Level Pushing

Happy Monday. This week I don’t have many images for you, but I do have some useful information. I’m going to be talking about ‘level pushing’. This post leads on from the post I did last year about levels, where I discuss what levels mean in terms of model photography. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you can read that post first by clicking here if you’re interested. If you’re pretty secure on levels, then let’s delve into level pushing…

Images in this post were all taken by Dave Edkins and edited by me. The images aren't relevant to the post but I wanted to share some of my work with you all, so I've included an unrelated image in each section.

What is ‘level pushing’?

Obviously level pushing is a big no, but what exactly is it? Level pushing is when a photographer tries to convince, coerce or trick a model into shooting to a higher level than they have agreed to, or a level that they are not comfortable shooting. Level pushing doesn’t always have to be sexual in nature either: while it can include trying to get them to shoot to higher levels than they are comfortable with, it can also mean pushing them to pose in a way they aren’t comfortable posing, or wearing something they don’t want to.

Level pushing can occur in many different ways and it can be quite subtle. I hope that this blog post will help explain some of the more subtle ways that level pushing can occur, and give examples of what it might look like so that you can identify it if you’re a model, and be mindful not to do any of these things if you’re a photographer.

Coercive Language

Some photographers will try to coerce a model into shooting higher levels. There are many ways that they might do this. They might use language where it doesn’t seem like they’re pushing your levels, but they will subtly belittle you to make you feel obliged to do it, or try to flatter you to get you to shoot to a higher level. This is all coercion and makes you feel guilt, shame or embarrassment to pressure you into agreeing to something you wouldn’t usually agree to.

It’s also worth noting that just because a model has shot something before, they’re not obliged to shoot it again, or shoot it with everyone. It’s scarily common that some photographers seem to think they’re owed a certain level based on what a model has shot in the past. A model is always in control of what they shoot and with who, and anyone who tries to convince them otherwise is being coercive and this is inappropriate behaviour.

This type of level pushing might come in the form of phrases such as:

“Can you just open your legs a little more?” (and a little more… and a little more…)

“Ah, don’t be silly, nothing will show on the final image.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to do some open leg shots?”

“If you want to do a few nudes while you’re here, I promise nobody will see them.”

“I shot with [insert model name here] and she didn’t used to shoot nude, but she shot it with me because I’m really trustworthy, and now she does it regularly… You should try it.”

“I think you’d make a great art nude model if you just put your levels up.”

“I might not pay you if you don’t shoot nude/who’s paying who here?”

“You shot nude the other day with someone else so if I pay your higher rate then you have to shoot nude with me.”

None of these phrases are okay, they’re all unprofessional. If you’re a model and you’re working with someone who uses these kind of phrases, leave them a negative reference and don't work with them again. If you’re a newer model and you’ve been in a situation where someone has tried to push your levels (or has pushed your levels) then reach out to someone you trust and talk about it. There are plenty of experienced models (myself included) who will be happy to talk to you and support you <3

Tricking models into shooting higher levels

Some models get tricked into shooting higher levels than they have agreed to, and this has happened to me personally several times. Sometimes it’s obvious when it’s happening, but sometimes it’s more subtle. I urge all models to be vigilant in noticing this behaviour, especially when they are working with someone new.

A common way that this happens is by photographers shooting when they’re not supposed to be, for example, when a model is changing, when they are between poses, or climbing somewhere on a location. Photographers should not be taking any images when the model is not ready, as they can’t be in full control of what’s on show.

Another way that this happens is when photographers try to get images they know the model won’t be comfortable with by using a zoom lens. They will stand far back and zoom in so that the model isn’t aware of exactly what is being photographed. Good practice for a photographer is to always let the model know what you have in frame (saying, “these shots are from the waist up/these shots are just portraits/these shots are full length” etc., and make sure you’re being honest about what you’re capturing).

Finally, in a group shoot or workshop scenario, some photographers will shoot when it’s not their turn. This is not okay because a model can only pose for one angle at a time, and this is more important when shooting nude levels. If they are trying to keep the shots within their levels for one photographer, they can’t be aware of every possible angle that they can be captured from. In our workshops, we ensure that only one person is shooting at a time, and we would ask someone to leave if they were caught doing this. We have zero tolerance for this behaviour. Not all people running workshops are able to be as vigilant in preventing this, so it’s important as a model to be aware of it so you can call someone out if they do. There’s nothing wrong with telling them that it’s not their turn to shoot: you’re there to model for one person at a time, regardless of how many people are at the event.

Clothing, Props and Posing

Level pushing behaviour can extend to the use of clothing, props and posing. What I mean by this is that a model can feel coerced into shooting things that they don’t want to shoot, regardless of if it's technically within their levels.

Some models might not be comfortable in certain outfits: they may not want to wear clothing provided by the photographer, or clothing that another model has worn. This is their choice. If you may wish a model to wear clothing that you provide on a shoot, it’s important to gain clarification before the shoot. If it’s a last minute thing, then make sure you’re asking in a polite way and not just expecting them to say yes. It’s also good practice to only use new, tagged items so the model knows that it’s not been worn by someone else.

Wearing certain types of clothing in certain situations might make a model feel uncomfortable too. For example, they may not wish to wear certain outfits when shooting in a public place, or may not want to wear lingerie to a group shoot. It would be considered level pushing behaviour if a photographer doesn’t just accept this and move on.

