Adversity falls short of the urgency with which I share these words. I am hopeful that it is enough to grab your attention for at least a few moments. Long enough to read these words, anyway. In this context, I mean those scenarios in which your modeling career introduces you to potentially dangerous people.
Be Aware of Adversity
Stories are unfortunately plentiful when it comes to models and photographers facing adversity. It doesn’t take long for the tales of inappropriate or illegal behaviors to work there way through the grapevine. As they say, “Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” This is an admonition to not put too much trust into your own, personal experience. Plug into the wider network of talent and ask questions. If someone has a reputation, you will likely find out about it.
Expect Adversity
Another old saying is that, “luck favors the prepared.” You may love your dog, but if you aren’t careful, you can still be bit. It doesn’t matter if it was intentional or not. It will hurt. So, you are careful enough to make sure you still have fingers when the dog snaps food out of your hand. It is such a simple thing that we don’t really think about it. When working a shoot remember this: The other talent is never as loyal as your dog.
Allow For Advice
You didn’t listen to your friends when they tried to warn about the guy who eventually ripped your heart in two. Remember when your network said you would likely never get your images back? Maybe listen to them more closely when they say you need an escort when you shoot with a certain photographer. Allow your friends and your network to share their point of view.
Adversity happens. Put the odds in your favor by asking questions and keeping yourself out of awkward situations. It is as easy as making sure a single person you trust is aware of what you are doing, where you are, and who you are with. No, it will not guarantee your safety, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
