Post by 7ranc3Another question along this vein. From experience (globally), how do the
"some experience" models from onemodelplace.com generally receive a new
photographer?
Just fine. :) Keep reading...
Post by 7ranc3I have recently gotten into photography and would like to
step up my photography a bit and use a model. I have this for now (Canon
D10, Canon 24-70 2.8F L USM, Canon 75-300 4-5.6 ISU, Canon 550EX). I have
not taken many pictures of people yet, and would like to hire someone with
some experience to do some faceshots, artistic nudes, and some clothing
shots. I plan on paying them (no way would I risk TFP since I am not that
good yet) and I plan on hiring a makeup artist. In general are the girls
receptive to doing this kind of thing for beginners? Obviously I am not
helping their career since I am new, so I was worried that I would get
ignored, or worse. Of course I want them to be chaperoned.
I was new to model photography exactly one year ago, and obtained my first
models off of OneModelPlace.com. A year later, I feel 100% comfortable with
the whole thing (and in fact, I felt that way after just my first few
shoots). The models I first shot were just fine letting me learn the ropes
with them, and if you're a good photographer to begin with, you're not going
to have any problems just because you're shooting a model - it's still
photography. Let them know you're just starting out on modeling shoots, but
also let them know you know how to shoot otherwise, and that you're not
starting from scratch. I showed my first models my landscape and scenic
shots, which modesty aside are quite good, and they were sufficiently
impressed as to be happy to let me shoot them.
The most important thing, though, is your attitude. Don't go into it trying
to earn their respect or expecting them to boost your confidence. Instead,
go into it with confidence as a competent photographer, and remember that
you're paying them - they are your employee, and they are there to be
directed, not to dictate to you. They will respond to you if you act like
you know what you're doing (even if you don't feel like you know what you're
doing, which is how I felt on my first shoot - just hide it!) Just be
yourself and be professional. When you contact someone, interview them a
little bit...try to discern (without asking directly) what they're looking
for out of a shoot. That will give you an idea of how cooperative they're
going to be. But if you display confidence up front, simply by being in
control of the shoot from the outset, they will have confidence in you and
will will listen to your instruction. In my experience, most models are
open to just about anything prudent, and often have good ideas of their own.
The best models I've hired didn't even need instruction. They just did
their thing, and I walked around and shot them. I made sure to tell them
that, too..."You're doing great, I don't even need to give you any
instruction...just keep doing what you're doing...blah blah blah". Of
course, other models need constant direction, and that's harder, but that
too will come with practice.
Most of the models on OMP are self-promotional; they aren't with an agency,
and agencies are where you're going to find the really stuck-up types, the
super-model wannabes. If a model starts demanding things of you, either let
her know you're in charge, or walk. If you're paying her, then she's there
for you, and any model with a modicum of professionalism understands this.
They don't even have to like your photos...they're doing a paid job. I've
only ever had problems with one model, who started demanding things of me
(along with her watchful boyfriend). I merely reminded her that I was
directing the shoot, and that if she began to look uncomfortable in front of
the camera or if she or her boyfriend kept dictating to me, I would walk and
discard the photos we'd already taken. Then I turned to her boyfriend and
told him bluntly to observe only and not to interfere. I was firm, but not
rude or confrontational. They chilled out and the rest of the shoot went
fine...it's all politics and diplomacy at times, but never ever forget who
the boss is, and don't be afraid to let her know it if you have to.
And don't forget to have them sign a model release form!
I'm probably rambling and giving you too much information now, so I'll stop
here. :) Anyway, to summarize an answer to your basic question, I think
you'll find models eager to work with anyone who can fill out their
portfolio a little. Remember their motivations - they can't take pictures
of themselves, and most reasonable people don't expect to be working with a
super-pro. They're budding pros just like you. And don't be afraid to ask
for TFP, since even some experienced models will do it if they think they
can get even one or two good shots out of it for their own portfolio.
Post by 7ranc3One other question, since I have a D10 with 1.6 cropping factor, what is the
best lens I could get for portrait photography? Is the 24-70 that I have
adequate?
Yes. Will you be shooting indoors or out? After a couple of shoots, I
realized that it's best to simply zoom to full, and walk farther away to get
full-body shots and what-not. There's less distortion from the lens that
way, and more "portrait-style" background blurring at all times. It's a
simple technique that lends itself to attractive shots, and yet it's so easy
to forget to do it. :)
Mike