Boys on film.

[Guest Rich.]

My posting here has been triggered by a phone call I received this morning from a female Escort. It made me curious about what I perceive as the lack of enthusiasm of many male Escorts about putting together a decent portfolio of pictures.

 

I occasionally shoot content for a niche web site, and I have an overflowing list of female models who have asked that, if I have an hour-or-two before-or-after the main shoot (always before, in my case!), would I tack them on? I'm always happy to oblige if possible (as most photographers are) but I've only ever had two male Escorts interested, even though I've told many I'd be happy to let them know if I had time. I've made it clear that it will be a professional shoot in a studio or a hired location, with a stylist, hairdresser, make-up artist, etc. in attendance and that it'll be a freebie or for a very minimal charge. Yet the guys (unlike the girls!) show very little interest.

 

I've spent my working life in advertising, and I'm surprised that a lot of male Escorts don't seem to be that interested in taking every opportunity to market themselves. The two guys that came on several shoots with me and got some decent pics. (and in one case, a video) reported back that they saw a significant improvement in business, and asked me to keep them on my list of possible shoe-ins.

 

I'd really be interested to hear what Members think about this, either from an Escort or Client perspective.

 

Thanks.

 

Richard

[whyamihere]

I think it's a "guy thing". Guys, in general, are just more camera shy. Just look through the various male escort web sites. Note the percentage of photos done by the individual male escort with his camera phone using the bathroom mirror. Compare that with female sites. Guys are often too camera shy to even ask someone to take pictures of them using THEIR OWN camera (where they will retain total control of the photos)!

 

As a amateur photographer I am, overall, quite disappointed with the quality of posted male escort photos. I suspect most escorts would see increased interest with an improved photo portfolio. I know I, as a client, would be willing to take pictures as long as I felt MY privacy would be protected. For other clients also willing to help I would suggest neutral territory.

[Guest Rich.]

A decade ago, Whyamihere, I would have wholeheartedly agreed with you. But with the advent of camera phones, social networking and the rise of metrosexuality, the young guns seem much more relaxed about being in front of a camera. It amazes me how many film their sexual encounters! I now get quite a few requests from guys who want portfolio pictures (not adult), and many want to do fitness, underwear, erotic, and art-style nude.

 

One of the male Escorts I did work with was a black guy who wanted to maintain an 'edgy' look to his ad. I did some candid work on an industrial estate and I shot the adult part on a bathroom set, where I was able to light his body to show his definition. As a fellow photographer, you'll appreciate that's always a bitch with the darker skin tones, unless you can dress the set, although fortunately gone are the days where I used to have to dunk their underwear in a cup of tea! As for interracial... . Having lit him successfully, I got him to hold up his camera phone as though he was taking a shot of himself in a mirror. He got the best of both worlds and loved the result.

 

I've encouraged female Escorts to do head shots and interview-style videos and I've tried to help them work out a style that is fun-and-flirty but doesn't in any way comprise them. I always suggest they post these somewhere innocuous with a link through from any adult site. In that way, there is no direct association which IMHO gives them better protection than if they post them as part of an ad.

 

As far as privacy goes, I don't ask for a model release for these shoots, and I sign over copyright. It still surprises me how many models and clients don't know that even if they pay for a shoot, photographers legally hold copyright of the images unless they assign it!

 

Thanks again for responding, Whyamihere, I hope other Members on either side of the fence will also give me the benefit of their opinions. I'm genuinely interested!

 

Richard

[orbital sander]

I am always surprised by how many escorts use bad photo's on their web pages. I would think that more guys would get some professional (true professional) photos. It would seem like it would be worth the investment.

[Guest Rich.]

I am always surprised by how many escorts use bad photo's on their web pages. I would think that more guys would get some professional (true professional) photos. It would seem like it would be worth the investment.

 

Exactly where my head's at, Orbital Sander. If an Escort charges $200+ an hour, then surely some decent marketing material is in order?

 

The (female) Escort who called me this morning wanted a dedicated shoot. I've put together a package that includes studio (with some marvellous adult sets, including a Jack-The-Ripper alleyway, don't ask! ), wardrobe, props, a stylist, hairdresser and an assistant, for $1,400. The lady's delighted, it's less than her fee for an overnight.

 

I know that there are plenty of semi-pro photographers (and talented amateurs!) out there, who would be more than happy to arrange a basic shoot for less than most male Escorts charge for an hour.

 

What gives, guys?

