Well you lost me on a lot of that, but I think it started with the "model" premise. It sounds like you assume that all women who want to model, or want to call themselves models, somehow develop a sixth sense that will protect them. I can tell you after 25+ years of this business, that "models", whether they be newbies or pros, are not always as careful as they should be, and do not always possess this sixth sense you seem to think they do. Yes, a rookie unknowingly going to pose for a GWC (or maybe BTK?) could bring a couple of bodyguards and still be in trouble, but working with an experienced and reputable photographer can be just as much trouble. An example would be my friend Linda Sobek, who was murdered ten years ago by a photographer she knew, trusted, and had worked with before, Charles Rathbun.
Obviously the chances of something that extreme happening are rare, but all women, especially models, should take whatever precautions they deem necessary to feel as comfortable in a given situation (and yes, being comfortable is absolutely necessary for a sucessful photo shoot). Whether they recognize that a particular situation requires extra caution or not, is something they have to learn over time, the same as anyone, female or male, single or in a group, depending on the circumstances and their environment. While so one can be protected from all dangers all the time, you do the best you can. As a photographer, I have no objection to a model bringing an escort until she feels comfortable with me or the situation, although at some point it can become impractical. Also, I think the level of concern goes down as the size of the crew goes up. On a movie set, or a film studio casting office, there's obvioulsy less concern. I always have a MUA and usually an assistant, but there are times when its just been me and the model. Speaking of which, what's the difference between taking the model on a one-on-one photo shoot at my house, and taking her out to lunch? For that matter in the rest of the world, how about a dating situation where they're alone for a whole evening? Anyone have the stats on how many dates end up with some sort of assault?
I have a trick I've recommended to models who have to work alone (after all, in a place like LA with so much opportunity, how many castings and jobs can an escort really be available for?). As the model walks into the casting or the shoot or whatever, or shortly thereafter, she "calls" someone on her cellphone: it could be anyone, or no one, or her voicemail, and leaves a message about who she's with, where, and for how long. If done casually (and within earshot of the photographer), the photographer has no idea whether anyone will really get the message or not, and if he did have any ulterior motives, would probably think twice. An alternative, though less reliable, is to have someone call the model a few minutes after she walks in the door, and let her give this info to them ("Oh, I'm at Andy's, we're going to shoot at the beach until sunset...."). There are even some phones that will ring after ten minutes to make it look like you're getting a call, in case you need an excuse to leave a meeting or something. (I'm not kidding). I think any model going anywhere on a shoot should always make sure someone (her agent, family, roommate?) really does know where she is, but this little phone trick could be just a little preventative.
Regards,
Andy Pearlman
Andy Pearlman Studio