Help!! Photographing a model

[Nasanieru]

Hi guys,

I've managed to score a gig photographing a rather attractive female model tommorow afternoon at a relatively quiet beach. I'm pretty excited becuase it will be my first gig taking these kind of photo's as I have mainly taken photos of cars and scenery. Athough this also makes me rather nervous Can anyone please give me some much appreciated advice and/or help on what settings, photo style, even where I should place the sun when taking the photos? I have kind of a plan but I wan't to be 100% sure. Unfortonately I didn't get my light reflectors delivered in time so I will have to wing it without them. The camera I have is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 and I also have a tripod, a UV filter, Polarizing filter and an ND +4 filter.

Thankyou in advance,
Nathaniel

[x_eternity_x]

Make a quick stop at Walmart and pick up some white foamboard for about a dollar a sheet (18x30 or so) to use as reflectors. They don't look so professional, but they'll be better than nothing and they're readily available. Best time to shoot will depend on the weather--if it's sunny, the hour before sunset. If it's fully overcast, pretty much any time will do, but do pay attention to where the sun is behind all those clouds.

[Nasanieru]

Originally Posted by x_eternity_x

Make a quick stop at Walmart and pick up some white foamboard for about a dollar a sheet (18x30 or so) to use as reflectors. They don't look so professional, but they'll be better than nothing and they're readily available. Best time to shoot will depend on the weather--if it's sunny, the hour before sunset. If it's fully overcast, pretty much any time will do, but do pay attention to where the sun is behind all those clouds.

Noob question, what is foamboard, and is walmart like our k-mart? Or more like a bunnings?

[RichardTaylor]

@Nasanieru

What country are you in?

[Nasanieru]

Sorry mate, I forgot to mention I'm in Adelaide, South Australia

[x_eternity_x]

Ooh, Australia makes a difference. Foamboard is two layers of stiff paper or plastic with foam in the middle. It's usually about a quarter inch thick, maybe a little more. Kmart might have some--I wouldn't be sure because here in the US, Walmart is generally killing Kmart, but they probably do. You could also find some at a dollar store or a craft store--I just said Walmart because I happen to know they have them for US$1.37 or so. It can also be found as those fold-out boards people use for presentations sometimes (the name is currently escaping me). The idea is a decent-sized, relatively stiff sheet of white. You can prop it on things, clamp it, or even stick it in the sand at an angle, and it makes for a great reflector when you don't have professional ones yet (or need to supplement).

[RichardTaylor]

More like K Mart or Big W
Try art supply stores/news agencies as well. White, thick, artists sheets will be ok in pinch.

[Nasanieru]

Do you think these would be suitable? It's all I can find at the moment.

[x_eternity_x]

When I follow your link it takes me to $1400 lecturns, which I don't think is what you were thinking of. Essentially, what you need is something relatively sturdy and white, of a large enough size to reflect the amount of light you want reflected to the area you want to light. Presentation boards should work fine, but based on my experience you shouldn't have to spend more than say, $6 each to get what you need. Looking over that site I didn't see exactly what I'm looking for. Funny that we could have such difficulties over an issue of naming. I'd check an art store if you have one in the area (art/craft--it's the stuff you use for presentations). The office supply stores in the US have an actual category under Business/Presentation for "Foamboard".

[RichardTaylor]

The link appears to be OK now.
The Quill ones. - Yes.
Silver may be better as it is a bit more reflective.