15 year old wants me to photograph her in lingerie?

Question

I am an amateur photographer trying to get started in portrait and glamour photography. A 15 year old girl wants me to photograph her and she wants some lingerie shots. I'm not sure if I should do it or not. I know I will get her parents' signature allowing me to photograph her and to be able to use the photos in my portfolio, but even if the parents allow her to be photographed in lingerie, I'm still not sure I should. What is your opinion? What would you do? (Hoping to hear from photographers that have similar experiences.) Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't have a similar experience but I have worked as a subject. My opinion is to trust yourself. You are concerned because you know it's not the best thing. You can build your portfolio in numerous other ways that are more sound. These photographs might actually hurt your portfolio, no matter how tasteful they seem. If you're looking to show some edge or riskiness in your work, find another avenue. You could probably help out the family by suggesting some local, reputable modeling agencies. If you're interested in working with teens then I would say focus on portraiture or clothed subjects. Also, it shouldn't be hard to find legal adults to shoot if lingerie, swimwear, etc. is something you wish to include.

Answer 2

Excellent dude...! If you're under 18 go for it!

If not - then you probably don't want to do the lingerie part.
There can always be some silly county or city law - that might nab ya.

However, if they let you keep the camera, you can take lingerie shots of your new roommate - "Big Charlie".
The good news is, that you'll be famous when you get out in 10-15 - as the photographer best able to take close-up portraits over his shoulder without looking through the viewfinder.

Answer 3

I have no experience of such and wouldn't want any, My advice (as a sensible human being and retired lawyer) is don't get involved. Wait until the girl has attained her majority. The fact that her parents may have given their consent is not, in my opinion, worth very much - there have been cases her in the UK of people being reported to the police by photo processors for taking photos of their own kids which were considered to be a little risqué.

Answer 4

I would not do that shoot, especially if you are in the USA. There is a lot of pedofile phobia going on and doing such a shoot could hurt your reputation if the girl shows the pics to her school mates. A photog in the Birmingham Alabama area has recently been charged with child porn for making lingerie type photos of underage girls whose parents gave consent. I think he was pushing the limit in what he was doing but all it takes is one district attorney looking to make a name for himself to cause you more trouble than any shoot would be worth.

I have done some photo shoots with some 16 year olds but avoid even doing swimsuit work with them.

Answer 5

No problem, just make sure you get a pre-fitting for that orange jumpsuit. You could probably get better advice from contacts that you can find here http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/registry.htm
If you go ahead with the job your listing will probably be added to this list( for good reason.) If it smells like s**t, tastes like s**t, then it probably is s**t. Don't step in it...

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I don't have a similar experience in this, but I would not do it.

I'm surprised her parents would even consent to this. Just turn down this job.

Answer 8

if the photo lab you use thinks its child pornography they will automatically call the police dude. i've seen it done while i worked at a camera store.

besides thats just morally gross!

Answer 9

Two words: Jail Bait. She is a minor, Einstein, what do you think? Rhetorical.

Answer 10

i wouldnt dude.
as she's under 16 she's allowed to get you done for it.
she could be a crazy betch or something...
tell her to do it herself.
goddd lazy or what! lol
xxxx