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

5 Steps to Becoming a Model

Want to be a part of the glamorous and sexy modeling industry? Let's start with identifying the competitive and complex insides of this industry with some realistic tips.
Step 1: Understanding the Type of Model You Are Fashion Model A fashion model is a model that is often hired to promote apparel and clothing. The most typical type of fashion model is a runway model who works in a fashion show. Requirements for a fashion model include: Height requirement: Female 170cm / Male 180cm Meet specific clothing size measurements and long legs are preferred
Event / Promotional Model An event model works at either a convention or a trade show. In Singapore, this is the most common type of model. They are often seen in car shows, IT shows and all types of roadshows. Requirements for an event model includes: Pleasant looking Meet specific characteristics requirements to demonstrate a product. (e.g., Fair skin for skin whitening products, long hair for hair products)
Face / Print Model A print model is hired to model a specific product for photographs found in magazines, newspapers and all other forms of advertisements. To be a successful commercial print model, there may not be any specific requirements. However, you must be comfortable providing a variety of looks, emotions or body postures during a photo shoot.
Specialty / Body Parts Model A specialty model only models a part of his or her body (e.g., hands, legs, torso, neck, hair or feet.) Such models are often used in photo shoots for products such as jewelry, watches and shoes. Requirements for a specialty model include: Flawless body parts. No scars, blemishes or wrinkles on specific body parts to be modeled.
Step 2: Building Your Portfolio As a model, you need to promote yourself. You will need professional photographs of yourself to start off your portfolio. You can either engage a professional photographer or collaborate with photographers on a TFCD basis. TFCD / TFP, (Time For CD / Time for Print) is a collaboration between a model and a photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or prints of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time. You can join websites like clubsnap.com or modelmayhem.com to network with hobbyist, freelance or even professional photographers to collaborate for a TFCD photo shoot. Guidelines to Building Your Portfolio Always use a professional photographer. Make sure you screen the photographer's portfolio before agreeing to a photo shoot. If you do not like what you see, often you will not get something you like. Never work with only one photographer. It will be best to work with several photographers to gather a variety of style for your portfolio. Use only the best photos. Do not include all your photos with similar poses and backgrounds in your portfolio. Use a variety of pictures, including different angles, body postures, profiles, hair styles and expressions. Dare to be different!
Step 3: Do Your Homework Do not expect modeling jobs to land on of your doorsteps. The modeling industry can be extremely competitive and bitchy. It might appear glamorous and breezy to be a model, but the actual fact is that a lot of research is required and there can be many pitfalls. Modeling Agencies Research reputable modeling agencies. One reputable resource is the Association of Modelling Industry Professionals (AMIP). In Singapore, we are able to find just a handful of accredited modeling agencies on the AMIP website: http://www.amip.sg/agencies.htm There are several small scale modeling agencies but make sure to do your homework to avoid getting scammed. Black and White You need to study legal documents such as engagement letters, model release forms, talent agreements, etc, to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. Avoid situations where you are tied down exclusively to one agency and the agency is unable to get you any modeling jobs. Monkey See Monkey Do Spend time looking at magazines and modeling websites. The main aim is not to follow exactly what other models do but to learn from them and enhance your own image.
Step 4: Join an Agency It is not mandatory to join any modeling agency. However major modeling jobs are often offered via agencies. Be extremely aware of scam agencies. A prominent example will be a suspicious modeling "scout" who approaches you in MRT stations or Orchard road telling you that they want to engage you as their model. Always do your homework and research modeling agencies, their projects and clientele listing. Avoid any agencies that require you to: Pay upfront fees. May it be signing fees, membership or evaluation fees, a real agency will never require you to pay any money upfront. Paid courses or photo shoots - If the agencies require you to pay for makeup, modeling courses or photo shoots to build up your portfolio. They are more than likely interested in earning your money rather than acting as your agent to get modeling deals. Too good to be true - There's no such things as guaranteed jobs or high initial salary. If the agency sounds suspicious or too good to be true, bail out immediately.
Step 5: Improve Yourself! In modeling, you are the trump card to making an impact! Start looking gorgeous! You will need to start proper grooming and a skin care regimen right away! Eating right and exercising regularly is also highly recommended. Essential skills also include the ability to apply basic makeup, posing comfortably in front of the camera and having reasonable fashion sense. You can also improve yourself by attending courses that teach you how to apply makeup, modeling and how to dress properly. Conclusion Not everybody will emerge to be the next top model especially in countries like Singapore where advertisers still favor Caucasians over Asian models. But never give up, work hard to pursue your dreams and protect yourself on your way to becoming a successful model. Credits: Model : Novia Lim, Welna Yeo, Angela Kiyomi Photographer: Satch, Leng Keong, Jeff Boyle

