My Dilemma
Over the past few weeks all of my spare time has been spent trying to get my brand-new, second time around,, photo business up and running again. Since the last time I was in the business was about ten years ago I have had to play catch up with technology, especially where the pro-digital stuff is concerned. I am spending nuff, nuff money (at least to me anyway) on new, or almost new, studio lighting , props, etc. The plan, or part of the plan, is to back up the wedding income with a lot of in-house portrait work.
Anyway to the dilemma. I have been really pushing my services, any opportunity I get, as these funds being spent have to be quickly replenished (before wifey gets wind of what is going on!). I have been offering a few free family and individual portraits here and there so as to modernize my portfolio, but de freeness ting cannot become habit. I have therefore been financially pressured to accept quite a lucrative paying job; shooting promo portraits for local escorts….okay, okay, Ho’s ! Escorts sounds a lot more decent, and that is what they prefer to be called anyway. According to their manager (aka pimp) they will need at least a few provocative (that means semi-nude) shots each, and at last count it was about 18 of them (females of course). As I firmly told him "DON’T bring no gay or shemale crap around me! Mi nuh deal wit dat!"
What is the dilemma you ask? Well I don’t want to do anything to encourage young girls to sell themselves for a living. I don’t want to condone prostitution, but I really do need the quick cash. But if I don’t do it some other photographer will, so my hesitation nah stop nuttin. I have NO problem shooting semi-nude material, I did tons of that back in the 90’s, but it was very artsy and tasteful. But knowing what this material is going to be used for doesn’t sit too well with me. But then again, why don’t I make use of the opportunity and council (in a non-obvious type of way) the girls in getting a plan together to turn around their lives for the better. For most of them, they will probably never have the chance to hear what I have to say again. Most of the sessions will just be me and them, one on one, so they will have no choice but to hear me out . It would probably make a difference to some of them , and even one changed would be worth all the effort.
Am I just making excuses so I can go ahead and grab the fast cash? What do you think? Do I turn down the sessions, or do I shoot and try to talk some hope into these young ladies, getting them focused on tomorrow and not just the Ho $$ here and now?
Anyway to the dilemma. I have been really pushing my services, any opportunity I get, as these funds being spent have to be quickly replenished (before wifey gets wind of what is going on!). I have been offering a few free family and individual portraits here and there so as to modernize my portfolio, but de freeness ting cannot become habit. I have therefore been financially pressured to accept quite a lucrative paying job; shooting promo portraits for local escorts….okay, okay, Ho’s ! Escorts sounds a lot more decent, and that is what they prefer to be called anyway. According to their manager (aka pimp) they will need at least a few provocative (that means semi-nude) shots each, and at last count it was about 18 of them (females of course). As I firmly told him "DON’T bring no gay or shemale crap around me! Mi nuh deal wit dat!"
What is the dilemma you ask? Well I don’t want to do anything to encourage young girls to sell themselves for a living. I don’t want to condone prostitution, but I really do need the quick cash. But if I don’t do it some other photographer will, so my hesitation nah stop nuttin. I have NO problem shooting semi-nude material, I did tons of that back in the 90’s, but it was very artsy and tasteful. But knowing what this material is going to be used for doesn’t sit too well with me. But then again, why don’t I make use of the opportunity and council (in a non-obvious type of way) the girls in getting a plan together to turn around their lives for the better. For most of them, they will probably never have the chance to hear what I have to say again. Most of the sessions will just be me and them, one on one, so they will have no choice but to hear me out . It would probably make a difference to some of them , and even one changed would be worth all the effort.
Am I just making excuses so I can go ahead and grab the fast cash? What do you think? Do I turn down the sessions, or do I shoot and try to talk some hope into these young ladies, getting them focused on tomorrow and not just the Ho $$ here and now?
posted by De Immigrant at
11:30 PM
7 Comments:
I say if yuh moral conscience playing wid yuh, doan't shoot them. You'd be doing just what they are doing. Selling out for quick cash. It ein always about the money. Something much more lucrative and long term might come your way.
I agree with both Dr.D & Campfyah!
Do what you are comfortable with and don't get yourself caught up just for a quick buck!!
And then again think about wah wifey gine do when and if she finds out!! *smile*
~Smooches~
Oh by the way me love this song.....
Tough one but if you uncomfortable don't.
What you do is up to you, only you can decide for yourself what is the right thing to do.
As Dr. D seh, mi wouldn't mind seeing some a di photos.
I too enjoy taking photos. Who knows, mabe someday i will try taking it seriously.
Well, I won't try to influence you one way or the other, but I will check back to see what you decided.
Thanks for the advice guys. I think I will do a couple sessions, see how they go and then take it from there. They are supposed to start this coming seekend 02/25, but might not start until next month. I have trying to convince the "manager" to start with some outside shot when the weather warms up a little as the will make the girls look a lot more realistic and naturally sexy, but he wants to concentrate on the fake studio stuff. The girl I am to shoot on the weekend just had her breasts "done", and I doubt if they are going to be sufficiently healed in time for Saturday. She is real eager to get some pictures though.
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