Working with a model for the first time...any advice?

S

StuartR

Guest
Hi guys,
I am in the process of finishing up a masters in history, and I am planning on applying to the Brooks Institute here in town to get a masters in photography. I want to build a portfolio, and one area where I do not have all that much experience is in portraiture. I enjoy taking candid portraits of my friends and family, but I have yet worked with a stranger as a model, nor have I been very assertive about what exactly I want them to do and how to have them pose.

Today at lunch, I had a waitress who was very kind and genuine, and also gorgeous. She appears to be part Asian, part European and looks like a mix between Kristin Kreuk and Devon Aoki if anyone is familiar with them...In any case, I told her that I was looking to build a portfolio and asked her if she would be willing to do some portraits with me. After blushing, she agreed.

So...now what? I have a beautiful model and a beautiful town, what are the best ways to go about shooting?

I am planning on using a Leica MP with FP4+ and Hexar RF with E100G with 35 and 75mm summilux lenses, and a Canon T90 with 85mm f/1.2L and E100G. Is this too much to worry about? I was planning on using the SLR for color and the Leica for black and white. I think FP4 would be a better choice in this instance that Delta 100 or any 400 speed film. I want to keep that ISO low so I can shoot closer to wide open outside. I don't have much lighting experience and no portrait lighting, so I was planning on taking the shots at one of three locations: 1. The mountains above Santa Barbara -- gorgeous light and scenery and very private, but about 35 minute drive up from the city, and perhaps too secluded to take someone for the first time...I don't want her to think I am taking her up into the boonies to abduct her or anything. 2. The beach. Good light, nice backgrounds, can be a bit crowded. 3. The courthouse. Great architecture, light great at times, but it's really tall, so sometimes the shadows start early.

Does anyone have any tips for getting started and putting her at ease? I was thinking something along the lines of a "getting to know you" conversation as well as showing her the equipment and telling her what each thing did. I would probably start with the M's, as they are quieter and less intimdating than the T90 with the monster glass. I do have a Mamiya 7II with 80 and 150mm lenses as well, would that be a better bet than either the SLR or the M? I really appreciate any advice I get.
Thanks,
Stuart
 
Talking is good but chances are she's not interested in photo gear. How many women do you know that are? (Yes I know there are many great women photographers but in general women aren't as equipment oriented as men. Yes I know there's a joke in there somewhere.) Also, don't worry about fancy locations with gorgeous backgrounds. That is not the subject. You need to focus () on the model. An alleyway with directional light and brick walls is a great place to photograph people. Keep the framing tight. Focus on the model, shallow depth of field, but still watch out for distracting elements in the background.
The best way of putting her at ease is by showing her you know what you're doing and are in control. Talk to her, compliment how good things look in the viewfinder, tell her confidently what to do, and take lots of pictures. Once you run out of ideas, ask her if she has any. If she is shy and inhibited suggest that she pretend to be an actress and "play" different roles.

Above all, be calm and confident. If you aren't, simply pretend that you are.
 
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Stuart, I was at one time where you are now! It feels awkward, and you don't know where to start. Here is some advice that I can give now after doing hundreds of shoots with models.

First, I agree that the mountains aren't the best place to go with someone the first time. Pick something closer for both of you. Let her get her own transportation there unless she specifically asks for a ride. This will keep her at ease knowing that she is local to home, and has her own means of transportation so she can bail at anytime if she feels the least bit uncomfortable. She will be much more relaxed. You can also tell her its fine with you if she brings along a friend, supportive spouse/SO, etc. Supportive meaning they actually support her having her photos taken, and isn't he typical jealous boyfriend. They should be there to watch, but not get involved unless asked.

Equipment wise, keep it simple, and use what you are more familiar with that will give you the looks that you want. You should feel very comfortable with the equipment so you can concentrate on the model and images. Simplify your lighting as well. Use available lighting where possible. For very simple lighting, you can use a reflector, and if she does bring a friend/SO, they make a perfect assistant to hold the reflector if willing. I've never been turned down, and they enjoyed being able to participate. I've also used large walls in direct sunlight as reflectors, and placed the models in shade to give me contrast. Add another reflector or an acrylic mirror and you have a perfect soft three point lighting setup.

