Boudoir type shoot? HALP

[tevo]

I was approached by a local model who would like to work with me, and she is interested in doing something similar to Van Styles' work. She linked this article specifically, as well as one other also by Van. This is far outside of my comfort zone which is what is attracting me to the opportunity (among other things :mrgreen::greenpbl:), and I know technically how I would achieve such a look but as far as posing the model / the logistics of working with someone who is half naked and dating a friend of mine is beyond me. How should I approach this? How would I pose someone in that manner? I am nervous to take this on (which I suppose is a good thing)... help is greatly appreciated.

Examples of what she's looking for from the article:

image removed - sorry against forum policy

Image by Van Styles

image removed - sorry against forum policy

Image by Van Styles

image removed - sorry against forum policy

Image by Van Styles
SOURCE: Loft Life :: Mercedes Edison / V/SUAL APPAREL



Edit: TREVER1T THIS IS A MODEL YOU HAVE WORKED WITH PREVIOUSLY, PM ME OR REPLY TO THIS THREAD AND LET ME KNOW HOW IT WAS WORKING WITH HER.WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, PLEASE ADVISE.

 

[manicmike]

I'd just print out some copies of those poses and have her look at them. Then you have a visual aid right there. That's about all I can offer FWIW.

 

[tevo]

I'd just print out some copies of those poses and have her look at them. Then you have a visual aid right there. That's about all I can offer FWIW.

Any tips on breaking down the awkward barrier that may or may not exist?

 

[robbins.photo]

I'd just print out some copies of those poses and have her look at them. Then you have a visual aid right there. That's about all I can offer FWIW.

Any tips on breaking down the awkward barrier that may or may not exist?

Easy, there is none. Your not some shy school boy who is going to stutter and stare - your a photographer and your there shooting a subject. It's just another subject. Just keep that in your head and say it to yourself over and over again. Thing is, if you approach this professionally and treat it like it's no big deal, guess what, so will she.

 

[manicmike]

I'd just print out some copies of those poses and have her look at them. Then you have a visual aid right there. That's about all I can offer FWIW.

Any tips on breaking down the awkward barrier that may or may not exist?

Duct tape your weiner to your leg. But seriously, I've read from some other boudoir shooters that just talking a bit before you get shooting and going over what's going to be taking place helps. Just assuring her you are a professional and not some pervy dude with a camera should go a long way. That's how I'd approach it.

 

[photoguy99]

She needs to bring a chaperone, for several reasons. One is personal: your friend trusts both of you, surely, but the chaperone takes away the need for trust, and makes that part of this picture just that much easier. But see below. A girlfriend is an excellent choice for her to bring, but she needs to bring someone she is comfortable with.

You need to talk, talk, talk. Tell her what you're doing and why. The chaperone can take on any jobs that require touching the model -- smoothing out hair, changing the drape of some article of clothing, moving a hand or limb a little, just so, whatever. If the chaperone can keep an eye on makeup and hair as the shoot evolves, that would be great -- you'll be thinking light and pose, and could miss the smudged eyeliner. So, +1 for a girlfriend.

You need to be able to demonstrate poses. This means that you need to spend a few hours taking extremely awkward selfies. Just go do it. You need to know how it feels when it's right, so you can describe it to her. You need to be able to demonstrate it with your own body "you need to stick your butt out more, I know it feels awkward and stupid, trust me".

 

[JoeW]

Multiple tips:

1. Not so sure about the chaperone. In some cases it makes sense. In other cases, it creates an audience, a model can become self-conscious. I know a lot of boudoir shooters have a female assistant but that's more to do with the comfort level of the model (who is usually a complete amateur doing this for the first time). If this model has shot boudoir before and is not a complete amateur, then have a chaperone only if you feel you need the protection.

2. Soft light is your friend. If there is any theme/genre out there that benefits from soft light the most, it's boudoir. Scrims and reflectors are critical.

3. Don't make this a catalog shoot (where you're trying to show off the lingerie). Instead, HIDE IT. Have the model wear a man's dress shirt. Have her peek out from under sheets. Peer around a bedroom door. Stand at a closet trying on a man's suit coat or tie (as if she's missing a lover and can smell his scent on his clothing).

