A Model of Advice

I first stumbled across Don Giannatti as part of the Flickr Strobist group a few months back and today I came across what I think are his very insightful and potentially helpful thoughts on how to work with and photograph models (you know, those pretty girls that wouldn't date you in high school or college). Don's blog is part of my daily Google Reader feed, and you can see his Flickr feed here. For perhaps the best from him though, take a look at his Lighting Essentials page.

While I sit here and sort through 1,900 Bat Mitzvah images, I bring you his thoughts on working with subjects slightly older than 13.

On the Flickr thread (and reprinted here with permission) Don wrote in response to a poster who wanted some advice about his first go-round with glamour photography:

"...What do you want to do? Soft? Sensual? Erotic or edgy? There are many looks in the glamour world, and knowing what you are after going in is very, very important.

Is this an experienced model? Do you have a set? Are you in studio or on location? The questions go to the heart of what you will be reasonbly able to expect. An inexperienced model is a whole host of challenges, as you can imagine.

But more important than that... What is the image you have in your head that you want to recreate? Is it a mood or a statement? Pre-visualizing a shot can get you past the "well, what do we do now" moment.

All the gear in the world won't make the shot. Your gear is more than ample. Several of the top glamour shooters in the world use only natural light and bounce cards... so you have plenty of gear.

Please do not let the gear get in the way of the shot. You must make your shot - the gear will be an extension of the tools needed to make your shot. Having three flashes doesn't mean you must use three flashes. Or one flash. Or any flash at all. Look at the light. Does it look great? Does it do the job you want it to do?

Three tips:
1. Maintain control of the shoot. Do not let it tip to the model's control. If that happens, your dead. One of the best ways to do that is have a good idea of what you want to do. Make sure it is so exact (fake it, we all do) that the first outfit she puts on is not right. Change it. The hair too... change it up a bit and add a little ________ in the makeup. Earrings too... You stay in control. If you love everything she does right when she walks in, you are not in control - she is. Gushing leads to losing your edge of 'the guy'. (If you think this is manipulative you probably should not shoot models - you will be eaten alive.)

2. Create an atmosphere of fun. Music is good. Pick music she likes... unless it is something that makes it hard to concentrate for you. I have all kinds... no rap. Ever. Play it loud, but not loud enough that she cannot hear you. The atmosphere must be fun, relaxed and positive. Make a CD or two with only upbeat tunes... no downers. (I love ballads, but there is a time and a place.) Try to develop a rhythm of shooting so there is a comfort level of how you work. I shoot at least 10 shots in a row before stopping to change something. I talk all the time…"down, down, that's good, great, hold that… now come back to me, good…" Yeah, it can sound pretty stupid out of context, but models I work with like to hear it cause they can be assured that I am in control and they can work on the little things.

3. Take shots with authority. Tell her to move this way and that. Talk to her. Always giving encouragement. if she looks goofy, take the shot and then tell her to move. Keep all encouragement positive. There is nothing to be gained from saying "No, that doesn't look good" except that a model will become self conscious. Film is cheap. Digital is cheaper. When you go dark (silent) models see that as they are not pleasing you or you are not in control.

All of this comes from you knowing what you want to do... not necessarily nitty-gritty, but have a solid plan for execution. And… if you are not totally and 100% comfortable with all that gear forget it. Fumbling and fooling around means you are not in control.

As you see, I am a control freak. Fine. But anyone who has ever lost control of a set can tell you it is the most miserable thing that can happen and it is terribly difficult to win back. It happens to all of us, but we make sure it is minimal."

Back to fun with Bat Mitzvah imagery :-)