Here's an idea for anyone unsure of a photographer

[Daz Savage]

I know this is a funny old subject (my solution as well as the problem) but here's a thought.

Suppose someone is a new producer/photographer and can't very well provide great references and show off a successful website, what are they to do?

Why not accept chaperones as standard accessories for all models working with anyone who doesn't have gilt-edged refs?

I know the very idea of a chaperone pisses most people off but as long as it can be agreed that the person is out of the room/building and does not interfere with the shoot then what's the problem.
And before people who are experienced and fully ref'd complain about this idea - it wouldn't affect you because you have the very refs that models need.

If it was a choice between allowing a chaperone or not getting a model then I would allow a chaperone. Simple as that.

Yes, there are other issues like expenses and availability of mates to pop along to a shoot but since chaperones are generally not acceptable to pro's, the idea doesn't seem to ever crop up as a solution to working with amateurs or wannabe-pro's.
And because it doesn't crop up nobody will have thought about the possibilities of it.

Take a recent shoot that went wrong for a model who will remain nameless but included a guy who ran off without paying after a shoot that was not a shoot.
The mere suggestion of a chaperone would have made him think twice and although he seemed to have provided refs, it is obvious that any simple check would have proved them to be at least inadequate and so a chaperone could have been suggested.

[Holly D]

I always bring a chaperone to all of my shoots. I have only ever had a few people have a problem with this and the result was me not going ahead with the shoot. Having a chaperone there should cause anyone a problem, they dont necessarily have to even sit in on the shoot and can be just waiting in the next room. Having a chaperone there isnt just good idea for the shoot as 99% of the time im shooting with people I already know so know theres nothing to worry about but as I dont drive, I can end up travelling home on public transport quite late if the shoot have over ran which they often do.

[paul jones]

The solution is actually simple.

New people should shoot in "for hire" studios. Safe and secure. Studio owner/staff are in effect chaperones.

The model can phone the studio to confirm studio booked.

After the togs has built up refs, can then move to other locations.

[31charlie]

I'm a Professional Producer of several years and I don't have any problems with people bringing chaperones - but I would only pay one lot of travel expenses. If the model wants to bring someone with her then she has to pay for that out of her fee - I will pay her fee and her travel and that's it. But in terms of the principle of having a chaperone with her, I don't see any reasons why this shouldn't be acceptable. After all, the chaperone won't be in the same room when you are shooting so it won't really affect the shoot at all.

[Daz Savage]

Yep, sounds like another workable plan.
Although for the model's sake she can't beat being with someone she trusts and actually knows.

[Daz Savage]

It sounds like reliable professionals don't mind chaperones after all.
So why don't more girls use them?
The expenses issue is not going to be so much of a problem for those that drive anyway.