4. Remove tags from lingerie. They tend to be long and white and really stand out.

5. Give the model direction on lingerie to bring. As a general rule: (a) tops and bottoms should match; (b) it should be lacey; (c) doesn't need to be exotic or expensive or even in great shape (b/c you can avoid the side that has a flaw). But it needs to fit and also shouldn't be tight (otherwise it will leave marks or she'll have 3 breasts or it will add a tummy/bump b/c the panties are too tight).

6. Print out some sample poses. Have her bring a bathrobe. Review the lingerie first and pick out options. Have her change in to something and put the bathrobe on. Sit down with the model before the shoot and go over them--get her reaction to your ideas, concepts, and what you think will work or won't. Talk about how you'll give her posing directions (modeling the pose, mirroring or literal instructions, etc.) Then shoot her while she's wearing the bathrobe and you see just a hint of lace. Then the bathrobe comes off.

7. Take a break 20-30 minutes in to it. Ask her what is working, what's unclear. Download a couple of shots to your computer and the two of you look 'em over. if you're nervous, you may have done something stupid like forget to reset the exposure compensation or the ISO. You may also discover some poses you want to reshoot.

 

[manaheim]

tevo, can you please remove the pictures and put links to them instead? Posting someone else's work breaks forum rules.

BTW, I personally wouldn't be trying to emulate those. They seem pretty bad. Bad light, marginal posing (I think), too much extra crap in the frame, ugly crap in the frame.

 

[Trever1t]

Wait, I'm confused a little. Mercedes contacted you... or another model wants to do a shoot like Mercedes? If the 1st, no I haven't shot with her yet but I'd like to. I just moved into a new studio today on 1st downtown...collaborate?

 

[tevo]

Wait, I'm confused a little. Mercedes contacted you... or another model wants to do a shoot like Mercedes? If the 1st, no I haven't shot with her yet but I'd like to. I just moved into a new studio today on 1st downtown...collaborate?

The model who contacted me is someone you have photographed before. PM me

 

[Austin Greene]

I'd just print out some copies of those poses and have her look at them. Then you have a visual aid right there. That's about all I can offer FWIW.

Any tips on breaking down the awkward barrier that may or may not exist?

Personally, I went into my first boudoir shoot a few weeks ago expecting it to be incredibly awkward. I coped by running over in my head exactly what I'd do technically to get the images as close to perfect as possible. I thought over how I wanted to light them, poses, etc.

Turns out, there was zero awkwardness. So long as you keep it lighthearted and comfy, I found that things only got better and better as the clothes came off. She got more comfortable, and I got more and more posing ideas.

Just do it, and keep your mind behind the camera.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Since this isn't your style (and thankfully it isn't!) why do it? Why not suggest somewhere else she can find a photographer?

How does your friend feel about this? I can't help but wonder if she thinks the guy she's dating has a friend that will do this for free or cheap, or something - why does she need you to be the one to do this? Especially if she's worked with other photographers in your area.

If you don't typically do boudoir shots but want to try it don't you think it might be better to hire a model to help keep the situation more objective and business-like and professional? How good a friend is this? I'm wondering if you could be seeing her at social occasions later on that could make for an awkward situation.

 

[Trever1t]

Since this isn't your style (and thankfully it isn't!) why do it? Why not suggest somewhere else she can find a photographer?

How does your friend feel about this? I can't help but wonder if she thinks the guy she's dating has a friend that will do this for free or cheap, or something - why does she need you to be the one to do this? Especially if she's worked with other photographers in your area.

If you don't typically do boudoir shots but want to try it don't you think it might be better to hire a model to help keep the situation more objective and business-like and professional? How good a friend is this? I'm wondering if you could be seeing her at social occasions later on that could make for an awkward situation.

Huh? I disagree with 98% of this. None of my models are paid. Very few have ever even modeled seriously.

Starting with friends and friends of friends is the best way I can think of.

 

[Austin Greene]

Starting with friends and friends of friends is the best way I can think of.

I couldn't agree more!

 

[wickie44]

I think the key here is she approached you no need to feel awkward she obviously likes your work and believes you'll get the shots that she wants get her in a room shot and enjoy it's what we all love right