Modeling Policies for Privacy, Security, and Sexual Harasment.
I regularly hire models for artistic modeling, both nude and clothed. I hire for both myself and for drawing groups, for short and long poses. If you are interested in modeling, or just have questions about modeling, please contact me. I suggest you read the policies, and also check out wikipedia's article on art modeling.
What to bring to a modeling session.
-First bring yourself. Your are the reason for the session, not your makeup, your clothes, your hair, but you.
-Proof of age. I am going to want to make sure that you are over 18. There are also some forms at the bottom of the page. Please fill those out and bring them with you. I will have copies, but if you bring them it will save time.
-Clothes. If you can, bring some clothes. Even if you intend to model nude, I will have you doing a lot of clothed and half-clothed modeling, the more outfits the better. Stuff that can be worn in a risque manner, or that shows the form of the body is what I am looking for.
-Music. Bring some music that makes you move. If you don't bring anything I have stuff. I also have speakers that you can plug an Ipod or mp3 player into. I am going to have you move around a lot. If you can groove while doing it we will both be happier.
-Snacks. If you have anything special you like, or need, to eat or drink, bring it. I will have water, coke, and probably some junk food and that's about it.
-A thumb drive or external hard drive. I will copy the photos to your device at the end of the session if you bring one. Expect to need several gigabytes worth of storage space. If you don't bring something we will have to make arrangements for a transfer later.
What to expect during the session.
I am going to start by asking you to dress in your comfortable minimum of clothing. By that I mean take of as much clothes as you are willing to take off. Then I am going to run you through some yoga poses based on a beginner back care session from yogadownload.com. This will allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera while allowing me to get some yoga pictures of you. More importantly it will help me figure out how you and your body actually work and move. Based on that the session will continue with lots of movement and a lot of changes of clothing. A typical session includes pictures in about 10 different outfits and a lot of jumping and stretching. Expect to be physically tired at the end. Expect the session to run until we are both completely tired - somewhere from 3 to 6 hours.
How to prepare.
Prepare mentally by deciding what you are comfortable doing ahead of time. I will not pressure you into taking pictures you are not comfortable with and will always take no as an answer. I am also willing to immediately delete pictures if you decide during the session that you don't want that picture to exist either because it shows to much or just because you don't like how you look in it. Once I have given you copies however, I will not delete pictures. You will get a chance to look at the pictures during the session, but there are usually thousands and if you have not decided ahead of time what you are uncomfortable with you won't be able to figure it out there.
Physical preparation is less necessary, but recommended. Stretch. do some yoga. Take a look at yogadownload.com and try out some of their free sample sessions. I am going to be running you through some of those poses, and things will go smoother if you know what I am talking about.
Prepare to have a lot of fun, and get some great pictures. Your a beautiful person and you are going to look great!
James Kirby's policies for privacy, security, and sexual harassment.
The artist- model relationship can take many forms. At one level is the purely professional austere form where the transaction is entirely a business, and at the other is where two long term friends get together and draw each other pictures. There are thousands of variations and no one would be comfortable with all of them.
It is my number one priority that the model be as comfortable as possible. The model is entitled to whatever level of privacy, security, and comfort he or she needs. The model should be free at all times from feeling sexually harassed, or in any other way made to feel uncomfortable. With all modeling, and with nude modeling especially, the issues of privacy, security, and freedom from sexual harassment are especially important.
- PRIVACY: It is my standard policy to publish works, both sketches and paintings, and occasionally photos, on my web-site, business cards, fliers, and to try to put the pieces up for sale. Some or all of these may be curtailed at the models request. However since I am trying to run a business, curtailing all commercial activities would likely render the model unsuitable. It is also my custom to title works with the name of the model. If this is a problem the model's name will not be used.
- SECURITY: The model may bring an escort, and may also provide input into the modeling location, provided that the location is fairly convenient and suitable. A suitable location must be private enough to handle the kind of modeling (no nude modeling in public spaces) and I must be able to have some control over the lighting. Escorts will not be paid, and will be asked not to participate or distract either the model or the artist.
- SEXUAL HARASSMENT: All models are completely entitled to be entirely free from all sexual harassment. I have a tendency to try to be relaxed and have camaraderie with the models I work with. I also have a habit of talking very openly about virtually any subject. If you would prefer me to keep a more distant relationship please let me know. If at any time I do or say anything that makes you even remotely uncomfortable I ask that you let me know at once. I will immediately take action to either change my behavior or the environment as appropriate so that you will be completely comfortable.
In cases of sexual harassment the models perception is all that counts, do not hesitate to speak out on any of the following issues:
Contact: Occasionally modeling goes faster if I direct poses by touching the model. I avoid any sensitive areas, but the model and I may not agree on what is sensitive. I will usually ask before ever touching a model, and if contact is an issue it will not happen.
Conversation: I usually engage in conversation with models I work with, if only because I prefer to draw real people rather than just the image of people. Some models do not wish to talk while nude, while posing, or at all. If any of these is the case please do not hesitate to let me know. If at any point I am asking about something you don't want to talk about, or the conversation is going toward issues that make you uncomfortable, feel free to close that avenue of discussion.
COMPLAINTS: It is important that if you have any issues with regard to sexual harassment that you speak up, and I promise that I will take no retaliation what so ever for any complaint. All issues will be taken seriously.
Any questions about these policies will be quickly answered. Also note that any sort of nude modeling will require that the model be over 18, and proof of age will be required.
MODELING DOCUMENTS in PDF: