"Model" photoshoot
May 25, 2013 10:55:12 #
A friend wanted some photos she might be able to use in a portfolio to try to get into modeling, so I took several of her the other night. They can all be seen here on my Smugmug page, if interested, some of which were just throw away fun shots:
http://bobdumon.smugmug.com/Portfolio/Suzanne-Clark/29600248_88hgfc#!i=2532327958&k=xgnC6s7
These were taken on the deck of the New Bern, NC, Doubletree Hotel with their marina as the background. Sony NEX-6, Sony HVL-F43AM flash on ADP-MAA adapter, Sony EX 55mm-210mm tele zoom lens, Hoya UV filter, camera mounted on a Slik PRO340DX AMT tripod. On Suzanne2 and S3 I shot in S mode, 1/40 sec., f/5.6, ISO 200, 119mm focal length (178mm 35mm equivalent). Same for S39 with the only change being a focal length of 104mm (136mm 35mm equivalent).... All were edited/cropped in Photoshop Elements 10, with the Suzanne2 shot edited using Topaz Labs B&W 2 software.
P.S. If anyone has any advice for her on how to best proceed to break into modeling I know she'd be happy to receive it, thanks....
http://bobdumon.smugmug.com/Portfolio/Suzanne-Clark/29600248_88hgfc#!i=2532327958&k=xgnC6s7
These were taken on the deck of the New Bern, NC, Doubletree Hotel with their marina as the background. Sony NEX-6, Sony HVL-F43AM flash on ADP-MAA adapter, Sony EX 55mm-210mm tele zoom lens, Hoya UV filter, camera mounted on a Slik PRO340DX AMT tripod. On Suzanne2 and S3 I shot in S mode, 1/40 sec., f/5.6, ISO 200, 119mm focal length (178mm 35mm equivalent). Same for S39 with the only change being a focal length of 104mm (136mm 35mm equivalent).... All were edited/cropped in Photoshop Elements 10, with the Suzanne2 shot edited using Topaz Labs B&W 2 software.
P.S. If anyone has any advice for her on how to best proceed to break into modeling I know she'd be happy to receive it, thanks....
Enhanced with Topaz Labs B&W2 in PSE10
Flawless skin!
No need for blemish remover tool here!
May 25, 2013 11:00:01 #
My daughter and son in law live in New Bern and are photographers too. Love the area. I like these shots too
May 25, 2013 11:08:39 #
May 25, 2013 12:15:52 #
I did go to the website.
The lighting is FLAT. Looks like an on-camera flash and that will never deliver images that will help her modeling aspirations. The poses are not flattering (in some images actually unflattering) and the post processing is either nonexistent or not done all that well.
Bad background For this kind of work, the background is JUST as important as the subject.
I'm sorry but these are just snapshots, nothing that will help her. If she wants a modeling portfolio, she needs to hire someone with a studio and professional lighting.
The lighting is FLAT. Looks like an on-camera flash and that will never deliver images that will help her modeling aspirations. The poses are not flattering (in some images actually unflattering) and the post processing is either nonexistent or not done all that well.
Bad background For this kind of work, the background is JUST as important as the subject.
I'm sorry but these are just snapshots, nothing that will help her. If she wants a modeling portfolio, she needs to hire someone with a studio and professional lighting.
May 25, 2013 12:21:17 #
May 25, 2013 17:11:39 #
Hi Bob, heres my take. While I agree with much of what captainc says, you did say she is a friend so schedule another shoot.
Work with her and you learn and she may end up with some nice pics for her portfolio.
A Win/Win.
My suggestions.
First off, your model.
She needs a little attention.
Hair. The hairstyle is not flattering to a lady her size.
If she is an aspiring model she needs advice on a hair style that does her justice.
Makeup. The natural look is in I know but some she has lovely eyes, accentuate them with some makeup.
(and in case I forget, get that pinprick from your onboard flash out of her eyes)
Dress. Not a good look for her figure in my opinion.
If she wants to be a model, this lady needs to front like she is a model.
Fake it till she makes it.
Now you.
You need to decide what YOU want. How you see her in her most flattering pose or position.
Natural light can be you best friend or your worst enemy.
Shoot early morning for some lovely diffused soft light or maybe late afternoon for a bit of 'soft' drama.
Get an off camera speedlight or if you cant, dial back the onboard flash and experiment with a bit of fill that way.
