit. The person on the other end of the phone agreed, and asked how I would like the credit to read.

First of all, I was taken back that they actually contacted me. But now I understand, it was just to cover their ass. As a result, one of the images was published in a general weekly issue within a week of the phone call, and then a second image appeared in the Summer Special. Neither image had the photo credit that I requested.

Now that the images have been published. It seems that the magazines have this "after the fact" attitude, where the best that they can do is say sorry, or "I don't know what happened, the credit should have been there"

As I stated earlier, the phone call was to cover their ass and they had no intention of giving a credit. Because, they know that in most cases, the photographer wont pursue the issue. and anyway, they are protected, because the agreement that the model accepts when submitting images to these competitions, puts the blame back onto the models.

When models say they own something (the image) and in effect selling the image for exposure, this is comparable to the fraud of people selling the Harbour Bridge , just smaller in scale.

The magazine that accepts the signature of the model claiming ownership of images without proof is being negligent.

In a similar way when I send a model image to some ethical magazines or stock agencies, they require a witnessed model release and contact details of the model, and in some cases the magazines contact the model to verify facts.

Thus when a model sends in images to a magazine for these comps, then the photographer details as well as a photographers release should be required.

I have spoken to one photographer, who had a similar phone call from a magazine, and none of his images carried a photo credit either. I have also heard of several other photographers that have had the same problem. Some of the photographers have invoiced the magazines for the use of the image/s. But most people just don't try.

So, the question is.

Should we start putting Copyright and our name, business name, or web address right across the middle of images?

Should the magazines add one more question to their entry forms, eg: Photographer Credit?, Or start paying for the use of images? (Which they should be able to do if they are at all successful.)

Link to a forum regarding other photographers experiences: HERE