Guys with Cameras

GUYS WITH CAMERAS (GWC’S) Guy With Camera is a phrase developed on a modelling and photography network website called Model Mayhem, though the term GWC has gone into become an industry standard, and even into popular parlance. It refers to the amateur photographer who pretends to be a professional model photographer just to get close to attractive women, hoping they will trust him enough to pose for photos for him. The photos will then vanish into his private collection or be circulated on the Internet for the amusement of his equally sexist pals.

(Lucy Lippstick, clearly posing for me in this mirror image)

A GWC will often buy himself the best camera he can afford, but will not have a clue how to operate it. Most of his photos will be taken on a standard auto setting. There will be camera shake, blurring, bad lighting, poor focus, the lens will point squarely at cleavage or backsides, etc. GWC’s are a product of the digital age. When photos had to be sent to chemists or developed in private dark rooms at some expense, model photography was predominantly the work of professionals.  Now with cheaply priced cameras, and no one able to report abusive or offensive images unless they appear in public, the sex-pest photographer is a common phenomenon.  GWC’s soon realize that models expect to see some credentials and a portfolio of previous work. Some GWC’s have folders of candid images, photos taken of unsuspecting girls sun-bathing or photographed from behind while walking down the street. A few GWC’s will have shots of friends dancing with girls, holding them to turn them to face the intrusive cameraman, in shots that are badly taken. A few GWC’s recognizing their limited camera skill, create portfolios of stolen photos, copied and pasted from the websites of real model photographers.

(Lewis Shaw, male model)

A model approached as a subject for a shoot should always check the photographer’s credentials. If his folio either doesn’t exist, or consists of badly taken or candid images, forget about him.  Check also if he photographs male models, or takes images that don’t involve people at all, i.e., buildings, sunsets, animals, etc. While there are pros that specialize, most genuine photographers will take photos of many things. If all of his images are all of half-dressed girls, you might lean to forget him.  Also see what backgrounds his images have – if all the shots are in one room, it’s probably his bedroom, or part of his house. A true photographer will use a variety of locations, and lighting set ups. Find out whom he has worked with. If he mentions famous supermodels, chances are he’s lying.  If he can’t name anyone the chances are he simply doesn’t have any models on his books. Check if he has a website, who his Facebook friends are, etc. Any photographs on his site, other than of him goofing around with friends?  Any photographers as pals or their websites among his links? No? Forget him. Ask the would-be photographer if you can bring a chaperone or friend to supervise the shoot.  You are entitled to. If the photographer insists it should be just you and him, forget him. The GWC is a nuisance, not a photographer. If he takes photos of you they are likely to be of such poor quality that you won’t get other work by showing them to modelling agencies or other photographers. Just because a man thinks you are beautiful and would like to take your photo doesn’t make him a photographer. Take care. Learn some basic photography terms, and ask the photographer about his cameras. Is it a DSLR? Do you have auto-focus? Does he have filters? What ISO’s does he prefer?” If he goes cross-eyed with fear at such questions, forget him. Ask the wannabee photographer to show you a contract for work, and discuss fees.  If he has no idea what’s involved, forget him.  You should be able to find basic modelling contract templates you can work with yourself, online. 

Website feature on GWC’s http://www.ehow.com/how_4470752_legit-photographer-gwc-guy-camera.html

Arthur Chappell