An open letter to Tony Focus/To Die For Studios:
(*Some background: I started a group on facebook where local models could anonymously talk about their good and bad experiences with local photographers by submitting their experiences to me which I post in a document. I advise models to work with whomever they wish despite this information but to always have an escort, regardless of the person shooting. Tony Focus has given many models poor experiences, therefore models are starting to turn down working with him.)
Since you have me blocked and can’t be an adult enough to talk to me about anything but would rather complain behind my back, I’ll clear up a few things for you.
You were not threatened with a lawsuit because I don’t like you. You were the only person whom I have ever considered suing and whom I have ever sent a cease and desist to. It isn’t legal or even plausible to sue someone because you “don’t like them”; it is legal to sue someone for using images of you without your permission. Much like consent, permission can be revoked at any instance. I asked you politely and several times to remove the images and you ignored me, making it necessary to seek legal action, as promised.
You are only mad about the reference group I made because you are part of the problem in this state while I am working to be a solution for models who do not want to deal with unprofessionalism on any level - may it be never returning photos or unpleasant experiences.
You calling those unpleasant experiences “lies and gossip” goes to show that you do not respect the women you photograph or take them seriously. People aren’t lying about you (or anyone else for that matter). Sure, there are people who over dramatize, but I don’t believe for a second that every person who was wronged by you (or anyone else) is “lying” or “gossiping”.
If you had learned anything about me as a person when we were on good terms, it would be that I tell the truth, value honesty and want justice. I have no interest in the petty bullshit you claim I’m doing; I’m more interested in improving our industry by encouraging photographers, like yourself, to treat models better.
If you’re upset about the cover I got, please understand that I am not responsible for your reputation here; YOU are. People talk whether you like it or not. I got the cover long before starting the group and will continue to do fine in Michigan because I am not mistreating people who don’t deserve to be mistreated.
If you have anything else to say, you know how to contact me instead of spreading those lies and gossip that you claim to loathe.
Sincerely,
Nia
