Prioritizing Safety For A Pimn Model

Understanding the Importance of Safety in Modeling

THIS ONE WILL BE A LONG ONE BECAUSE IT'S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF OUR POSTS FOR MODELS. 

Embarking on a modeling career can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, it is essential to prioritize safety to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience.

The modeling industry is dynamic and fast-paced, and understanding the potential risks of modeling in general, putting yourself out there on the web... can help you navigate your career confidently.

Whether you are just starting or have been modeling for years, staying informed about safety practices is crucial. Being trained is literally about ten times better than just an awareness.

However, trying to convince most women to get trained is about as hard as pulling a tooth from a tiger. Why is this?

That answer is a mystery to many self-defense instructors. Even though they realize that all women can become targeted 365 days or nights a year. Yes, true fact. Unless you are hybernated inside your home 24/7? 

However, what's the ONE thing in common that every high status women had that Pimn Director has seen?

Almost every one of them wanted training or were already training or had already achieved a black belt goal. Scratched off their list. Including side-arm defense. If...they lived in a city that those are legal. 

While a major goal takes time out of your schedule....ask yourself, is what other classes you do or recreation able to help you defend yourself or save your life?

Something to seriously think about. Can any of the following classes or recreation EVER protect you?

Yoga, aerobics, dance, tennis, jogging, biking, pilates, gym lifting, dining out, golf, hiking, camping, horseback riding, modeling? No. 

What class CAN? Self-defense classes. 

Many think martial arts is too violent. When it's not suppose to be viewed this way. It was created as a means for Asians to protect themselves from land and home intruders or street attackers. 

Others think it's just paranoia or fear mongering but the statistics tell us otherwise with literally a million women over recent years now are missiing. This is a sad situation globally.

What is even sadder?

Women aren't taking it seriously enough. You need to. Next one targeted could be YOU. Thats not spreading fear, thats spreading reality awareness with 200,000 women disappearing in 2023 alone! That's more than most war casualties!

So, ladies, believe it or not, there IS a war against your lives. 

By prioritizing your well-being, you can focus on developing your skills and achieving your career goals without compromising your safety.

Pimn is safer because...

One of the most critical steps in ensuring safety in your modeling career is working in a safe environment and with people that have a positive reputation.

That includes...

Meeting up with photographers or invitations to do TFPs ( trade for print ) shoots can be chancy in this day and age where trafficking is increasing at an unprecedented level. 

In every major city, an average of 100 to 500 women are trafficked every 24hrs. And 1 in 3 women will be on avg faced with a physical sexual assault in their life-time based on statistics.

A murder every hour in the USA alone. 24 x 365 days a year. Unalived by a criminal minded person. 8,760 deaths a year every year whom died by criminal acts.

These facts should not be ignored. But...unfortunately, they are. And by mostly who? Men or women? Women. 1 in every 10 men have had training of some sort on avg. Yet, only 1 in every 100 women! 

Yet, ya'll....are MUCH HIGHER targets! 

These acts are not just done by "men" they are done by drugged up people, both men and women. Or by mentally ill people or by drug deals, intruders, rapists, muggers, domestic violence. Etc etc 

We can't blame any one gender. There are far more normal, good men in the world than bad guys and the same applies for women.

So, please STOP saying things like..."It wouldn't be happening if not for MEN!" No, it wouldn't be happening if not for "CRIMINALS!" Most men are NOT criminals. 

Now that you're aware of these statistics, we hope models will take more precautions on quickly accepting random, online, unknown brand paid offers for modeling gigs.

Not to provoke Paranoia but rather, a higher awareness of reality. 

Pimn models don't have to meet up with any new, uncertain people anywhere. They model at home. Especially better since 99 of every 100 women never have trained or have only taken a very quick course in self-defense. 

Quick courses are only marketing tactics to get you interested and to help you see the benefits. The smart ones? They enroll. 

Why? Because that two hour free workshop will NEVER BE ENOUGH! Not even close! 

Why? There are pro fighters that have been assaulted on the street and we're undefeated in the ring but in the real assault, they took a beating!

These are guys that have trained years. Now, imagine a woman facing same threat, let alone a champion fighter. Sounds impossible? No, it simply means you don't ever stop. 

