There are thousands of poorly lit, posed and composed images on Model Mayhem. Avoid them like the plague!
Striking images result from a successful collaboration between the photographer, the model and the make-up artist. We all must avoid random acts of shooting. Pre-shoot planning upon the mutual goals to be accomplished, the looks and types of shots desired, the use of the images, wardrobe, accessories, etc. is generally time well spent.
SOME BASICS. The lighting, set-ups and locations for our shoots vary according to the goals that the model and I jointly determine. For example, every model needs a killer head shot. In a studio setting I use so-called beauty lights or other soft lighting for head shots, I tend toward more dramatic lighting and poses for other images. Models are digitally photographed in color. However, many images are then converted to B&W (the more time consuming but dramatic method by separately converting to B&W in each of the three color channels to preserve luminosity), high key, and filters in Photoshop and plug-ins to go beyond the reality in front of the lens.
I prefer to shoot outdoors and use Mother Nature's light as well as more the far more abundant outdoor settings. For example, the stairs shots, and Erin under the fish net exemplify how flattering natural light (sometimes with indetectible fill flash) can be to lovely models.
POST--PROCESSING. Models desire images that stand out from the crowd, and serious skillfully understated Photoshop attention helps accomplish that result. For example, Courtney's eye shot illustrates my interest in the interplay of color and B&W in the same image. In the last few years I have spent considerable time on Photoshop enhancement of studio images. Working on the strongest images from a shoot in Photoshop typically requires two or three hours for each hour of studio shooting. However, simple steps such whitening the whites of the eyes, running Levels for each pupil and extra sharpening applied just to the pupils, a little Photoshop cosmetic surgery (painless to the subject, and they all have flawless skin), adjusting overall tonality, etc. have an enormous cumulative impact upon an image. Why shouldn't a model be presented at her best?
LEGS & FIT! Great legs on a fit model are amazingly photogenic. Such legs are dramatically presented via dramatic side lighting or rim lighting. Some examples are in the posted images.
LOCATIONS. Our studio shoots are usually conducted at Michigan Photographic Workshops (
www.mpw.com) in Farmington Hills, Michigan or at Image Makers Studio in downtown Pontiac. This are Detroit suburbs. There are some creative outdoor locations adjacent to each studio. We also shoot at other outdoor locations as well as at other studios.
OTHER MM Site. I have another site, Fit Model Images, # 605875, which is dedicated to showcasing fit and toned models. Take a look.
JUST DO IT! Hopefully reviewing my images will spawn some useful ideas to enhance your portfolio whether you are a model, MUA, stylist or photographer.
