Photojournalist ideas??

[SwissJon]

Some of you might know I'm a biker.. Beneath this calm and gentle exterior lies a tattoo'd hellraiser.. Well, tattoo'd anyhow.. I ride a black Yamaha XJR1300 and usually ride in an old black leather jacket, beaten up boots and blue jeans, usually I've got several days stubble.. Until I take my helmet off, you couldn't tell I'm a middle class, middle age wannabe.

I'm always curious about the local Hells Angels who seem to have nothing much to kick off about round here.. So one day, out of curiosity I followed a few of them to see where they went, and found a truck stop not far from me. It was interesting because standing outside in the sunshine were a load of prostitutes smoking and chatting with punters.. So I parked my bike next to a couple of nice looking Harleys and went in.. Inside was exactly as you'd imagine a mid-western truck stop whorehouse, women in short skirts spilling out over the bar, untidy men getting drunk and making small talk looking for the one to spend their money with for half an hour and a bunch of bikers in a corner making out like they owned the place (Maybe they did, I wasn't going to argue) It was fascinating, it was a jungle.. It was like something off the TV for me, but real life for the people acting in this scene. None of the girls approached me thank god, I didn't fit in.. I left..

But this visit has left me with a desire.. No, not that.. I don't want sex with a prostitute thank you.. But prostitution is legal in Switzerland, and regulated by the government.. These girls pay taxes much the same as I do. What I'd like to do is tell their story.. I'd like to find a way of approaching them and humanising them. Of taking away this facelessness that prostitutes have, of removing this disgust that people have for their fellow human beings who are basically allowing themselves to be raped every day for money.

But how?? In my imagination I thought maybe a few photographs and find time to talk to them about who they are, about their lives.. I miagined the photographs telling the story that I heard from them, helping me to emphasise the stories as they emerge.. I don't know if I'm a good enough photographer to do that, but I know I'm a good enough talker..

So, the question is, how? Do I approach the girls like a regular punter, and when they get me alone and ask me what I require, tell them "To talk"? Am I up front about it when they approach me? Seriously, I've never been a journalist, but this idea has started to grow inside me.. I'd like to write an article that perhaps gets published somewhere.. The point of the article is to humanise these girls that have lost themselves behind their bodies.. I don't have visions of changing the world, but I would like to do something that allows some very badly treated women to have a voice..

So, any comments and ideas? I know, I'm fkin crazy.. I know this is unlikely to work out the way I'm thinking.. It may be the case that some of these girls don't give a flying fig about my worldly ideas, and will just say and do anything, so long as they get my money.. I know all these things..

So, am I completely crazy? And iff not, where and how do I start? I would think getting the camera out is going to be a long way down this crazy lane, but every lane has a beginning, a way in, I'm just wondering where it is, and if it's something I sould be considering doing..

Come on, I now at least one of you has been Pulitzer prize nominated.. Some ideas about this would be interesting.. Even if all I do is spring this idea on this site and then get put off..

[mosgood]

As the old saying goes...everyone has a story. I'm not sure I'd be up to the task myself...but it's an interesting idea. You may need model releases for photos if you decide to publish.

Good luck!

[IABoomer]

I have no personal experience in this, but I've read that talking or other casual interactions that aren't sexual are not uncommon requests of prostitutes. As long as you're paying for their time, I don't imagine they'd mind making some money while giving their body a break.

The sticking point, in my estimation, would be if you're going to publish these pictures/stories. At that point, you'll have to get releases signed, and that might cause them to be less interested.

[SwissJon]

Hmm.. I guess the release forms would have to be the first thing talked about.. I've no way of checking if they give false names, and don't really care anyway they're not breaking the law.. The fact is, if they chose to falsify their names, but put pen to paper anyway, then if it ever ended up in court (which is unlikely) then you could argue they agreed it, even though they used a false name.

And looking at the requirements for releases on the stock agencies, it's quite possible I could construct a photo in a way that would not make the woman personally identifiable, which would negate the need for a release.

This is all pie in the sky at the moment.. Mainly because I'm beginning to realise I'd need to pay them, and I haven't got the kind of cash I need to make a worthwhile story..

Still, it's an interesting thought exercise even if that's all it amounts to.

[jcspenny]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

This is all pie in the sky at the moment.. Mainly because I'm beginning to realise I'd need to pay them, and I haven't got the kind of cash I need to make a worthwhile story..

I think it's an interesting idea. Personally I would be upfront about it. Approach them like a journalist would approach any subject. Tell them who you are and what you'd like to do. Some of them might like the idea of having their story told. If you're upfront about what you plan to do you may find that they won't want to be compensated for their time. Or at least, they may not require as much money as they would from their usual clients.

[DanielLane]

Be upfront about it. Honesty is always best, and they may already be mistrustful of people due to their profession. Have business cards to give them at the start of the conversation and have your camera with you. You may not need the camera at the moment, but it will look good. Having a notepad and pen would also help. It will look good if there are already pages of notes in the notepad already. Kind of making it look like you've already been working on this and, the person you are speaking to is just the next in a line of people for the story. I know that's not totally honest, but it's not hurting anyone. Just a way of making your life a little easier.

I did something similar with gangs back in Chicago years ago. That's how I got them to work with me.

[Krusty79]

What does your wife think about this project? That may be your biggest obstacle!

Also, make sure you don't piss off their "managers."

So, they call them "punters" in the UK?

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by DanielLane

I did something similar with gangs back in Chicago years ago. That's how I got them to work with me.

That's interesting.. How did you first approach the first one? Did you already have a route in, or did you just go up to a random gang member and ask them if they'd be prepared to give you an interview?

My only real cocern is how to make the first approach.. Once I get to know one, I'm guessing they can ask their collegues.. I guess the first is when the money comes in handy.

[PixSixSix]

I used to know a prostitute here in Canada (she was a regular customer at the convenience store I worked at) and she wasn't the stereotypical battered beaten woman you would think a prostitute is. In fact, she was quite in charge. A no nonsense, head strong kinda woman and she made it well known that I was working for minimum wage eking out a living while she made upwards of $400/night with less education than me. She seemed almost proud of her profession and didn't seem interested in doing anything else.

Similarly, I have quite a few friends and acquaintances who are strippers or ex strippers. All of them seem pretty happy with their jobs (the workplace and yes the boob jobs too ) Outside of work they lead normal well adjusted drug free lives like anybody else.

Maybe the personalities you come across if you decide to pursue this story will surprise you.

[SwissJon]

My wife agrees it's an interesting idea.. I told her I was going to post on here and see what feedback I get, and she said that was a good idea.. She's very broad minded and knows me far to well to be surprised by anything like this idea.

Thanks PixSixSix.. It's the surprising stories that I'm after, not the predictable.. I'm by no means judgemental, for various reasons I've had a few friends who are or were strippers too, been an interesting life so far