Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

Hi Lee

Yet another good night and nice to see so many from the club. You found us a couple of excellent models again.

Look forward to the next one!!!

Regards
Gll

I think most photographers new to studio work find it "difficult" is not the right the word maybe "challenging" would be a better word. After all you do spend a long time learning about your camera and the use of light, so why should directing a model be any less. It is another skill in the photogrpahers arsenal to be learned, to some it may come naturally to others it will be a mountain to climb.

I fell in to the second example, being naturally shy I found it very difficult to get to grips with posing a model. What I did find helpful was having to hand some example poses (like Lee suggests above) for when my ideas dried up or my nerves got the better of me. To this end I searched the net for 'posing guides', I managed to find a couple examples which in my opinion did the job, not only were they a good aide-mémoire, it also makes it easier to show the model the pose you want instead of trying to describe it or create the pose yourself.

The guides I obtained are in pdf format, which I have printed and encapsulated and keep in my bag ready to whip out when that awkward moment arises or ideas run out. I have copied a page for theses guides and the link below should take you there to give you an idea of what there like. The poses range from lying down, sitting through to standing.

http://www.andycrompton.co.uk/BNCPHOTOS ... xample.pdf
(ignore the click to enlarge statement, they dont enlarge )

If anyone would like a copy, let me have your email address and i will send you what I have.

Andy

Andrew Shepherd wrote: that's the bit I find quite difficult and I guess it just comes from practice/building confidence and knowing what you are trying to achieve from the outset (with tear sheets as examples).

Some of the models we have used have led quite a bit, striking different poses between shots and I find that really helpful. I don't know what the "norm" is, should they do that or be directed from the photographer.

I guess some of the more experienced photographers who have worked with models can share their tips - Paul?!

Thanks Andrew

Working with models gets easier:
a) as you build up your experience
b) as you start to work with higher calibre models

Yes, tearsheets from magazines and ideas printed from the web are a good starting point. I have a selection of 'scrapbooks' containing different genres of photography which I take along to shoots, depending upon what type of shoot it's going to be.

There is no real 'norm' as such. It depends on your level of experience and what you're trying to achieve. I know models who regularly work on 'group shoots' and have routines of standard poses which they will run through if they feel they aren't getting any direction or input from the photographer/s. I get the general impression that most models like to have input and ideas from the photographer and like photographers who try to establish a rapport with them rather than just leaving them to their own devices.

If you're just learning the ropes then having help from the model can be useful, so if it helps you to have her go through a routine until you've built up enough confidence that's fine.

I usually have quite clear ideas of the types of images I'm looking for. However, I also like to involve the model in the shoot and allow freedom for creativity. A recent shoot I did was with a dancer/actress and I encouraged her to imagine herself in various roles and to bring different characteristics and emotions to each shot (if you can understand what I'm meaning).

I'll often have an idea of an image that I want to make and will ask the model for her ideas to accompany it. This can lead to some good variations. As an example of what I mean from my last shoot, I had an image in mind here and between us we tried out a few different ways to achieve it. So, which one do you think works best.....?



My personal favourite is the last one with eyes closed, though I also like image 2, and 4.....

Lee Bold wrote: Take your time its quite difficult in a group session because you know other people are waiting to have a go, usually i on;y take about 10 images then let someone else have a go but if its a one to one you can take your time get the pose, lights etc right first then take the image.

In directing a model, most models will have a set pose routine that they can follow so life easier for the photographer but there is nothing wrong with asking them to move this arm that leg tilt your head look at me look away from me etc as sometimes these little changes can effect the final image at the final stage.

Lee is right in what he says.

Group shoots can be daunting because of time constraints and peer pressure. One-to-one shoots are far, far better - but if your only outlet is a group shoot then try to divorce yourself from what's going on around you and ignore the people in the background and just concentrate on you and the model. Concentrate on getting that one 'killer shot' that will make the whole experience worthwhile - just so that the next person in line can stroll up and ask for the exact same pose...

Andy C wrote: I found it very difficult to get to grips with posing a model. What I did find helpful was having to hand some example poses (like Lee suggests above) for when my ideas dried up or my nerves got the better of me. To this end I searched the net for 'posing guides', I managed to find a couple examples which in my opinion did the job, not only were they a good aide-mémoire, it also makes it easier to show the model the pose you want instead of trying to describe it or create the pose yourself.

If they help you then use them.
Practice, practice, practice...

It's really good to see so many people enjoying studio / model photography.

Paul

Andy, thanks for the link, that's a great start and thanks for sharing with the group.
Paul, thanks for the advice, as always.

I did go sheapishly to the newsagents on Sauturday morning with the Mrs in tow, to buy a 'fashion' magazine (Elle, in the end). We went to the counter and bought a couple of other things. I paid and on turning to leave, my Mrs shouted at me "Phil, you forgot your magazine". Got a dashing stare from the young, impressionable teenagers in the queue behind me. It's got a good article on shoes by the way.........

PhilipHowe wrote: I did go sheapishly to the newsagents on Sauturday morning with the Mrs in tow, to buy a 'fashion' magazine (Elle, in the end). We went to the counter and bought a couple of other things. I paid and on turning to leave, my Mrs shouted at me "Phil, you forgot your magazine". Got a dashing stare from the young, impressionable teenagers in the queue behind me. It's got a good article on shoes by the way.........

Ha Ha

Seriously, there's nothing to be embarrased about buying fashion (or 'womens'') magazines. When we were on holiday recently I bought a couple of issues of 'Harpers Bazaar' specifically for the photography.

I also picked up a fashion photography book by Patrick Demarchelier ( http://www.demarchelier.net/home.html ) in a bookshop in Llangollen.

Paul

LOL the experience of buying fashion magazines, try the web theres a host of fashion images out there from the reletive safety of your home. I find buying nuts, zoo easier as its expected and no one really bats an eyelid. Wait till you do a fashion shoot and you have an idea in your head but the model doesn't have a dress to suit the style and you have to go and buy it on your own because Mrs B won't do it for you, especially when the shop assistant asked do you need any help and would you like to try it on. Thats an experience i still blush at even after i explained what it was for she didn't believe me.

Lee