Choosing the right model to fit your look
Reference: Class notes
The perfect model to fit the Genre of your shoot
It is essential to pick a model who has the look you want, someone who will fit your genre, for example if you were going for an alternative genre/ look you would choose someone with an edgy side, this might include piercings, tattoos or suits dark shades of make-up.
Images of test shots with my model in the studio
It is key to make sure you model is always comfortable during their time at the shoot, keep them hydrated if they are dehydrated this makes the skin tight and keeps them alert it reflects in their complexion. Make sure they relax as if they aren't this will show in photos, they may look tense and you won't get the pictures you wanted, as they will look awkward and unrelaxed, therefore you want them to be as comfortable in your presence as possible.
Test shots
Keep them engaged throughout their time with you, pay for your models travel costs if they are doing a free photo shoot for you and also give them copies of the images once they have been edited, never give a model images as soon as the shoot is finished as they aren't ready and this will reflect on your reputation if you give them straight out.
Time management is key, make sure you keep onto top of things don't put too much pressure on yourself, spread out each task and make sure your make-up is complete before getting in the studio to take photos. Be prepared with lighting, what kind of lighting and equipment you're going to use and make sure the studio is already to go, in a organised manner with structure, in order to make the shoot go smoothly throughout.
Directing your model
Directing your model is important, keep them upbeat with great direction, confidence and enthusiasm, this will keep the model interested and engaged in what you want the images to look like. This is vital especially if your model is inexperienced, speak clearly and direct to your model and this will help them with their nerves. Take tear sheets with you examples of images, this is the best way to demonstrate a pose and what look you want to achieve.
Make sure you're relaxed as well as the model, keep positive, if they are doing well make sure you enhance the fact they are and be friendly and direct to your model. Always engage and listen to your model, never be quiet. Be honest and but rude, keep a positive body language up, if you've had a bad week do not let this reflect on the day and always stay in a good mood as this will reflect in your work on camera and may even reflect on the model.
Fine tune your shot, do not rely on post production to correct your work, stay on top of your game, minimal editing is good. It is hard to find a reliable model, so have a back up model or someone in jump in if they become busy, make sure they don't have a heavy night before the shoot and advice them to drink a lot of water and have a early night so they are prepared for the day after.
Always be ready to take a picture as you can get the best shots when your model doesn't realise, when they are in their natural state which makes them more relaxed, you never know what beautiful pictures you can get from just being on the ball with taking loads of photos, the more you take the more you can choose from.
Me messing about during my partners shoot, myself looking a bit mad
Choosing the mood for your shoot
Back drop
Lighting
Posing/ expression
Correct model for the look
Clothing
Types of Lighting
High Key- Bright, contrast, poppy colours, bright face.
Low Key- Lighting from side, usually in natural light.
Minimal editing is great as it doesn't change the model completely it just touches up e.g. blemishes, dark circles. Keeping it natural is important and reflects natural beauty.
During my class with Chris I learnt a lot about how to pick the right model for your look, how to manage them with professionalism and enjoyed engaging with seeing how all photos are edited to the extreme and this made me feel that I wanted to keep my final images as natural as possible as I don't want to change the way my model looks but to enhance their features with the use of my make-up skills and great lighting to show my work. I am very excited to get stuck in with the shoot and to test shoot different looks etc.
