Bogus photographer arrested for coercing sexual favours

Ladies, please be extra careful:

Source: CNA
Posted: 03 February 2010 2300 hrs

SINGAPORE : Police have arrested a 35-year-old man who posed as a professional photographer to coerce young female victims into giving in to his sexual demands and giving him money.

Since November, two such cases were reported. In these cases, the suspect had befriended two 20-year-old female victims online and led them to believe that he would pay them for modelling assignments.

When the suspect met the victims, he would request for them to undress and pose in revealing photo shoots.

At the end of the photo-shoot, the suspect would renege on his promise to pay the victims or assist them in securing modelling assignments.

He would also threaten to post compromising photos of the victim on the Internet if the victims did not give in to his sexual demands or give him money.

The culprit had remained elusive and could not be easily traced. However, through protracted enquiries and investigative follow-up, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division managed to arrest the culprit at Kitchener Road on Tuesday.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect could be involved in more cases. Police are urging his victims to lodge a police report if they have not done so.

The suspect will be charged in court on Thursday for Cheating and Criminal Intimidation under the Penal Code. A court order will be sought to remand him for further investigations. - CNA /ls

TFCD and Model Release Contract

What is a model release contract?

In short, a model release is a form of legal document that assigns the right to the photograph.

Any published image that is for commercial use except for most editorial work must have a signed model release before it can be published. Your photographer will most probably ask you to sign a model release either before or after the photoshoot.

When is a model release necessary?

So, when are you required to sign a release?

Anytime you are being paid for your modeling services no matter if the payment is in money or you are trading your talents for photographer services (TFCD) You will probably be asked to sign a model release. As a professional model the release will become a fact of life to you.

You should ask your photographer some simple questions before signing a model release but the main one is ...

How will my images be used?

There are many reasons photographers need model pictures including ...

* To display in his/her portfolio
* To display on an online portfolio
* To sell to magazines or newspapers for editorial usage
* To sell to stock images companies
* To use for clients in advertising situations (i.e product advertisement)

Many of these questions about usage will be answered when you apply to work with the photographer but if not, it's a good idea to find out the intent.

What is a TFCD contract?
Very often, model release only protects the photographer. How about us models?

When working with a photographer that you are unfamiliar with, I will strongly encourage you to get a TFCD contract signed prior the shoot.

Why is a TFCD contract necessary?

Imagine the following scenario:

* Big watermarks across all images returned
* No high resolution images are returned
* Only 1 or 2 images are returned for a 3 hours (or more) photoshoot session
* All returned images are UNPROCESSED.... (What the....)

A TFCD contract actually protects you from the above mentioned scenarios.

The list actually goes on and on. Both the photographer and the model put in heaps of effort to make the shoot work and I believe both parties deserve fair treatment.

I want to like to also express that I am not an attorney and have no intention of giving you legal advice about the state and international laws surrounding TFCD and model releases. I'm attaching and sharing a copy of the TFCD and model release contract that I personally will use when necessary. Do let me know if you have any comments or good updates that you recommend!

TFCD and model release contract

Suspicious Modeling Advertisments

I did a quick research of modeling related advertisements on newpaper.

Top ad, definitely an escort company. I'm sure they will try all ways to make all models to become escorts. Look at their website: "We are a local escort agency"



Bottom left ad, NEW FACE MODELS. I tried googling the email, vmc_new@live.com and there arn't any relevant results. Even if it's an agency, high chance that they will scam you for a small fortune to "build" a portfolio for you.

At all cost, AVOID!

What NOT to do - Melissa Faith Yeo

Melissa is already a pretty successful model. She's the model who danced in a red flowing dress for Fujifilm tv advertisment. It's a very outstanding advertisement. She made local news again after blogging her Thailand boob job journey.

I certainly hope she's not giving the wrong message to everyone that to be a successful model, you will need a boob job. And she went to Thailand for such a major operation. As reported, her surgery cost $3,726. I did a quick google search and found out that the prices for Singapore clinics can easily be double or triple that amount! I'm not too sure about the medical technology in Thailand as compared to Singapore. But I urge everyone to do comprehensive research before deciding on any forms of surgery overseas.

As plastic surgery integrates gradually into our lifestyle, acceptance level are also getting higher. However, I do NOT encourage anyone to go for any form of surgery just because you want to be a model or to increase your chances of becoming one. Of course, the final choice is still yours. Just remember to do sufficient homework before allowing someone to cut you up.

Extracted from an article from Divaasia.com,

Photographer Wong, 48, says that the X factor is crucial. 'A top model has to have something that compels people to look at her. You either have it or you don't. A top model is born, not made.'

