"My rates are...."

     There has been a little thread on Facebook about photographers and models and rates. I have been modeling for almost a decade. I've spent hours learning how to perfect my make up, my hair, and to tone up my body. (I'm a thin girl so tone is my option, nothing against a curvy lady! I sadly have few curves unless I make them) I've spent way too much money on clothing and shoes. I've spent hours in front of the mirror learning what looks good on me and how to hold my body to get the best possible pose. I've spent hours scouting locations and trying to find the best spot for a shoot. Does that not equal into it when it comes to shooting with me?

             Ernst rice photography 

     Sometimes experience is worth something. I do understand that most photographers do this for a living and every shoot could be their dinner for a week. But I also have bills to pay and there are times I have to take off work because it's the best time for the photographer. I don't get paid hourly so if I'm not there that's a huge zero in my pocket book. I understand the hours that go into editing  and setting up/braking down. But I've noticed that most  photographers don't think about the four hours we spent on our make up or that I slept in my rollers last night to get the hair I have today. 

            Paul tanner photography 

     I don't charge to shoot with me. I work off a tfp (trade for print) situation. I think my experience should equal out for the rates the photographer would have charged for a lady with no experience. There are exceptions. If your providing hair mark up and wardrobe you should absolutely have rates and get paid. If I plan to work with those people I do plan to pay because they are doing almost all the work, and it's a lot of work! Plus those photographers who get published almost every photo like Shannon broke imaginary and Michelle x star, publication puts your face into the world and can get you (as a model) actual paying gigs with clothing companies, make up companies, ect. 

         Madison Hurley photography 

    My whole point is this, if you are a new model, you will probably need to pay. If your a new photographer and get an experienced model you may need to pay. But if the right communication goes down you can both walk away with beautiful photos that you can both be proud of. Take the models experience into consideration before you just throw rates at her/him.

    Xoxox ~Doris Night

All opinions are doris' only and do not reflect back on any of the other members of the Foul Play Cabaret. 

You don't "look" classic.

       In the time I've spent in the burlesque industry I've found out one very disturbing thing. When you're  tattooed you are discriminated against. Especially if your a classic performer. 

          (Me- by tanner photography)

     It's a sad fact that most performers get booked due to appearance. As much as we stand for body appreciation and the arts, it still baffles me that wonderful performers don't get booked due to someone else's opinions. I've read many articals about ladies not being booked due to size but there are others who are feeling some of the darkness of the business. 

     My grievance is with those who think tattooed women are a novelty, or people who think there has to be a "certain" show for those individuals. Ladies have been getting tattooed for centuries and I'm sure at least one or two legends had tattoos. Granted, due to the same reasons we have today, probably had to cover them. 

       (Unknown tattooed lady 1900s)

     Now I understand the whole "classic look" and that tattoos aren't something the general public will relate to when thinking of vintage ladies. But just like today there were several. Being judged by your tattoos, to me, is no different then any other discrimination. It offends me greatly to hear "yeah he won't book me, he's not a fan of tattoos". 

       (Photo above- Lou Lou D'Vil- photo by Harmon house productions)

      In 2013 the burlesque hall of fame crowned Lou Lou D'Vil as the reigning queen of burlesque. I was ecstatic! I thought, "finally people will see that no matter the amount of tattoos you have you can still do classic burlesque, and be queen". That year seemed to open up some opportunities to me that I hadn't previously had. Chances to perform in higher end burlesque shows with some of the top performers in my area. I even got the chance to share the stage with Lou Lou.

    The love didn't last long. I found myself feeling as rejected as I had previously. From not being excepted into shows I felt I would be perfect for to being turned down for publications. Everywhere there seems to be a person with a lot of power in the industry saying "you don't look the part". 

(Ruby Lead- foul play cabaret hot springs AR- photo by Devin castle designs) 

    After tattooing and talking with some other tattooed ladies in the industry I found that it doesn't matter how amazing of a performer you might be, there's people who won't like you just because you decided to get tattooed. This will be battle for my entire career. I know this, but im prepared. My love of classic burlesque won't be swayed by someone else's thoughts. I won't decide to start doing neo burlesque to be booked more. I won't cover my tattoos for your magazines or shows. The amount of time, pain, and money I've put into my skin is something I am proud of. It's my own way to display art that I love, which is something that shouldn't have anything to do with my performance. 

        (Me by Devin castle designs) 

     My advice to young burlesquers is to think about everything you do to your body. A small tattoo on your foot can cause you shows, publication, and sometimes awards. But if you are already tattooed don't let anyone stand in your way. When one door closes others do open. Don't dwell on those producers who judge people on petty things like that. Once your amazing they will regret not booking you before. If you want to do classic. Do it. If you want to do pin up. Do it. Don't let them label you as alternative. Alternative to what? Be yourself, be proud, be tattooed. 

      ~Doris 

     Xoxoxo

(All opinions are mine and mine only)