First Model Shoot Saturday! Tips&Tricks?

Trever1t · Oct 27, 2011

I left them a voice mail to call me back (state park office) but on the State Parks webpage it clearly states that "non-commercial" photography is "encouraged".

At an E shoot at another state park a Ranger told me I needed to buy a permit (which he could issue for a sum) but when I asked him if why I, an ameteur photographer needed a permit he totallychanged his tune. Now I wasn't shooting with light stands but same principle should apply. If not, we'll just have to move a few yards down the beach.

There's a lot of great photo ops in Santa Cruz, not too worried about that.

spacefuzz · Oct 27, 2011

yeah as an amateur you *technically* shouldnt need one, but with the light stands they may feel otherwise. I just wanted to make sure you werent taken by suprise like I was!

Ranger at crystal cove threatened to track me down and when I tried to lighten the mood with a joke it looked like he was going to punch my camera. He also threatened to lock me in if I was there past closing (sunset).

Trever1t · Oct 27, 2011

you met with parkragerwhoismadhe'snotacopbustingskulls.....I've met him too.

spacefuzz · Oct 27, 2011

as another option there are great beaches a few miles north of town (4 mile, hole in the wall, panther etc) which are great back drop wise. (and no rangers!). depending on the tide hole in the wall has some AWESOME cliffs to shoot against.

JMBriggs · Oct 27, 2011

It might be unique to me... But when I am photographing someone (especially someone I am not familiar with) I freeze up and forget all those great ideas I had a day or so before the shoot. To help me out I carry around a fat lil notepad and when I think of something good I write it down or draw a diagram of it. But that is just me. For some reason I just can't be creative around people! Frustrating. Unless of course I'm a couple long Island iceteas in...

Trever1t · Oct 27, 2011

Yeah, I totally can relate to that. Let's hope I can get a few decent images.

DiskoJoe · Oct 27, 2011

Trever1t said:
I left them a voice mail to call me back (state park office) but on the State Parks webpage it clearly states that "non-commercial" photography is "encouraged".

At an E shoot at another state park a Ranger told me I needed to buy a permit (which he could issue for a sum) but when I asked him if why I, an ameteur photographer needed a permit he totallychanged his tune. Now I wasn't shooting with light stands but same principle should apply. If not, we'll just have to move a few yards down the beach.

There's a lot of great photo ops in Santa Cruz, not too worried about that.

Usually most people define Pro as someone using stand equipment like tripods of lighting stands. So when these are needed get the permit. If these are not needed then dont. If someone comes up and messes with you can just run off, lol.

Trever1t · Oct 27, 2011

I'll take my chances, I am sure I'll be just fine and if it becomes an issue I will just move up the coast like mentioned.

Tee · Oct 27, 2011

A couple random thoughts for the OP: sandbags are great for lightstands. If she brings a friend, put her to work and have her hump some gear. Recommend a second light stand to get the other speedlite off camera as well. Find out if her "friend" is her boyfriend. I'm sure you've read the multitude of threads regarding escorts on MM so YMMV. Regarding posing, there are tons of vids on the net. You'll be fine. Honestly, posing is the least of my problems but remember your limbs. Nothing sucks than getting a killer shot only to see that you nipped a foot or finger. Get your feet wet, build your port and you'll be working with models who can kill a pose. You'll learn a ton from them. Good luck and tell us how it went.

Iron Flatline · Oct 28, 2011

Shoot portraits as well as full-body poses.

Have a prop ready, most models do better when they have something to interact with. Empty hands lead to silly poses for inexperienced models.

Don't fret out loud. Make compliments, fill the shoot with comfidence.

Don't get overly technical, blow off the Speedlights after a while and just shoot available light. Shoot for flare, shoot with motion blur, make misteaks!

Trever1t · Oct 28, 2011

well after 15 emails back and forth....looks like she's a noshow. Call not returned

I expected this from my reading that it's pretty common for Models AND Photographers to leave one or the other hanging but oh well.

What do you do when a model from MM noshows, do you leave feedback or just move on?

tirediron · Oct 28, 2011

Trever1t said:
well after 15 emails back and forth....looks like she's a noshow. Call not returned I expected this from my reading that it's pretty common for Models AND Photographers to leave one or the other hanging but oh well.

What do you do when a model from MM noshows, do you leave feedback or just move on?

You'se have Guido pay her a visit an' a'splain things to her!

Trever1t · Oct 28, 2011

Oh I can do some splain'n :lol:

I don't feel leaving a comment on her Port will be appropriate and she could just delete it anyhow but there should be some sort of "reputation" system on MM! I'm a little whacko but I'm good to my word, ya know? What's a matter with people?

Tee · Oct 30, 2011

That sucks, man. Unfortunately any kind of retribution on MM can scar your chances with other models. Gonna have to chalk it up in the loss column. Do you check references? I started doing that and it cut down on the flake rate.

joealcantar · Oct 30, 2011

Bottom line is if you are making money from the shoot you need a permit. But you were just trying out a new flash with a friend right?
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Shoot well, Joe