The importance of casting a model
- Even if you are working with a professional model, I would always recommend doing a casting session. This isn't always necessary possible, with some models travelling large distances and not every model is professional.
- It is not an unreasonable request to ask to see your poten1al model face to face or see an un-retouched image (these used to be polaroid).
- With Photoshop and other image manipula1on software widely available, and easier to use. What you see isn't always necessarily what you will get, remember models are people too, nobody is perfect! Things to look for in portfolios –
- Wide variety of poses - you may like their face but wow they have the same pose in every picture! (direct your model - will talk about this again)
- Experienced professional models will strike a different pose after each shot if asked to. This does not mean that they are mind readers, always communicate with your chosen subject as directly and openly as possible (of course if some of this is nega1ve don't be too blunt)
Choosing the right model for your look
- Keep in mind the genre of the shoot, whilst there are some models that can adapt, (they are quite tricky to book) usually most models are already posi1oned for a par1cular Genre.
- For cas1ng a beauty model, bone structure and interes1ng features trump anything else.
- Great beauty photography is always about emphazing a model’s best features, if your model has great eyes for example, make sure you are shoo1ng in a well lit room - this is so that their pupil size is reduced, and thus more colour!
- Skin - does your model have fabulous skin? Choose a nice clean light and make it glow!
- Freckles are beautiful?
A tricky aspect of working with models, is to ensure that they come away from the shoot with something.
Be it monetary compensation, to a fabulous set of images for their book.
No matter how desperate they are to see them, make sure that you only give models finished images,
unretouched/unfinished images can tarnish the good work you do.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, separate things a bit.
Give yourself enough time to complete your look, let your model go relax with a drink (water is best for
beauty) while you setup your shot. Only call your model once you are happy with your lighting.
Directing your model
At this stage, you may not be working with professional models all the 1me. Directing your model is crucial to geeng what
you want out of your shoot. Especially if they are inexperienced or nervous.
Take some tear sheets with you with poses that you like, best way of demonstra1ng a pose – step into the shot and show
the model exactly what you want.
Movement – keep your model moving all the 1me, studios can be cold places and poses can become very wooden very
quickly.
Relax – its incredibly easy if you are anxious to transfer this to your model, they may be thinking its something they are doing wrong!
Listen – Talk to your model, ask them about themselves if you don’t know them, striking up a conversa1on can go a long way to making your shoot smooth.
Be Honest – but don’t be rude, if you don’t like a pose, say so.
Body language – what you’re saying if your arms are crossed or your back is turned, never whisper to people on set in front of your model.
Mood – your own mood, if you’re having a bad day don’t let it show, it can have a huge impact to your team.
Fine tune your shot – Once you think you are happy with your composition, start looking at the details; is there a hair I can move, that eyelash is annoying me etc. Much easier to sort these on set that relying on post production (Photoshop to fix it).
If a shot is working, let the model know with some encouragement!
Everyone is different, choose poses that fit your model, the style and aetude you want must be something naturally in that model – that was why you chose them after all!
Catch those quiet moments….. Some of the best shots are taken when the model has relaxed completely, always be ready to take a shot.
Choosing the mood for your shoot
What gives mood?
Colour palette?
Is it the lighting?
Is it the tonal range being displayed?
Types of lighting – High key vs low key
Relax – its incredibly easy if you are anxious to transfer this to your model, they may be thinking its something they are doing wrong!
Listen – Talk to your model, ask them about themselves if you don’t know them, striking up a conversa1on can go a long way to making your shoot smooth.
Be Honest – but don’t be rude, if you don’t like a pose, say so.
Body language – what you’re saying if your arms are crossed or your back is turned, never whisper to people on set in front of your model.
Mood – your own mood, if you’re having a bad day don’t let it show, it can have a huge impact to your team.
Fine tune your shot – Once you think you are happy with your composition, start looking at the details; is there a hair I can move, that eyelash is annoying me etc. Much easier to sort these on set that relying on post production (Photoshop to fix it).
If a shot is working, let the model know with some encouragement!
Everyone is different, choose poses that fit your model, the style and aetude you want must be something naturally in that model – that was why you chose them after all!
Catch those quiet moments….. Some of the best shots are taken when the model has relaxed completely, always be ready to take a shot.
Choosing the mood for your shoot
What gives mood?
Colour palette?
Is it the lighting?
Is it the tonal range being displayed?
Types of lighting – High key vs low key
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