Remember that this assumes you’ve already found a photographer you’re comfortable
working with. They can be demanding and insistent, but should be considerate of you
and your feelings.
working with. They can be demanding and insistent, but should be considerate of you
and your feelings.
| Before the Shoot: |
1) Understand your agreement. Make sure the photographer explains the model
release and payment information clearly. Generally, you want them to use your photos as
much as possible--it’s good publicity for you. And don’t hesitate to ask questions.
2) Check on makeup, clothing and prop requirements. Unless you’re already
working professionally (and often even if you are) you will probably have to supply your
own. Make sure you have what you need.
3) Establish a touch or don’t touch agreement. Most photographers find it quicker
and easier to help a model pose, moving your body, arms, legs, head; adjusting your
clothing; etc. But if you aren’t comfortable with this, let your photographer know.
4) Rest before the session. Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t party before a shoot.
release and payment information clearly. Generally, you want them to use your photos as
much as possible--it’s good publicity for you. And don’t hesitate to ask questions.
2) Check on makeup, clothing and prop requirements. Unless you’re already
working professionally (and often even if you are) you will probably have to supply your
own. Make sure you have what you need.
3) Establish a touch or don’t touch agreement. Most photographers find it quicker
and easier to help a model pose, moving your body, arms, legs, head; adjusting your
clothing; etc. But if you aren’t comfortable with this, let your photographer know.
4) Rest before the session. Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t party before a shoot.
| During the Shoot: |
5) Relax and be comfortable. Tension will show during a photo shoot. Remember that
not all shots will be perfect anyway; that’s why the photographer will take several. So relax.
6) Communicate. Make sure you listen carefully to the photographer, and talk to them
when you need to. If you feel uncomfortable, let them know—usually this can be worked
out. Ideally, “electricity” should develop as you and your photographer make a creative
connection. But remember that during your first shoot with a photographer it can take a
while to develop a rapport.
7) Trust your photographer. Once the session begins, only they know what they see
through their camera lens. Trust their advice (or that of a makeup designer or costume
coordinator, if any) on what to wear, what makeup works, how to move, gesture, what
facial expressions to make, etc. (Remember, if you didn’t trust your photographer, you’d
have used somebody else!)
8) Trust yourself. Believe that you can do what the photographer wants you to do
(within reason, of course), and you probably can. Depending on the type of shoot, your
photographer will probably encourage your input, even if all your ideas can’t be used.
9) As much as possible, have fun during the shoot. This will not only make you feel
better, but usually means better photos. Your photographer may even have you do things
that seem silly for a better shot, or just to help you relax. Don’t worry about it, just have
fun.
not all shots will be perfect anyway; that’s why the photographer will take several. So relax.
6) Communicate. Make sure you listen carefully to the photographer, and talk to them
when you need to. If you feel uncomfortable, let them know—usually this can be worked
out. Ideally, “electricity” should develop as you and your photographer make a creative
connection. But remember that during your first shoot with a photographer it can take a
while to develop a rapport.
7) Trust your photographer. Once the session begins, only they know what they see
through their camera lens. Trust their advice (or that of a makeup designer or costume
coordinator, if any) on what to wear, what makeup works, how to move, gesture, what
facial expressions to make, etc. (Remember, if you didn’t trust your photographer, you’d
have used somebody else!)
8) Trust yourself. Believe that you can do what the photographer wants you to do
(within reason, of course), and you probably can. Depending on the type of shoot, your
photographer will probably encourage your input, even if all your ideas can’t be used.
9) As much as possible, have fun during the shoot. This will not only make you feel
better, but usually means better photos. Your photographer may even have you do things
that seem silly for a better shot, or just to help you relax. Don’t worry about it, just have
fun.
| After the Shoot: |
10) Relax after the photo shoot. Realize that some people feel really up after a shoot
while others feel down. Don’t let this worry you; both reactions are normal. Just relax.
while others feel down. Don’t let this worry you; both reactions are normal. Just relax.
| Basic Advice for Amateur and Beginning Models: The Photo Shoot |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Loveshade Photos |
TM
| "Catching a moment of time." ™ |
 |
 |