If you don't stop paying your car insurance to protect your car body, you don't stop paying your self-protection trainer to protect your OWN BODY. It's that simple.

Or...you could end up as a statistic of becoming a missing woman, never to return to your life again. 

Is that worth the $49 dollars a month virtual training that Pimn offers models? Yes! I'd hope your well-being and safety is worth alot more actually. 

"But, I carry, so I'm good!" she says. Our answer to that is....that 82% of women who were assaulted that were not trained in self-protection that used a weapon for self-defense had it taken away from them and used on them.  You carrying, only increases your odds by 18%. 

Pimn models are their own everything. They set up their own in-home studio, they DON'T need to chase after or search for photographers, makeup artist or hair stylist, etc.

Pimn models can do it all. They have option to do such, but it's their own risk if they still decide to work with others for their modeling. 

They should NEVER invite anyone into their home that they aren't absolutely, positively SURE of having a very professional record of working with other models. 

Never give out your phone number! Never give anyone your phone to put in info. Never ask anyone off the street to take a picture with your cell. Never give anyone asking online or in person, your exact address.  

You can be tracked, hacked and stalked if you do. Dont care how much money they offer you. 

Pimn models don't communicate with the third party, their model manager does. The MOST PRO LEVEL MODELS have model trainers and a modeling agent or manager.

Pimn models are quiet when it comes to communicating to anyone outside of their trainer, mentor, manager. They refer contacts to their model manager for their own safety. 

They thank the contact politely and inform they appreciate the offer and will forward it to their model manager to be in touch. Thank you Sir or Ma'am. Have a great day! 

THEN THEY DISCUSS IT WITH THEIR TRAINER, MENTOR, MANAGER. 

If youre a solo model, no agency or manager, you could put yourself in danger as asking random strangers online or girlfriends not in the industry are not proper go to people. 

For Lingerie or lesser dressed shoots, it is highly recommended to any Pimn models to either use a female photographer or do it themselves. Less risky for the model. 

If a Pimn model doesn't listen to that advise, it means she's highly confident in whomever she's working with to help her. Is a close friend or has excellent referrals of "friends." 

If you are not a Pimn virtual model and you are going at modeling solo...bring some mace just in case. Keep it on your body if at all possible and keep your belongings within view if there is nowhere to lock up personal belongings.

Dont drink anything offered by anyone at a private photo or film shoot unless its a professional group shoot. Definitely don't do so in a hotel or studio private shoot. 

Be aware of your surroundings regardless of style shoots especially outdoors. An excort with you can assist in watching.  Unless you trust the person already and know them well, don't do shoots alone. 

This includes in wooded areas or anywhere doing shoots outside. That includes photography in or around vehicles, on any roads, and if outdoors. This way, you can focus on modeling. 

There are also nature dangers such as waves on cliffs that has been known to wash women away. Snakes, CLIFFS, etc. Be aware and think before you model in nature. 

If outdoors doing a photo / Video shoot, don't go it alone. You'll be too distracted and if it's far from home, that's not safe.

Anyone can also run by and swipe your phone and tripod on a bike. It really depends on the city! Some places are completely safe, other places are completely unsafe. 

BEFORE YOU SHOOT AT ANY LOCATION, THINK TO YOURSELF OF ANY POTENTIAL DANGERS. IF ON ROCKS ON A BEACH, COULD A WAVE COME AND KNOCK YOU OFF?

One lady doing yoga on a shore of rocks was hit by a wave and pulled into the ocean. Her body found a hundred yards away on shore. Dead. 

IF IN A WOODED AREA, COULD THERE BE WILD ANIMALS. YES EVEN COUGAR. Some bikers in parks were attacked in California by a cougar. One died. The other lived but was clawed up badly. Bears also. Depends where you model. 

IF DOWN TOWN, COULD YOU END UP HIT BY A VEHICLE?

CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU GO.

INFORM A FRIEND OR FAMILY IN ADDITION TO YOUR MODEL MANAGER BEING AWARE WHERE YOU ARE SHOOTING. 

