Working with models. Loooonnnngg Post.

08/17/2005 04:55:20 PM · #1

Lots of threads about photographing models and how to process portraits. Something I don't see much of is advice on coaching models. IMO it benefits the photographer to plan ahead with the model and step away from the camera during the shoot to inspect the details. Here are some things that come to mind, and hopefully the experts here can pitch in with more:

Clothing: Discuss it beforehand. Baggy or shapeless doesn't usually work. Solid black or white can cause exposure problems. Colorful patterns can overwhelm. Some colors don't look good on some skin types.
Attention should be paid to underwear. Bra straps and panty lines really show up in photos. Check for rumpled clothing, crooked collars, twisted tank-top straps and tags.

Makeup: Discuss it beforehand. Ask the model to apply their makeup in the sunlight and go easy on it (unless you are looking for a special effect.) Heavy black eyeliner does nothing (IMO) to accentuate beautiful eyes. If you really want a professional look, ask your model to practice photographic makeup techniques, or hire a stylist. Makeup for BW is different than color. Foundation should blend down the neck, and be the same color as the arms and chest. "Whiteface" is a common mistake that can be seen in many portraits and even on television.

Posing & Expressions: Some models assume they are hot, and therefore need do nothing more than stand there and look good. Others are self-conscious and this shows up in the photos. Ask your model to browse magazines etc. for poses and ideas. Ask them to practice different poses and expressions in the mirror. When they are posing, ask them to "feel" different emotions or act out different scenarios.

Hands. If you are doing work with hands and your model is veiny. Ask them to hold their hands over their head until the blood goes out and then pose. Anytime they touch their face, make sure hands are relaxed and make nice lines. Coach them to avoid pressing on, and therefore distorting, their face. Nails should be neatly manicured.

Misc: Try not to shoot up the model's nose, and while you're at it you might suggest they trim their nostril hairs, if they are visible. Visine is a must. Bloodshot eyes are not attractive. Vaseline on the teeth makes them shiny, or have the model moisten them before smiling. Yellow teeth can be fixed in post-processing, but if you are working with someone who aspires to be pro, they should have (or get) white teeth.

If your subject is looking into bright light, ask them to hold their eyes open a little wider so that they aren't squinting.

Well, I guess that's enough from me. Can anyone add to this?

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/17/2005 05:12:06 PM · #2

If they're squinting I tell them to close their eyes and open on the count of 3. Usually works.

I agree with everything you said especially if you're talking about putting together a standard (but good) modelling portfolio.

christie3

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/17/2005 05:16:37 PM · #3

Wow, that was a really helpful post! Thanks! I know I will be using some of those tips, if no one else, lol. :)

PhilipDyer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/17/2005 05:23:19 PM · #4

Thanks for the very helpful post, GAS. Ooh, I need to find a better acronym for GreatAndSmall. ;-)

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

08/17/2005 05:24:28 PM · #5

Awesome advise and well timed! Hince, my portrait thread right next door. Thanks so much!

smilebig4me1x

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

08/17/2005 05:32:55 PM · #6

great advice...i must add to watch shadows if its natural light and to make sure the models forhead isnt "wrinkling" from looking into the sun. I tried that "looking into the sun"pose this morning and had him close his eyes until i told him to open them but when he opened tham and looked up at me his brows came together and raised...not a very flattering look.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/17/2005 05:33:03 PM · #7

GoldBerry: I was hoping you'd chime in. You seem to have a lot of insight in this area.

christie3: Looks like you're off to a great start, already.

PhilipDyer: OMG Never thought of it like that:o How about Rox instead?

res0m50r: Your thread inspired, but I didn't want to be a thread hog with such a long post.

And one other thing I just thought of: Be careful of the dreaded neck wrinkles when model is looking over their shoulder!

And...keep powder on hand for shiny skin.

Message edited by author 2005-08-17 17:33:31.

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

08/17/2005 05:35:46 PM · #8

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

res0m50r: Your thread inspired, but I didn't want to be a thread hog with such a long post.

