A few years back I was adamant on making it in the modeling industry. I had the looks, the brain and the confidence, what else could I possibly need? I'm astounded at how naive that girl was.
It started with the first shoot I've ever done with a "professional" photographer. Arrived on time but I got really weird vibes from him but still decided to shake it off and continue with the shoot. We were talking throughout and I relaxed a bit, he sounded a like a decent man with a wife and beautiful 3 year old daughter, he still showed me pictures of them . He was confident he could give me my big break and I believed him, why wouldn't I? He was a famous photographer and had all the credentials to show for it, I was just a naive 19 year old girl who didn't know as much as I should've about the industry. After the shoot concluded, he offered to show me some of the pictures, just to put my mind at ease about my abilities, according to him. I though that was very considerate and followed him to his office. First thing I noticed when I walked in was that there's only one chair in his office., in front of his computer. He sat down and gestured for me to come and sit on his lap and I refused immediately. He told me I won't be able to see my pictures and I hesitantly walked over and sat on his lap. I however wasn't ready for the erection he sported and jumped off of him like a cat from a hot stove. He laughed and told me it's okay but I was freaked out and told him I'm leaving, which I did. He still emailed me the pictures but it served as a reminder of him and that day and I immediately erased them.
I don't take pictures anymore, not professionally that is. Apart from the occasional selfie and group shots with family and friends when absolutely required, I steer away from it. I'm constantly reminded of how ill prepared I was and I shudder to think what happens to other girls who really want to make it as a model, more than me, when subjected to such.
Anonymous
#MeToo
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