This article is also publish on The Temasek Review
The Temasek Review is an internet newspaper which aims to provide an independent, balanced and unbiased coverage on socio-political affairs in Singapore.

How to kick start your modeling portfolio II

I first started casting and getting photoshoot requests from multiply.com where there's a big community of photographers, both hobbyists and professionals. It's a really good platform to share pictures and exchange comments. Then I was introduced to another networking site, modelmayhem.com. From then onwards, I realized I have regular shoots and has been shooting for over a year. What keeps me going on? It's really interesting to get to know new people and work with so many talented photographers, makeup artists, stylists and more!

So, what is modelmayhem? In short, we usually refer it as MM.

MM is basically a social networking website or platform where models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists and even designers display their portfolio and interact with each other.

However, I do not recommend you to join MM if you only have low quality or self taken pictures from your mobile phone as there's general requirements to join the site. Don't faint yet, look at the following requirements.

(Extracted from MM)
General Requirements
Bio Requirements
You are asked to provide a short bio as part of your application. Please provide details about your experience, goals, reasons for being on MM, or any other relevant information. Please err on the side of providing more info rather than less. Also, don’t make it sound like a personal ad.

Must Be In A Member Category
Your profile must clearly fit into one of the member categories listed upon sign up.

Here are a few profile types that we are not currently allowing:

* Agencies/managers/recruiters/bookers/scouts/promoters
* Record labels
* Retail outlets
* Web sites
* Online magazines
* Shared, group, or joint profiles

You Must Be You
We do not allow profiles to be set up or managed by people other than the profile owner. Passwords and login information should always be kept private.

You Must Be 16
Members must be 16 years of age or older. Members under 18 are not allowed to display photos that we deem too provocative or revealing. Unless you’re 18 or over you may not display any level of nudity/sheer (that includes “implied” nudity), depictions of bondage or any image that is sexual in nature.

Provide 4 Different Photos (or more!)
At least four different photos are required for all accounts. No duplicates, re-crops, or manipulations of the same image. Members are expected to maintain a minimum of four relevant photos at all times.

Quality Images Required
We want quality images here. Your photos must be judged to be of sufficient quality. This means that you should not submit webcam shots, mirror shots, poorly exposed photos, too grainy, too much compression, arm's-length self portraits, personal snapshots, etc.

Make Your Photos Big Enough But Not Too Big
MM recommends that your photos be 600-800 pixels on the longest side. Anything less than 200x300 pixels or so is typically too small to see. Please note that images wider than 800 pixels will be resized, and images over 600kb will not upload.

No Fakes
We take copyright laws very seriously here. If your photos or profile appear to be the work of someone else, you will be denied. This includes fake tear sheets, advertisements, and magazine covers using existing trademarks.

No Pornography
Pornographic material is not allowed on this site. This includes photos, linking to such sites or networking, or referencing adult work in your bio or portfolio. If you are unclear as to what we deem to be pornography, please see our Site Rules.

Model Requirements

Show Us Your Face
Your portfolio must show your face clearly. Some headless nudes or whatever are cool, but we need to know what you look like.

Show Us All of You
Please include at least 1 full length body shot.

After registration, your account will be approved only after review by administrators.