With advice that good feel free to hog all you want :)

08/17/2005 05:39:00 PM · #9

Originally posted by res0m50r:

Originally posted by greatandsmall:
res0m50r: Your thread inspired, but I didn't want to be a thread hog with such a long post.

With advice that good feel free to hog all you want :)

OINK...I mean, THANKS!

mariomel

Canon EOS-5D

08/17/2005 05:43:04 PM · #10

Good post. Do you have any examples of some of your works?

Do you have any insights to taking maternity photos? I've recently been asked to take some for a friend and would love some help.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/17/2005 05:51:03 PM · #11

Originally posted by mariomel:

Good post. Do you have any examples of some of your works?

Do you have any insights to taking maternity photos? I've recently been asked to take some for a friend and would love some help.

I'm an old lady now, but I did a little modeling in my 20s. All I have left to show for it are some contact sheets and a few prints. That's where my perspective comes from. I just got into digital photography a couple of years ago and haven't gotten the opportunity to work with a model yet. Still learning about my brand new camera.

Wish I could offer advice on maternity photos. Fortunately, there are some really good ones taken by other DPCers. Perhaps they can share?

res0m50r

Canon EOS-30D

08/17/2005 05:53:06 PM · #12

what does this mean

"Secret because of Google. Ask and I will tell"

milo655321

Nikon D70

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

08/17/2005 06:01:41 PM · #13

Just from an actors point of view, don't ask your model to feel an emotion. You'll get a more natural expression if, instead, you describe a situation to which the model can react. Something like "A very hot guy just walked into the room and you want him to see you, but you don't want to make it obvious." It helps to give the model more to work with than â��act sexy.â�� Also, lots of praise.

08/17/2005 06:07:44 PM · #14

.

Message edited by author 2007-07-27 11:16:25.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

08/17/2005 06:11:00 PM · #15

Originally posted by milo655321:

Well said!

christie3

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/17/2005 06:20:07 PM · #16

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

christie3: Looks like you're off to a great start, already.

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. :) Thanks again for the great advice, too.

art-inept

Olympus C-5060WZ

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

08/17/2005 07:40:11 PM · #17

Good thread, Roxanne. I just have one thing to add, mainly for male photogs: Show models your utmost respect. And don't say things like, "you're hot." Never flirt with a model. That's the absolute worst thing you can do.

Oh and bring your model a bottle of water if you're shooting outside.

David.C

08/18/2005 01:02:55 AM · #18

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

Originally posted by res0m50r:
what does this mean

"Secret because of Google. Ask and I will tell"

My last name is Palmrose. I used to have it in my profile. I Googled my name and found out that an anagram thread I posted to is the first thing that comes up:0 My Google

It's probably because I posted my name in the thread, but I didn't want to take any risks. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with that. But I'd like to avoid such embarrassments in the future.

If it bothers you that much, edit the original post and wait for the page to fall off Google's cache.

David

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/18/2005 01:35:17 AM · #19

GREAT post, G&S (aka Roxanne aka "Secret because of Google")!
Seems like most of the tips work even for shooting family members. I always have a hard time getting them to feel relaxed and calm. I mean I try yelling and screaming and it's like they don't even freakin listen.

LOL - just kiddin - great tips from you & the others though - seriously.

RE: Google - Britannica has a good suggestion - go back and edit the thread now before someone quotes it. Then it will eventually fall off the cache.

sher

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

08/18/2005 02:22:40 AM · #20

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

good tip...i use this one a lot.

suemack

08/18/2005 03:15:11 AM · #21

This is awesome, another thread to watch and learn from. I find people so difficult......they won't sit and stay when I tell them to like my four footed friends do!

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

08/18/2005 08:35:09 AM · #22

Bump for the morning crowd.

And Thanks David & Ken. I did that, and I hope it falls off soon.

Cheers,
Roxanne

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

08/18/2005 08:39:42 AM · #23

Great thread, thanks Roxanne! :)

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/18/2005 08:48:42 AM · #24

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

Bump for the morning crowd.

And Thanks David & Ken. I did that, and I hope it falls off soon.

Cheers,
Roxanne

so when do we get to see your photo's (self portraits???).