IF CHANGING LOCATIONS, INFORM THEM. GIVE EXACT LOCATION AND NAME OF PEOPLE IF SOLO MODELING. 

IF A MANAGER, HE OR SHE SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THESE DETAILS. CHECK IN WITH MODEL MANAGER EVERY HOUR. TOP OF THE HOUR. 

Models shouldn't be meeting up with unknown photographers in any hotel room without protection of some sort.... unless you're a very well skilled or have some sort of protection and an escort male with you preferred. 

You really don't need a photographer if a Pimn model. It's less hassle, less worry, no searching the web, no worry about references and no wait time on images or seeing them posting your images without giving you any. 

We see this time and time again of models posting their frustrations of this on social media. 

Jobs offering pay out of town in another city for pay are risky and regardless of pay unless the offer is from a very well known brand co and research was done to know that the ad was actually from the legitimate company. 

Some ads could fake posts of a legitimate company with the one posting such posing as a model scout or photographer for that company.

So, triple check all ads and this is where having a model manager comes in to play to assist you on that. 

Let's digress. Concerning never receiving your images since this seems to be a common problem among models going about solo modeling....

Yes, it happens alot.  

One prior Pimn model used a photographer, by her own choice...a pro she knew...no names given of the model.... and her photographer got sick and we never saw all her images after a live video BTS photo shoot. I don't mention names of models or other people that fail them.

Not here to harm anyone's reputation. Life happens. People DO get ill.

Whether she was able to get all her images or not, I am unaware. But that was years ago. I'm not worried about it anymore. 

Twice this happened to me over my twelve years in film industry. So, it happens in the film industry too.  

There are legitimate reasons at times. I've lost entire photo files I did due to a failed hard drive. We all learn by mistakes to not repeat. 

BACK TO SAFETY...

Many newer, younger models going solo may be doing things to endanger themselves. Such as...taking the bait of a high paid photo shoot offer without knowing for sure they are legit. 

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON OF MODEL BAIT AND HOOK TRAPS IS THE FAKE BIG PAYOUT OFFER.

The inexperienced or even experienced models see only $$$ signs. Which can blind their common sense.

Modeling cash traps can lead you unknowingly into a prostitution ring or trafficking that you could never escape. 5% come out of it. 95% stuck as sex worker slavery. 

That's not to say be paranoid, it's to say...BE AWARE. BE SAFE. AND never jump fast into a big money offer. Especially if you're not that experienced. 

95% never get their lives back. This is how serious it is...on putting your safety as a priority in this era. It's a whole new level out there. If you weren't aware of that, you are now. 

If it sounds too good to be true, especially if it's an offer in another city or country...you had best know what you are doing.

Or you might land yourself in a bad situation you cant get home from. Even with an out of country, state manager, you still must also do your own research.

SCAMMERS ARE GETTING SO GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO, THEY CAN EVEN FOOL THE PRO MODELS WHO MAY TAKE THE BAIT IF A SOLO MODEL. SO BEWARE OF SUCH!

As for outdoor shoots...

Being distracted modeling can lead you to not be paying attention to snakes, holes in the ground, slippery areas, ledges, wild animals, criminal minded people if in public, drawing any attention to yourself as a model.

Be aware more too when leaving any shoots.

Make sure nobody is following you by foot or car....especially if your shoot just involved a bikini style or lingerie, implied nude or otherwise. 

It's easy these days for males to pose as a photographer with adding taken photos of impressive shots as bait for women. Add anything to a bio to claim experience. 

Pimn modeling doesn't require the risk. Pimn models are their own photographers and it's easier than most think with today's photo editing apps! MUCH SAFER TOO! 

Pimn looks for companies that are affiliated with recognized industry associations or those that have established connections with reputable brands or run are that brand that is well known. 

Be wary of agencies requiring upfront fees or making unrealistic promises, as these may be red flags indicating potential scams. 

Schools on the other hand are different as any school college level requires fees to pay your way through to certification.

Regardless of career field and modeling school is no different. Trainers time is as valuable as any professor's time In a university. Correct? 

Preparing for Photoshoots Safely

Before heading to a photoshoot, ensure you have all the necessary details about the location, duration, and people involved.