 

Richard

[whyamihere]

You have a valid argument regarding changes in the past decade. I should frequent youtube more. I'm dating myself and my era :-)

Most of my amateur photography could probably be classified as "outdoor tourist". I DO have an affinity towards photos of people taken outdoors with the backdrop of nature.

But the escort's first step is to just make a the decision to upgrade their photos. Professional is ideal. Decent amateur is acceptable. The self done bathroom mirror shot is - well - primitive.

[Guest Rich.]

Professional is ideal. Decent amateur is acceptable.

 

I disagree, Whyamihere.

 

IMHO, concerning the Escort arena, decent amateur often yields better results than a Pro with a Hasselblad and his own studio space. Because you, Whyamihere, as an Escort Hirer, know intimately the final image that a Client (Escort) is actually looking for, and what 'look' will encourage other potential Hirers to book them.

 

I still consider myself an amateur, even though I sometimes get paid for my work. OK, yes, I've had a lifelong interest in photography, my first camera was a Box Brownie (ouch!), and now 40 years later, I have invested countless amounts in $Nikon$ and $Billingham$, hey... it's only two years previous that I gave up the luxury of a fully-fitted permanent $Durst$ darkroom. I'll confess, I still miss it.

 

Richard

[Juan Vancouver]

I think I may have a theory about why such few escorts are interested in taking you up on your offer: In the years I have been escorting, perhaps twice every week I receive offers from "professional photographers" to get a "professional photo shoot" whether for free or for a very low fee. Since I do photography myself and I own the necessary equipment to produce images that are satisfactory for me and my ads I have never accepted their offers. (Also I am a very private guy and a total control freak; I want to have absolute control over my image and exposure.)

 

Sadly, I often hear tales from escort friends all over the place who have accepted such offers and it turns out that it was nothing but a clever excuse to get a freebie or to help some guy expand his own private porn stash. In some cases the results are incredibly beautiful and artistic but with little sex appeal, therefore entirely useless for an escorting ad. In most of the cases; however, the pictures produced are of poor quality, in bad taste and not useful at all...

 

 

And that is the best possible scenario; I have heard of tales where the "photographer" kept and distributed the pictures without the escort's consent and even instances where the escort was asked for large amounts of money or bartering his services for the ugly pictures' rights.

 

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

 

The other thing that may be making the boys uncomfortable is to know that they are going to be paired up not only with other escorts, but with girls. I imagine many would feel very self-conscious about getting naked and hard beside a girl. We are talking about escorts, not models; models would be used to working in very exposed situations, whereas most escorts are used to work in very private situations and would not feel entirely at ease with a big crew and girls.

 

I believe more escorts would be interested if you created a professional looking portfolio, uploaded it to a professional looking website and posted the link to it to this site and other sites where escorts are able to see it. If they believe that your style is adequate for their image the ones that are interested in better stuff will contact you.

 

This of course is an entirely personal opinion. I am curious to hear from other escorts.

[josephga]

I have a client that's a photographer as well as addictive too massage. iv worked out an arrangement with him to provide x amount of massages in exchange for photos too use in marketing.

[whyamihere]

As far as privacy goes...I sign over copyright. It still surprises me how many models and clients don't know that even if they pay for a shoot, photographers legally hold copyright of the images unless they assign it!

 

Sadly, I often hear tales from escort friends...who have accepted such offers...

And that is the best possible scenario; I have heard of tales where the "photographer" kept and distributed the pictures without the escort's consent...

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

 

Hmmm.....getting complicated. In view of Rich's copyright comments and Juan's nightmare scenario I find myself advising caution to escorts seeking a photo shoot. Make sure you agree (in writing) beforehand who has the image rights and whether the photographer is even allowed to keep any images. Discouraging this even has to be a consideration.

 

As long as I felt my privacy was protected I, as a client, would likely be quite willing to shoot some photos at the request of an escort using their own camera (which would alleviate image ownership concerns). Especially if it was a repeat visit or during an extended session. But I might be a minority.

[Guest Rich.]

(which would alleviate image ownership concerns)

 

Really? You think??

 

Richard

[Decatur Guy]

Even if you don't go the professional route (I actually don't want TOTALLY polished, overly artistic photos in the ads either), I think it's worth at least getting a pal or even a client to take some photos so you're not in the pic holding your phone/camera in the photo in a mirror.

 

Most clients just want some nice, clear, in-focus shots from different angles.