Photoshoot with a Model

[filemanager]

Hi everyone,

This upcoming week, I have a photoshoot with a "real" model. She wants to expand her portfolio and I'm helping her out.

Usually when I do portraits, I use a wide aperture (f/2.8) - but when shooting a model, it's not really a "portrait", so should I use a smaller aperture?

[trelaflip]

There are many factors when deciding aperture. Location, lighting, and the look of the photo you are after. There really isn't any correct setting. I shoot "real" models all the time and sometimes I shoot f2.8, f4, f8 or sometimes f22.

I like to stick to the lower apertures this way I don't need to set the power so high on my strobes and they last a bit longer. Also lower apertures help a tad if the model does have bad skin. Usually do this for weddings.

In the summer I usually shoot my model photos around f8 and higher.

[filemanager]

Thanks for the advice!

I took a look at your website, it's amazing!!!! You take ridiculously fabulous photos!

[RexK_Cozumel]

Just remember that when using large apertures that your DOF is going to be narrow so make sure to focus on the eyes. Nothing is worse than having a headshot with great lighting and sharp focus on the nose or ears... grrr

Oh and another thing.. be sure you know how to pose models. Depending on the model's experience they may or may not know anything about posing and even though you may think that it is not your fault that you have a beautifully composed and lit image with a horrible pose it is your responsibility as a photographer to make sure that the final image is perfect. Which means it is YOUR fault that the pose does not look right.

[filemanager]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

Oh and another thing.. be sure you know how to pose models. Depending on the model's experience they may or may not know anything about posing and even though you may think that it is not your fault that you have a beautifully composed and lit image with a horrible pose it is your responsibility as a photographer to make sure that the final image is perfect. Which means it is YOUR fault that the pose does not look right.

Luckily my model knows how to pose - thank god because for the most part I SUCK at coming up with poses.

In a month I'm doing my own maternity shoot, and I have yet to find a pose that I like. I don't want to do all the cliche'd stuff. bleh.

[OsmosisStudios]

One thing I do for poses is keep a list of stuff Id want to do. Most of my "models" are friends, and I can usually find one that's nice enough (and suitable) for a particular idea.

As Jason said, aperture depends on the style you want. I usually do full-body shots with f/2.8-f/4, but sometimes I move up to the f/8-f/11 territory.

[trelaflip]

Originally Posted by filemanager

Thanks for the advice!

I took a look at your website, it's amazing!!!! You take ridiculously fabulous photos!

thanks for the comments.

if its an experienced model then it will be easy. it will give you more time to focus on the picture rather then her posing.