mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

Buckwheat,

There were mistakes made here, but maybe not the mistakes that you and others might think. I have worked with a number of models over the years, including Model Mayhem models. There is one absolute rule that I have, and I never break this rule on a first shoot with a model. I require that the model bring a chaperone with her. Also, I alway work with an assistant. This is done for the model's and the photographer's protection, until you get to know someone.

When I do outdoor location shoots, there are certain things that I alway have with me. One of those things is a large white sheet (think diffusion). While it is true that you are not going to get great lighing mid-day, you can diffuse and even that light out for tight portraits. And, if you had conducted this first shoot on a smart and professional basis, you have two extra people to hold the white sheet where it is needed. . .her chaperone and your assistant.

The other mistake that you made, and I hope have now learned from this mistake is never shoot straight on and down the nose like this. This kind of pose will make any nose look too big and out of "sorts". Turn her one way or the other off of the direct head-on shot. . .and repeat after me at least 100 times: "Chin up". Change up the 3/4 off center from left and then to the right. Everyone has a "best side", and if you have not worked with her before, shoot both, and figure it out after the fact.

You want good images. The model wants good images. She needs your expert direction, and you need her charm and grace.

My last comment has to do with the question that no one seems to be asking. Did you take this model out to the desert and only take this one image? Where are the others. How did they turn out? Is the model pleased with any of the images? Make sure you give her all of the good images on a disk, completely processed and saved both in .jpeg and in .tiff formats. If you now have some idea of what you did wrong, contact her and be honest and up front. Tell her that you are learning, and that you have learned a bunch from the first shoot, and you would really like to shoot with her again so that YOU can give to HER better images for her book that she most certainly deserves. Make a friend, network, and understand that what she says on Model Mayhem can get you other models, or cause you to have serious problems getting models to work with you.

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

Well stated. The model is more at ease with a BFF present and it helps if the BFF knows hair and makeup. That model may have been inexperienced and thought the photos were great but as soon as she shows them around her opinion will change.

Dewar Loc: Summer in MN & Winter in FL

Here's my solution.

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

That's one solution for the nose....make it go away!!!

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

That poor girl...

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

This all exemplifies that regardless of what PP is available it's best to get it right in camera

Dianakkb Loc: Norwalk, Ohio

Removed some of the shadows and decreased size of the nose just a little.

does this help?

Dianakkb Loc: Norwalk, Ohio

See if this helps...

here's my fix for you to see

Dianakkb Loc: Norwalk, Ohio

sorry, double posted

Dianakkb Loc: Norwalk, Ohio

I used portrait professional also. I didn't change her face shape, left it as it was.

Clicksy Loc: Victoria, Australia

Well done Bozsik, you have done well with this photo :thumbup:

artar Loc: Keene, TX

I am just new to photo touch up and love to experiment. Used FaceFilter Pro 3 and followed up by some touch up work in Photoshop Elements 11

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Here is a 20 minute fix. I think it could be better if I spent more time on it.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Yes, yes, yes, you are so right. This shoot just did not work out and I'll make a note of it since I want to practice people shots.