Advice for newbie (31)

redgerbil wrote: For a workshop a top class model isn't really necessary.

Respectfully, I'd disagree with that. It's much easier to take good photographs of a model who knows what he or she is doing, than someone who hasn't a clue. If someone can take care of their own outfit, facial expression, posing etc, then it allows the photographer to concentrate on operating their camera and thinking about the lighting.

I'd say one of the best things a new photographer can do is work with a model who is very experienced within their genre. He/she will be able to give advice on so many aspects of the shoot, often including lighting etc, that a new model wouldn't.

I'll register my interest here. I know these things probably aren't as easy to set up a they sound, but if you get the urge .. drop me a line ?

Just been thinking about this point too, and mentioned it to my other half (also a photographer).

This is seriously an attitude that you should get rid of ASAP. It's incredibly offending to turn up somewhere with your camera kit and then have male photographers attempt to persuade you to remove your clothes and model for them, it's almost like they're trying to obtain a trophy.

If you want to learn about erotic photography, seriously just hire a model. I don't really think many photographers would want to model for erotic images for a start - nor would look any good in them! Aside from anything else, many (female) photographers are intelligent beings and have the sort of career where nude images of them on the internet could damage reputations. Please don't assume that people will be happy to do this. Much less suggest things like "your face won't be in them" or "I won't put them on the internet".

Nothing says quality, artistic work like badgering a (female) photographer into modelling for you rather than hiring a collaborative partner specifically for the job.

Don't forget that models bring a wealth of unique skills and talents that take years to learn. Don't think that because you're behind the camera, you know anything about being in front of it. It's a whole different ballgame.

Sorry, rant over. Fed up with people assuming that (female) photographers are happy to get their tits out and jump in front of the camera.

I should have explained that I was only referring to a workshop to show lighting techniques not asking anyone to 'get their tits out'. Please don't make assumptions about people that you don't know. I have been taking photos of people (including models) for over 30 years and have never 'badgered' anyone

'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather' - Velvet Underground

As already mentioned, a good model is not "just female", nor are they necessarily the best looking of all, but someone who can pose in a number of ways to represent different emotions as required by the photo shoot.

A 'still' actor/actress really...

Bollocks spoken like an real expert.

Unfortunately a bowl of fruit will not look at you Yes for light and shadow it is fine but humans are much more complex than just light and shadow.

Just posing the human body can be a complicated art because we are all different shapes and sizes and whilst specular lighting may suit a well toned young body it will not suit an older body with curves in the wrong places Using a shapely and lovely model will not equip you for the everyday person either.

Now so far I have just mentioned light and shade and body shapes but to me the most important part of people photography of any sort is the interaction (or sometimes lack of it) between the subject and the photographer which will become the interaction between person and image at a later date.

That is why I think it is necessary to start with people fairly early on because if you are only looking at light and shadow you will tend to photograph people as if you were sculpting a statue which is fine enough but not my style personally.

'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather' - Velvet Underground

redgerbil wrote: I've done this loads of times but I am limited at the moment due to being broke However, all you need is a suitable room (community centre or church hall rooms are fine) and someone with a set of lights. A model is useful but sometimes one of the photographers (usually female) will model to save on costs at times. For a workshop a top class model isn't really necessary.

Whilst I'm video producer and not a photographer, I've still got something to put in here.

I recommend that you never EVER scrimp on anything.

Every corner I have ever cut, I have lived to regret.

Use a studio. Use decent kit. Do not share ideas, resources or copyright. Use a proper model.

You get what you pay for.

You'll probably cock it up the first few times and waste your cash, but it's the only way to get it right. At least then it's your just your own mistakes that you need to put right.

You can't finish your project tripping over other people in vallage halls with crap models and 2nd rate kit, pressed for time... So why the hell would you start?

Be brave!

www.cruel-equestrienne.com

SgtMaj wrote: redgerbil wrote: I've done this loads of times but I am limited at the moment due to being broke However, all you need is a suitable room (community centre or church hall rooms are fine) and someone with a set of lights. A model is useful but sometimes one of the photographers (usually female) will model to save on costs at times. For a workshop a top class model isn't really necessary. Whilst I'm video producer and not a photographer, I've still got something to put in here. I recommend that you never EVER scrimp on anything. Every corner I have ever cut, I have lived to regret. Use a studio. Use decent kit. Do not share ideas, resources or copyright. Use a proper model. You get what you pay for. You'll probably cock it up the first few times and waste your cash, but it's the only way to get it right. At least then it's your just your own mistakes that you need to put right. You can't finish your project tripping over other people in vallage halls with crap models and 2nd rate kit, pressed for time... So why the hell would you start? Be brave!

This is fine if everyone attending the workshop is willing to fork out the cash.

Just to add that I have been involved in photographic workshops for 32 years and there is no one correct formula

'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather' - Velvet Underground

Edited 29 Sep 10, 8:57 PM by tanken

redgerbil wrote: SgtMaj wrote: redgerbil wrote: I've done this loads of times but I am limited at the moment due to being broke However, all you need is a suitable room (community centre or church hall rooms are fine) and someone with a set of lights. A model is useful but sometimes one of the photographers (usually female) will model to save on costs at times. For a workshop a top class model isn't really necessary. Whilst I'm video producer and not a photographer, I've still got something to put in here. I recommend that you never EVER scrimp on anything. Every corner I have ever cut, I have lived to regret. Use a studio. Use decent kit. Do not share ideas, resources or copyright. Use a proper model. You get what you pay for. You'll probably cock it up the first few times and waste your cash, but it's the only way to get it right. At least then it's your just your own mistakes that you need to put right. You can't finish your project tripping over other people in vallage halls with crap models and 2nd rate kit, pressed for time... So why the hell would you start? Be brave! This is fine if everyone attending the workshop is willing to fork out the cash. Just to add that I have been involved in photographic workshops for 32 years and there is no one correct formula

What cash?

A decent studio will set you back between £90 and £150... minus the cost of a village hall, divided by the number of photographers... the difference is pennies!

A decent model costs about £250 a day... between say, six of you?

I make the cost of a workshop about £50 a head.

www.cruel-equestrienne.com

SgtMaj wrote: redgerbil wrote: SgtMaj wrote: redgerbil wrote: I've done this loads of times but I am limited at the moment due to being broke However, all you need is a suitable room (community centre or church hall rooms are fine) and someone with a set of lights. A model is useful but sometimes one of the photographers (usually female) will model to save on costs at times. For a workshop a top class model isn't really necessary. Whilst I'm video producer and not a photographer, I've still got something to put in here. I recommend that you never EVER scrimp on anything. Every corner I have ever cut, I have lived to regret. Use a studio. Use decent kit. Do not share ideas, resources or copyright. Use a proper model. You get what you pay for. You'll probably cock it up the first few times and waste your cash, but it's the only way to get it right. At least then it's your just your own mistakes that you need to put right. You can't finish your project tripping over other people in vallage halls with crap models and 2nd rate kit, pressed for time... So why the hell would you start? Be brave! This is fine if everyone attending the workshop is willing to fork out the cash. Just to add that I have been involved in photographic workshops for 32 years and there is no one correct formula What cash? A decent studio will set you back between £90 and £150... minus the cost of a village hall, divided by the number of photographers... the difference is pennies! A decent model costs about £250 a day... between say, six of you? I make the cost of a workshop about £50 a head.

Well, if you want to organise one - go ahead

'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather' - Velvet Underground