WWPhotography  wrote:
What if one model wants the same shot I had with another model? Etc.

well who is directing the shoot?
you or the models or your friend?

meet with whoever the artistic director is and plan the shots ahead of time based on the brand.

if its generic catalog stuff, then its probably ok for the models to all do the same few poses in the different outfits and then sort out later which will be used.

WWPhotography  wrote:
Hey guys,

I am new to fashion photography and I got a gig for my friends ad campaign. He has a women's clothing line and there are going to be three models that I will be shooting. Do you guys have any tips on shooting multiple models? I've done just one model and it's pretty smooth and easy, but I can see how three models can get chaotic. How do I split up the shots? What if one model wants the same shot I had with another model? Etc.

Opinons, tips, comments are all welcome.

Thanks!

I find it difficult to recreate a specific shot.  Just tell the model, "OK," and see how things work out.  You don't have to include that image in your final cut.

I make no attempt to guess what music the models might like.  Tell them to bring their own music.  Adult models will do so anyhow if they want music.

WWPhotography  wrote:
...I made an album of fashion photos that would be a good template for the model to work with...

Since they are all inexperienced this is a great idea. I'd stick to this album like a playbook, but relax a little, as the day goes on, if they seem to be creatively adding on to these looks. When I have sketches or a play book, I put them on a music stand that the models can easily see just off camera and I can easily turn to direct. The number one mistake they make is not coordinating the models' left in the picture with their left. For some reason they always start out thinking it's their right.

My first fashion shoot with three models also included balloons, on a windy day, on a rooftop in SF. Fortunately one of the models was experienced, but I tell you the balloons (and their hair) in the wind was a nightmare.

Vector One Photography wrote:
Are all three models going to be in the same shot or are you going to rotate them in and out of the shots ?  If they are rotated let your friend that you are shooting for decide which model in which outfit and which backgrounds.  If the three are going to be in the same shot you need to google geometric progression to get an idea of how much trouble you're in.

I will be doing both. I'm going to work with each model individually first, and then see how that goes. I might have them in the same shot and see how that works out. Any suggestions on how to direct group poses?

Natural Means wrote:
See if can get a buddy (chick buddy) to be an assistant, keep track of things like time/ progress make up schedule, coffee etc

If you get flustered don't be embarrassed. Just ask for thirty second cause something not gelling yet.

And post some of the results here :-)

Yeah, I will definitely find an assistant to help me through out the day. I cannot even imagine how stressful this would be if I didn't have one.

The shoot isn't for another week. I'll get them up as soon as I can (:

Toto Photo wrote:

Since they are all inexperienced this is a great idea. I'd stick to this album like a playbook, but relax a little, as the day goes on, if they seem to be creatively adding on to these looks. When I have sketches or a play book, I put them on a music stand that the models can easily see just off camera and I can easily turn to direct. The number one mistake they make is not coordinating the models' left in the picture with their left. For some reason they always start out thinking it's their right.

My first fashion shoot with three models also included balloons, on a windy day, on a rooftop in SF. Fortunately one of the models was experienced, but I tell you the balloons (and their hair) in the wind was a nightmare.

That's a great idea. I think I will use the "music stand" idea.

Balloons, wind, rooftop, SF. Those words in a sentence in a nightmare.

Starsquid wrote:
*double thread?

Yeah, I accidentally had the other one in the category "Hair/Make-up".

WWPhotography  wrote:
Hey guys,

I am new to fashion photography and I got a gig for my friends ad campaign. He has a women's clothing line and there are going to be three models that I will be shooting. Do you guys have any tips on shooting multiple models? I've done just one model and it's pretty smooth and easy, but I can see how three models can get chaotic. How do I split up the shots? What if one model wants the same shot I had with another model? Etc.

Opinons, tips, comments are all welcome.

Thanks!

This is a shooting for a clothing line which means the focus is on the clothing & less on the model(s) 

You should only be shooting one outfit @ a time giving the other model time to change.

WWPhotography  wrote:
What if one model wants the same shot I had with another model? Etc.

Whos cares what the models want the clothing line owner is the client & you need to provide their needs.


Just my thoughts ~ MR

Prismatic Hawk wrote:
When I do a group shoot I shoot in bursts of three shots, that way you get all eyes on the camera by the third shot otherwise you'll get a lot of images with one model looking away or blinking. 

Thanks for that! I'll keep that in mind for the group shots.

Looknsee Photography wrote:
When working with all the models in the same image, think levels -- don't get locked into having them stand side-by-side-by-side.  Get one to sit, one to lie down, one to lean over, anything to create levels.

Ask your models to invade each other's personal space.  Get them really close.  Get them touching each other -- not necessarily in a sexual way, but in a "sisters" way.

Good luck.

Yeah, I'm just worried about the group shots and how I will direct them. I'm probably gonna look up some template photos online and work from there.

Paolo Diavolo wrote:
WW,

Did you do the shoot yet? how'd it go?

Not yet! It's on the 19th of December.

Starsquid wrote:
make a time schedule
and yes, play music, breaks the ice.
And when you want certain poses, do direct them if they're first timers. Its important to interact with your model, when they're doing a good job, praising them also helps making them feel comfortable.

AND GOOD CATERING!

*double thread?

And maybe find a couple of good lists that are heavy in fashion work, or the portfolios of fashion photographers you admire, print them out and show the poses you want to the models asking them to give you something similar (but not exactly the same).  Describing poses can be a frustrating business.

WWPhotography  wrote:

I will be doing both. I'm going to work with each model individually first, and then see how that goes. I might have them in the same shot and see how that works out. Any suggestions on how to direct group poses?

Make sure no two faces are on the same line either horizontally or vertically.