Let's Get Physical!!!

At the close of 2010, I was approached by a business owner, via Model Mayhem, inquiring if I would be willing to photograph his products. As excited as I was about this opportunity, I also knew that it would move me from a "shoot when I want" philosophy towards a "shoot when I want, but it better be today" mentality.

Being new to that "type" of work, I'm struggling to meet my "Client's" expectations while satisfying my photographic desires. Aside from shooting the product in a different style, you have to do a frontal shot that is well-lit, and a 3/4 shot to show the garments fit.  It may not sound like much, but each one creates a different lighting opportunity.

Luckily, last Thursday a model I photographed in the past, needed some images for her new client who is trying out as a Fitness Model.  Finally, the perfect opportunity to help out a newbie model and also provide some images to my "Client."



The doorbell rang around 3:30PM, Sunday afternoon.  As I opened the door, I was greeted by the two young ladies armed with bags and suitcases.  Whoa!!! that's a lot of clothes.  Actually that site tends to be the "norm" when doing a shoot.  I guess it's akin to playing "dress up."  The model's make-up was stellar and her physique was outstanding.

The shoot lasted about three hours and had multiple clothing changes and looks.  She needed at least four decent images and I wanted to focus on at least two sets of clothes for my client.  As the session wore on, Ashley became more relaxed and her posing was more natural. We did numerous poses, lighting adjustments, wardrobe changes, make-up touch-ups, hair styles, etc...

So what did I learn?

• Get casters for my light stands - I've got some heavy-duty boom  stands and moving them around is laborious, I'm not as young as I used to be and rolling them around would be easier
• Create a shot sheet ahead of time- Moving from the floor, to seated, to standing poses requires lighting adjustments, in my opinion. Also, being the first time shooting with a model you need to quickly asses what lighting works best for their facial structure and with time constraints the shoot can be hectic, so make a checklist!!!
• Have the wardrobe ready to go - I bought a rolling wardrobe rack so I could organize my client's products by size, style and color.  It makes it easier when I'm looking for color combos
• Above all, have fun!!! - Compliment the model to help build her confidence, "chimp" ocasionally, but not enough to break the rhythm

A majority of this session was shot using the following light modifiers:

• 22" White High-Output Beauty Dish - Key
• 2 - Strip Boxes - Rim and Accent
• 2 - Reflectors and Barndoors for High-Key Background
• Ring Flash - Fill

I do get questions and compliments about my lighting and all I can say is, "Read blogs, don't live by a perfect "bell" shape on your Histogram, and practice, practice, practice"

It's been awhile since I photographed a model that made it easy for me, specifically Darnah, but this being Ashley's first time I can tell that she will do really well.  Good luck with your pursuit of becoming a fitness model, Ashley and "That's A Wrap!!!"