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 Post subject: Shooting models 101
PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:53 pm 
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So how do you approach shooting models?
1. Where do you get the clothes? Can models bring their own or how do you find clothes for the shoot?
2. What about make-up? Can model be asked to do basic make-up if no crazy look needed?
3. How do you organize everybody to be in the same place at the same time if you've got designer with clothes, model, mua?

I want to start shooting these creatures, but I'd like to be prepared. I know we have a lot of experienced people here, hoping they could share! :)


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 Post subject: Re: Shooting models 101
PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:13 pm 
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PotatoEYE wrote:
So how do you approach shooting models?
1. Where do you get the clothes? Can models bring their own or how do you find clothes for the shoot?
2. What about make-up? Can model be asked to do basic make-up if no crazy look needed?
3. How do you organize everybody to be in the same place at the same time if you've got designer with clothes, model, mua?

I want to start shooting these creatures, but I'd like to be prepared. I know we have a lot of experienced people here, hoping they could share! :)


1. If you don't have access to a wardrobe department then the models can bring their own clothes. You can ask for certain looks and look for models that can accommodate that look.

2. You can hire a MUA or the models will do their own make up. Again, if you are looking for a specific look you'll need to hire a make up artist.

3. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Some models can be flaky and not show up, even if you're paying them.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 9:58 pm 
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All right, thanks a lot for the info!


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:13 pm 
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1. You can always buy the clothes yourself if you have a certain stlye in mind. Keep tags on, do shoot then return. Make sure the store you're buying from has a full refund policy.

2. as stated above already.

3. It's best to try and keep your numbers down to as little as possible. Or else you can be waiting anywhere from 30mins to over an hour depending on the number of people coming and if they are taking TTC or not.

As for the models you can always ask some of your female friends if you haven't done so already.

Good Luck.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:15 pm 
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wow, it's not easy that's for sure. The organization required can sometimes be quite the feat the more elements you add to it. It helps to have a take-charge attitude sometimes! :0)

I say start basic (model who can do their own make up and has some nice outfits you can work with). Then add a make up artist, then wardrobe

and dont forget an assistant! LOL Check the list of volunteers!


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:33 pm 
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Thanks for the valuable tips guys, too bad I don't have the female friends with the looks I want :lol: And ones I know don't want to participate


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:38 pm 
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PotatoEYE wrote:
Thanks for the valuable tips guys, too bad I don't have the female friends with the looks I want :lol: And ones I know don't want to participate


That's what model mayhem is for.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:39 pm 
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Im always worried im gonna get someone for tfcd from mm and its going to be a disaster lol, I need to gain confidence in my work .


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:12 pm 
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It's all about experience. Get out there, network and shoot! If you're nervous about it, keep it simple first. It's not as hard as you may think.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:13 pm 
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This would make for a good meet would it not? Someone familiar with the process - and perhaps a model or two - that would lead a shoot (studio or location). With a split fee the model would get paid and those looking to learn pick up some valuable experience. Or is there some painfully obvious reason this wouldn't work that my ignorance can't conceive of?


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:14 pm 
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ions wrote:
This would make for a good meet would it not? Someone familiar with the process - and perhaps a model or two - that would lead a shoot (studio or location). With a split fee the model would get paid and those looking to learn pick up some valuable experience. Or is there some painfully obvious reason this wouldn't work that my ignorance can't conceive of?


A 10:1 photog to model ratio sucks. Better to arrange small meets.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:17 pm 
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Mr.Walczak wrote:
Im always worried im gonna get someone for tfcd from mm and its going to be a disaster lol, I need to gain confidence in my work .


I don't like TFCD because there is pressure on me to edit photos (and to produce good work). Sometimes I don't edit things for months so I would prefer to pay for their time and send them some pics later (or not).


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:24 pm 
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so if you pay them... theoretically they could care less if the pictures turn out well?/ you dont even have to send the pics to them?


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:25 pm 
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vkhamphi wrote:
ions wrote:
This would make for a good meet would it not? Someone familiar with the process - and perhaps a model or two - that would lead a shoot (studio or location). With a split fee the model would get paid and those looking to learn pick up some valuable experience. Or is there some painfully obvious reason this wouldn't work that my ignorance can't conceive of?


A 10:1 photog to model ratio sucks. Better to arrange small meets.


Yeah, definitely smaller groups on this sort of thing, nor more than 5 or 6. But if it was held over an afternoon with 2 or 3 sessions...


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:28 pm 
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A smaller meet has happened before on TPMG.

- Studio Newmarket
- 2 sessions; 5 photographers to 1 model

It was cool and all.. I'm sure some of the newer photographers learned a few things but I felt like I didn't get enough alone time with the model. Got 4 photographers waiting on you, watching your every move... Wasn't especially fun or exciting for me.

And as for TFCD, from experiece, quite a few models do expect a week for photos.. but I usually work with newer models that don't know much about the process. That's when you have to inform them.

Check out this site.. it was really useful to give to my potential models.
http://www.wolfkettler.co.uk/models/tfcd/index.html


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:37 pm 
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Mr.Walczak wrote:
so if you pay them... theoretically they could care less if the pictures turn out well?/ you dont even have to send the pics to them?


Yes, if you pay them for their time then they are being compensated.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:40 pm 
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I still think 5:1 is too much. I think maximum for me is 3:1 but with lots of communication and teamwork


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:41 pm 
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It depends who you shoot with ... Ive done 4:1 and it all depend son the people if there fair or if they like to hog it and shit then tension can fly haha


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:52 pm 
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I prefer shooting alone so you don't end up with the same photos.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 1:16 am 
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thericyip wrote:
I prefer shooting alone so you don't end up with the same photos.


