Boudoir & VIP Lounge Art

[HotHolly]

Just looking for opinions.

I was asked to put up an art display of my boudoir at a swank event in the VIP lounge later this year. You have to pay for admission and then the VIP room is for select guest over 21. So its not in a totally public display.

All my clients signed a model release, and those who didnt had the option to opt out and have a privacy package we offer (which means their images wont be displayed publicly). Those women are automatically excluded in my head since this event is outside of my boutique.

So, should I just grab my best stuff for those who didn't opt for the privacy package? Would you tell them? Ask them? Or just use models?

Id originally thought of taking my shots, converting them to B&W and cropping in a little tighter so the girls face isnt so prominent. One thing with my boudoir - the girls face is always in the shot. I dont have many that are anonymous looking.

What do you all think?

[bondarnes]

I would suggest contacting each one and explain to them just what you posted here. Our sales form contains a model release, but it has always been our policy to get a more specific release when using images on anything going out of the studio.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I would suggest contacting each one and explain to them just what you posted here. Our sales form contains a model release, but it has always been our policy to get a more specific release when using images on anything going out of the studio.

Exactly.

If it turns out you can't get enough releases. Shoot a model or two.

[Howard Barlow]

Absolutely not! Their understanding is you would display it in your studio, brochures, etc., where it is a 'controlled' environment. Such use as you speak of would put the subject in a whole 'nuther universe. I doubt many would approve that use. Ask, first. It is much cheaper than hiring a lawyer, and losing your professional reputation in one easy step.

[J Eddington]

Check for public display. Rather than have an unhappy lady(ies).

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

Their understanding is you would display it in your studio, brochures, etc., where it is a 'controlled' environment.

No, their understanding was that it could be used in any way Belle's deemed necessary to advertise the studio, including web usage, print ads, and brochures that are distributed into the public domain. Obviously everyone doesnt make the cut for that kind of thing, but they are all told up front that is what the release is for. If they dont want that, do the privacy package.

Don I like your idea. I didnt want to surprise anyone, but at the same time, its less public than the brochure circulation.

I also thought it was an honor. Anyway, I think I'll tell a couple of the girls I'm considering using and tell them that they can have the 20x30 print after the event is over and see what they say.

[toverman]

If it were me, I'd decide which ones I wanted to use and contact each woman to explain/sign another release specifically for the new display.

Or if you have time, round up a few good models and use the awesome skills you've been acquiring with clients to produce new images for the display.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I also thought it was an honor. Anyway, I think I'll tell a couple of the girls I'm considering using and tell them that they can have the 20x30 print after the event is over and see what they say.

It is an honor and you should offer it to them for half price or 2/3rds off, but not free. That covers your costs plus a little profit. I would also tell them that I am printing the ones that are pre-sold first and if I still have room left I will print a couple of the ones not pre-sold. Funny thing, our exhibit space always worked out to be only big enough for the pre-sold prints. Go figure!

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

It is an honor and you should offer it to them for half price or 2/3rds off, but not free. That covers your costs plus a little profit. I would also tell them that I am printing the ones that are pre-sold first and if I still have room left I will print a couple of the ones not pre-sold. Funny thing, our exhibit space always worked out to be only big enough for the pre-sold prints. Go figure!

Just call me Grasshopper! I was totally thinking the same thing!

[w9ctm]

Boy Don,
What do you figure are the odds that it would work out like that....?

I like your way of thinking.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

No, their understanding was that it could be used in any way Belle's deemed necessary to advertise the studio, including web usage, print ads, and brochures that are distributed into the public domain. Obviously everyone doesnt make the cut for that kind of thing, but they are all told up front that is what the release is for. If they dont want that, do the privacy package.

I understand what the release probably says. And, I may be misunderstanding VIP, but I take it to be a strip club. Or, is it something else? If it is, I imagine some women would not mind, but I bet most wives would say no. Maybe not, though.

...in any way Belle's deemed necessary to advertise the studio... Might want to ask an attorney about holding one to public ridicule. You may be surprised what they say. Never believe a release, wedding contract, or any other contract is 100% bulletproof.

Ask for specific approval, get a release signed for that specific use. Just a thought.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

And, I may be misunderstanding VIP, but I take it to be a strip club. Or, is it something else?

A VIP lounge is NOT a strip club! Geeze, no wonder you thought that was horrible!

This is a ticketed event/ party for affluent people (by invitation only) with a restricted lounge that is for select guests. So its a private party with the lounge in a private restricted room. If you go into swank clubs or parties they have VIP rooms - it means you either have deep pockets, are famous, or made the cut somehow and got into the elite party room with the better guests and better drinks. They want my display in there.

[rusty_tripod]

Are you thinking that those who qualify to see the works are wanting to participate in/or purchase the same or will they simply be voyeurs? The fact that it is labeled as swank and that attendees have to pay to get in raises red flags in my pysche. I grew up in Abilene when people who had money were allowed to do things that the rest of us were not. Money made it "legitimate" or legal in the eyes of people who deferred to those who were willing to pay. So, for me, who grew up in very Bible-belt Abilene, it might generate some customers from that event, I would say "Thanks, but no, thanks." My response is related to past experiences. Maybe the town has changed.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

A VIP lounge is NOT a strip club! Geeze, no wonder you thought that was horrible!

This is a ticketed event/ party for affluent people (by invitation only) with a restricted lounge that is for select guests. So its a private party with the lounge in a private restricted room. If you go into swank clubs or parties they have VIP rooms - it means you either have deep pockets, are famous, or made the cut somehow and got into the elite party room with the better guests and better drinks. They want my display in there.

Aha! Yep, that there is a whole nuther venue. Shouldn't be a problem, then, most likely. But, to be on the safe side, I would be sure to contact each subject to tell them my plans, and ask if they have a problem with their image being there. After all, this ain't a typical family portrait.

And, if they say they do not want to be included, I would accept that without being upset about it. Building badwill can't be overcome with a signed release. Chances are, they will be agreeable.

So, I say, go fart. AAARRRGGGHHH! I hate typos. I mean, 'go for it'.