The events are NOT shoot-outs.
The difference between what we do and a shoot-out is simple. A shoot-out is designed around getting people together and getting a whole bunch of pictures taken of whoever shows up. The people who attend a shoot-out KNOW that they are there to shoot.
With the Meet and Greet, shooting is completely optional. We will always provide a venue in which shooting is possible, but we want everyone to know that they are not REQUIRED to shoot. Come out, mingle, talk and get to know the photographers, models and stylists in the area.
It's a NO-PRESSURE environment meant to encourage everyone to have fun while getting their work seen by more of the local community. As such, it would be a very good idea to bring portfolios with you, particularly if you are a photographer or MUA so that people can familarize themselves with your work. It's also a good idea to come prepared to shoot, even if you don't expect to do so.
Since this isn't an organized shoot, all details regarding with whom you shoot, releases, and terms of the shoot are to be handled BY YOU. Be sure that you discuss the terms with your collaborators, and that all details are understood. Please be sure that all parties have a copy of the release.
There is no specific code of conduct for our events. We DO, however, ask that if you attend you abide by ALL rules of the venue. Remember, how we are remembered will determine the likelihood of our using particular venues again, and bad word could get around to other prospective venues. Also, since this is a community of professionals, you will be individually remembered by your peers for your behavior. If you want everyone to think you're a big jerk, go for it, but please be aware that the group will talk amongst itself about YOU.
Please do not harrass anyone about their choice as to whether or not they are shooting. If they say no, don't whine, complain, moan, bitch or turn into a big jerk. It's my experience that the models will, for the most part, be reticent to just go and shoot with Joe Blow who he/she doesn't know, whereas the photographers are there just ITCHING to get some work done. There will be models who want to work with everyone they possibly can, and there will be models who don't want any images taken of them at all. There will be MUAs who will bust out their kits and help anyone who needs helping, there will be those who will charge their standard rates for styling, and there will be those who don't want to do any work at all that day. Please bear this in mind when dealing with others at the event.
I hope that you find your way to our next event, whether you're there to shoot, network, or just eat, drink and be merry. :-)