Photography Business Forum

This is a tough one. I'll be interested to hear what the pro's have to say, and am surprised that no-one has chimed in.

For myself, as a woman and an amateur, I'd have to say that I'd probably agree to take the online images down. I'd want to keep the portfolio prints and those that are hanging in galleries, and any marketing collateral like postcards, though.

It does seem strange that suddenly after several years someone would want the images pulled, but it's not up to you to sort out their self-esteem issues. If the models want all the images destroyed and you rely on those photo's for marketing, then sure, the model should expect to have to buy you out. If they're just a small part of a much larger body of work (excuse the pun), though, I mightn't take such a hard line.

Jmho, as an amateur planning to go pro ...

It seems to be fairly clear cut since you have the model releases, that you can do whatever you wish (to include doing nothing with the photos).
However, the choices in doing business are decisions that each individual business owner must make on a case-by-case basis.

Wow. This is a tough one. I have to say my first reaction, according to my moral compass, is that if something I did or am doing is causing someone else difficulty or harm, I would do my best to comply. I looked at your work - absolutely nothing sleazy or disrespectful about your images - very, very tastefully done. The only thing I can think of for the regret these models have had after years have gone by is that they now realize those images could harm their career (political office?) or their personal life (future husband is a minister?). 

Having said all that, these are adults. They made their choices. They stood naked in front of you for at least a few hours and I am sure they had multiple opportunities to tell you they were uncomfortable. How many unwanted tattoos are there out there? They should hold there head high, say "Yes, I did that - what's the problem?" and move on. Be a big girl and accept responsibility for your own actions. 

I would try and talk them out of their request first. If that does not work, I do like the solution you are considering. I think, when you have a quiet afternoon, to sit down and compose a standard response to these requests stating that these photos cost you money, time, effort and they are quite valuable. They represent your skills and talent and that is not something that can just be thrown away. Tell them that you do understand their predicament and that you are not heartless. Decide if the images in questions are shots you can live with out (I have a few that I would never part with) and if they are not your favorites, come up with a price. A LARGE price. If the photos will damage their reputation that much, I am sure they will find the money somewhere. The dollar (yen) figure will sort out those models who would like their images destroyed from those that need their images destroyed. This is not extortion in any way - this is you being properly compensated for the art you created.  

Good luck, I hope this and future similar situations work themselves out smoothly. Keep us posted.

I had a similar situation a long time ago.  Not nude, but very becoming lingerie shots.  Not revealing; just sexy.  No online images, the Internet hadn't been invented, but a part of my portfolio and often used in gallery shows to solicit future work.  The person in question, a very lovely lady, was getting married to a rich, pompous, up-tight member of a very important family and the husband-to-be was concerned that the photos might somehow be damaging in the future.  (I suspect he had plans to run for U.S. President or some other high profile political office.)  I sold her the display prints I had in the studio, but refused to sell or destroy the negatives.  Her finance has his lawyers threaten me, so I named a price: $100,000 (today that would be about $1 million).  They sent nasty letters, which I framed and hung in the studio.  The lawyers eventually tired of the game. 

The marriage lasted about three years.  Many, many years later she called and asked if I would reprint one particularly lovely pose.  She intended to give that picture to her new husband -- to whom I believe she is still married. 

Rog