Ditto. I have a couple other photographer friends I get along well with and when I organize a shoot, there won't be more than 3 (inc myself) photographers for the most. Usually it is just myself and another photographer friend.

Once you get your feet wet, it'll become second nature. If you need to build experience, take a Continuing Ed. class at George Brown/Ryerson etc. You pay for it but it will get you in front of models every week. You need to be assertive and take control of the shoot unless you're hired to do a certain. Model Mayhem is a good place to find wannabe models but there are a lot of flakes on that site as well.

You'll find out that you need to have a backup plan if a model doesn't show. Ask for references if possible. Always (and I can't stress this enough) have them sign a model release form and bring an assistant with you, double so if you're shooting nudes, lingerie or implied to CYA if they scream the dreaded words "sexual harassment" and also helps to keep an eye on your gear or hold a reflector or so.

After you've done a few shoots and get the feel for timing (makeup, wardrobe, lighting etc) and then your first no-show, you'll figure out how to coordinate a shoot so you don't get skunked taking pics of yourself.

I'm at a point where I've started asking models to email me a current unedited pic of themselves. Sometimes the person you see in their profile isn't what you'd expect to show up at the shoot!!


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 1:25 am 
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Carlton wrote:
I'm at a point where I've started asking models to email me a current unedited pic of themselves. Sometimes the person you see in their profile isn't what you'd expect to show up at the shoot!!


Bonus points!


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:41 am 
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Guys keep it on topic please, discussions on how many models vs photographers needed can be made in a new thread.

I am going to shoot alone only, maybe have one assistant holding light etc. Shooting on location only


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:02 am 
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PotatoEYE wrote:
Guys keep it on topic please, discussions on how many models vs photographers needed can be made in a new thread.

I am going to shoot alone only, maybe have one assistant holding light etc. Shooting on location only


Dude, this is a free discussion forum. Conversations take different tangents as new contributions are posted just take what info you think you need. Its not like we're discussing the Raptors playoff hopes.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:36 am 
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When I suggested it I was thinking more for people who hadn't done this sort of thing before. People that would be looking for an info session as much as looking for a shoot. If you've shot with a model before I can't see why you'd want to horn in on this, so yeah, go shoot alone.

Are the Raptors going to make the playoffs? I don't really pay attention...


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:38 am 
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I know, yet since I started it in order to get a specific help, I'd like to keep it in that direction rather than saturated with already existing "split cost of studio" discussions. Really appreciate your help! :wink:


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:10 am 
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In keeping with the OP's request..

For wardrobe, you can ask the model to bring an assortment of clothes. I tend to have specific looks in mind when I do my shoots and I'll be specific in what I'm looking for and hopefully the model has it. If she doesn't, I confirm which model I want to work with, get her size and do the shopping myself. When I'm done with the items, I'll either keep it to build my own wardrobe collection or sell it off. Some items can be returned to the store. Some stores (The Gap for example) have a policy that allows you to use their clothing and return it and charge you a restocking fee. You need to ask in advance. Don't bother with the small mom-pop shops.

Hair and make up can make a HUGE difference in your final look. Some models aren't the greatest at doing their own makeup and hair. Sometimes you luck out and they are. You find sometimes find MUA and hair stylist that will work for TFP/CD. If you hire one, they can either just show up, do the one look and then leave or you can pay them $x and have them stick around for the entire shoot to do touch ups or change the look entirely depending on the wardrobe. Anticipate 45min to an hour for makeup and hair and plan on delays ie buffer enough time if the shoot starts late or runs late.

If YOU are setting up the shoot, then the you are ultimately responsible for coordinating the meet. You need to get everyone on the same page and organized with regards to wardrobe, the theme of your shoot, location, time and duration of the shoot.

Have some music handy and ask the models if they have a preference. You want THEM to be comfortable even if you dislike it. Have some beverages handy like water etc. If it's a full day shoot of 6-8+hrs then you need to consider supplying food/snacks.

Good luck to ya.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:14 am 
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raptors can still make it if they win while chicago loses

as for models, if you're willing to pay none of that would be an issue. if you don't want to pay discuss with models since it will vary greatly depending on the model.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 1:42 pm 
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awesome, thanks. rhommel would that also apply for location shoots outside? No lingerie intended though :lol:


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 2:12 pm 
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Believe me, unless you are paying a good amount, you will still feel the moral obligation to produce pictures for the model out of courtesy! Therefore, you will always feel the nervousness of trying to produce. BUT it's not a bad thing. It just means you are doing something that is challenging and hopefully, FUN!!

I do maybe 50/50 paid vs. TFCD. I still tend to prefer paying some token amount as i keep trying new things rather than have the extra pressure of producing print-worthy shots or staying in my limited comfort zone.

Like others have said, the basic rhythm of the shoots starts to become second nature so you can concentrate on the details more. Shooting outside is my preference but the weather and passerbys add an extra element of uncertainty of course. You may even want to start in a studio session to control the environment more and calm your nerves. I did a nude shoot right on Queen Street last year and i can tell you, i was pretty nervous about shooting that concept in public!!

Let me know if you need an assistant as my name is on top of the assistant/volunteer list!


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:20 pm 
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rhommel wrote:
PotatoEYE wrote:
awesome, thanks. rhommel would that also apply for location shoots outside? No lingerie intended though :lol:


....another thing you can try is contact modelling agencies and see if they can give you models for TF work. Me and some members here (Jonathan, Mem, etc) have shot several models from the agencies (Sutherland, B&M, Orange, Elmer Olson, etc) for free.. all you have to do is ask :) of course a nice portfolio would work


That's the catch-22


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