Final model shots

[CT]

I do feel that its my job to get the most out the model and if people are criticising her then thats only a reflection back on me. Sure I can take a technically good pic. Sharp, well composed etc but when it comes to things like this my mind goes totally blank. I had ideas for this shoot but when I was there, nothing. Couldn't really think of a thing. The final two shots are where I started to relax and warm up. I guess that shows as they're the best shots from the shoot. This will all come with time and experience I'm sure.

Well... it is a reflection on you mate, and it's great that your shoulders are wide enough to accept that, but it's not all down to you. She's clearly an inexperienced model, but the make up job by people professing to be pros is frankly awful. She has the most beautiful blue eyes and really doesn't need all that crap around them at all. I think the hair do is awful, but hey... each to his own.

An experienced model will hit more poses for you than you can keep up with. They may not be original, but you'll get a lot of useable shots. With an inexperienced model and a tog who isn't sure of himself it's a recipe for problems. She will need direction, and be looking to you for it. If she doesn't get it she soon starts to feel awkward and self conscious. If you don't mind me saying so some of the people in your last series of shots looked decidedly self conscious - and why shouldn't they, they're not pros, they're being chucked in the deep end too!

You really need to get over this shyness thing and keep the atmosphere light, friendly and fun. Those embarrassed awkward silences are death to any shoot, it's transmitted back through your lens and it's there in your shots for all to see.

 

[IanC_UK]

Pete, have to agree with CT on this, i think you need to book a session with a pro model and spend several hours working with her, maybe have a word with Arkady, if he isnt too busy or being deployed, he takes some excellent shots of models, and has a lot of experience of it. He may be able to help you, i obviously cant guarantee that as i cant speak for him, he may be too busy, but if you dont ask you will never know !

 

[petemc]

Well... it is a reflection on you mate, and it's great that your shoulders are wide enough to accept that, but it's not all down to you. She's clearly an inexperienced model, but the make up job by people professing to be pros is frankly awful. She has the most beautiful blue eyes and really doesn't need all that crap around them at all. I think the hair do is awful, but hey... each to his own.

An experienced model will hit more poses for you than you can keep up with. They may not be original, but you'll get a lot of useable shots. With an inexperienced model and a tog who isn't sure of himself it's a recipe for problems. She will need direction, and be looking to you for it. If she doesn't get it she soon starts to feel awkward and self conscious. If you don't mind me saying so some of the people in your last series of shots looked decidedly self conscious - and why shouldn't they, they're not pros, they're being chucked in the deep end too!

You really need to get over this shyness thing and keep the atmosphere light, friendly and fun. Those embarrassed awkward silences are death to any shoot, it's transmitted back through your lens and it's there in your shots for all to see.

I completely agree with everything you said. I spent 12hrs yesterday with a top professional photographer and the one thing I learnt was that the key to a good shoot is making them feel relaxed. Good communication, good music. We spent the day trying to get good shots and it just wasn't working. We turned up the music and bam, everyone was more relaxed and happier. The shots started working then.

Unfortunately for me I went to an all boys school and spent years playing with computers. Then I did a computing degree, then I did web design so I've spent the past 18 years or so hidden in computers and as a result I'm really shy. Photography is my way out and I choose to do these shoots because I know it'll push me and bring me out of my shell. Thing is, on this shoot I just couldn't think clearly and I hated that. But after spending time with this pro yesterday I can see the value in taking time out to relax. I'm going to have a studio shoot coming up in the next few weeks for a client who I've worked with before so hopefully things will be good.

 

[CT]

I completely agree with everything you said. I spent 12hrs yesterday with a top professional photographer and the one thing I learnt was that the key to a good shoot is making them feel relaxed. Good communication, good music. We spent the day trying to get good shots and it just wasn't working. We turned up the music and bam, everyone was more relaxed and happier. The shots started working then.

Unfortunately for me I went to an all boys school and spent years playing with computers. Then I did a computing degree, then I did web design so I've spent the past 18 years or so hidden in computers and as a result I'm really shy. Photography is my way out and I choose to do these shoots because I know it'll push me and bring me out of my shell. Thing is, on this shoot I just couldn't think clearly and I hated that. But after spending time with this pro yesterday I can see the value in taking time out to relax. I'm going to have a studio shoot coming up in the next few weeks for a client who I've worked with before so hopefully things will be good.

LOL That's great. Music is a great background. Relax... chat 'em up - you might even score!

 

[petemc]

LOL That's great. Music is a great background. Relax... chat 'em up - you might even score!

Hahahaha. No pressure eh. Just gotta relax, get the shots and get her into bed. Daddy cool.

