Photo session Info
Modeling & glamour FAQ's answered.
I recommend that all first-time models, and anyone relatively new to modeling, practice posing and making different facial expressions in front of a mirror, at home, well before the shoot.
You may feel silly practicing this in front of a mirror, - but it's a great way to prepare for what it will be like in front of a camera and should actually make doing your shoot easier and more comfortable.
Practice a variety of different looks so that you are at least a little prepared should you be asked for a specific expression, such as:
"sexy", "intense", "serious",
"heavy eye's" or "pouty".
Again, I will provide as much direction as necessary to help you get the look & expression, but the more prepared you are, the better!
Some of the best reference guides for posing are fashion catalogs and magazines.
Check them out.
Pay close attention to the position of hands, legs, & the different angles the body makes (including the tilt of the head, arms, torso, thighs, and legs), and facial expressions.
Getting Ready for your shoot
Be sure to take care of all hair removal prior to a shoot, but leave at least 2-3 days between when you wax/shave any sensitive areas (such as your bikini line) and your shoot date.
This time is necessary to allow for any irritation to disappear before your shoot.
Make sure any regrowth requiring colour is also done.
Eyebrows plucked.
Take care of your nails. Be sure that your nails are neat and well maintained.
A natural, non-colored, or French manicure look is preferable. If you plan on posing barefoot, be sure your feet and toes are in good condition.
You should also have a good idea of what items you are going to bring to your shoot.
Please call me 0427 206412 to confirm your photo shoot appointment.
Use this opportunity to ask any last minute questions you may have.
Eat healthy. Drink plenty of water. Avoid fatty, greasy, and salty foods prior to shooting. Please avoid alcohol or anything that will make you puffy or bloated. Also avoid anything that may stain your teeth.
Pack up what you'll need at least the night prior to your appointment so you are not rushing around in the time before leaving for your shoot.
Check your nails. You may not be the type who likes to keep their nails long and well manicured, which is fine, so long as they are ready for their close-up.
However, damaged nails, beat up nail polish, and nails that have been bitten down to the tips of your fingers will not add to the look of your photos.
If your nails are not ready for pictures, you are encouraged to purchase temporary press-on nails. They may not feel "real" to you, but they can help save a photo or two.
It is also important that you get a good night's sleep. You will not only feel better, but you will look better if you are well rested and energetic on the day of your shoot.
Dark circles and bags under one's eyes is not attractive.
If bringing a make-up artist, you may arrange to arrive up to 45 mins early in order to begin the make-up process early and maximize your shooting time. However, please let us know if you intend to arrive early with a make-up artist so that we are expecting & prepared for your arrival.
In the event that something unexpected happens and you are going to be late, please call me 0427-206412 to provide an update and estimated arrival time.
Unless specific arrangements have been made in advance, the model is responsible for bringing her own attire.
If you are shooting with the intention of doing an "all-purpose" shoot, then bringing a variety of different types of clothes is a good idea. I like variety and options!!
Please bring as many wardrobe changes as you like and we'll try to work them into the shoot. Options are always good and you never know when you'll feel like wearing something.
And if you think you might want to bring something, but have second thoughts about it, bring it anyway.
Models I've worked with almost always tell me that they wished they'd brought something that they'd thought about bringing but then decided not to. It is better to always bring more than you think you will need, however it may not always be possible to shoot with everything you bring.
I recommend solid color clothing, with no polka dots, no wild prints, and no distracting stripes. Clothing of this type can have a tendency to distract the viewer from the most important subject in your photos, you.
Recommended clothing styles include: shorts, various forms of full and brief tops, mini-dresses, mini-skirts, jeans, sports & fitness gear, swimwear & lingerie and also any "fantasy theme" type costume's.
Many models will either pack a small suitcase or bring a bag of some type to carry all their clothes. If you plan to shoot on location, it is important that bring something that allows you to transport at least three or more outfits easily.
Clothes you intend to wear should be free of wrinkles and lint. In the event your need to remove the occasional wrinkle, we have an iron available.
Please note that if you are shooting in the studio, we have hanging racks for your clothes in the the changing/make-up room. If it is convenient for you to transport your clothing on racks, you are encouraged to do so.
Unless otherwise arranged, clients are responsible for supplying their own props for a shoot. We do have quite a few in our studio, best to ring and we can discuss what we have!
Props can be anything from a cane or an umbrella, a mask, a magnifying glass, a furry rug, or satin sheets for a glamour shoot.
If you have any items you think might be cool in a photograph, please consider bringing them. When in doubt as to whether you think you should bring something or not, please feel free to consult with me.
Clients that supply their own props tend to bring things that have significantly more meaning than what the typical photographer might provide.
Plus, photographers who repeatedly use the same props over and over again in shoots tend to have photos that all look the same.
If you intend to shoot glamour style photos, boudoir photos, "Ralph/FHM style" photos, lingerie photos, or any type of photos intended to give off an "intimate" look, please consider bringing items that may help reinforce the look you are going for.
These items can be used to help adorn the set.
For example, if you wish to try some shots involving a fur-skin rug, then all you need to do is supply the rug.
Additional items to consider include comforters, pillows, sheets, fabric to drape across the set or hang from the ceiling, and anything else you think might help add to the look you are going for. If you have any particular ideas in mind and would like to know if you should bring something, please feel to ask.
Changing the way you look during a shoot will help keep the photos from looking like they were all taken on the same day.
Items I'd suggest bringing include: make-up, hair ties & rubber bands (so you can wear your hair in different ways), hats, jewelry, glasses/sunglasses, and anything you think might make a neat prop or look interesting in a photo.
