There’s a famous saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. In my opinion there’s not enough words in the English language to describe one single photo. No matter how many adjectives you may use, it is impossible to fully match a photo’s depiction of anything or anyone. Because of that photography is an invaluable art that captures not only an image, but also the heart and soul. Fabled American photographer Ruth Bernhard once quoted “There is no such thing as taking too much time, because your soul is in that picture.” But what if there is much more lost than just precious time in a photo?
How about innocence and trust? Okay, let me reiterate that one. As much as a camera is able to capture raw human emotion, placing it in the wrong hands may likely steal some of our souls as well.
There is an individual within the Fresno gay community who has taken advantage of others’ youth and virtue with his camera for many years. With many empty promises and a touch of deception he has managed to prey upon young men to pose nude for his camera. Not only naked, but also bearing their hearts on their sleeve, so to speak. These are young men who are still questioning their place in the world and are still confused by their sexuality. They are vulnerable and, driven by curiosity and a claim to fame, are easily manipulated. This person, whom you may have guessed at this stage, is Peter Robertson (also know as Peter Minx) and I (regrettably) was one of these young men several years ago.
To be fair to Peter, he did manage to get me into “Playgirl” magazine in 2005 and also scored a [straight] friend of mine an article in “Inches”. Like something out of an Alanis Morisseette song it was ironic that I was featured in the women’s magazine and he ended up being in the pages of a gay themed magazine; go figure? So Peter delivered; what’s the problem, right?
Well, there were other projects I (and others) volunteered for, including videos, with the assurance of compensation once submitted. Struggling financially at the time and getting “our feet on the ground” the other boys and I couldn’t resist the offer. All of the work was to be done at Peter’s modest house in Fresno and he did the photography and directing. Ultimately these shots were to be submitted and then we would get paid. Well, it’s never quite that easy. Peter was a little more “touchy” then any director should be in the industry and no money ever came the models’ way. As to if Peter pocketed it, or he kept the films to himself; who knows? Either way it’s not moral. The man has ignored phone calls and e-mails seeking answers for the past….oh…three years.
If this were an individual case it wouldn’t be nearly as bad. But digging a little deeper I’ve found a number of other young men who have had the same experience and have felt equally betrayed. They did their part and trusted Peter’s pledges, and were also left out in the cold. Even more disheartening is that I’ve met many local young men recently under 21 who have been approached by Peter and have considered his tempting offers.
This is not an unwarranted attack on one’s character. It is a warning to those of you interested in Peter’s offers that if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. He is not going to capture your soul through his camera lens.
I do know what you mean Ryan. I have seen first hand how bad he can be. I’m sorry to hear that so many have been hurt. It’s good that you have spoken out. I’m wondering why he has not been questioned by the authorities.
i was just recently approached and offered a shoot with peter actually as of this week…being the skeptic person tht i am, went online to do research to see if he is legite and i find this?? when did this happen to u and how many others have u found??
Hi Aspiring,
Well done with doing your research before taking the big leap. If you are living your life like your namesake, there are many other places where you’ll have better opportunity and more respect for your time and putting yourself out on the line.
I worked with Peter 2004-2005 for about a year. So far I have met five others who have had similar experiences and met many more who have been approached.
so were u EVER compensated for any of the work tht u did do? i have worked in the industry last year and then stopped and then like i said, was approached this week with wat sounded to be like an awesome offer…sometimes i don’t believe in the whole “if it’s too good to be true then it is” thing only bc like i said, i was in the industry last year and was with a very good respectable legitimate photographer who did compensate all my expenses and trips as well as photo shoots…i knw there r frauds out there and m doing my best to make sure i dn’t get caught up with one bc those are very intimate and vulnerable settings and photos that u put yourself in
Aspiring,
Being skeptical can be good in that it keeps us out of trouble, but may also get in the way of some very good opportunities.
Peter did pay for one shoot, but there were two others that were done in 2005 that I was never compensated for. Following this I did do shoots in LA and was paid on the spot and they were much more legit. It wasn’t until I did these shoots in Southern California that I realised that it’s the industry norm to be paid on the spot. That’s part of life and gaining wisdom I guess.
It sounds as though you’ve had some professional photographers and if you have the same expectations for Peter, you may be disapointed. You’re right in that is a very vulnerable spot to be in front of the camera and you should be respected for it. Because of that, stick with who you’ve worked with or look elsewhere (there are plenty of craigslist ads from respectable photosgraphers in LA looking for models). It won’t happen with Peter though
LOL alrit well thank you for your insight and your feedback. It actually helps a whole lot. And yes the longest I went without being paid was actually only one day and the other photographers I have worked with also compensated all costs as well as put up hotel rooms for the travel. I now actually usually ask for a deposit or payment in advance to the photoshoot. Again, thank you soooo much for your help.