*Illustration only
The very first time I started my path as a photographer, I found a lot of connections in the model industry. Since it seems to be the fastest one to get my name out there, I decided to try it.
The model industry is very unique, I seem to find a lot of people from different area. One time I met magicians and some other time I met dancers, there's a lot of professions and we labeled them as 'Talent'. The model agency I get into the first time is more like a community, I started by taking photos of their runaway session and some of their events.
Everything is great, too great I say. Until someday, one of the photographer contact me to help him do his photo project in a private villa, without any hesitation I said yes. I went to this villa in Ubud area, and get everything set up, lighting, camera and all that. My job is to only hold the reflector or the light, but at this point I'm starting to question myself, who or what am I reflecting the light too?
After waiting for 15 minutes, the model came. She wears a black tank top and a jeans, hot pant, typical. My friend came in and introduce us, she's about my age, around 17 or 18 I think, she said that she just finished high school and want to get in the model industry.
She just strip. Right there in front of my eyes, without feeling shy and all. I am starting to feel suspicious if she really is a new model. So we carry on with the session for around 15 minutes only. I grab a towel for her and she took it. I tried my best not to look at her, it just feels weird seeing someone so reluctantly take off all their clothes in front of two male stranger.
As soon as I took all my things with me, my friend gives me my payment, 500.000 rupiah. Huge money back than for me since I am starting from nothing. I take it and he asked me if I want some more, "It's enough. " I said, he stopped me and shook his head, and tilting his head toward the model. I was confused, until I realize what he meant. I am nervous as the devil flies over my head, but I refuse the offer. No kidding, totally refuse it. I told him that, I am in a serious relationship and I don't want to ruin it. He nods his head and smiled at me and then showed me the way out.
Around two months after that, I met the girl again in another model agency. We talked about a lot of things, models, photographer, techniques, and other stuff. I asked her about my friend if everything is fine between them. She started this long talk on how my friend trick her into doing a nude photo shoot. He told her that she will be a huge model once he finished editing the photo. But instead all the fame and popularity she wants, she keeps getting another nude photo session offer. That offer keeps coming for one month until she changed all her contact and going to other model agency.
What a moron I said in my mind. She should have known better. But again, she's young and reckless, just a village girl who just got into town and think everyone is their friend. I tell her next time to never do any indoor photo session. That's the only thing I can tell her, she told me that I am such a sweet guy for not accepting my friend offer back then. I smiled and shake her hand and I find myself out of the building and carry on with my life.
Model industry could be a very dangerous area to get into if you don't know what you are facing. A lot of models are faced with stress that are too much for them to bear. They started smoking, free sex, alcohol and worse, drugs. Several models I know got OD'ed and that's it, they just gone, poof.. dead. Such a waste of life. I would recommend you and to anyone who is starting in the model industry, be it talent or photographer, to not let the devil possess you, you need to always have faith in yourself and know when to say no, because saying yes too often, might harm you.. badly.
*The images above are copyright of their respective owner
About the Author:Handoko Rama is a freelance photographer and cinematographer. Living in the island of paradise, Bali. Where everyday feels like holiday for him. Currently pursuing his dream job with Nat Geo and also reaching maximum level for his World of Warcraft Character.
portfolio: www.mibpictures.com
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