PROTOCOLS

1. APPROACH

Everyone on set is responsible for creating a safe, consensual, and fair environment. When it comes to power dynamics, photographers often have more power. Models are vulnerable in terms of their likeness being used and stored, and may also be working in unfamiliar locations. It is of great consequence that photographers take responsibility to shift the culture and prevent harm or exploitation of models.

A. PHOTOGRAPHERS

Have a clear concept: Finalize the shoot concept before the day of the shoot. Moodboards can help ensure everyone is aligned on the creative vision.
Discuss boundaries in advance: Confirm the model’s comfort level with the concept and ask direct questions about boundaries, especially around modesty. Refer back to the Moodboard and for shared understanding of the intended concept.
Consider a chaperone: If the model would feel more comfortable, suggest bringing a non-distracting chaperone.
Use contracts: Ensure clarity through contracts that specify the type of shoot, photo delivery times, usage rights, and safety guidelines.

B. MODELS

Get references: New models or those with smaller followings can be taken advantage of more readily by GWCs. A reputable photographer should have no problem providing references and a poor reaction to this request is a red flag.
Use contracts: A contract is essential to clarify roles and protect both parties. If the photographer is hesitant, proceed with caution. It's okay to negotiate many terms but don’t compromise on safety clauses.
Assess risk: Consider whether you’ll be working alone with the photographer and whether the space feels safe. Ask about the location and bring a friend if needed. The photographer’s response to these requests can be revealing and important while you asses your risk.
Send your rates: Outside of a proposal for "creative collaboration" a photographer reaching out to you should expect you to send your rates. Getting paid doesn't automatically protect you from harmful behavior but it does reinforce a professional atmosphere.

C. PHOTOGRAPHERS ON SET

Be Honest: Reflect on whether you’re using your position to coerce vulnerability or manipulate situations for personal gain. Be transparent about your intentions.
Do Not Touch Models: Use words to describe poses. Have a team member assist with styling. Provide the model with a mirror that is positioned behind you. Every team member, including you, should explicitly ask permission before (not while) touching a model if it is ever, absolutely necessary. Pro Tip: it very likely is not.
Respect Privacy: Always provide a private changing area and never peek when a model is changing, regardless of where they decide to change.
Respect Boundaries: Never push a model to change their comfort level with modesty or nudity once it’s been agreed upon.
Do not comment on bodies: Avoid speaking about a model’s body shape or characteristics. Compliment professionalism and how well the shoot is progressing instead.
Maintain Professionalism: Be aware of power dynamics, and if chemistry or attraction arises, keep it professional. Do not mix business with personal interests.
Disrupt Patriarchy: Be mindful that your position as a photographer can be used to gain access to individuals you are attracted to. Strive to maintain ethical conduct by respecting and hiring individuals regardless of personal attraction preferences.
Stop Harm: Do not make any sexual advances in a professional setting. Ever.

D. POST PRODUCTION

Delivery and expectations: Decide ahead of time how many images will be delivered and in what timeframe. Confirm this in the contract. Aim to take and deliver images that align with the shoot’s original concept to maintain professionalism, consistency, and with respect to the expectations of everyone involved.
Image usage and model release: Specify how the photos will be used and ensure you have a signed model release form. If you have taken images including nudity, obtain explicit written consent for their use/storage and a copy of the adult model’s proof of age.
Profit sharing for online work: If you’re working with a model who does online sex work, discuss profit-sharing agreements. A 50/50 split is ideal unless otherwise agreed.
No body editing without consent: Clients have different preferences, and industry standards such as magazine submissions may require skin retouching. Whether subtly or extensively altering a model’s physical appearance always get prior consent. Maintain transparency about any editing supports ethical standards in the industry and prioritizes the wellbeing and preferences of models who make these images possible.

GWC SELF ASESSMENT POP QUIZ

Are you using your position to coerce people into being more vulnerable with you than they would in another setting?

Are you using photography to gain access to women you otherwise would not?

Do you want to be a photographer or do you want to make porn? Do you have appropriate contracts, working relationships, and consent/ethics training established for that?

Do you shoot RAW, and why or why not?

Be Honest.

Massage should only be performed by a licensed therapist and is not an appropriate or professional activity for a photographer to impose on clients.

"Modeling nude or sexually suggestively does not equal consent" - Shannon Carol

2. ETHICS AND CONSENT

This list includes work created by Aubri Ebony and Shannon Carol

These situations and circumstances are unprofessional and can lead to harm and abuse.

Models shouldn’t have to deal with flirtatious comments, unwanted sexual advances, or oversharing or inappropriate questions by photographers.
Models shouldn’t be pressured to compromise on modesty, comfort, or agreed-upon concepts before or during a session.
Photographers are not allowed to touch models without explicit permission, and must avoid sexualized behavior or commentary at all times.
Models shouldn’t feel pressured to remain silent about unethical experiences out of fear of having photos withheld or being blacklisted.

