Being Aware of Human Trafficking as a Photographer.
* DISCLAIMER * I have not been trained in this knowledge - this is just what I have learnt from the internet and from speaking with a couple of professionals. I am speaking from my own personal views based on what I know and am fully aware I may not have all the facts right. If you know more please speak to me and send me more helpful resources.
You may have seen a video circulating the internet about PornHub using exploitation which is a very real and horrendous thing. I feel it on my heart that I need to share my knowledge on Human Trafficking and directly relate it to Photographers.
It is shockingly easy to turn a blind eye to red flags when Trafficking is involved - especially when so often traffickers can pose as Photographers. I’m going to talk about a couple of red flags we should keep an eye out for, things we can be doing to create a safe environment and useful links for educating yourself further on what Human Trafficking is an how to spot it.
So first things first let’s look at what human trafficking is. Human Trafficking is illegally trading people for purposes such as prostitution, forced labour, drugs and so on. This often looks like abuse (physical, mental, sexual) being forced to work whether that be for a household, in sweat shops or elsewhere. And whilst you may think this is a distanced and past issue it is more real today than it ever has been, it’s hidden in plain sight and it’s happening in our countries, cities and hometowns.
RED FLAGS WE SHOULD BE CONSCIOUS OF IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
Cash in hand - this is a big one, if you’re anywhere and they only take cash it’s a bit of a warning sign. Cash means money can be untraceable meaning workers who may not be registered may not be getting paid and if so there’s no way of understanding if they’re being paid legal requirements.
Being approached online - You’ve probably received a friend request on Facebook from a stranger or a DM on instagram or a follow on another social media platform and sometimes they can seem innocent but if you don’t personally know them or have a good amount of knowledge on who they are it’s probably not a good idea to accept. Lots of people get blackmailed through the Internet so spotting early signs could save you a lot of trouble.
Establishments with only foreign speaking workers - If you go to a nail salon or a car wash or any other business and the employees don’t understand the language at all and don’t seem at ease then something isn’t quite right especially if they only take cash. Watch this video.
SO HOW DOES HUMAN TRAFFICKING RELATE TO US AS PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Sadly Traffickers posing as Photographers and Model Scouts will approach people and sell them the dream - an offer they can’t resist. This then leads to all sorts of dreadful things. So we as Photographers need to go above and beyond in order to ensure our clients know they are safe.
RED FLAGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW YOU ARE SHOWING.
Approaching people in the street for photos - this is something I see A LOT on TikTok especially and it’s not really a very wise idea - by doing this you may impose a lot of anxiety onto a person so best to just avoid it.
Approaching people on Instagram / through Facebook groups - we all do this when looking for models and that’s totally okay so long as we respect those who we are approaching. We should always ask in a way that is easy to say NO to. If someone says no respond kindly & move on.
Shooting for longer than the agreed time. Whilst you may think you’re going above and beyond by giving them more of your time than what they paid for - it’s also a bit of a red flag. If you hit the time but want to take some more photos let them know but also let them know they’re 100% able to say no and go home. Saying something like “Thank you so much for being so amazing infront of the camera today, I love these photos. I know we said we’d finish the shoot here but I was wondering if just before I head back if you’d be okay with me staying an extra 10 minutes to grab a couple more shots …. but of course if you need to get back too that’s absolutely no problem.” (by saying ‘before I head back’ your language is indicating that instead of you keeping them from going you are giving them the option to let you stay for a little bit longer - making it their choice!) If they say they’re up for you staying for a couple more then encourage them to let someone know “Amazing, I’m thinking we shoot … i’m just going to text… just to let them know i’ll be back 10 minutes later than planned” (by saying you’re going to text someone that gives them the idea of also texting someone too)
Cash in hand - If you’re a photographer you really need to be taking payments via bank transfer or PayPal - your money should always be traceable and legit. Taking cash in hand is a HUGE red flag and you really shouldn’t be doing it.
Not having a contract - Contracts are SO important as a Photographer for so many different reasons but most importantly i’d say they a) Cover your clients back b) Makes sure they feel safe and sets up expectations for them and c) To cover your own back.
Touching your client without asking permission. We’ve all got used to moving that annoying piece of hair out of our clients face BUT we shouldn’t ever do that without asking permission first and reading their body language as they respond.
THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTING INTO OUR PHOTOGRAPHER/CLIENT ROUTINE/RELATIONSHIP.
If shooting someone by themselves make sure they know they’re welcome to bring someone with them. Encourage them to let someone else know where they are along with timings so they know they’re safe.
Where possible meet and shoot in public places.
Make sure they know what you look like - you don’t want to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and they approach someone else and say “are you…” them say “yes” and take advantage of them.
Keep checking they are comfortable and learn to read any body language that may indicate they’re uncomfortable.
Checking the Modern Day Slavery Statements of any brands / companies that reach out to work with you & make sure you ask them about where their resources come from & working conditions etc.
SO HOW DO WE IMPLEMENT THESE THINGS AND AVOID THOSE RED FLAGS SO OUR CLIENTS KNOW THEY ARE SAFE WITH US?
Be present on your social medias as yourself so your clients can get to know you a bit.
Set up zoom calls with your clients before shoots - or meet in a coffee shop.
If your clients are down for it do some BTS to post on instagram stories - that way you’re clearly taking accountability for being with them, if their friends and family also follow you they can see that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Show them some of the shots in your camera every now and then - you can then read if they’re comfortable etc.
If they ask for location ideas suggest more public spots before suggesting spots that are off the track.
If they get a phone call during the shoot - encourage them to take it and then add that time to the end.
Have a website and social media accounts for your business - your clients will feel so much more comfortable if they can see your past work on your website & instagram.
SO THEN HOW DO WE AS PHOTOGRAPHERS PROTECT OURSELVES FROM TRAFFICKERS WHEN BOOKING CLIENTS?
Do not have your home address visible anywhere & do not provide this to any clients until you have had a call with them and can validate them.
Ask for instagram handles in your contact form (but have it as an optional field) - connecting with potential clients is a great way to build up a relationship and ensure you get on.
Set up Zoom calls with your clients / meet in a coffee shop.
Don’t take your passport with you on a shoot.
If possible take someone with you on a shoot.
Always have your location turned on on your phone & make sure a couple of people have that.
If you notice any red flags on a photoshoot and need to get yourself out of a situation cut the shoot short, apologise, report and refund (worth losing money rather than your freedom) - make up an excuse if necessary.
Don’t ever hand over your phone to someone you don’t know well.
NOW FOR A COUPLE OF RESOURCES:
A21 - A21 is an amazing organisation who stand to Abolish Slavery in the 21st Century.
Human Trafficking Helpline / Report line - Hosted by A21 this is a great way to report suspected cases. I would encourage you to have the number for your country saved in your phone.
Missing Persons: 10 Year Film - Learn about A21 and how they came about & learn about human trafficking and how A21 are fighting against it in the 21st Century.
Can You See Me Series - A series of short videos showing cases of human trafficking in plain sight. These are an important watch to educate yourself on how to spot potential cases of Human Trafficking.
I would encourage you to research your area in relation to human trafficking and I’m sure you’ll be shocked and saddened by them.
This article was published on the 20th October, 2019 for Scotland where I live.
Frida’s Story - Frida was approached by a Photographer who seemed legit and was then trafficked. She made a Film - Apartment 407 of her experience to raise awareness.
I hope this helps offer an insight into how we are running our businesses ensuring we are protecting our clients as well as ourselves. If you’d like to chat more about this feel free to DM me and if you have any other useful articles / resources please send them my way.
