Model Photography

[jjeling]

I finally scored a couple models to work with. This is exciting considered I have never had the opportunity to work with actual models. One I went to high school with and the other is a friend of a friend. I'm going to need some help from you guys so Im going to give you a little background on each one. And then what my abilities are.

Heather - is a girl I went to high school with. She is just shy of 5ft tall, and has 3 large tattoo's that she loves. White with a lighter complexion, blonde hair and a very slim figure but still has some curves to her. She has done some outdoor modeling before but it didnt turn out too well. She did ok, but the photographer totally ruined the images. Shooting into the sun, and there was no PP, etc. etc. etc.

Elizabeth - a young girl, 20, with a small newborn child, that cant be anymore than 6 months old. Since we have a good mutual friend, she wants to help me out and create some really 'emotional' images. I suggested she bring her daughter and she thought it was a great idea. She looks hispanic and has a darker complexion with a beautiful face. Seems to edge onto the heavy side but looks as though it is from the child.

That is just the basic info about them. The space I have available is about pretty large. An entire upstairs of a 40x30 garage filled with music equipment. Then I have a 15ft wide corner that will be dedicated to photography with a background and lighting. There is good lighting but it is not enough. I do not have any off camera flashes, but have industrial lights and industrial fans that I can use. The lights will have to be diffused by either shining them straight up or by using a cloth in front of them. With either black or white background available. The couch that I would use had the cover removed from it. It is completely spotless and almost vanilla in color. I could really use any input anyone would have since this would be the first time ever using a model. I would like figure it out quite fast so I can just let these two go for free so I can learn, then let them send me some real business. If any of you want to see a picture of them to really see what I have to work with then let me know. It can be done quite easily. Thanks again everyone.

Cameras & lenses
6mp Pentax with Pentax 18-55(very sharp), Pentax 80-200(very sharp), and a Tamron 70-300(ok)
10mp Sony Alpha 100 with image stabilization and Sony 18-70(sharp)
tripod for each one
Circular polarizers for the 18-55 and 18-70


I can use guitars, a drum set(would have to get moved), couch, stool, a 5ft red tail boa(this should be good as long as he is full), and fans. Those are all in my possession now and if there are any other suggestions for props let me know. It is pretty easy for me to get most reasonable items. Thanks.

[mindforge]

I just finished an awesome set yesterday with a model. Here is a pic.


Ok. Here are some tips.

One, try and shoot outside. I use all natural light and reflectors. I have never had real success inside of the studio with models. Families posing with Muslin, different story. I shot this model because, one - she is my friend and two she is my advertising model for the next year. I suck in the studio, I'll put that out there. Get me outside, let me look around and I can come up with some fun stuff.

I fear getting in a studio with a model, with a white/black or for that matter a pattern muslin. Give me outdoors and give me post processing. Find a bridge or some train tracks.. a statue. Go out and shoot.

This is all my personal taste and opinion - I tried to do a studio shoot on my first model and it came out really bad... really bad.