Meet a little before the time you want to start shooting. Bring along some photos that show some very easy and relaxed poses. From magazines, portraits, etc. Show them to her, but let her know that they are just ideas and that you will give her guidance
as needed. Also let her know that you don't expect her to be an expert model, nor will you be asking that level of modeling from her. Emphasize that above all, its going to be fun and relaxing. Keep any pressure of 'needing to perform' off her.

Your location ideally would be somewhere public to keep her at ease, but without a lot of traffic where people might stop to see what you are doing. That would distract both of you, as well as make her self conscience about the whole affair. I shoot right in downtown Boston a lot, very high traffic, but there are always areas where there is little traffic that disrupts you, and you go unnoticed for the most part.

I would avoid the small talk about the cameras unless she expresses an interest. For the most part, unless they have some interest in photography, they aren't that interested in my experience.

Have her bring some accessories for her outfit if she is only bringing the one she is wearing. If she is bringing more than one outfit, shes more of a model than you think :) The accessories gives her something to do with her hands which make things more natural. Things like scarves, gloves, hats, and so on. Keep her hands doing something, and the props and accessories help. If she is not a model, or has no experience at all, don't try to get her to mimic standard model poses. Rather, keep it more like a portrait session which it sounds like how you presented it to her anyway. Keep it on that track unless she leads you elsewhere.

Concentrate on the head and shoulders for most of the session. But if she loosens up and feels comfortable doing full length stuff, work that into the session. Head and shoulder poses are very easy and relaxing for both. Next easiest is sitting poses, especially if they have some props to interact with. Sitting at a cafe table sipping on a cup of coffee is very natural and easy to pull off. Sitting there being asked to create a specific pose is much harder, and the worst is sitting there with nothing and a photographer that isn't offering many ideas :) So keep some ideas in your head for when things start to feel awkward. Just tell her that the lighting just won't work, or the background is too distracting, and move on. That way she won't feel it was her or the pose that wasn't working.

I'd love to ramble on, and I have some more advice, but the wife wants to watch West Wing with me, and I'll watch it while coincidentally packing my equipment for a shoot with a model tomorrow afternoon. I'll post more later, and if interested I'll post a link with the edits from tomorrows shoot. We are going to be doing some night shooting with an editorial type feel. Another reason I've been testing out the S2 at high ISOs at night.

Bring some water and some light snacks, or if in public, stop in a cafe for a break. Its a good way to get a feel for how the model is feeling overall. Since I usually shoot digital, I take this time to boost her confidence a little by showing her a couple select real good takes. It always seems to give them a boost. I do this early if I feel like they confidence is suffering.

When you get a good model and the shoot go like a well oiled machine its awesome and the results are excellent. When things are falling apart, and nothing is working, you feel like you want to crawl into a laundry chute and disappear. Luckily, most of mine fall in the middle!

If you are doing the shoot this weekend, I hope this helps. If its later on, then I'll have some more stuff to add that I think will help.
 
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Thank you both for the excellent advice! I think I may stick to the courthouse for the location. It has a pretty diverse setup -- steps, arches, gardens, alabaster walls for reflecters and a tower that can put her with the mountains as a backdrop. It is also literally across the street from the restaurant where she works, so it should put her at ease, and there is a coffee shop right on the corner where we can go for a break or meet in the beginning. It is very public, but low/medium traffic. I always see Brooks students there, this must be the reason...

Here are some SFX shots of the courthouse and grounds:
 
Oh, for the record, I think I am very familiar with both the Leica and the Canon, so they should disappear from my conscious mind once I get going. As for telling her about the equipment, I did not mean to get technical, but to just put her at ease. The 72mm filter size and large hood on the canon can be a bit daunting for some of the shy types.
Any suggestions on clothing? I was just going to ask her to wear something that she felt comfortable in, preferably something simple and solid-colored. Accessories are a good idea.
Here is another view of (and from) the courthouse.
 
