Well, this is one of the more disgusting photography-related bits of news I’ve heard lately. A Melbourne, Australia based photographer has been called out online after a photo was shared online of his “Consent and Release Form” which includes a “sexual arousal” clause and an agreement for “comfortable” models to “participate in sexual activity”. It is claimed that this is the contact he presents to models, which they must sign in order for a shoot to happen. Yes, I’m going to get opinionated in this one. Sorry, not sorry.
The first couple of paragraphs of the contract seem quite standard. The first is somewhat obscured and difficult to read in the photograph, but essentially seems to say that the photographer owns the rights to the images, while the second is the model release…
After that, though, is where things get extremely shady. And then it the contract is cropped by the bottom of the image. According to the Daily Mail, at least one model that spoke to them was approached on social media by this photographer attempting to procure their services as a model. After declining and ultimately blocking him, she says that he attempted to pursue her on other social media platforms instead. The photograph of the contract was shared to social media to, not surprisingly, some outrage in the comments. Some screenshots of the comments have been posted to Instagram, where he claims that he “[hasn’t] used that form in months”. The fact that he ever used it at all is still pretty sick, in my opinion.
The Daily Mail also reports that the “photographer” in question (I put that word in quotes because I’ve looked at his “work”) has declined to respond to their request for comment and is seeking legal advice. They also say that his social media sites have been shut down since his contract was posted online, however at least one is still currently active. I checked. Photographers: DO NOT put things like this in your contract. If I have to explain why you shouldn’t put things like this in your contract, then you’re just extra special and you should sell all your cameras and equipment and find a new hobby that doesn’t involve having to deal with other people. Models and potential clients: If you are presented with contracts containing clauses like these, RUN! This is absolutely not normal and not standard practice amongst any industry in any part of the world. Don’t let anybody try to convince you that it is. [Daily Mail via PetaPixel]
