Need rigger for shoot in NYC

Starting thread: Need rigger for shoot in NYC

I'm looking for an experienced rigger in New York City for an upcoming photo shoot. I need someone who's skilled in suspension work and really knows their stuff when it comes to safety protocols and technical rope work. If anyone here has worked with shibari practitioners in the NYC area, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience. What should I be looking for when vetting someone? Are there specific qualifications, workshops, or years of practice that matter most? How do you gauge whether someone has the right skill level before committing to work together?

For suspension bondage work you really want someone with at least 3-5 years of active practice. Ask to see their portfolio and check if they've trained under any known instructors. NYC has a pretty active shibari community so there should be options. Always do a pre-shoot meeting to discuss limits and see how they communicate about safety.

I've worked with several riggers in NYC and the biggest thing is communication. Technical skill matters but if they can't talk through the scene and check in properly it's not worth it. Ask about their experience with photography specifically because rigging for photos is different than just tying for practice or performance.

What style are you going for? Traditional Japanese shibari or more Western bondage aesthetic? That can help narrow down who to reach out to. DM me if you want a few names of people I've modeled with.

Thanks for the input. Looking for traditional shibari style with clean lines. Safety is priority number one obviously. How do most people handle the trial session before committing to a full shoot?

Most riggers I know will do a practice session first, sometimes free or discounted. You get to see their rope handling, they assess your needs, and everyone makes sure the chemistry works. For BDSM work especially you need that trust established before you're hanging in the air.

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Are you the model or the photographer? Just wondering about the dynamic here because that changes the vetting process a bit. Either way definitely check references and maybe attend a rope jam or workshop to meet people in person first.

I'm the photographer. Model is experienced with bondage but wants someone new since her usual rigger moved out of state.

That's actually ideal because she can help evaluate skill level too. An experienced bottom knows immediately if a rigger is competent or not. The rope community here is pretty tight knit so word gets around about who's good and who to avoid. Message me privately and I can point you toward some resources.

Good luck with the search. NYC has some really talented people working in rope right now. Just take your time with the vetting process.