Generally, err on the side of caution: Models are very sensitive to (and familiar with) people who are polite by day but “on the make” (looking for sex from the model) by night.
Our advice is to not meet up with models outside of shoots – it’s too risky. However, we also acknowledge that bonding over a beer after a hard day’s work is a reasonable thing for workmates to do.
Consider what can be done to make the meet up seem professional, not personal.
- Select a place that you’d meet a work colleague in
- Not one designed for “intimate lovers”
- A meal and a drink, perhaps a pub or local informal restaurant
- Don’t do it on Feb 14th (Valentine’s Day)
- Don’t bring flowers, or do / say “first date” things
- Don’t schedule an activity like bowling or an art gallery
- Make it clear beforehand you’re “going Dutch” (each paying your own way)
- Not that you’re “taking her out for dinner”
- Never have more than two alcoholic drinks, and leave if the model is drinking more
- Only do it once per model shoot block
If you encounter a model you have worked with in the “real world” consider that she may prefer not to be recognised – perhaps her family is with her, or a friend she’d prefer to keep the sex work she has done secret from. Leave it to the model to make the first move – if she does, it’s fine to engage with her as you see fit.
It’s ok to become friends on Social Media, if the model initiates it. It is not appropriate to ask her to “friend” you, or to ask for her handle to follow her
Wait for her to take the lead. Many models just like to collect photographer contacts for when they want to fish for work – it is not always a sign they want an actual friendship!