New Photography Private Workshop Day Two
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010Ok so Day two of my private photography work shop with Kevin started off with looking over the images on my large monitor and critiquing when necessary. Kevin will admit he was amazed at how often I pointed out little things that could ruin a photo. For example, every single little tiny detail matters especially when it comes to the hands. Experienced models know how to place their hands and make them look soft and pretty as they use them to pop a collar or rest them on the hips or running them through their hair. However, an inexperienced model often develops the “claw” look. This is when she might pop her collar with her hand and grab it with her palm facing out and her fingers bent so that her hand resembles a claw. This is a major no no and so is palms facing camera. Now I know what you’re going to say. Sometimes you see models in magazines with their palms facing camera. Well so what ? Does that make it right ? No it doesn’t. I could open a Vogue and point out at least 20 mistakes that a model made in her shoot. My God I have seen hundreds. Don’t get into that way of thinking that just because you see it in a magazine then it’s ok. So I told Kevin that when a model gives you the claw, it’s your job to point it out and have her correct it. If you are shooting an experienced model it is still your job to point out a mistake and correct it.
Going over Kevin’s images I also pointed out things like the bottom of the shirt is folded up or a bracelet was sitting too far up on the arm or the bra strap was slightly showing. If you had a wardrobe stylist on the shoot it would be their job to watch for these things BUT he or she might miss it and it is YOUR responsibility when looking through your viewfinder to look at everything before you click that shutter. We also went over how he directed the model and he did a great job. Many photographers get intimidated by the model and are afraid to direct them. The reality is the model expects you to direct them and it is your job to direct them. Overall Kevin really nailed some great shots.
Next thing we did was talk about how to find jobs and market yourself to potential clients. I also went over how to approach agencies and obtain models for free test shoots. Putting together a team of make up and hair is another step in the process and I showed him how to establish a good solid team. By this time the make up artist and the model for the second day arrived. Again Kevin observed the make up artist and this time he told her how he would like the make up to look. He also used this time to get acquainted with the model which is a great time to break the ice.
Kevin wanted to learn a bit of glamor photography so in this case the make up is going to be different as well as the hair and wardrobe. So we picked some outfits for our model to wear and we started to light for our first set up. I showed him how to incorporate flair into his images and also how to use smoke for a cool effect. I have a small fog machine that is great for this. This image shows the result from our first set up.
When looking at this image remember that flair is real and shot in camera, NOT done in post. As Kevin kept shooting he is constantly giving encouragement to the model, directing her expressions and poses and keeping that photographer to model connection flowing. One bad habit I had to break Kevin of was looking at the image on the LCD after every single shot. That is a surefire way to not create that connection and IF you have created that connection it will break it instantly. DO NOT LOOK AT YOUR LCD . I turn mine off after I know I’ve got my lighting set the way I want it. It’s no different than shooting your first few Polaroids and then shooting until your next set up. Kevin eventually took her off the stool and shot some fabulous poses in true glamor pin up style.
This image has it all, great expression, the wind blown hair, great make up, great styling, great lighting. It’s like cooking a stew, all the ingredients have to be there otherwise the stew won’t taste just right 
This is another clothing change we did. Kevin went in tight on this shot and you can see how beautiful the make up and hair is as well as the edge light on HER left shoulder and arm. That strobe is doubling up as a back light for the smoke and to also provide a nice edge light. The model’s expression is really what makes this photo, all the other stuff just accents it and adds that special touch. It’s important to not over use the bells and whistles. By that I am talking about the edge light, the smoke etc. In any photograph you make, the expression is what will sell the photo to the viewer. To dig into the model’s soul and extract her inner most thoughts and capture them on film is the magic that happens when the photographer and model are in sync with each other. This cannot just happen. It takes many many shoots and much practice shooting with a variety of models to nail that skill. I provide you with the psychological tools to give you a head start and start creating beautiful images.
The second part of our day was spent learning how to shoot on location with reflectors and a speed light. Using the sun as your friend and combining it with a speed light can get you very nicely lit images. I also taught Kevin how to use the hi speed sync mode for his flash and also how to deal with the model who has to deal with the elements you encounter when shooting outdoors. If it is summer then you have heat. If it’s winter then you have cold to deal with. Models don’t have much fat on them and they can’t wear a heavy jacket. They still have to pretend they are in a fabulous mood even if it’s 40, 50 or 60 degrees outside. By the same token if it’s 100 degrees outside and they are tired and sweating, they can’t just pour a bucket of cold water over themselves. So you the photographer must make her feel like she is doing just fine and keep her interested and excited all the while making sure your technical details are correct as you watch the sun go down faster than a speeding bullet lol. Not as easy as it sounds. This is one of Kevin’s images from that outdoor session.
This was shot with the model facing the sun. How did she keep her eyes open and not squint ? I held a 60 inch white convertible umbrella up to scrim the sun. Kevin also used his flash to add some snap to the shot. By using the high speed sync mode he was also able to hold the blue in the sky behind her. By this time it was getting breezy and cold. The model doesn’t show it at all. Kevin did a great job talking to her and keeping her focused.
The shoot finally ended and we went back to go over the images. Kevin learned a great deal of information, more than I shared with you here of course and had a great time. He was a pleasure to work with and a wonderful person.
This is where the photography workshop takes place. I show you how to set up an in home photography studio with very little expense. It’s also a huge write off ! If you would like to know more about my private one on one photography workshops please call or email me jason@jasonchristopher.com. You may also view testimonials and information about my private one on one fashion photography workshops here.
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