Feedback requested: first female model shoot (skimpy outfit warning)

[hirejn]

They both look only partially lit, meaning it looks like ambient light is registering. Why would you want ambient light to register? That seems to be why the bg is cluttered in #1. My eye wants to explore the background because it has highlights; why feature a tree, what looks like a kitchen window and another window? You don't want anyone looking at that stuff. A model like this needs to pop from the background. You could have draped a black sheet behind the couch to block that stuff out or just underexposed it. I would minimize or eliminate ambient light's role in the equation.

 

[runnah]

whyyyyyy!? I feel like the ultra feminist in this group but not a fan of a woman being photographed in this way I think there is a way to photograph a woman and be sexy while still keeping it classy. Needless to say I hate the posing. Was this something she wanted? The outfit choices are horrible she seems like a pretty girl but its hard to tell with the way shes being depicted.

That poor woman! I am glad the OP photoshopped out the gun that was to her head forcing her to pose in such a way!

 

[Lmphotos]

I looked through your Flickr and you are a very good photographer with a strong set of skills. What was this shoot for? I think if this was a glamour or boudoir style shoot you could do better. Angle her body instead of posing in front of the couch use that couch! On #2 see that roll she is making on the left side women generally hate that. Really look into posing women and how angles flatter her. A lot of women think this is what sexy is and this is what they have to do to be sexy which could be further from the truth show her how to be sexy, beautiful and artistic at the same time.

 

[daggah]

We did use the couch for some shots, including one that I really like...except one of my light stands ended up in the picture.

Edit: also, I'm going to shoot with her again in a few weeks and we plan on doing more "casual" fashion-style shots, outside shots, etc.

 

[LouR]

whyyyyyy!? I feel like the ultra feminist in this group but not a fan of a woman being photographed in this way I think there is a way to photograph a woman and be sexy while still keeping it classy. Needless to say I hate the posing. Was this something she wanted? The outfit choices are horrible she seems like a pretty girl but its hard to tell with the way shes being depicted.

That poor woman! I am glad the OP photoshopped out the gun that was to her head forcing her to pose in such a way!

She directed herself and that is NOT what is supposed to happen. The photographer is the director but he had no idea how to do it because he forgot his book. Young girls think they can model. Then they end up with cliche poses like these. At least she didn't do a duck face.

 

[daggah]

whyyyyyy!? I feel like the ultra feminist in this group but not a fan of a woman being photographed in this way I think there is a way to photograph a woman and be sexy while still keeping it classy. Needless to say I hate the posing. Was this something she wanted? The outfit choices are horrible she seems like a pretty girl but its hard to tell with the way shes being depicted.

That poor woman! I am glad the OP photoshopped out the gun that was to her head forcing her to pose in such a way!

She directed herself and that is NOT what is supposed to happen. The photographer is the director but he had no idea how to do it because he forgot his book. Young girls think they can model. Then they end up with cliche poses like these. At least she didn't do a duck face.

I liked what she was giving me, so I didn't feel the need to try to direct her more. I happen to like the poses.

 

[Lmphotos]

Check out some really experienced photographers in this field sue Bryce is a bit more tame but she has some boudoir thrown in on her website there is a girl with less on than yours has but it's done in a very classy sensual away.

 

[thebasedsloth]

For the first I think shooting from a little bit higher of an angle would have been nice, It would have made her appear more feminine and would have taken attention away from her spread legs, which would have made this appear a bit classier and less 'look at my ****'-like.
That also would have cut some of the distracting background out, not all of it, but a bit.
It looks like the focus is on the couch, you should have moved her away from the couch or moved the couch away from her.
This shot gives me the impression she just jumped off the couch onto her knees for some reason, which again is a bit strange and I'm sure not the look you were going for.

The second;
I like this one better out of the two but I probably would have shot over her shoulder more and not into her back, that would prevented showing her unpleasing back wrinkles .
Could have cropped tighter too and filled the frame with her and gotten all the candles and paintings out of the background.
Her face is pretty dark, darker than the walls.
Flash should have been aimed more towards her head so it stands out the most. Probably could just dodge it a bit in post and it would work well.

This is just my advice, feel free to take it or not.

 

[Thayli]

Nice looking lassie, but I would probably agree with the comments on outfit choice. Not that I'm bothered at all by skimpyness, hell I love all skimpy shots and I don't think I'll ever be mature enough to rise above it, but simply on the basis that the clothes look cheap, (as in cheaply made) and that becomes 'the look.' I think these would have better had she been wearing even just a quality set of bra and panties from Victorias secret. More revealing, but more classy and elegant. Feminine instead of sexual aggression maybe?

But, as you said, she wanted that set.

On a side note, no idea what people here actually think of Sue Bryce, but I'd say she's amazing. I love the way she does things and have plenty respect for her.

 

[LouR]

That poor woman! I am glad the OP photoshopped out the gun that was to her head forcing her to pose in such a way!

She directed herself and that is NOT what is supposed to happen. The photographer is the director but he had no idea how to do it because he forgot his book. Young girls think they can model. Then they end up with cliche poses like these. At least she didn't do a duck face.

I liked what she was giving me, so I didn't feel the need to try to direct her more. I happen to like the poses.

You said you think you have enough to get into Model Mayhem but did you even look at their top notch images? These poses and their technicals don't come close. You obviously have talent and equipment, but I gotta tell ya, your attitude sucks. First, take the C & C for the model, not just your lighting. As a photographer, you have to be in charge and the model needs to perform based on your direction. Look at the photos and blogs in Model Mayhem-there's one right on the home page about posing. And lighten up-you think people here are bashing? Wait til the real fun starts

 

[runnah]

I liked what she was giving me

 

[mishele]

I liked what she was giving me

No comment.

 

[BrianV]

Beautiful girl, gorgeous face. Which is out of focus in #1.

She need a head/shoulder portrait. You need an F1.5 Sonnar.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Need more planning. It looks like you put very little thought on the shot. The outfit and the location clash.

 

[daggah]

She directed herself and that is NOT what is supposed to happen. The photographer is the director but he had no idea how to do it because he forgot his book. Young girls think they can model. Then they end up with cliche poses like these. At least she didn't do a duck face.

I liked what she was giving me, so I didn't feel the need to try to direct her more. I happen to like the poses.

You said you think you have enough to get into Model Mayhem but did you even look at their top notch images? These poses and their technicals don't come close. You obviously have talent and equipment, but I gotta tell ya, your attitude sucks. First, take the C & C for the model, not just your lighting. As a photographer, you have to be in charge and the model needs to perform based on your direction. Look at the photos and blogs in Model Mayhem-there's one right on the home page about posing. And lighten up-you think people here are bashing? Wait til the real fun starts

I meant that I have enough to get my foot in the door. You need four pictures to even create an account at all, and I had nothing.

I'm going to agree to disagree on the model direction thing. I'm not going to interrupt someone's flow if they're giving me good results. I'm not saying I don't need to know how to direct/pose a model or subject because clearly that is something I need to work on.

And no one even brought up the "bashing" word until you did here.