Fashion show producer Daniel Boey, 44, calls it charisma. 'Even if you are tall and gorgeous, if you don't have personality and you photograph completely flat - you are out.'

I have to agree with the experts. One photographer friend told me the same thing. There's TONS of pretty women all over. But to find one with X factor and charisma, it's not easy.

Repeating what Photographer Wong mentioned:

You either have it or you don't. A top model is born, not made.

Want to be a bikini model? Think twice!

Source: The Sunday Times

I've dig up an old article to act as reminders for all inspiring models.

A group of photographers taking pictures of student in Sentosa. A new model can earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers.
-- ST PHOTO: SAMUEL HE

THE pay could be as little as $15 an hour for a two-hour photoshoot. *Note: I have heard of scams that the organizer did not pay a single cent to models and told them it's a learning experience for them.....! Bastards*

But there is no shortage of women agreeing to pose - sometimes in lingerie or bikini - for mostly male photography buffs, say organisers.

The 'models' are mostly teens, fresh-faced and eager to build up their portfolios. Some even agree to pose for free.

Indeed, a community of at least 30 active models has sprouted over the past year. They take part in weekend photoshoots advertised mainly on online photography forum Clubsnap.

The outings range from outdoors fashion shoots to those where the models pose in bikinis on Sentosa's beaches or in lingerie in studios and hotel rooms.

A new model can, on average, earn about $30 an hour for a two-hour shoot with a group of four to 12 photographers. More seasoned ones can get $200 an hour. *Simple maths: The organizers charge $18-$250 each for a two hour shoot.

Average of 6 photographers of $100 dollars each will be $600 bucks revenue. If the organizer pays the model $100 an hour, he/she will have a net profit of $400 if there's not stylist or mua involved. Easy money isn't it?

The model poses like shit, organizer stay in the shade and "lim kopi". If your main objective in modeling is earning money, don't be so dumb to be a model.

Some girls waive the fee in exchange for a CD of the photos from the photographer.*Dumb dumb really dumb.... Read on and you will know why it's really a wrong move*

On any given weekend, there are six to 10 photoshoots advertised on Clubsnap, and others which are held privately. Amateur and hobbyist photographers, mostly males aged between 18 and 60, are charged $18 to $250 each.

As many as three models are hired for each shoot, ensuring a 4:1 or 6:1 photographer-to-model ratio that is rated ideal. Private one-on-one photo sessions can be arranged by paying a little more.

Mr Mike Tan, 35, a professional photographer who has been organising shoots for the past eight years, said the models are getting younger. 'In the old days, they would be about 18 to 25, now they are usually 14 to 22.'

Why do I say its a dumb move?

Posing for lingerie or nude shoots has ripple impact FOREVER! You will not have total control of how your photos will be distributed online.

Most modelling agencies will not sign on models who have posed in lingerie or in the nude as clients do not want such models to endorse their products. Tasteful lingerie pictures are ok but nude photos are a big NONO!

Should you wish to take part in beauty pageants later, such photos could surface and hurt your image.

Shady model agency refuses to return $250 deposit

Shady model agency refuses to return $250 deposit for my portfolio
Source: STOMP

A STOMPer tried to get his $250 deposit back from a modeling agency after he paid the owner to get his portfolio done, but was unable to do so.

The agency owner had refused his claim, as the former had stamped the words 'NON-REFUNDABLE' on the receipt after the NETS transaction was approved.

The STOMPer had wanted his money back as he felt the operations were suspect; he was made to have his test shots taken without being made-up. Worse, he discovered that the owner of the agency had four other companies listed in his name, where one was a debt collection company.

Recounted the STOMPer, in the email sent:

"I saw an advertisement in the newspaper, looking for fresh faces for modeling assignments. I went to the agency and it is a very small and run-down company with only two staff.

"A middle-aged man interviewed me and commented that I have the perfect look for his modeling assignments and wanted me to take up a portfolio of S$1,000/- before he can coordinate assignments for me.

"I paid a deposit of S$250 for the portfolio and was issued a receipt after fixing a photo shoot date for my portfolio. The man stamped on the receipt that indicated a non-refundable deposit policy ONLY AFTER the NETS transaction is approved.

"I was not informed about the non-refundable policy before my payment nor even during the interview. The worse part is, the non-refundable policy information is not even imprinted on the receipt!

