 |
| Model: Lindsay Post |
" I want to get into modeling, what do you look for when choosing for a project"? This is a question I have been asked MANY times, so I felt this would be a good subject matter for this segment. For starters I will simply state: It takes more than just a pretty face! The client/magazine many times wants a certain look, and of course my personal concept images require specifics as well. Since this is my article, my opinions are based on my shoot style and the realization that some types of modeling do not apply. But we are going to attack this subject in a general way with principals for ALL models.
As we all know, there are many levels of modeling from TFP portfolio building on up to the almighty tear sheet or paid shoot. I feel that experience is key! Practice makes perfect right? Yes... but only if you are learning and evolving through your journey. Does it take a pretty/marketable look? YES! Does it take perfection? NO! Let's not forget... a good shooter will make you look even better.
Confidence: A good model will be confident and outgoing. She should already know what she has committed to shoot and be 100% comfy doing it. That means outfit as well as location. There is no time or place for shy when it is shoot time. Let's face it... a stiff and timid model will project it through her images, and a photographer can only capture what is there! A reputable photog is NOT interested in seeing you in a sexy outfit, but is moreso after a pic that captivates an audience inspiring multiple views. (Be choosy with your photogs... there are alot of dirtbags out there!)
Presentation: A good model KNOWS her strengths and weaknesses. Since nobodys perfect.... work what you've got! The way you "present" for the camera can greatly decide how good you'll look in the final outcome, especially if the shooter uses angles that will help you. Here's an example: Some gals look best from a profile with their body because their hips may be wide but their back side is lifted nicely. Then there's the size differences up top. What's your best quality? Use it?
Posing: Don't be afraid to move around! With good photographer direction, you can move around and still present your best for the camera. Stiff and straight equals boring and bland! You need a variety of poses standing, crouching, leaning, laying, crawling etc. Spend time in front of a large mirror practicing even if it feels silly. A photographer shouldn't have to instruct you through every pose, but simply give input and moderate direction. Again.... no straight limbs or hidden limbs if possible. Use those arms, touch your hair, face and hips for that "complete" look in your photo. This takes confidence to do effectively. I once had a "model" chosen by the client show up for a shoot. She had a very pretty face, but the first thing she asked after discussing the shot was: "So, how do you want me?" That's the last thing an experienced model asks. Sadly, her images didn't reach their full potential. Work your environment, and your shooter will automatically offer direction.
Prepare personally: There aren't always hair and makeup artists available, so you need to be savvy putting yourself together at times. Read magazines and pay attention to the latest looks. You can learn much from studying various magazines, advertisements and images. Experiment with makeup! Practice makes perfect right? Think about details... even the little ones. 99% of the time fake eyelashes look best to draw attention to the eyes in my opinion. Accessorizing is also a must. Think about a complete look including neck, ears, wrist and nails. It's not fun or easy having to paint nails with photoshop because they weren't addressed LOL.
Discipline: " I look fat in my pictures"! Yep, I've heard that one before. Don't forget, a photographer can only do so much, the rest is up to you! If you want lean lines, prep for your shoot a month out with proper diet and exercise. You will only get from your shoot what you put in. In professional settings I have seen models sent home for showing up 10 lbs heavier than what they advertise themselves at. But hey...variety is an awesome thing! If your look is more curvy and your good with that, so am I! Just don't complain later haha.
Expressions: Again...variety. The "deer in the headlights" look just isn't marketable. Don't end up with a portfolio full of different outfits but same faces. Practice with turned heads, eyes on camera, looking away, closed eyes, happy face, angry face, sultry face etc. You get the idea.
Well there it is, a basic rundown from my personal point of view and shoot style. I'm fully aware that private sessions with new or non-models require lots of input from me. I certainly enjoy that aspect of private shoots, so don't let this write up place unnecessary pressure on you. But if you wish to pursue modeling.... these are common subjects shared by the pro's.
Thanks for stopping by! And until next time....
~Tommy Post
No comments:
Post a Comment