Client Review on Jim Mcguire Photography

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I was an independent contractor for Jim McGuire and organized community events at his Studio 1212. Jim made unwanted comments towards me and my body that infringed on professional and personal lines. I was very clear with him that I was not interested in him romantically, but that didn’t stop his comments. The final straw was when I was working an event at his studio. He took a still shot photo of me via his security cameras against my will that exposed my body (he was in California during this time). He uploaded the photo to his phone, sent the picture to my cellphone in real-time with the caption “sexy” under it. I was completely disgusted, sick, and disturbed at his abuse of power and actions that violated my body. When confronted, he said it was a “joke”. Even in his “apology”, he never addressed what he actually did, why it was inappropriate, nor was he honest with himself. Studio 1212 is NOT a safe place for women, women of color, or black men! If you take notice that about a month ago, an influx of his white friends wrote five star google reviews. Some mentioned it was a safe place for LGTBQ and one said they would trust him with their life. They benefit from his studio, get photos taken by him, and are the supporters that have kept a predatory space like 1212 alive. But thank goodness for one of his friends that warned me about the “cameras” in his studio. That’s why when he sent the photo to my cellphone to show he was watching me, my gut knew... this couldn’t have been the first time. Turns out, a person who was involved in another incident dating back to 2010 came forward. Jim said the same thing to this person saying it was a “joke” and suggested for this person to “hit” him. Jim, YOU ARE THE JOKE. YOU NEED HELP. *** This brings up larger societal issues of white privilege, the abuse of power in spaces, and the need for people of color to own and create their own spaces. I share my story so that what happened to me... will not happen to anyone else! #jimisthejoke#boycottstudio1212