For the first shoot with anyone without much experience, I tend to have them dress up either trendy casual, semi dressy, or just plain jeans a top. Its more in line with what they wear on a daily basis, so it also makes them feel at ease. With the courthouse location, I would go with somewhat dressy casual, contrasting colors, and no busy prints. Or as Frank says, clothing optional. That would also guarantee that you could get some action shots during the arrest, and some editorial stuff while in the lockup. Just a thought.

Most of all, have fun!

BTW, I missed West Wing...too busy packing and checking out equipment :(
 
With this girl, I think the cops would be more than happy to just sit back and watch...

I don't know if she has done this before. Her looks make me assume that she has, but her shyness and blushing suggests to me that she hasn't...we will see what she says.
 
Hey, another RFF member who lives in my neighborhood. Courthouse is a good place but midday is a tough time for photographs for your portfolio. With Brooks being here, there is no shortage of photographers doing shoots in every imaginable setting so I don't think you will draw that much attention. I think that east beach or Lead Better beach offers nice light early in the morning. Devrox Beach is good in the late afternoon this time of year.
 
Yeah, I am around here. I actually live right near the courthouse, so it is pretty convenient. The light there is fairly good until late afternoon, particularly on front steps and the side facing the administration building. But it only leaves about an hour to an hour and a half of good lighting for color photography.

I am not familiar with Devrox Beach though...where is that?
 
My suggestion. Tell her what you want out of the pictures. Then get her comming up with posses. Keep some comedy in. And make sure everyone is having fun.

You know you need to change jobs when it is no longer fun...

Some comic shots out of the blue quite often get a model relaxed. But number one thing to remember: ask for what you want. Don't be shy about it, or she will end up shy. It is contagious (been there, done that).

Good luck!
 
IMO, one of the very best suggestions made so far is for her to bring along a friend or even two. If you're lucky, they'll be attractive girls her age and you may have a chance to work with more than one model. The Courthouse is an excellent idea to help her relax and perhaps once she's at ease with you, a beach or mountain venue can be agreed upon for a later shoot with different clothing/props.

Good Luck & post some of your shots here for us to see.

Walker
 
It may be a good idea to meet with her before (with your camera put away) to get to know her; it'll be nice to get some time to connect. This can happen immediately before the shoot if you want. Discuss what you're looking for, what ideas you had, and don't be shy!

It's probably a good idea to have her bring a friend, or expect to stay somewhere really public, so that she's comfortable with you, a stranger.

And, K.I.S.S! Don't take three cameras with a million lenses: My suggestion is to take two cameras, with only the lens mounted on each. If you spend time fiddling with gear, she could get bored. If you have more than you can comfortably carry around your neck while you're shooting, you'll have to put it down, and then you'll be worried about someone walking away with it. Take lots of film, something you're comfortable using.

And, now that I've said all of that, I must admit it's something I've never actually done. I'm just trying to imagine how I think I'd handle it... I'm a pretty shy guy who might never come up with the nerve to ask a stranger if I could take her photograph. :eek:

I applaud your courage! Good luck, and have fun. And remember to share your experience with us when it's all said and done!
 
Thanks for the further tips guys. This was actually a couple of months ago. Though the girl agreed, she never called me to schedule the shoot. I did not ask for her number, so that was that. I am sure I will get around to finding someone else take pictures of at some point.
 
>> I'm a pretty shy guy who might never come up with the nerve to ask a stranger if I could take her photograph.

BJ, I'm very similar to you in regard to shyness. Always have been. It was hard at first because the shyness was additive with a lack of experience. But after shooting maybe a hundred models or more so far, I rarely think about being shy, or about what to ask and expect from them. Its just business, and you get into a groove and it just works. You get concentrate on the image, and verbalize what you want the model to do and for the most part, it just happens. I think it took about 15 or so models before I started to feel comfortable in that position. After about 50 or so, it seemed like second nature.
 
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