Its the most common, but for her I think a Rembrandt effect might work well for her face.
Maybe some diffused light through a window would work with her.
You need to flatter her looks while striving for some vibrance.
As Captain c said, background is important.
Perhaps with this lady I'd get her a fair distance from a green foliage (if you have to shoot outside) and then defocus it for a creamy effect.
Or perhaps a brick or stone wall with some texture. Again far enough from her that you dont have her posed dead in front.
On the day, you need to relax her first (she looks as if shes waiting to go in for dental surgery).
Get her in the mood to be photographed.
Tell her what YOU want.
Make her smile because she wants to, dont just say smile or look over there.
Get her in the mood that this is going to be fun.
Spontaneity is a wee bit lacking in your pics.
Get her moving in a set area of maybe 3 sq feet. Make her feel 'sexy' for want of a better term.
I could go on of course but hopefully I have given you some starter tips.
Dont give up. Neither you nor she is going to learn that way.
A model is also an actress and a model photographer is also an artist.
You can both learn your crafts together.
When you are both happy,relaxed in your roles start shooting.
Take heaps.
And post them here :thumbup:
Cheers
Work with her and you learn and she may end up with some nice pics for her portfolio.
A Win/Win.
My suggestions.
First off, your model.
She needs a little attention.
Hair. The hairstyle is not flattering to a lady her size.
If she is an aspiring model she needs advice on a hair style that does her justice.
Makeup. The natural look is in I know but some she has lovely eyes, accentuate them with some makeup.
(and in case I forget, get that pinprick from your onboard flash out of her eyes)
Dress. Not a good look for her figure in my opinion.
If she wants to be a model, this lady needs to front like she is a model.
Fake it till she makes it.
Now you.
You need to decide what YOU want. How you see her in her most flattering pose or position.
Natural light can be you best friend or your worst enemy.
Shoot early morning for some lovely diffused soft light or maybe late afternoon for a bit of 'soft' drama.
Get an off camera speedlight or if you cant, dial back the onboard flash and experiment with a bit of fill that way.
Its the most common, but for her I think a Rembrandt effect might work well for her face.
Maybe some diffused light through a window would work with her.
You need to flatter her looks while striving for some vibrance.
As Captain c said, background is important.
Perhaps with this lady I'd get her a fair distance from a green foliage (if you have to shoot outside) and then defocus it for a creamy effect.
Or perhaps a brick or stone wall with some texture. Again far enough from her that you dont have her posed dead in front.
On the day, you need to relax her first (she looks as if shes waiting to go in for dental surgery).
Get her in the mood to be photographed.
Tell her what YOU want.
Make her smile because she wants to, dont just say smile or look over there.
Get her in the mood that this is going to be fun.
Spontaneity is a wee bit lacking in your pics.
Get her moving in a set area of maybe 3 sq feet. Make her feel 'sexy' for want of a better term.
I could go on of course but hopefully I have given you some starter tips.
Dont give up. Neither you nor she is going to learn that way.
A model is also an actress and a model photographer is also an artist.
You can both learn your crafts together.
When you are both happy,relaxed in your roles start shooting.
Take heaps.
And post them here :thumbup:
Cheers
May 25, 2013 17:16:17 #
May 25, 2013 18:53:08 #
She is pretty, lots of potential there. I have worked back stage ( hair) on many a photo shoot some for major magazines . She needs professional hair and make up for a portfolio! You can find wonderful talented hair and makeup people who are just getting started that will work very cheaply if they get credit for their work. If you two practice with lighting and poses ....get that polished then put the finishing touches on for a real photo shoot you will have something for a portfolio . Look at other model/ actress portfolios for some ideas.
May 25, 2013 19:49:33 #
She will benefit from low-key, short lighting and remember darker skin people are defined by highlights as opposed to lighter skin which is defined by the shadows. You will need multiple lights if you want to separate that hair and I agree the style in these images is not attractive - she needs professional hair and makeup for portfolio work. If she REALLY wants to be a model, the price of a MUA is cheap..whatever the price. It is just as important as the photography.
Main light need to be higher than her head.
Background, background, background. Do not run poles through her head.
http://digital-photography-school.com/6-portrait-lighting-patterns-every-photographer-should-know
Main light need to be higher than her head.
