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06/05/2008 12:18:31 PM · #1 |
No, not mine. It will be a while before I shed enough anti-socialism to feel comfortable working with someone, I can't even ask strangers for a snapshot yet, anyway I have a question for if that day ever comes.
When you have a model, is it customary to direct their movements and posing, or is that the job of the model?
Sorry if it is a dumb question. |
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06/05/2008 12:21:14 PM · #2 |
| If they have been modeling for a while, they usually know what poses to hit. If they are new, then usually I show them what i want. You have to give them some sort of idea as to what you want out of the session and I always ask them what are their expectations from the shoot as well. |
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06/05/2008 01:09:14 PM · #3 |
It is the photographer's job to create the image ... that means directing posing, props, backgrounds, and depending on the shot you may even need to give suggestions for hair / makeup / clothing, etc.
A great way to start shooting people is to practice on yourself until you begin to notice which poses look nice, what lighting works, etc... when you can successfully shoot yourself in many different situations, you will much less apprehensive about shooting others.
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06/05/2008 01:31:44 PM · #4 |
It isn't a dumb question, actually it is a very good question. What Idnic said is good information for you.
At a model shoot it is a good idea to know what you want beforehand. I usually discuss with the model before the shoot the kind of ideas I am after, cos otherwise she has no idea what it is you want to do with her. The more experienced the model the more independently she can pose. But I don't really like doing that cos then I end up with all the same poses a whole bunch of other photographers before me had. The model doesn't want that either, she already has a portfolio full of her standard poses and is also after something different. So it is always good to know what you want before you start, and don't be afraid to tell her what to do, and also don't be satisfied with something if it is not what you want exactly. The model is your clay and you have to mold her into your own piece of art. Most models expect that. Many models I have talked with actually dislike not being told what to do, and that is what they differentiate between a good photographer and a not so good one.
Toward the end of a shooting when I have exhausted my ideas I always say okay 20 shots "freestyle" and they do their own stuff while you count back from 20. There are always one or two good shots in that to finish of the shoot :) |
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06/05/2008 01:35:04 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by kiwiness:
Toward the end of a shooting when I have exhausted my ideas I always say okay 20 shots "freestyle" and they do their own stuff while you count back from 20. There are always one or two good shots in that to finish of the shoot :) |
That is a good idea.
If you feel uncomfortable with shooting models, you could also first ask a more experienced model who poses herself, so you can focus on things you find important. You'll see you'll grow into it and finally know better and more sure sbout how to direct a model :)
Message edited by author 2008-06-05 13:38:39. |
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06/05/2008 01:41:21 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by biteme:
Originally posted by kiwiness:
Toward the end of a shooting when I have exhausted my ideas I always say okay 20 shots "freestyle" and they do their own stuff while you count back from 20. There are always one or two good shots in that to finish of the shoot :) |
That is a good idea.
If you feel uncomfortable with shooting models, you could also first ask a more experienced model who poses herself, so you can focus on things you find important. You'll see you'll grow into it and finally know better and more sure sbout how to direct a model :) |
That is a good idea too, although you will find the more experienced a model the less likely she is going to model for a photographer who has no experience. It is a kind of devils circle really. You need to show some good model work already so as to convince and experienced model to work for you. |
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06/05/2008 01:59:20 PM · #7 |
I'm not sure if this will help, and it isn't a dumb question at all.
I recently did my first model shoot and going in I wanted to keep it very simple, so that I could be more focused. I have been friends with the model for about 15 years, so I wasn't so stressed out about the shoot - which was a big help. I highly recommend doing this with someone you know and are comfortable with to get started.
Also, I chose a simple setup, 3 lights and a white backdrop to really focus on her. I had a number of poses and ideas in mind - none of which made the cut during editing. The best of the shoot really came when I got from behind the camera and use a remote trigger and I was able to direct from the side, approach and interact with her.
I have posted some images from the shoot here.
Good luck
Message edited by author 2008-06-05 13:59:41. |
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06/05/2008 02:43:54 PM · #8 |
Thanks all, and thank you for not calling me stupid :)
It seems that while a lot of work, that once comfortable with it, that directing a model would be a lot of fun.
I suffer from a bit of, hmm, not sure how to label it. I feel like I should be ready today to do EVERYTHING possible, and that because I am not, I will never improve or become less tense about it. I have to remind myself that I have a long road in front of me and not to bite off too much, not to expect too much of myself before I am ready. :) |
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06/05/2008 04:41:51 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by togtog:
........I feel like I should be ready today to do EVERYTHING possible, and that because I am not, I will never improve or become less tense about it. I have to remind myself that I have a long road in front of me and not to bite off too much, not to expect too much of myself before I am ready. :) |
Patience and perseverance, grasshopper. You'll get there. Its a long road, yes, but what a lovely view! :)
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06/05/2008 05:10:12 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Originally posted by togtog:
........I feel like I should be ready today to do EVERYTHING possible, and that because I am not, I will never improve or become less tense about it. I have to remind myself that I have a long road in front of me and not to bite off too much, not to expect too much of myself before I am ready. :) |
Patience and perseverance, grasshopper. You'll get there. Its a long road, yes, but what a lovely view! :) |
Wax on... wax off...
now having said that :) ya it's your job to get the shoots, but it's not as hard as you might think. Look at lots of magazines beforehand... (Fashion, Vogue, and all the others) get some ideas in your head and then talk with the Model before hand... I find it easier if I have a theme to work with, it makes it easier for conveay what you want (granted this is coming from someone who is only about to do his second with a real model) but this holds for a lot of the shooting I do.
but the important part is to get your feet wet doing it... first time may not be perfect (mine sure wasnt) but you learn and get on the the next one... before you know it, it's second nature. |
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06/05/2008 05:45:18 PM · #11 |
It's definitely not a dumb question and there isn't really one answer. If you read and listen to podcasts, like the light source, you will find that some of the best in the business take very different approaches. As idnic said, it's your job to get the image and you can, and must, use every tool at your disposal. I've worked with models that go stiff if you overly direct them but can walk through wonderful and unique poses if you keep talking to them about what you need. I've also had situations where the model could not connect a concept to her pose but could almost read my mind as I described the pose I wanted. If there is one thing I have finally learned it's that you go in knowing what you want but with a completely open mind as to how you get there.
I also think working with a model is a great way to get over any nervousness you have about working with people. Find an aspiring model and be honest about what you want to do. You may both know almost nothing about the process but as long as your both patient and willing to put in the time you will learn a lot.
Message edited by author 2008-06-05 17:46:30.
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