"He then proceeded to take 10 over shots of me. He claimed that those are just test shots and will be offered to me for free. The shots are taken without any makeup and hairdo. It was raining on that day and I have to take the test shots despite the fact that I was drenched. This appeared absurd to me as it is totally unprofessional of a modeling agency to do that."

The sender then decided to conduct a check on his own about the company as he discovered the receipt given to him bore a different name from that which he had gone to after he left the agency.

"I was shocked to realise that both were owned by the same and that he has a total of 5 registered companies under his name. One of the agencies is even registered as a debt collection service company.

"On that same day, I wanted to withdraw my application with the agency and wanted a refund of my S$250. He refused. I felt cheated and proceed to bring the case to court.

"The owner not only refused the $250 refund, but also demanded that I paid up the balance of $750/- as he has developed my test shots out in over 40 prints. He claimed that those pictures are my portfolio pictures and since they are developed out in prints, I have to compensate him for that.

"This is totally ridiculous! Initially, I was told that those are only test shots offered to me for free and now he claimed them to be my portfolio pictures! I have no choice but to feel that the whole incident is after all a scam.

"I heard news about the modeling industry and that I fully understand the necessity of a model's portfolio in order for the model agent to procure modeling assignments for the model. It is however, important for me to invest my portfolio in a credible agency.

"I paid a price to learn my experience and I hope that you can report my case to the public so as to prevent more people from falling into the same situation and victimised."

Photographer to Avoid - Devine Vaughn

Personally I hold no personal gauges against Devine. However, I will like to highlight to all aspiring models about this particular photographer.

Back in October 2008:

Subject: Photoshoot Collaboration PRINT

Devine Vaughn 10/23/08 10:29 AM

Greetings, I am Devine here, a freelance/hobbyist fashion photographer with more than 4 years of experience doing sensual & glamour themes. I came across your profile in ModelMayhem and would like to work with you. I am hoping we can collaborate for a shoot to produce great photos. Here's what I am proposing: Theme: Fashion Glamour, Sensual Bikini/Lingerie Location: Studio Duration: 1.5- 2hours Nature of Shoot: TFCD with photos back in a CD (negotiable) Outfits: to be confirmed via discussion My portfolio is private but is available for viewing upon request. Do add me in MSN at sfs.models@gmail.com for viewing of portfolio. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards, Devine

He specified fashion glamor... But if you look at his portfolio, almost everything is in lingerie! Within his portfolio, there are amazing models that I know personally. But seriously, I'm not particularly impressed with his photos as it does not maximize the models capabilities in his so call "Sensual Bikini/Lingerie"theme. If you are interested to do a lingerie theme, I strongly DISCOURAGE you to approach Devine or respond to him. I've even heard rumors that he's touchy towards models. Don't quote me on this, I have no evidence as I'm not a victim, that's why it remains as rumor.

On his portfolio,


Note in point 1) Please only send in your application if you are able to do bikini/lingerie/implied nude themes.

In his first mail, I didn't respond as I do not do lingerie shoots as stated in my MM profile.

And it's not the end yet.... He sent an email to my modeling email:

photoshoot collaboration?

...

Wednesday, 16 September 2009 4:58:55

From:	Devine Vaughn ... Add to Contacts
To:	novia@novialim.com

---

Hi Novia,

I came across your profile on ModelMayhem, and would very much like to work out a shoot with you. I am a lingerie photographer by trade, and thus, would like to check if you are able to try out a lingerie studio shoot. I understand you did indicate your restrictions regarding lingerie shoots, but I also happen to notice you did a few shots on your MM which fall outside your restrictions, which leads me to conclude that you might make an exception for talented photographers. I am hoping I might stand a chance, however self-deluded that might sounds. =)

This is my MM profile: http://www.modelmayhem.com/808685

I do not do solely TFCDs.

What I am actually offering is:

1) Paying the Model: Paid shoot at a discounted/low rate with some photos given back to you for portfolio/keepsake. The number of photos given to you will determine the rate for the shoot, subject to more detailed discussion.

2) Paying the Model: Paid shoot at un-discounted rate, but NO photos given back to you.

3) Paying the Photographer: ALL photos given back in a CD to you, at a rate determined by me.

We can discuss this more in detail via MSN if you are interested. do drop me your MSN email.

Hope to hear from you soon. =)

Regards,

Devine

Erm.... Pardon me, what's a lingerie photographer by trade??? Didn't he identify himself as a fashion photographer a year ago? Does he even shoots for any lingerie brands? I seriously doubt so with his current photo quality. He even offers to pay models for such shoots... Even if you want to earn some extra bucks, please please please avoid him. His photos will tarnish your portfolio in my humble opinion.