Yes, it may seem like a big hassle but you need to get over a small hurdle to see the bigger picture. A word of caution, MM consists of a bigger pool of photographers, not everybody is good or absolutely honest. In my next post, I will identify one suspicious photographer who's quite good with persuading models for his shoots.

Meanwhile, stay safe and have fun!

TFCD / TFP part II

To dos and not to dos

Very often I hear complains and compliments from photographer and model friends about good and bad points of both parties.

Let's list down some crucial points for model side:

To dos

• Sleep early! Your eyes can tell tiredness.... If you go out dating or clubbing till 2/3am the night before and your shoot commences at 9am. Your photos will sure lack the energy as your eyes will look fatigue. You can do whatever facial or skin care but that can be fixed easily by photoshop. If your eyes look tired, it's super tough to redraw your eyes in photoshop! I've not seen much photographers that has the effort to do it. Most probably they might just junk the photos.
• Groom yourself. Clean, trimmed eyebrows, proper filed nails (NO flaking nail polish or elaborate nail decoration) and whatever that makes you look neat. Unless you are shooting Tarzan female edition.
  
• Pack your wardrobe ahead. This is a good habit to pack everything before the shoot and not leave till the last minute to prevent missing anything. There's no time for you to go home to take things especially if you are shooting in studio. Every minute cost $.
• Be on time! Nobody likes to wait for others. Especially if you are shooting in studio, you are wasting money for being late.
• Be HONEST! If you are 1.60 meters tall, don't lie saying you are 1.70m. Don't tell photographers your primary school weight. Photographers are not idiots. Also be direct with any tattoos, pimples outbreak, braces.
  

Not to dos

• Do NOT wear flip flops........... Unless you are taking a super casual shoot where flip flops are required. Else NEVER wear flip flops! It makes you look unprofessional and wearing heels has it's benefits as it will automatically makes your body have it's natural curves with solid calves (Of course not heels that's only half inch tall).
• Go without makeup and there's not makeup artist (MUA) provided. Unless you look like an angel, admit it, we are all prettier with makeup on. The camera lens is ruthless and have no compassion to make you pretty automatically and you have to DO IT YOURSELF. Moreover, with a light makeup, your skin will look quite nude on photos. Without makeup? Challenging isn't it? Even plain lipstick will make you look very different. There's no excuse of, I-don't-know-how-to-put-makeup.
• Weird color contact lenses. If you are asian, stick with brown or dark colors will be the safest. It doesn't matter light brown or dark brown but just keep it to a reasonable tone. You can use your amazing rainbow color contacts for other occasions as you do not want to look like an alien in close up photos.
• Don't bring your daddy, mummy, sisters, brothers, boyfriend, ah gong, ah ma or your dog to the shoot. It's a photoshoot, not picnic. If you need to bring someone, obtain permission from photographer first.
  
• Mismatching outfits. You will not wear a office jacket with bermudas right? If you are doing a lingerie shoot, PLEASE wear matching top and bottoms! Else I rather you shoot in your birthday suit...
  

Photo-shooting are not anyhow do anyhow shoot. Hence, do your homework!

TFCD / TFP part I

TFCD / TFP, Time For CD or Time for Print means that it's a collaboration between the model and the photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or print of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time.

So, how and where do you get your first TFCD?

You can either approach photography hobbyist friends or join social networking sites like multiply.com, clubsnap.com or other photography related websites. But first, you will need to have a decent photo to "promote" yourself. You can either set up a multiply account and post recent photos of yourself or post your photos on clubsnap forum to request for a TFCD shoot.

Do not post funny, casual pictures of yourself half drunk clubbing, taking photos in toilet and expect people to respond to your casting. To gather the best response, post your most smashing (in a pretty way) photo.

In your TFCD request, you can identify the theme that you will like to be photographed. The most general term for a normal shoot can be, casual, fashion etc. Very often, TFCD photographers like to shoot theme like sexy, sensual, bikini, lingerie, artistic which means implied nude or even nude. You know, the stuffs we see on magazines, the FHM, hot steaming stuffs...

