Russia

Russia

I have spoken to a few people about shooting adult in Russia, on account of the lovely girls they have.

General

The only universal rule is all models must be 18+.

As to everything else, local police make their local rules.

The only places I have heard about foriegners shooting in is Moscow and St Petersburg, and I'd suggest that elsewhere you would stick out like a sore thumb, an invitation for a shakedown (the models may be cheap in the sticks, but the police are also badly paid...).

Visa

You'll need a visa. Tourist is cheaper and easier to organise than Business, but see below.

Crossing the Border

I have heard that it can be tough.

If you arrive with a Tourist Visa, don't be carrying serious professional gear. (A decent stills or video camera is OK and camera top flash is OK, but if you have stands, major lights, booms etc you're asking for trouble).

Moscow

Very expensive city, full of sharks pretending to be agents, and the girls you want to photograph probably want more money than you want to pay.

I have heard nothing good about shooting adult in Moscow.

St Petersburg

I have heard that this is a much more reasonable city, with lovely girls who need money and don't have the alternative opportunities that Moscow offers.

But I've also heard horror stories.

My suggestion - you need to make a visit and sus out the people before committing to a shooting trip.

Below is all St Petersburg info

Where to stay and shoot

Apartments (cheaper than hotels, and better, if nicely done.) Country villas etc also available, from cheap (for that down at heel look) to same as city apartments.

No one asks questions. Your money is important to them.

For example http://www.oksanas.net they provide invitations for visa as
well. Also http://spbapt.com http://2piter.com

Outdoor shoots - June to August. (Around midsummer VERY long days).

Studios - normally basic - lights and paper backgrounds but little or nothing in terms of sets.

Crew/Equipment

Cameramen - $100 a day.
Video lights - $50-$70 per day. (Not sure if that's per light or for a pair).
Photoflash - hard to find for rent.
Sound gear and sound crew - discuss with local agency.

Models

$400 would get you a girl for a BG scene with two males. (Males paid extra or bring your own).

Models get tested and certs. ID is passport and normally the second is a student ID, driving licence or something. If you need two PHOTO IDs, make that clear when booking.

If you need the model to have language skills, be clear when booking.

This article written with help from several photographers, and factual stuff from www.russiansexmodels.com (a St Petersburg agency willing to help with trips, and also content production).