[skipper954]

I have been trying to develop skills in model photography, ie, fashion, casual, portrait, swimsuit, lingerie and artistic nude. However, it is a long hard haul to find models that I don't have to pay. Some most of them are new and want me to help them develop a portfolio.

The interesting thing from my point of view is that they want one type of shot for their book, and I want another, more artistic for mine. In looking over many model portfolios, the vast majority of the shots look the same. So I try to tell my models that I want to do something a bit more unusual, that will make them stand out. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

This is the first of many model shoots that I plan to post. Melissa has perhaps the prettiest face, most unusual face I have photographed. She hit poses very easily, and many of the images were worth a second look.

So, I would appreciate feedback on these, and any help, hints, etc that you can give.

Shot in morning sun, about 11am (not good, I know) but one of my last shots of the session, used fill flash. 1/60 @f/4.5 and a 157 (35mm) focal length, spot metering, with my trusty Nikon d70.

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[Dabhand16]

I think you've done a good job on this one. Her expression and the exposure (in the camera, you lot!!!) are good, as is the differntial focus.

I think you are brave in doing these shots outside. I think portraits and the variations you described need as much control of the light and backgrounds as possible, and although I'd accept that in some situations, such as beachwear, it might be appropriate to have some shots in a beach environment, overall, I would be looking to use a studio. Then you can try different lighting and background set-ups, and when you find two or three that work, you can set them up time and again.

There is always a danger outside that something in the background, even out of focus, will disrtact from the subject, and you will probably be all over the place with the light. That means every shot is a lottery. Better to have control over as much as possible. It will save you time and you will get a higher percentage of good shots.

[lolyton]

Sorry i didn't realise this was a post and placed this in the comments box in members gallery.

If you want to take different shots to what the models are after then i would probably advise planning in advance and trying your best to accomodate your needs and the models needs. Try in the first meeting to please the models with the images they are after, but also take a few that you would like to do. This will then give the model an idea of the type of image you were talking about plus she'll be able to walk away with the images she was after and hopefully will agree next time to do more of your ideas.
Also worth bearing in mind, new models are normally nervous the first few times and it really shows in the images, try to make them understand this and hopefully after 2 or 3 meetings you'll have some images really worth displaying.

[skipper954]

I would love to do anything but outside shots, but I don't have a studio. I did one shot in the models apartment (with a chaperone, of course) which turned out fairly well. I will show them later.

Yes, I try to shoot for the models book first, then a few for mine. And you are quite right, even in one shoot, the last half of the shoot usually turns out much better than the first half as the model becomes more comfortable, and I get my settings down!

Thanks for the imput. Now, what else do you think about the shot?????

[Markulous]

As far as the shot goes, the BG would be better if simpler (all foliage, for instance) unless you're using the BG in the shot.

Also, whilst you've controlled her exposure, you've burned highlights in that BG which, again, detracts somewhat

[Dabhand16]

If the photo is going to end up in a portfolio, I'd remove the small blemish (that's posh talk for zit) on her chest, and consider cropping the bottom of the shot just above her boobs. This is because I find the bangle and buckle distracting, and the crop only really works for me just above her cleavage.

[skipper954]

Originally Posted by Markulous

As far as the shot goes, the BG would be better if simpler (all foliage, for instance) unless you're using the BG in the shot.

Also, whilst you've controlled her exposure, you've burned highlights in that BG which, again, detracts somewhat

This speaks of the difficulty in controlling the background and light in outside shots, vis a vis Markulous and Dab. I had a very tough time on this shoot controlling the background.

But, I can't go back, so how could I post process to improve this? Please be specific and pimp it to your hearts content

Thanks for your time and input.

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[VeddieEdder]

Could use a hairlight. And in retouching, always remove something that wasn't there last week, and won't be there next week. If its permanent, leave it. I also like to make a selection on they eyes, and sharpen them by themselves a bit. It helps make the eyes "pop". Good image tho.

[Gary Bagshawe]

Spent a couple of minutes on it, Nice shot btw. Have you considered using gold reflectors outside as well, gives a really nice warm feeling to shots like this.

[skipper954]

Thanks, Bags....from my point of view, it is a little too much gold, but I like the idea.

How did you do it in ps??? I am trying to learn as much new stuff as I can!

Thanks, Veddie...appreciate your input.

[Gary Bagshawe]

open the image,
select all-copy
new layer-paste
on the new layer mask off the eyes and add GBlur of 3.5 pixels to the rest of the image
layers-blending-soft light
flatten image
sharpen eyes
heal blemishes.