Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

A member of a Photography club has been accused of misconduct and inappropriate behavior by several models. Photography Club leaders are hesitant to act, stating it's not their job to police members' business practices. Club bylaws say members can be removed for misconduct. The argument is it's not the club's board members' place to prove misconduct. This isn't an accusation from one model. It's several with similar takes. Can I get some thoughts on this please?

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Suggest the models to refuse to work with that person.

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

The club can be put in a legal problem if he is just removed based upon what you wrote. Damage to his reputation, loss of income, and so on. Best to suggest to the models who made the accusations they decline to work with him further. If he did something that rises to criminal behavior, then they should go to the police and file charges and request a restraining order. Also, what they think is inappropriate behavior could be just flirting to others. Frankly, young people seems to be looking to be offended and want to curl up in their nearest "safe place."

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

The club has to investigate to determine what is real and what is fantasy. Else the club can be part of the lawsuit if this goes forward. They really have no option... best they talk to a lawyer, now.\

Dik

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

To make a proper opinion one must have a definition of 'misconduct and inappropriate behavior' as that covers everything from snatching a fry from their McDonald's combo and flirting all the way up to embezzlement and rape.

david vt Loc: Vermont

It would be the BOD’s responsibility to investigate and take any appropriate action if any of the reported misconduct was associated with a club event or in any way associated with the club, but I don’t see that they have any “standing” to pursue this independently.

Agree with @doc_barry above that the models should pursue appropriate independent action (separately or collectively) either civilly or criminally. At a minimum, it would be up to them to “put the word out”, not the club’s responsibility, as well as to avoid defamation accusations.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Easy. The models have to get law enforcement involved. But they need to have their ducks in a row. Clubs rarely have the resources and expertise to investigate these kinds of allegations. The bylaws must be re-written to be able to suspend a membership based on allegations, and then cancelled if the allegations prove true. In this case, I can understand why the are reluctant to get involved, but the bylaws are pretty clear - misconduct has not been proven, so member cannot be removed.

Radioactive Loc: Bellingham

Are these models delicate Snowflakes that can't report inappropriate behavior to the proper legal authorities. Or is the club run by rumor and gossip?

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

Another point is if the club is a legal incorporated entity. If not, those involved in a decision to remove the member even if they consider it justified, they don’t have the corporate shield to protect them from being sued directly. Even so, there are still ways to get to sue those making the decision.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

If the models were hired by the club for a club event, and one of their members misbehaved at that event, then the club has responsibility to investigate. The club has responsibility over the behavior of its members at club events, and members' behavior at club events has bearing on the club's reputation.

However, if the models were hired by the photographer in his private business, and the alleged behavior occurred outside of club-sponsored activities, then the club has no standing. The models should contact law enforcement. If this results in the photographer being convicted of a crime in his performance of photography, then his club membership should be at risk, because this would have bearing on the club's reputation.

Hip Coyote

“Watson, it is a capitol mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly, one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts.” From A Study In Scarlett by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

Often told to Detective Inspector Lestrade as well.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

It could be ... all the above.
Maybe he's a little too flirtacious.
Maybe he's a little too "handy".
Maybe he's offering extra money for "extras".
Maybe they know that reporting anything to the police will bring out every prurient official ahole to investigate any sexual deed she ever did in order to discredit her.
Maybe a lot of things. We don't know.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Exactly!

There are somE folks who seem to believe that owning a camera comes with a license to cross many lines- police, fire lines, no trespassing signs, privacy and property rights lines and worst of all morality lines. To put it blunty, some folks are nonthg more (as my grandchildren would say) "a perv. with a camera"! Sadly, I have witnessed some of this kinda behavior go down at workshops, seminars,posing demonstrations and club meetings- it's disgusting!

As for the OP's dilemma- I would disolve the club, start all over again, rewrite the charter or code of ethics and vet you membership. Getting a bad rap for the actions of a few bad actors can be disastrous for the club, it's reputation and in fact, the entire public conception of photogahy in you area. Bad new traves fast!

You club needs to provide a specific standard policy if your gonna photograph PEOPLE- portraits, kids, fashion, glamour, fine art, nude studies, whatever involves human beings! Models, subjects, clients, wahtever you want to call then must be treated withte the utmost relsect. Folks have to learn to direct subjects- HANDS OFF, by knowing how to give verbal instructions, striking the pose themselves, TALKING to them! A subject should never be admonished for not posing correctly, and alll communications must be polite and "professional". Coarse and/or sexually explicit languagemust be strictly prohibited.

Especiall nowadays, inappropriate sexual behavior is outed, discovered, investigated and deat with as never before. It is WISE to clean up you club before things worsen and innoent members are painted with THE same brush as the offenders.

If the bad actors acuually harassed the modeLs in any way- PUT THEM ON NOTICE AND CALL THE COPS!

When I shoot portraits weddings, fashions, etc., I am photographing and posing folks all day long- have been doing that for years. Good, friendly, communicatio between the photographer and the subject is essencial for the "teamwork" needed to get the job done, secure good expressiosn and make everyone's experience comfortabe and productive. Professional models know how to pose, follow instructions, know how to show-off a garment, andpick up the "vibe" etc. Amateur modeal and "civilian" portrait subjects may not pose easily and may need some assistance. Oftentimes, I need to tilt a head, pose a hand, drape a gown, fix a veil or flowers, positon a foot- whatever and I find that most folks do not mind being TOUCHED IF YOU ASK PERMISSION. Words like "can I, may I", do you mind if..." are magical. Many folks appreciate the help! The usual respnse is "PLEASE"! Thye expect me to be fussy and pay attention to details.

I won't grab somone face, arm or leg! GENTLY!!!! is the operative word! I was into had sanitizer long before the pandamic- a non-scented after shave lotion was my pick, befor handling a train or veil- hands get dirty form handling tripods.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

50 years back, as long as you had a camera, you could talk your way out of nearly anything... not so much now...

Dik