 

[Arkady]

I agree that an hour isn't long enough for you both to get comfortable with one another.
If I ever do glam shots with amateurs, I always cover myself by saying they're only 'test' shots and that we'll both go over them and re'shoot the poses we like best later on. That way the model feels less pressured and you also feel more relaxed about the shoot.
I'd schedule a minimum of three hours for this kind of job.
As far as I can tell, there's nothing at all wrong with your RAW images, you just need to work on the poses and post-production a little.
If these are for the make-up artist, forget the full-length shots and concentrate on the eyes and mouth - that way you avoid the cobby-looking feet spoiling the pix - hardly any models have nice feet - that's why we employ specialist foot/hand/leg models for specialist work (who may look like the back end of a bus, but have nice feet/hands/legs etc...).
I think the approach by inaglow is along the right lines - you're projecting a look of seamless/flawless perfection and smoother skin texture is key to doing that. Play around with layers and different layer styles using gaussian blur at various opacities and see how you go.
I'm on a work computer without PS2 on it at the mo or I'd walk you through it step-by-step (it's saved as an action and I can't quite remember the sequence without running through it myself). I'll be back from Okehampton Training Camp next weekend and if you're still struggling, I'll have a chat with you in more depth. It'd be easier to sit next to you and do this over a cuppa - but Liverpool's a bit of a schlep, even for me.


PS: never, EVER sh*g your models - it's not worth it in the long run and you'll get a rep as a perv and not a serious phot. You'd be amazed at how efficient the pro-am model grapevine is.

 

[petemc]

I agree that an hour isn't long enough for you both to get comfortable with one another.
If I ever do glam shots with amateurs, I always cover myself by saying they're only 'test' shots and that we'll both go over them and re'shoot the poses we like best later on. That way the model feels less pressured and you also feel more relaxed about the shoot.
I'd schedule a minimum of three hours for this kind of job.

Yeah I completely agree. I saw this in action the other day when I did some assisting. 12hr day. We got there at 9am, band turned up around 11. Chatted had lunch, started shooting about 1/2ish. Didn't get good results till about 6pm. The thing is, you can't charge for that can you? "Yeah this job will be 3hrs long. One of which is sitting in Starbucks." I guess you just say we'll go for a drink first to chat about the shoot?

As far as I can tell, there's nothing at all wrong with your RAW images, you just need to work on the poses and post-production a little.
If these are for the make-up artist, forget the full-length shots and concentrate on the eyes and mouth - that way you avoid the cobby-looking feet spoiling the pix - hardly any models have nice feet - that's why we employ specialist foot/hand/leg models for specialist work (who may look like the back end of a bus, but have nice feet/hands/legs etc...).

Yeah definitely. The final few shots are my favourite. Close up, great eyes. Really love them.

I think the approach by inaglow is along the right lines - you're projecting a look of seamless/flawless perfection and smoother skin texture is key to doing that. Play around with layers and different layer styles using gaussian blur at various opacities and see how you go.

Cool ok I'll give that a go.

I'm on a work computer without PS2 on it at the mo or I'd walk you through it step-by-step (it's saved as an action and I can't quite remember the sequence without running through it myself). I'll be back from Okehampton Training Camp next weekend and if you're still struggling, I'll have a chat with you in more depth. It'd be easier to sit next to you and do this over a cuppa - but Liverpool's a bit of a schlep, even for me.

Yeah no worries. I'm sure I'll hit the right button in PS *looks for insta-fashion-modelling-skin-tones action*

PS: never, EVER sh*g your models - it's not worth it in the long run and you'll get a rep as a perv and not a serious phot. You'd be amazed at how efficient the pro-am model grapevine is.

Hehe yeah don't worry. I definitely don't want to be taken that way. If I ever do anything more "glamourous" it would always be about the image not trying to score.

 

[pandabighead]

don't think theres to much wrong with the shots but she does kind look like she has used homers make up gun set on harlot!

 

[petemc]

Ok some updates.

A little less yellow and some dust and scratches filtering applied to them to soften the skin. Its very tricky to get right as it often just looks like her face is out of focus. Infact I don't like the skin in the first one. Its just odd.

 

[Matt]

not too bad Pete, the reworks are pretty good. Dont think the model is really model quality though im afraid!

 

[CT]

I think you should be happy with those Pete and so should your client be. No5 is the weakest link and really ought to go unless you can sort out those unattractive feet and ankles. The whole pose just looks a bit strained though?

 

[Arkady]

All good except the last two - don't like the veiny-ankles/feet in the full-length shot, or the leg sticking up in the final shot.

The processing looks really good though. Spotty-Dog.