Escorts are, of course, optional, but welcome at all of my shoots. However, if you're under 18, you must bring one of your parents, or an older female model with you, to act as a guardian. Your parent or guardian must sign a model release form for you.

I encourage any model working with a photographer for the first time to bring an escort to their photo shoot. Please be aware that most beginning and many advanced models have issues being comfortable posing for photographers in front of their boyfriends and relatives.

If you are just starting out, I suggest that after an introductory period and you and your escort are both confident that the photographer is reputable, that the escort leave (or at least monitor the shoot from a distance) for a period of time to allow the model to feel less self-conscious while getting used to shooting.

When working with any photographer for the first time, I'd suggest making a point of always having your cell phone handy, and to check in with someone you know at least once during a shoot to let them know you're ok. Also make sure that someone you know knows where you will be and that they should expect to hear from you at a certain time. They should also have the number (and address, if possible) of the photographer you are working with. Again, this is just for general safety.