How do approach talents for sensitive photography projects

[RudyPicardo]

To forum moderators - I am aware that this post may be on the wrong forum. Please accept my sincere apologies if I am incorrect.

This is my first post and was hoping I could learn from you experts.

 

I am an instructional designer for a small non-profit organization. We help create training materials in the field of geriatrics. So in english, our products are used to help train med students and nurses how to take care of the elderly. Whenever our projects require video, photography, or hiring talents, I'm usually one of the first people to talk to.

 

I've recently been given a project which we'll need to ask potential talents to pose as clinical patients. Although it could be easier to ask younger talents to pose as patients, asking older adults is much more difficult. I'll be working with someone who understands the language of making contracts. In addition, I'd like to know if there are any procedures or tips that you can give me to help approach potential talents when filming sensitive content.

If you need an example, I've provided a sample image of how I plan use any photographs them. In this image the program allows the user to conduct a "virtual physical exam". The user will click on the type of exam, and the location of where they plan to do the exam. When doing so the image shown will usually show nothing worth mentioning. However, in some cases bruises, lesions, or anything worth of note may be shown. These visual indicators will help the learner make decisions regarding lab tests, diagnoses, and treatment. So where I'm having trouble is the fact that I may need our clients to be posing in nothing but undergarments and potentially nude, which I think is a sensitive subject for everyone.

 

I'd like to present a document to them that explains what I'd need from a talent, but could use help in the specific language I should use. As of right now I estimate 20-30 locations to photograph. And I know that so far that my client won't need to photograph "sensitive" areas, but would like to hear suggestions if I ever need to ask that person via contract or e-mail. However, I still may need the photograph talent in their underwear, which is a concern of mine; I don't know how present that.

 

I realize that for my first post, its a bit awkward and subject to suspicion and potential ridicule. But I am serious about my concerns. And want to learn from serious people who want to help.

 

My time is up.

I thank you for yours.

Edited March 26, 2008 by RudyPicardo

[Kevin Zanit]

If I am understanding correctly, all you need are models that are comfortable/ willing to do nude or almost nude work. Not a real big deal to find (at least in LA).

 

Just be upfront with what you are going to need from them and all should be fine.

 

Or, am I not understanding, and you need to approach patients about photographing them. For example, you want to illustrate a skin lesion on their right shoulder, so you find a patient who has one and then photograph it with their permission? Or would the lesion be simulated on a model with makeup?

 

A website called http://onemodelplace.com/ has a listing of all sorts of models, from fashion to porn, with a specific breakdown of what they are willing to do in their profile on the site.

 

Kevin Zanit

[RudyPicardo]

Kevin

 

Thanks for the quick reply. One of the reasons why I'm having problems is that I will be taking nude or almost nude photographs. The other issue is that I'll need photographs of people who can pass off as being 65-80 years old. I live in Miami, so I'm pretty sure finding young people to pose nude isn't an issue. Being in South Flordia, I'm not concerned about finding elderly people. But I am concerned about finding older people who are willing to pose nude or mostly nude AND what's the best way to approach them

 

I can just say, "the photographs are for educational purposes and will be used to simulate clinical settings" but is that good enough? Is there additional information I can give prospective talents?

 

This project is still in its initial planning stages. So here's what I know:

1) We prefer finding volunteers rather than hiring talents

So its possible that I may be cold-calling nursing homes and approaching directors or community relations managers). So I'm trying to learn how to approach someone via phone or e-mail so I sound like a professional, rather than saying "we need volunteers to pose nude". On a side note, I wanted to say that I prefer hiring talents instead of finding volunteers for anything this serious. I will be presenting my concerns about hiring professionals to do professional work.

 

2) We prefer using talents that do NOT have any medical issues related to the project

So most likely we'd hire a make-up artist to add any lesions or bruises that I may need. We have a regular make-up artist, so I'm not too concerned about this part.

 

3) If we look for talents, should those posing nude be paid more?

I guess this could apply for volunteers as well. I am not too familiar with SAG, but know of its web-site. So I'm sure if I did a search there, I believe I could find out how much a standard rate is. But I don't know if special considerations should receive additional pay.

 

4) Obviously we'll need a model release form.

I have a document for our usual release forms, but this is for videos/audio recording/photographs with people wearing clothing. Should the language of the form be changed/altered if we're dealing with nude photography?

 

 

Kevin I wanted to thank you for taking the time to post. I know I may sound ignorant, but I am trying to do the right thing.

Edited March 26, 2008 by RudyPicardo

[Brad Grimmett]

I can just say, "the photographs are for educational purposes and will be used to simulate clinical settings" but is that good enough? Is there additional information I can give prospective talents?

That should be fine. If they have any questions just answer them honestly. They'll either say yes or no. I don't think it's that controversial.

 

By the way, this is the wrong forum to post this question. Honestly, a producers forum would probably be a better place.

 

Good luck.

[RudyPicardo]

By the way, this is the wrong forum to post this question. Honestly, a producers forum would probably be a better place.

Mr. Grimmett, et. al

 

I wanted to apologize again for posting in the wrong area. This thread was my first post and I even stated that I wasn't sure if it was located in the right area. I chose this forum because I wasn't sure if the material I was discussing needed to be handled on the business end. I intend to send e-mails and/or provide written documentation of what I'd be photographing. I wasn't sure if there was a specific business/legal language I should use, which is why I chose to post in this forum.

 

I realize this forum is for professionals. I take any errors I make seriously and will try to post in more proper locations. Would it be possible for any forum moderators to move this thread to a more appropriate section? My sincere thanks in advance.

Edited March 27, 2008 by RudyPicardo

[Brad Grimmett]

No problem Rudy. I think I understand why you posted in this forum. But my point was more about posting that question on a cinematography forum as opposed to a producers forum. I'd think producers would have more helpful suggestions for you than us camera folk. But hey, as long as you get the info you need then I guess it's a moot point.

[Tim Pipher]

a producers forum would probably be a better place.

 

I've been searching for a forum aimed at producers -- any suggestions?

[Brad Grimmett]

I've been searching for a forum aimed at producers -- any suggestions?

Actually, no. I kind of assumed there would be such a place, but it wouldn't surprise me that producers are less excited to share knowledge than we are. Although I bet you could have a pretty busy forum if you started such a place.

[Hal Smith]

If I needed to find elderly people willing to pose nude, I'd look around for a retirement home for actors, dancers, and other show people. I suspect they wouldn't be quite as uptight as the average person. Also, is there a retirement home for circus performers around Sarasota?

[John Sprung]

You might try:

 

www.aanr.com

 

 

 

-- J.S.