Tag Archive for: model

Tip : where should the model look

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A question I get a lot is “Where should the model look?”
Well in all honesty I don’t really think about it, I often let the model look the way that fits the image. Take for example these shots of Poeka I took during the recent small flash workshop, she is not looking into the camera, but straight into the light. I love the way the light plays on her face in combination with the shadow on her cheekbone.

Now is there a right or wrong?
Well I don’t know, I know what I like, or what my model likes.
In most cases I will however follow a few simple rules or guide lines.

  1. Catchlights
    If possible I always want the catchlights in the models eyes
  2. Center the eyes
    Make sure the eyes are centered, unless of course you want to go for that “walking dead” look with loads of eye white
  3. Make the story
    Often I will try to tell a story with my photography (even with “simple” portraits”) when a model looks straight into the camera this of course tells a story, but when he/she looks away this can often bring just a bit more of tension in a shot.

As you can see I do follow some rules, but in essence I can throw them all overboard when I think something else fits the story better, so if you are still following all the rules…. try to just “relax” and go for that special look, the look that feels awesome and when it breaks some rules… well… maybe it was time for it 😀

Poeka May 28 2016 0627

Poeka May 28 2016 0032

The light blaster in action

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Today some images with Nadine, the light blaster and some smoke.
The light blaster is without a doubt the kind of modifier that really triggers your creativity, when I got it I was first a bit skeptic because I don’t like to shoot a model against a “fake” background, but when you use it more “subtle” it can be a HUGE boost for your shoots. We loved it so much we are now the distributor for the Netherlands :D, so check out the shots and if you like them you can buy the light blaster via our website store.

 

BTW… these shots were done during the filming for the next instructional video in the “Mastering the model shoot” series 😀

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0311

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0353

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0650

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0655

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0668

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0695

Nadine MTM3 Mei 3 2016 0705

 

Adding some spice with masks

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One of the things I love to do is play with masks.
You could make the joke that it saves on retouching, or it even makes an ugly model look great, but (although all true) in essence for me it’s also the fact that you don’t see any facial expressions, so believe it or not it’s actually MUCH harder to pull off a good shot.

As human beings we are triggered by expressions, emotions (like laughing, smiling, being sad etc) and when you take these away the whole shot can become very “static”, and this is what you actually do with a mask. Now it’s up to YOU to create something interesting.

This weekend was the first time Iris was our model for a workshop, I did a testshoot with her of course but this was her first real “in front of the camera during a workshop” day. I always leave a lot of freedom to the models to think of something cool during the workshops, Iris and Liselotte came up with the following idea… and I loved it.

We often visit flea-markets (for our comics addiction and) to buy some cool stuff for our photoshoots, flea-markets and secondhand stores are actually goldmines for photographers and stylists, often you can get great deals on awesome props. When they are selling gas masks I’m always interested, somehow I just love the story they tell but also the look they give a model, you can combine them with dresses (in this case an awesome Sinister dress) but also with nudes (if you shoot them) and …. well it’s the kind of accessory that CAN work always, but it can also completely destroy a shot, so be careful and think about what you’re doing.

Lighting wise I used one simple lightbulb, no reflectors, no strobes, just a 100W bare bulb.
Here are some of the results.
Also see the difference the BW conversion makes, I always have difficulty choosing so I included both 😀

 

Want more in-depth tips and techniques?
Check out my book “Mastering the model shoot” or get one of my instructional videos via Direct video downloads

Iris May 10 2016 1912 1

Iris May 10 2016 1912

Iris May 10 2016 1932 1

Iris May 10 2016 1932

Iris May 10 2016 1958

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Iris May 10 2016 2231

 

Workshop USA Watsonville Santa Cruz July 15th

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Mastering the model shoot on tour
July 15th 2016
(10:00-16:00)
Watsonville / Santa Cruz

 

$299.00
(early bird)
FINAL DAY OF EARLY BIRD !!!
The magic of the speed light




On July 15th I’ll teach a one day class in Watsonville (Santa Cruz) in our Mastering the model shoot on tour workshops.
What can you expect during these workshops :

 

We start all workshops with an Q&A in which the group can ask any question they want, some questions will be answered right away, and some will be incorporated into the workshop after the Q&A. This means that the workshop is in fact 100% tailor made for the group and everyone gets exactly what they want from it, this is an unique concept that works very well for all levels of photographers.

 

Topics in the workshop always include the following :
Speeding up the workflow by using a light meter, advanced light meter techniques for outside use, mixing light sources, calibrated workflow, shooting tethered into Capture One (tips and tricks), coaching the model, finding the right angles and poses, maximizing the scene, story telling, styling, using props, expression, adding motion, working with clients, retouching and much much more.

 

One of the topics that is incredibly important for a successful photoshoot but actually hardly ever taught is the maximum use of your location. In this segment we will not only discuss varies techniques for working on location but I’ll also show several setups in different locations using just the available space, proofing that with very easy to understand techniques you can literally create something spectacular in every single location.

 

This workshop is brought to you in cooperation with ExpoImaging so you are literally in the best place for all your questions about their amazing products and you can try them out on your own speed lights during the part where the students shoot.

 

During the workshop you will also get several retouching tips to speed up your workflow and most of all create an unique look.

 

I always teach in a small group, meaning there is a lot of room for questions and shooting yourself, although this is NOT a shooting zoo workshop, I always try to aim to maximize the learning experience, you will shoot images of course but don’t expect to shoot thousands of images, but do expect to go home inspired and a lot wiser on how to master your model shoot.

 

Topics will be :
Understanding/Manipulating/metering light
Using the light meter in incident and reflective mode
Mixing light sources
Coaching the model and working to a great shoot
Adding motion for that WOW effect
Advanced techniques for location shoots
Maximizing the location
The right gear
The complete workflow for model photography
Color managed workflows
Using Capture one during and after the shoot
Retouching and selecting images
And MUCH MUCH more…….

Retouching topics will be :
Skin retouching without spending hours behind the computer
Adding an unique look within seconds without plugins
Tinting your images 
Body shaping within Photoshop
Using BW convertors for stunning color enhancements
Adding skin detail back if necessary (this can save your shot)
Manipulating light
Adding atmospherical lighting to a shot
Enhancing the look of the scene
And MUCH MUCH more…..