A list of reports by Models:

Flirtatious messages and comments from the photographer prior to and during shooting
Photographers using "prestige" as a reason to avoid agreements and basic decency
Unwanted sexual advances and acts from photographers
Photographers oversharing or asking extremely personal questions
A photographer who insists on touching to "help pose", "put oil on", or "adjust" the model
Scared to say "no" to a concept when uncomfortable, for the sake of working with that photographer
Shooting nude or topless when that was not part of the original concept
A photographer having a sudden "crush" that impacts your working relationship
Concerns or requests ignored by the photographer, including creative input
Asked to do poses that are sexual in nature when that was not discussed prior or something the model agreed to before
Photographers not deleting images when asked
Photographers publishing and selling nude images without consent
Photographers retouching photos to alter models' bodies and faces without any discussion
Having to "play nice" or bargain with a photographer to get edits back
Never being sent photos, or denied photos
Keeping traumatic experiences with photographers a secret for fear of being "blacklisted" in the industry

3. RESPONSE

What to do when your consent/boundaries have been trespassed

SELF-ADVOCACY PHRASES to PRACTICE and USE

“Please don’t touch me.”
“I’m not comfortable with that.”
“Let me think about it.”
“That doesn’t work for me.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Thank you for respecting my boundaries.”
“No.”

"Please don't touch me." Use your words!

Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Responding to Sexual Assault (SA)

It’s Not Your Fault: Sexual assault and predation are always the responsibility of the offender. You are not to blame for the harm caused. Any attempt to place blame on the victim, by others or institutions, is wrong.
Prevention and Planning: Prevention is key. Having clear, upfront communication before a shoot helps set boundaries and expectations, reducing the risk of unsafe situations. Take the time to discuss concepts, comfort levels, and boundaries ahead of time.
Trauma Recovery: Trauma can have lasting effects on both your mind and body, and you may not always understand how it impacts you right away. Be gentle with yourself as you work through the aftermath, and surround yourself with trusted individuals for emotional support during the recovery process.

For information specific for responding to r*pe, please see this detailed Guide for Survivors and/or this article by MOBEIG on r*pe.

DEALING WITH A POTENTIALLY HARMFUL INDIVIDUAL ONLINE

After a disturbing or harmful incident with a photographer or other industry person, you might be considering talking to others about what happened. Here are some guidelines to help keep you safe while doing so:

Know Your Legal Rights: Be aware of your state’s laws regarding disparagement. If you decide to speak publicly about your experience with someone, ensure you do so in a way that protects you. Details on defamation suits in Colorado here. I spoke to a lawyer before going public myself, and you should also consider legal advice before sharing your story.
Stick to the Facts: Avoid labeling people or making speculative claims. Stick to the physical facts of what happened and how you felt. Refrain from making statements or claims that you cannot prove in a court of law, especially online or in spaces where others can and will screenshot and share your words. Details about what happened can be placed in a police statement if you choose to involve law enforcement. The decision to ask for an investigation is entirely up to you.
Respect Others’ Boundaries: Avoid telling others’ stories. Some survivors may not be ready to come forward, and it’s crucial to prioritize their protection, even when our stories may be entwined. Consider what’s best for all survivors involved, and respect their timing and boundaries.
Confrontation on Your Terms: Deciding whether or not to confront the person involved is up to you and should be based on your level of risk. If you do choose to confront them, keep it focused on your own experience. Don’t engage in debates if they push back—harmful individuals are often manipulative or deeply in denial. Additionally, there may be conditions you aren't aware of which can increase your risk of further harm.
Image Removal and Accountability: If you’ve signed a contract with a clause concerning image rights, you can ask the photographer to delete or return your images. This is legally enforceable. If no contract exists, you can still request the images, though compliance is at the photographer’s discretion. Moving forward, always work with trusted individuals and ensure a contract is in place to help avoid these situations.
Connect with Other Survivors: Consider reaching out to others. When I connected with the models who had worked with the same photographer, many of us shared similar discomfort and harm. Solidarity with others can be empowering and healing. Sometimes collective action can hold the person accountable, but even without that, building a community of survivors can be incredibly empowering and healing.
Prepare for Mixed Reactions: You cannot control how others will respond to your statements. Some may be defensive or attack you. This can affect your willingness to speak out, and that’s okay. Stick to the facts and avoid engaging in debates. It’s important to alert the community to harmful individuals in a straightforward and fact-based manner. If the response becomes overwhelming, consider turning off comments, making your account private, or blocking people. You can ask for respectful dialogue and bring awareness, but beyond that, the extent of your power as an individual may be limited.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES OF RESPONSES

Accountability, a Live Video by @jewel_thegem. TW: SA

Advice on speaking out publicly online

Feelings after posting about harm online

Abuse is the abuser's issue, not the victim's. The root causes of harmful behavior must be addressed in the abuser's life to stop the harm. Our current system treats abuse as the victim’s problem--focusing on dealing with its effects rather than its cause. However, through restorative justice and collective healing, we can work toward a future where prevention and healing are prioritized, and harm is addressed at its source.

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