| Sat, March 27, 2004
'It's dangerous if you don't watch your back' By Kelli Baker As a model, I have had first-hand experience of the harsh realities that exist within this industry. The recent murder of Natel King (aka Taylor Sumers) has caused even more of a rift within the modelling industry, considering the suspect charged is the photographer she was scheduled to shoot with. It seems that no matter how many references a model checks out and other precautions taken, he/she can never be sure of absolute safety. Natel King was from Mississauga, so for us, this hits very close to home. I have had two extremely bad experiences with photographers. Last year, I met with an American photographer named "Ken" at a cafe by Pearson airport. He said he wanted to do a test shoot but when I went with him to do the shots he started to set up a video camera. This is highly unusual, especially if not first discussed. I noticed his tone change, as well as his eyes. I knew I was in danger. I had met many, many photographers and been alone in a room with men I hardly knew before and had never felt this terror overcome me. So, I remained calm and played along with him, while I tried to figure out how I was going to remove myself from the situation. Very abruptly, he leaned towards me and tried to put his right hand between my legs. I moved away. He immediately looked directly into my eyes and asked if something was wrong. I told him that I was fine and suggested that I come back later. He eventually agreed. I left and went to my friend's car. Approximately one month later, I was scheduled to go to New York on assignment. One photographer named "Douglas" had booked a hotel room for me in Rochester. We were scheduled to do a bikini shoot to help promote his Web site. But I found the shoot was going to take place in a house that was filthy and disgusting. As well as the vile condition of this house, it was partially flooded. Even more disturbing, were the drawings all over the walls of anti-religious ceremonies and graphic displays of child abuse. One drawing was of three priests reaching for several nude little boys. At this point, all I wanted to do was leave. Douglas told me that we had never discussed a bikini shoot and that all of our correspondence had been regarding a bondage shoot. I told him that was impossible because I would never agree to a bondage shoot with someone I know, let alone someone I had never met before. He handed me a cheque for $150 and thanked me for my time. I believe that he had alternative plans for me, but luckily I had a friend who was from Rochester and had an eye out for me. Once Douglas found that out, he no longer wanted to continue with the "shoot." I consider myself fortunate because I was able to walk away with more of what I consider learning experiences, while some others walk away as victims of physical or sexual assault, or become murder victims. For the most part, it's a great industry to be in. It can also be dangerous if you don't watch your back. Natel King was not the first model who became a murder victim, but if models arm themselves with awareness and take precautions on assignments, hopefully, with our best efforts, she can be the last. ©Copyright 2004 www.KelliOnline.com All Rights Reserved |
| Thanks to Kelli Baker for alowing us to make this post. |
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| Hamilton ON |
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