Background, background, background. Do not run poles through her head.
http://digital-photography-school.com/6-portrait-lighting-patterns-every-photographer-should-know
May 25, 2013 20:02:44 #
May 25, 2013 20:05:03 #
Unfortunately neither she nor I have the money for either a pro photoshoot for her or more lighting equipment for me, and I realize that's the way to go to really get her into modeling. I'll discuss it with her, thanks.... She may have to put her aspirations on hold until she can afford to do it right....
May 25, 2013 22:28:34 #
Rob O'
Loc: Freakin' Hot Arizona
Keep practicing.
Grab a helper and a large white poster board for a reflector (89ยข at Target) and a better location.
Then SHOOT!
P.S. and leave the on-camera flash off. Good luck.
Grab a helper and a large white poster board for a reflector (89ยข at Target) and a better location.
Then SHOOT!
P.S. and leave the on-camera flash off. Good luck.
May 26, 2013 03:31:26 #
She stands not a chance as a model, she does not have what it takes sorry.
As for the photographs, she has metal poles growing out of her, trees sprouting from her head, the lighting is terrible, no contrast, etc etc etc....
Again sorry, looks are everything in modelling, that is blunt and a FACT Ruthiel said she is pretty, I disagree, looks are everything in modelling and she does not have what it takes.
And please do something about the birds nest on hear head. Whilst you may not have the right gear makeup and time cost very little.
Ok now all, come out against my honesty, she is probably an exceedingly nice person who will never be a model.
As for the photographs, she has metal poles growing out of her, trees sprouting from her head, the lighting is terrible, no contrast, etc etc etc....
Again sorry, looks are everything in modelling, that is blunt and a FACT Ruthiel said she is pretty, I disagree, looks are everything in modelling and she does not have what it takes.
And please do something about the birds nest on hear head. Whilst you may not have the right gear makeup and time cost very little.
Ok now all, come out against my honesty, she is probably an exceedingly nice person who will never be a model.
May 26, 2013 04:06:33 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
We are not the ones to judge if she is or isn't model material. The people who decide that are those who know what they are looking for in a model for a particular client(s). The clients are the ones who may be looking for just this person, or not.
What we are capable of doing is help BobD and his friend produce a series of portfolio shots that put her in the position to be in front of those decision makers.
There is a lot of good criticism of the results made so far, and more I am sure to come. Take it positively.
I suggest you search for the instructional sources available for posing the female to best advantage (the internet is your friend). Look at magazines that show models of color, dissect the lighting used, the hairstyles, the posing, the clothing and how they accentuate the persons attributes. Look at portrait studio websites and really understand these things. (CaptainC's website, for example) At the same time, look at what doesn't work for you and recognize and understand why it doesn't.
If you can't afford the lighting set ups, look at DIY sources for cheap Home Depot type alternatives... No one cares what produces the light, only that you can use light advantageously. Clamp lights, foam core, shower curtains, there are many ways to produce quality lighting.
If she can't afford a MUA, look for a beauty school, they are always taking clients for students to work... hair and make up can be had on the cheap to start out.
Good luck and search around, there is always more to learn.
What we are capable of doing is help BobD and his friend produce a series of portfolio shots that put her in the position to be in front of those decision makers.
There is a lot of good criticism of the results made so far, and more I am sure to come. Take it positively.
I suggest you search for the instructional sources available for posing the female to best advantage (the internet is your friend). Look at magazines that show models of color, dissect the lighting used, the hairstyles, the posing, the clothing and how they accentuate the persons attributes. Look at portrait studio websites and really understand these things. (CaptainC's website, for example) At the same time, look at what doesn't work for you and recognize and understand why it doesn't.
If you can't afford the lighting set ups, look at DIY sources for cheap Home Depot type alternatives... No one cares what produces the light, only that you can use light advantageously. Clamp lights, foam core, shower curtains, there are many ways to produce quality lighting.
If she can't afford a MUA, look for a beauty school, they are always taking clients for students to work... hair and make up can be had on the cheap to start out.
Good luck and search around, there is always more to learn.
May 26, 2013 04:55:56 #
jdubu wrote:
We are not the ones to judge if she is or isn't mo... (show quote)
We who shoot for a living ARE in a position to say what we say we do this for a living, I and others ARE in a position to clearly and honestly say she is in our opinion NOT model material
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