Here are some items typically found in the bags of models who work regularly and/or professionally. Not all items are necessary if you're just starting out, but it's still a good idea to check this list and consider whether these items may be useful at your shoot. Many items depend on the type of shoot you're doing and the location:
Photo Ideas for shoot, torn from magazines
makeup kit nylons (nude & black)
washcloth mascara (brown and/or black)
false eyelashes (2 different lengths) concealer foundation
nail glue
lipstick (various shades) blush eyeshadow (various colors)
translucent powder makeup sponges makeup brushes
cotton swabs cotton balls makeup remover
tweezers eye drops mirror
masking tape binder clips hairpins
toothbrush toothpaste baby wipes
hairbrush hair ties/bands sunscreen
sunglasses bottled water towel
tampons dress shields lint brush
dress hood or pillow case spray bottle facial tissue
aspirin (or equivalent) penlight/flashlight scissors
small first-aid kit razors shaving cream
model portfolio model cards body lotion
facial cleansers hairstyling products
insect repellent (outdoor shoot)
My Personality:
Friends & people I've worked with would tell you that I'm an easy-going, friendly, fun, and creative person.
Working with me will be productive, easy and fun.
As your photographer I will not only strive to have your shoot be an enjoyable, positive, and comfortable experience, but to also provide you with high quality images that you're extremely pleased with.
While I may suggest different ideas during a shoot, I'm not the type of photographer that has anyone I work with do anything they're not entirely comfortable with.
MY SHOOTING STYLE:
My style of shooting tends to be inspired by the location, the subject, and any exchange of ideas. I love learning, collaborating, experimenting, and trying new techniques.
I tend to shoot very "fluidly". I like to have my models be "loose" and free to pose as they wish during a shoot -
(and I shoot as this happens).
During this process, I may offer some suggestions and direction to try to get the best photos possible (and I continuously take photos while we work).
For me, photo shoots are a very collaborative process and I enjoy discussing different ideas and trying new things with the people I work with.
That's intentional. When posed pictures are necessary, I do them in a relaxed, easy style that translates into fluid & natural looking photographs.
HOW LONG DOES A SHOOT TAKE?:
I like to shoot for a minimum of two hours. Most unscheduled shoots that I do tend to average around four hours (and it usually flies by).
The length of a shoot is generally dictated by who I'm working with (and that is often determined by the number of wardrobe changes & the specific goal of a shoot).
I love to shoot, so unless I have other obligations, I'm always happy to continue shooting for as long as a model wants. I've shot for 10 hours over the course of a single day.
THE BEST SHOTS COME LAST...
I've noticed that the majority of the best shots from photo shoots nearly always occur at least an hour after shooting has begun (and most often get progressively better until the end of a shoot).
I suspect this can mostly be attributed to everyone getting warmed up, used to each other's style, temperament & method of work and communication.
I also believe it has tons to do with a model's confidence. Having confidence while shooting is a huge advantage in capturing great photos.
This is why I always suggest (when a schedule will allow it) that regardless of what we're shooting, that we start out conservative and leave the best and most interesting components of a shoot for the latter half.
This includes elaborate make-up, exciting outfits, and exquisite locations.
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New model's must read, - All about the Model Release Form.
An extrordinary amount of work go's into photoshoping and preparing industry quality photos for a model portfolio. Particularly when these are done for TFCD sessions.
Every model shooting with me is required to sign a 'Model Release" prior to her/his shoot.
No release signed = no shoot.
In order to prevent lawsuits, release forms are not only common place but required for many types of photo sessions. They are required in Australia in order to use photographs for commercial purposes.
Essentially a release form gives a photographer or his clients the copyrights and right to use and or to sell your photos.
Release forms are a routine requirement for most photography sessions. For most types of modeling, you should not have any cause for concern about signing a release, but always read anything carefully before you sign it.
When in doubt, ask your agency for advice. If you have a problem with having your photos published, then modeling is probably the wrong profession to be in.
(Example of my Model release form)
MODEL RELEASE
I, __________________________________________
do hereby give to _________(the Photographer), his or her assigns, licensees, successors in interest, legal representatives, and heirs the irrevocable right to use my name (or any fictional name), picture, portrait, or photograph in all forms and in all media and in all manners, without any restriction as to changes or alterations (including but not limited to composite or distorted representations or derivative works made in any medium) for advertising, trade, promotion, exhibition, or any other lawful purposes, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the photograph(s) or finished version(s) incorporating the photograph(s), including written copy that may be created and appear in connection therewith.
I hereby release and agree to hold harmless the Photographer, his or her assigns, licensees, successors in interest, legal representatives and heirs from any liability by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of the photographs, or in any processing tending toward the completion of the finished product, unless it can be shown that they and the publication thereof were maliciously caused, produced, and published solely for the purpose of subjecting me to conspicuous ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, and indignity. I agree that the Photographer owns the copyright in these photographs and I hereby waive any claims I may have based on any usage of the photographs or works derived therefrom, including but not limited to claims for either invasion of privacy or libel. I am of full age and competent to sign this release. I agree that this release shall be binding on me, my legal representatives, heirs, and assigns.
I have read this release and am fully familiar with its contents.
Model: ___________________________ Signed: ________________
Address: _________________________________________
Date: ___________, 200 _____
Consent (if applicable)
I am the parent or guardian of the minor named above and have the legal authority to execute the above release. I approve the foregoing and waive any rights in the premises.
Witness: _____________________________ Signed: _________________
Parent or Guardian
Address: ______________________________ Address: ______________
Date: ___________, 200 ____