Do be careful of suspicious requests that requires you to be in bikini, lingerie or nude. Unless you want photos of that genre, it will always be best to avoid such theme in the beginning.

Always communicate! Communication is the best tool to detect scam photographers. Make sure that you get on emails, msn or any type of communication tool to gather more details of the shoot. If you sense anything suspicious, find excuses to drop off from the shoot or request the photographer to sign model releases form before heading down for the shoot. If you are really uncomfortable, request to bring a friend along.

Best of luck!

How to kick start your modeling portfolio

Firstly, I'm not a model but I'm glad I have the opportunity to work with outstanding photographers to build up my portfolio.

From young, I've never inspired to be a professional model as I'm not tall and not exactly beautiful. Through networking and friends, I got to know an amazing group of photographers thru social networking sites and personal recommendations.

So how do you kick start your portfolio?

Forget scams "modeling agencies" that charges you few hundred bucks for a simple portfolio and promises to get assignments for you. Very often the makeup artist(MUA) and photographers DON'T do a good job.

Reputable agencies will not charge you a single cent for photographing your portfolio.

I will personally recommend sourcing for good makeover studios or even portraits photographers.

If you do not know how to do your own makeup, makeover studio might be a better alternative as you will be able to get a decent startup portfolio around $200 bucks with makeup and hair-do inclusive.

If you will want to engage an individual photographer, you can either do your own makeup and hair, or engage a MUA around additional $80.

Personally, I paid for my first photoshoot because I've always wanted professionally taken photos for myself and my favorite photographer happened to have a photoshoot promotion going on.

Next I will introduce TFCD / TFP, Time for Print or Time For CD -

Means that the job is unpaid, and the model will receive a CD or print of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time.

How to Become a Model

A lot of people want to be a model because it's glamorous and sexy. However, it's an extremely competitive and grueling business that will more likely break you than make you. Here are some cold, hard truths about becoming a model, as well as some realistic advice to make it happen.

Steps

1. Realize that there are qualities every model needs to have, depending on the type of model one wishes to become. Generally, any feature indicative of good health is a must--clear skin, a full head of hair, and overall symmetry. Other qualities such as height and weight depend on what you're modeling. Consider working with a fitness trainer, especially someone who has a good reputation and experience with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you'll need your body to look.
   
2. Decide what kind of model you'd like to be. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, do remember that if you don't meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc).
   
   • If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model.
     
   • If you're tall (at the very least 5'7 for editorial & 5'8 for catwalk.) and very skinny but with a small breast size, you can be a catwalk model.
     
   • If you have large breasts but not very wide hips, you can be an underwear model.
     
   • If you don't fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair or hand model.
   • Consider your "look". There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swim suit or lingerie (usually requires the bust to fill out the suits and a very thin waist)...Know what you're equipped with, but also work to pull off other looks.
     
   
   
3. Get some photos done. These don't have to be professional but they should be created for the purpose of showing your ability as a model. Although agencies say they are happy with snapshots, that doesn't mean they want to see an out of focus shot of you out partying with your friends with a little note attached saying that you're the one on the right! As a bare minimum, you will need one headshot and one body shot.
   
   • Get your favorites and take the photos to be printed into 8x10s. Save these in case you are asked to leave a photograph anywhere before you have professional ones done. Don't force these on people or try to hand them out. You'll be better off waiting for the professional shots instead of taking risks with an amateur photo.
     
   • Consider getting the photos professionally done.([2]) Professional photography, even if it is expensive, will give you a better idea of what kind of look you project. You will eventually need these photographs to snag an interview, so think of it as a worthwhile investment!
     
   
   
4. Look up the number of a reputable modeling agency. You can find these in your area phone book or by running a search on the Internet. Make an appointment.
   
5. Be prepared. When you attend your appointment, they might ask you to pull certain faces like laughing, happy, sad, or seductive. Practice in front of a mirror beforehand. It may help to look at pictures of models in magazines to get an idea. Be ready to have a Polaroid close up of your face taken. You really only get one chance for this photo. They'll use this to compare to your headshot. They will ask you to walk and take your measurements, so be prepared for all of that as well. Learn to accept rejection or criticism politely (see Warnings below). Thank the people for their time.
   
