Fashion Photography - The Ropes

[Quintin]

Hi all,

After an offer earlier this month, it looks like I'll soon be second shooter to an experienced fashion photographer. It'll be my first time in a professional studio environment, and I'll be taking photos of models for advertisements, fashion portfolios and suchlike. I'm extremely excited.

However, working with people in that way doesn't come naturally to me yet. I was wondering if any of you who are experienced in that field could offer me some tips to make the model feel at their ease, to connect with them more easily and to get what I want out of a shoot.

Thanks!

[Benji]

If the models are experienced you shouldn't have any problems as most of them are used to being in front of a camera and are usually comfortable being photographed. Just be friendly and pretty much let them do their thing. This should go without saying, but I will anyway, don't oggle them or make inappropriate sexual remarks as this will make them feel uncomfortable and their uncomfortableness will show in YOUR images, making YOU look bad.

Benji

If you show confidence and a knowledge for what you're doing, then the models (and this goes for anybody) will feel more relaxed. If you appear nervous and fumbling, then the model will get nervous as well.

How do you show confidence when you don't know what you're doing? Fake it. I have no idea what I'm doing half the time, but as long as you appear confident, most people will believe you know what you're doing.

[Benji]

Photoboothguy is right. If they see you fumbling with the camera controls and constantly changing things and looking at your camera they may get suspicious because the pro certainly won't be doing these things. I assume you will both be shooting the same gals using the same lights at approximately the same time so when he takes his meter reading, ask him what ISO he is using and what aperture he is using AND USE THE SAME. The shutter speed should be synch speed or slightly less (I usually use 1/1/00.) I'm guessing he will have the lights set up so they will give the same meter reading all the way across the scene at a certain depth, so provided they don't move forward or backward the meter reading should stay the same. I would shoot in RAW.

Benji

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Benji

...(I usually use 1/1/00.)... Benji

100 seconds? how do you avoid motion blur?

j/k

[theArchitect]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

100 seconds? how do you avoid motion blur?

j/k

I think that's more like undefined number of seconds

[Benji]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

100 seconds? how do you avoid motion blur?

j/k

Oops, it should read 1/100! (My proof reader couldn't find his glasses.)

Ben