As Colorado authorities continue to search for Kara Nichols, Kelsie Shelling, and Raven Cassidy Furlong, both the media and law enforcement authorities have announced that the missing teens all had active profiles on modeling websites.
Instead of announcing and focusing on the modeling sites, which some may take to believe that models are being abducted, fatally attacked or abused because they are listed on one site or another, I want to make it clear that the dangers associated with modeling should raise concerns for every model, male or female, entry level to advanced.
While the modeling career field can be demanding, it should be fun and exciting. For some models, however, it is a confusing and terrifying collection of bad memories and experiences. The key difference between a modeling career dream and a total nightmare focuses, in part, on the model's overall understanding of the modeling career industry.
Prior to the Colorado suspected abductions, Brian Thornton Workshops and Events of Saginaw, MI was already working on a plan to offer free entry-level trainings to local models. The trainings, which focus on a detailed understanding of the modeling career field categories, an understanding of model and photography releases. The trainings also address issues of model safety such as general health, situational awareness, and the use of escorts, public meeting places, and other tactics to heighten the model's overall safety advantage, especially when dealing with unfamiliar booking agents.
It is more frustrating to understand that the media highlights of models that are abducted or fatally attacked only show the tip of the iceberg. It does not account for models who are talked into posing for photos they did not originally agree with; or who are secretly photographed or filmed .
It also does ot account for the models who have suffered through such issues silently, and left their modeling dreams behind without reporting such horrible incidents.
I cannot stress enough that, while models are not to blame for these negative incidents and attacks, models should continually exercise caution when attending any casting call, booking agreement, or photo session or workshop. Models should use escorts whenever possible, and should quickly decline to work wtih photographers or booking agents that insist that the models come alone.
Models should remove themselves from any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable, including photo sessions where the conditions change or do not meet the original agreement, or where models feel they are being pressed to model outside of their stated categories.
Models should make sure that someone, hopefully a close friend, always knows who they are meeting with, when they are expected to return, and any additional details, such as addresses and contact information.
Models should always try to keep their personal information separate from their modeling contact information through the use of a separate cell phone/telephone number, and separate address (such as a post office box) to keep their personal information as private as possible.
There is no one answer to the problems and threats to models' safety, but there is also no one website or modeling source that should be blamed. Ultimately, the blame should be placed solely on the individuals who are targeting modeling industry professionals,, both online and in person -- and they should be legally held responsible to the fullest extent of the law for their actions.
Missing Colorado models highlight risks and dangers
Brian Thornton
Modern Model Pg. 4
REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES!