Model shoot on the fly. Advice please.

shortpants · Jul 12, 2011

I know you're all going to give me sh!t for even posting this.
I just got the strangest phone call from an old friend. She has a friend that is moving across the country in 2 days and needs some photos done ASAP. I could hardly understand her whether she said the girl was applying to a modeling agency or what but they want to see more photos of her, basically she's cute and they're interested, but all she has are drunken cell phone pics from her friends! :er: Well fabulous, at least that lowers the bar :lol:

Anyway I agreed to do a shoot tomorrow and I have no idea what to do. I don't know what she'll be wearing, makeup, etc. I don't even know what she looks like. I usually need to visualize these things ahead of time. I won't have much time for pre-planning since they probably won't be here until 6pm. I think I'm fairly covered as far as lenses and lighting. I'm feeling like I should just stick to head shots and maybe close crop body shots with minimal background since we're shooting at my house. This is just craziness, not even knowing what the girl looks like or anything, I'm going to be completely winging it. No I'm not being paid, I'm not a professional, I've just gotten back into photography recently after a long hiatus and I'm portfolio building. Any pointers would be appreciated though, or wish me luck, or tell me to F off :lol:

Trever1t · Jul 12, 2011

relax, see how she shows up and go from there.

Destin · Jul 12, 2011

Good luck! Do you at least have a few muslin or seamless background to shoot against to give your photos a more professional look? Do you have a few strobes/speedlights that you can use off camera?

joealcantar · Jul 12, 2011

Outdoor in the shade and light her up with a reflector. Will be safe enough.
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If she is headed this way to So. Calif. have her give me a call, will gladly help out.
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Shoot well, Joe

shortpants · Jul 12, 2011

I have NO backgrounds, I never shoot in studio. This is what I do have:
Canon 60d
2 Vivitars, radio slave and 2 receivers.
2 lightstands and umbrellas, can come up with some extra reflectors.
35mm f2.0
50mm 1.8
18-135mm
70-300

It's not even the lack of equipment, I just have a bit of OCD so not knowing what I'm getting into is making me flip my lid.

Derrel · Jul 12, 2011

Okay...she has some drunken cell phone snaps...so, you've got to be able to do better than that. Soooooooo, make sure she's not drunk. Make sure YOU are not drunk. Do NOT, under any circumstances, use a cell phone's camera. Automatically, you'll be shooting better shots than what she has currently. With the 70-300 zoom lens and some decent outdoor weather and a good-looking young female, you ought to be able to figure out some shots. The key is to find a location that has decent LIGHT. You need to scout out a location or two where the light is good, and the backdrop is relatively "clean". Shoot TALLS, for the most part, if she is standing!!!! When you find a good location with good light, stand back at 20 to 40 feet from her with the 70-300 on the camera, and direct her, verbally, to do some simple,slow posing, or some "play-acting". Bring a few simple props with you, so she has something to "do"; a digital camera, a basketball,a hairbrush, a cell phone, a squirt gun, an iPod, a paperback book, a magazine, a popsicle, an ice cream cone, a corn dog,some cotton candy,a bag of popcorn,etc,etc--any or all of those things can be used as props, so that she can be shown, looking pretty, and "doing" something. If she's got a bikini, so much the better.

shortpants · Jul 12, 2011

Thanks Derrel for commenting, no really I mean that :lol:

I solemnly swear I will not be drunk, or use my cell phone for a camera.
I think every girl has a bikini so good call.
I have a gigantic yard, so that's pretty much the extent of our location unless we hop in the car and scout something else out at the last minute (not a good idea IMO) It gets excellent light before sunset but it's short lived, lately between 6:30-7:00pm. I hope they make it here in time.

mrstravis · Jul 13, 2011

Wish I could offer some advice but I'm a newbie, so I will just say good luck shortpants!! please post pics afterwards so we can see how great you did.

mrstravis · Jul 13, 2011

Bring a few simple props with you, so she has something to "do"; a digital camera, a basketball,a hairbrush, a cell phone, a squirt gun, an iPod, a paperback book, a magazine, a popsicle, an ice cream cone, a corn dog,some cotton candy,a bag of popcorn,etc,etc--any or all of those things can be used as props, so that she can be shown, looking pretty, and "doing" something. If she's got a bikini, so much the better.[/QUOTE]

Great idea, I am new to photography and have been searching online for props and backdrops, these props are great ideas until I get the money to buy real props. Question, my camera, a Nikon Coolpix L120 (with 525mm zoom) does not have the option of different lenses. If I wish to start doing photo shoots, will I need one that does have that option?

Malone · Jul 13, 2011

mrstravis said:
If I wish to start doing photo shoots, will I need one that does have that option?

That is sort of like asking if you can enter your Kia into a drag race. Sure, you can finish the race, but you probably won't do very well.

kundalini · Jul 13, 2011

If "modeling agency" are the keywords, I would make sure to have at least one good shot of each... full length, 3/4, head & shoulders. Have her to place one foot forward with her weight on the back foot. A 30-45° of her torso and shoulders to the camera. You do not need big grins with all teeth showing in all the photos, mix up the expressions. Make a list of necessary poses to make sure you don't leave without them. Carry a 4"-8" block for her to rest a foot on, this automatically causes a dynamic change in posture. I agree with Derrel to use the long lens. Shoot in the f/4.5-f/8 aperture range. Good luck.

Oh yeah, look up "short lighting", especially if she is on the slightly round side. Short lighting is preferrable on women anyway as it will slenderize the face.