Share this information with a trusted friend or family member. It’s also wise to have a fully charged phone and a plan for transportation if the shoot is in an unfamiliar area. 

When out and about, be aware of your phone in hand since phones are being snatched at an alarming rate.

If you use your phone in public, use the finger ring and if you don't have one, get one. Get a sturdy case and in some cases, there are tethers you can buy that attach to your phone. Be aware of your surroundings. 

If on a boat, don't pose in ways that endanger you. Standing on an edge of a bow of a yacht while it's moving through the ocean. Think before you pose in potentially dangerous scenes. 

You can't notice a thug eyeing your phone of you are too busy browsing or txting. So keep looking up and around you frequesntly if in public. And USE YOUR FINGER RING ATTACHED TO THE PHONE OR A TETHER! 

Don't be unaware, on your phone in remote areas. BE ALERT! BE ON PHONE FOR SAFETY REASONS BUT ALERT TO EVERYTHING AROUND YOU AND LOCK CAR SOON AS YOU ENTER AND DONT SIT ON YOUR PHONE. GET YOURSELF HOME. 

IF YOUR PHONE IS STOLEN, YOUR SAFETY COULD BE AT RISK SINCE THEY CAN GAIN ACCESS TO YOUR PERSONAL INFO. 

During the shoot, stay aware of your surroundings and maintain open communication with the team. 

ALWAYS WHEN ALONE BE HYPER ALERT. NOT SAYING TO BE PARANOID BUT SIMPLY BE ALERT. 

NEVER STAND NEAR EDGE OF TRAIN WAITING AREA IN TUNNEL SUBWAYS. KEEP YOUR BACK TO A WALL AND STAY AWAY UNTIL TRAIN ARRIVES.

WOMEN HAVE BEEN SHOVED FOR NO REASON INTO THE TRACKS. 

Pimn, it's much safer because you're doing your modeling from home. No commute needed.

But this also depends on the contract for the brand. No trains or bus needed. The more attractive the model, the more she could become targeted even by sex traffickers. 

Who or what do you have for your safety? Many ignore it until it happens to them. Not even a thought until or after assaulted. Don't be those types! 

Your safety is as vital as your fitness, health and job.

Don't put it last on your priority list. While martial arts may not be for you, you'll regret never training if you're ever sexually assaulted. Intruded on. Never feel it can't happen to YOU. 

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

The modeling industry, like many others, has its share of scams.

Be cautious of unsolicited offers through social media or email, especially those promising high earnings with minimal effort.

Always verify the legitimacy of any offer by researching the company and contacting your model TMM. Trainer, mentor, manager. 

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and seek advice from experienced professionals in the industry before proceeding.

Building a Supportive Network

Having a strong support network can significantly enhance your safety and success in modeling.

Connect with fellow models to share experiences, advice, and recommendations for reputable agencies and photographers.

Joining professional organizations or online communities can also provide valuable resources and support.

In addition to peers, consider seeking guidance from mentors who have navigated the industry successfully. Their insights can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Most of all, BE SAFE. AND HIGHLY CONSIDER PIMN'S SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN. 

FREE TIPS BLOG FOR PIMN MODELS that relate to actual reality self defense vs sport training. FREE VIRTUAL TRAINING FOR PAID MODEL MEMBERS. 

IN PERSON IS $99 PER HOUR. Must live locally to instructor. Trained over 386 women since 1992. 1 has made it 3 yrs to green belt. That number should be WAY HIGHER. 

Kicking and punching a bag or focus mits IS NOT ENOUGH.

Learning only jiu-jitsu is NOT ENOUGH.

Learning to fire a hand-gun at a firing range, it NOT ENOUGH OR REALITY.  I SHARE WHY. 

20,000 women however are training in budo kunoichi arts world wide on a regular basis and was listed in Women's Health and Fitness Magazine as one of the best arts for women's survival defense because it focuses on everything needed. Just incase you're unsure what's the best art to take? 

Krav Maga & Jeet Kune DO come in 2nd and 3rd place.  You'll thank Pimn's recommendation.... if ever you are targeted by a criminal mugger, intruders, rapist, car jacker, etc  

Pimn Director