Houston Caution: Jason Mortel

We have an unfortunate and unprofessional situation that happened in Houston this month. It is actually common so we want to share the story so models can be cautious. We scheduled a first shoot with photographer Jason Mortel in Houston. Immediately following the shoot Jason friended and followed the model on every social site and began contacting him. Our Director Alan Rust asked Jason to work through him so the model didn't have repeated contact. Jason agreed and said he looked forward to working together with Alan more. Jason contacted the model again the next day and that model contacted Alan for help. Alan contacted Jason and again asked him not to contact the model. Jason began long angry text messages. Alan then canceled a future shoot with Jason because of the continual contact with the model and his unprofessional attitude. Jason began what seemed like threats toward Alan and has started telling others in Houston about his side of the story. Jason has now refused to provide the model with the photographs that were taken at the shoot. The situation is not how an industry professional should act.

Alan and our team have had situations where the photographer seems to want to become personally involved with the model. In our opinion, a photographer doesn't need to repeatedly contact, message and comment about a model. It should remain professional and not personal. Every model should realize that they don't need to share any social sites or personal or social site information with a photographer or industry professional. If any industry professional begins repeated contact, it is always best to just stop the communication. Ask a friend, professional or legal expert to continue the communication. A model release should always be reviewed and signed before any photo shoot takes place. This way a model has legal recourse in case a photographer refused to provide the work from the shoot. It takes both a photographer and a model to make a photo shoot happen. The photographer is no more important that the model.

Alan and ODM will not work with or promote Jason Mortel in the future. The comments in this post are the recollections and opinions of Alan Rust.

The image above was taken by Jason with the model in wardrobe provided and styled by Alan Rust. The image was shared on Instagram but not provided to the model. Jason also did not give the model in this image any credit or mention.