Why are models better photographers?

October 25, 2009

I got to thinking about the things we can do to make our photo shoots a better experience for the models we work with…and it all boils down to one thing: stepping in their shoes for a bit and realizing what things are like on the other side of the lens.

[audio:modelphotographers-ep006.mp3]

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  • Todd Mizomi says:

    Very good tips! I agree – many photographers don’t realize sometimes what models have to endure while they get the shot.

    Something I learned when giving feedback during a shoot – take your face away from the viewfinder when speaking to the model. It’s hard for them to hear what you’re saying when your mouth is blocked by the camera body and she’s standing on the edge of a cliff with the surf crashing around her.

    I use breaks to show the model samples on the laptop or netbook (wireless transfer using WFT-E1 or an Eye-Fi Pro) of what we are getting, so she can see what we’re trying to accomplish.

    I also bring a small cooler with bottled water, sugar-free Red Bull, and granola bars for the model.

     (October 25, 2009 at 2:28 pm)
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  • Aaron says:

    Wow, more good tips! Yeah, the one about stepping away from the camera to give feedback is a good one. I have a tendancy to forget…quickly followed by a, “Huh?” :)

    Also, very good move on the water and snacks. Very smart! ;)

     (October 25, 2009 at 2:31 pm)
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  • Todd Mizomi says:

    Aaron, when you do shoots at the beach, do you still have music playing during the shoot? If so what do you use?

     (October 25, 2009 at 2:36 pm)
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  • Aaron says:

    I do try to have music even on the beach…even if it’s just music playing from my iPhone. It can be a little on the quiet side…but if the model can hear it, then I let the model set the rhythm of the shoot. I also have a portable ipod Dock that runs on batteries that I take with me. I know the crashing of the waves can be a little loud sometimes, though. :)

    And regarding feedback…good call on bringing the laptop out to shoots…I think if a model can see how the shoot is going and what they are doing, it can really help you both conceptualize and help you get that shot! Even if you just roll through the camera and let your model see the shots in the back of the camera.

     (October 25, 2009 at 2:50 pm)
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