Personally, I don’t wear leather or fur as I’m a vegan, and for ethical reasons don’t purchase such items. I will not wear them for a shoot as I see it as promoting clothing that I personally find unethical. It would not be okay for a photographer to push this on me if I decline. I have this clearly stated on my profile so people booking me should know this before working with me, but if they hadn’t seen it or weren’t aware then I wouldn’t hold it against them… I would simply say no and expect it to be left at that. If a photographer continues to try to convince me that I should wear it for whatever reason, then it becomes level pushing. I’ve had people try to get me to shoot in leather before by telling me it’s just for a few shots, or that nobody will see the final images. This behaviour is not okay. No means no.

The use of props can also become an issue. Some models may not wish to pose with weapons, as an example. If they say no, then that should be respected without the need for a discussion or further comments being made about it.

When asking a model to pose in a certain way, it’s important to be aware of the implications of certain poses. When it comes to glamour or erotica, it’s less about what clothing the model is/isn’t wearing, and more about the connotations of the image. I don’t shoot glamour, and I generally like my images to remain tasteful and non-sexual. Considering that there are a lot of models who enjoy shooting that glamour style photography, (and who are quite frankly, a lot better at it than me) I don’t take kindly to someone trying to convince me that I should shoot that style, or try to coerce me into shooting it. There’s just no need. As a photographer, you need to make sure that the style you’re wanting to shoot fits the model that you’ve booked.

Similarly, I absolutely hate photographers trying to convince me to smile on my images, because I’m not a smiley model. I fail to understand why someone would book me if that’s the look they’re going for as it's clear from my portfolio that it's not my look. This sort of behaviour comes under level pushing, as it makes the model feel uncomfortable and pressured when a photographer tries to push them into posing in a way that doesn’t fit their strengths or their style.

Editing after the shoot

Some level pushing can occur after the shoot has finished. This may seem confusing, but there have been times when the way an image has been edited has caused distress to models. Adding excessive make up, or changing a model’s figure or bone structure when processing an image is a similar form of this behaviour.

If a model chooses to wear minimal make up, then that’s the image of herself that she wants to portray. By adding this afterwards, it is going against a models wishes. It is better practice to ask a model if she is comfortable to wear more make up for the shoot, so she has the opportunity to accept or decline.

Similarly, changing how a model looks and adjusting her face or figure is unnecessary and cruel. If you want a model that looks a certain way, then find a model that fits that look as there are plenty of models to choose from, rather than trying to make someone else fit a certain standard you may have. Models come in all shapes and sizes, they’re all beautiful and should be celebrated for their differences. If someone’s figure doesn’t fit the look you want to capture, then don’t book them. It’s literally that simple.

Models pushing photographer’s levels

Although this post has focussed on what photographers do to push a model’s levels, it’s important to mention that level pushing does go both ways and neither is acceptable. In the same sense that it is a model’s choice what level they shoot to, it is also a photographer’s choice what level they want to shoot, and models who shoot higher levels should be mindful of this.

A model can push a photographer’s levels by removing clothing when the shoot was agreed at fashion/lingerie levels, pushing them to shoot nude by repeatedly asking, or walking around nude when the highest level agreed to was fashion. This can cause a photographer to feel uncomfortable if they choose not to shoot to those levels.

If a model who shoots open leg or adult levels is not careful with posing during a nude shoot, they may show more than the photographer wants to capture so it’s important that models are mindful of this too. I don’t shoot higher than nude, so I generally don’t need to worry about showing more than that as I’m careful in how I pose, but other photographers have told me that they’ve felt uncomfortable on occasion when shooting nude with models who shoot higher levels if the model isn't careful in how they pose. This could also mean that the photographer ends up with images they can’t use if it goes above what they were wanting to shoot.

As a model, it’s important to ensure that if they’re not clear about what levels a photographer shoots to that they ask if the photographer would like to shoot a higher level before stripping off, so that they have chance to decline.

For group events or studio days, I will be clear if the level is to art nude when advertising it. This is because some people aren’t interested in art nude photography and prefer to stick to fashion, lingerie or swimwear. Their choice should be respected in the same way.

A final word

To models: remember that the ball is in your court. It’s your face and body in the images, so you get the final say on how you want to be shown to the world. It’s not always possible to micro manage everything, but when it comes down to your core values and your image, you want to protect it as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to speak up and defend yourself. You are the one in control, it is always always your choice. Remember that ‘no’ is a complete sentence… you don’t need to explain or justify yourself. I’ve got much better at standing up for myself over the years, and it does take practice. If you’ve succumbed to any form of level pushing in the past, don’t feel bad… it is awkward and horrible, but your safety comes first.

To photographers: although it may not always be malicious, level pushing can have a huge effect on models. It’s not worth destroying your reputation or destroying that model-photographer relationship for a few shots that you could easily find someone else to shoot them with. If the model isn’t comfortable, there’s no point.

What this post basically comes down to is that no means no, and that’s the end of it.

Feel free to leave a comment about any times you’ve seen level pushing happen, or any other examples you can think of to help newer photographers understand what it is. This is a safe space to discuss these issues openly, so please be respectful with your words <3

I hope you have a fantastic week ahead, and I’ll look forward to sharing some new images with you next week!

Misuzu x