This is one of many articles I’ll post for those of you interested in producing your own content. My focus will be more on working with the models and equipment, than dealing with the legal (2257) stuff.

I strongly recommend a first meeting, with a potential new model, be done in a public place. It’s just not safe to bring a stranger to your home, particularly if you are there by yourself. Depending on your method of recruitment, you may know very little about the person you are meeting. He could just as easily be setting you up for a mugging or bashing. I’ve never had a problem with any model, but I know plenty of guys that have. Until you have gotten to know the guy a little better, its best to take some precautions. I do not advise allowing the model to bring a friend.

If the model is over 21, you can meet him at a bar. Bars are good because you can speak more candidly than in other types of establishments. If you meet in a bar, do it mid afternoon. Otherwise there may be other producers/photographers in their scouting for new models. Even if they don’t know you are a producer, a lot of these guys can be very aggressive when they see fresh meat, so try and avoid those situations.

Alternative meeting places are restaurants or coffee shops that are busy and noisy. This way you can limit the possibility of anyone overhearing your conversation. I’m very big on using discretion, as you never know how people around you will react.

There are a number of reasons for having this meeting. You want to learn some things about the model that do not communicate in Email or IM. Things like how butch he is, what he really looks like, is he well spoken enough to use in videos, and any other general impressions you might find useful. This meeting also tells you if he’s likely to show up for shoots. Most important, it’s the first step in both of you establishing trust in each other.