Women’s empowerment advocate shares safety tips after photographer accused of sexually assaulting client

Sheriff Javier Salazar said a female victim arranged a boudoir session with 48-year-old John Lill.

Lill told the victim that the photo shoot would take place at his house – just north of Leon Springs, so the victim decided to bring a friend to the shoot.

“He (Lill) told the girlfriend that it would take a long time. He told the friend she might as well leave,” Salazar said.

Salazar said the friend left and the victim was offered alcohol to “relax” for the shooting.

Authorities believe the drink may have been spiked.

“Maybe she even lost consciousness. But when she came to, she remembered that the suspect had urged her to bathe in an attempt, we believe, to possibly destroy physical evidence,” Salazar said.

Bobbie Jawish is a photographer specializing in women empowerment.

“The only person to blame is the sexual assault. And that’s why it’s really important to raise awareness about the safety of models and photographers,” said Jawish.

Jawish is also the owner of Blue Willow Imagery, a photography service in San Antonio, and recommends his clients bring someone with them to their photo shoot. It is a security technique that she also uses.

“I usually have my hair and makeup; a glamorous team there, so it’s not just me,” said Jawish.

Jawish believes that building trust is the key to a successful shoot.

“It’s not unusual to meet for coffee first. Especially in the boudoir because it’s a very sensitive subject,” she said.

But most of all, Jawish says: trust your gut.

“And I tell people, just no alcohol. That’s a big red flag.”