6. Be professional. Be polite and always turn up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you.
   
   • Be organized! Models often get called off places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.
     
   • Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist on site for any work you are doing. 99 times out of 100 there will be one, but there may be the odd occasion where you are required to do your own make-up. If there is a make-up artist, then arrive fresh faced.
     
   • Be truthful about your measurements. Don't say you're skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems and you will get found out. Word will get around and you could find yourself without a career!
     
   • Treat modeling like a real job. Girls that don't take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there's a lot of work behind all that glitz and glamour at fashion shows. U HAVE TO BE AT LEAST A SIZE 0 TO A 2. THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE VERY SKIINY AND THIN AND SLIM. SMALL LITTLE BREAST.
     
   
   

Tips

• You may have higher chances to become a model if you have a pretty face. However, this is not a requirement; most models actually look pretty common in matters of facial traits. But you still have to keep in mind that being photogenic, however, is a requirement.
  
• Sign up for acting classes or take acting workshops when the opportunity is available. Pantomime classes are a great tool for models. Any skills you can add to your arsenal will only help your future career.
  
• You can also enter modeling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.
  
• If, for whatever reason, you've decided signing with an agency isn't right for you, you could consider going freelance. But be warned: the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.
  
• Get your parents' permission if you're under the age defined by your country as being an adult.
  
• Some modeling schools are licensed by the Board of Education. However, whether or not they will teach you how to become a model is questionable, and some agencies even say that attending a modeling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn! They are also expensive.
  
• Get a website. It helps spread the word that you're out there and also serves as a place for your adoring fans.
  
• Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don't want to do glamor work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, speak up and don't let people push you past those limits. Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, you may be comfortable doing glamor now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalog work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.
  
• Have a portfolio it helps when bringing to clients. Go to a Go-SE, and go- see the clients
  

Warnings

• Modeling is a tough business. Try not to be discouraged by rejections. Even top models still get rejected for about 70% of everything they are put forward for!
  
• If you become one of the top models like Kate Moss, the people you work for might ask you to take drastic measures to stay a top model. For example, they might ask you to get nose jobs, liposuction, or have breast implants. And lose more weight... The pressure of modeling can cause a lot of long term mental health problems, including eating disorders. Don't be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting all too much. If you just can't handle the pressure, it may be time to start thinking of a new profession. A job isn't worth your health!
  
• Be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The majority of agencies get their money through commission- meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do. If you don't work, then they don't get paid. If you've already paid up, there's no incentive for them to find you work. However, don't dismiss everybody who asks you for up-front fees as a scam. If you are sure that they are an agency, listen carefully to what they are asking for the fees for. Bigger agencies in bigger markets will often pay for these for you or at least loan you the money but smaller agencies or agencies in smaller markets can't afford to do this. If the fees are to cover actual representation, this probably isn't a good deal. Although there are some good agencies out there who work on this basis, the majority are nothing more than con artists. Find models who they represent, get in touch with them and ask them what they think of the representation they are getting.
  
• If you are invited to a foreign country (i.e. Hong Kong, Macau etc.) for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one way tickets then trap young girls into prostitution rings when they cannot afford to go back home.
  
• If you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is highly recommended that you bring a chaperone to the shoot. It's for your own safety, as you never know who is who online! If you can't bring a chaperone (because you are unable to find one or because the photographer doesn't allow chaperones), make sure you do a background search on the photographer first- check out things such as who they have worked with and for - and call somebody when you get to the shoot and when you leave the shoot.
  
• Almost all agencies will ask you to fill out a contract. Be sure to read through it thoroughly and make sure you know what every word means, even use a dictionary if you have to! Better know what you are signing for before you accept.
  

Article provided by wikiHow.

Authors

Jenny, Wpendy, Krystle C., Anonymous, Puppie_luver, Elyne, Janjie, Scarlet.pirateand others