More Models for C&C and One Recommendation Needed

Samerr9 · Mar 12, 2011

Hi all..

While taking the photos, a model agency representative asked me if I can make portfolios for his models and how much would I charge. I know that I am not a professional to start charging, but still I want the experience. I told him I am an intermediate level photographer and I am willing to do it for free. He was really excited and asked me if I can do it next Friday. I didn't confirm on the date as I need some recommendations and research. Especially in regards of posing. I think I will manage (not easily) with lighting. I don't have the flash yet so I will be shooting outdoors using reflectors.

Here are some photos I have taken of the models at the portrait workshop, any c&c is most welcomed especially in regards of lighting..

Any recomendations so I can set a date soon and not loose the opportiunity?

Thanks to all of you amd your support as I really feel how much I am imrpoving and how much I am enjoying..

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Emilymarie · Mar 12, 2011

Free! When you aren't bad and someone was willing to pay?

Samerr9 · Mar 12, 2011

Emilymarie said:
Free! When you aren't bad and someone was willing to pay?

Hi there.. Thank for the comment

Well yes I thought I wont charge them for the following reasons:

1- I am really a begginer, I got my first DSLR late Jan 11

. My experience is from this lovely forum and I only attended the portrait work shop where I met this guy
2- I wanted to have a model for training and making a portfolio for my photos. When I asked, They charge 200$ to 300$ for two hours session. So actually I will be saving some 200$s

3- His business card says Elite Model management - Model Scouting. So if they liked my work I will make a name for them, and more models will come then I can charge

Do you still find it wrong?

gsgary · Mar 12, 2011

It will be a totally different story when your on your own with no one to show you how to light the subject, you will have lighting and posing to sort out.

kundalini · Mar 12, 2011

#1 & 2 - Camera position is too low.

#3 - Camera position is spot on. Great connection with the viewer. However, the back lighting is harsh and has blown out detail in her hair and given a fairly hard line between the back and front of her shoulder. A 1-stop difussion panel would know that down and IMO give a more pleasing result. One more thought, try to avoid haveing the shoulder square to the camera, in either direction. A 30-45° is better.

#4 - Similar comments as #3. I don't mind the landscape orientation, but be cognizant of your background. The doorway is a competing element in the photo.

#5 - Have the model step away from the wall to avoid the heavy shadow. Another option would be to use a large difussion panel camera left and possibly a reflector camera right to reduce/remove the shadow. Right arm position is good, but the right arm needs an angle also, plus it is partially hidden.

#6 - A half step to your left would've eliminated the blown high light from the window, yet still provide some nice back lighting. Nice tilt of the shoulders, lovely look, very sensual.

#7 - Candid shot.

#8 - I see you've used some fill light, but the eye sockets are still kind of dark. A reflector would probaly have lifted that somewhat The long spiney plants in the background add unnesscesary tension and competition.

You have done very well. Thanks for sharing.

Samerr9 · Mar 12, 2011

gsgary said:
It will be a totally different story when your on your own with no one to show you how to light the subject, you will have lighting and posing to sort out.

Yeah it is difficult when you are first on your own. That is what happened to us, the instructor left us alone, she passed by us just a few minutes

and all the posing and lighting was made by us.. I think I will do a fair job with lighting as I know what I am looking for.. But posing I still don't know what I am looking for

Thanks

Samerr9 · Mar 12, 2011

kundalini said:
#1 & 2 - Camera position is too low.

#3 - Camera position is spot on. Great connection with the viewer. However, the back lighting is harsh and has blown out detail in her hair and given a fairly hard line between the back and front of her shoulder. A 1-stop difussion panel would know that down and IMO give a more pleasing result. One more thought, try to avoid haveing the shoulder square to the camera, in either direction. A 30-45° is better.

#4 - Similar comments as #3. I don't mind the landscape orientation, but be cognizant of your background. The doorway is a competing element in the photo.

#5 - Have the model step away from the wall to avoid the heavy shadow. Another option would be to use a large difussion panel camera left and possibly a reflector camera right to reduce/remove the shadow. Right arm position is good, but the right arm needs an angle also, plus it is partially hidden.

#6 - A half step to your left would've eliminated the blown high light from the window, yet still provide some nice back lighting. Nice tilt of the shoulders, lovely look, very sensual.

#7 - Candid shot.

#8 - I see you've used some fill light, but the eye sockets are still kind of dark. A reflector would probaly have lifted that somewhat The long spiney plants in the background add unnesscesary tension and competition.

You have done very well. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks alot for your comments, time and motivation..

I have noted all the comments and will hopefully take care of those next time. But I still need clarification regarding the camera position, I have always heared and read to shoot higher and lower of the subject. I know there is no right or wrong, but is positioning the camera on the eye level is the classic way?

Are there any known books or websites that can giude me with the basics of posing?

BTW, regarding 1&2.. I have to mention that she is really taller than me lol and I couldn't ask her to spread her legs as she was wearing a short dress

I really appriciated you support, Thanks again

kundalini · Mar 12, 2011

My studies say that for (traditional) portraiture, camera position should be level with or slightly higher than eye level.

Samerr9 said:
Are there any known books or websites that can giude me with the basics of posing?

There are many, but I like to refer back to this quite often.
The Rules Of Good Portraiture
(BTW, the camel is great for instruction)

Samerr9 · Mar 12, 2011

kundalini said:
My studies say that for (traditional) portraiture, camera position should be level with or slightly higher than eye level.

Samerr9 said:

Are there any known books or websites that can giude me with the basics of posing?

Click to expand...

There are many, but I like to refer back to this quite often.
The Rules Of Good Portraiture
(BTW, the camel is great for instruction)

Thank you again..

I skimmed through the rules and it seems great and will add lots of value to me.. Already in the favorities bar

Man, I really like this forum, the information and the members!

Samerr9 · Mar 13, 2011

Here is one more.. I really love this one.. I hope it is not over edited

Thanks for sharing comments and info again..

RyanLilly · Mar 13, 2011

Get a small 2 or 3 step ladder, this will help get a good angle with taller models. There are some nice folding ones with large steps big enough to stand comfortably on with both feet, the type used around the house for reaching top shelves and such.

Very good shots, especially considering you've only been at this 3 months. Think of where you will be in a year. Keep it up, you are going places.