Kate. Location. D3/24-70mm f/2.8 @60mm 1/800th f/4.0 ISO 400.


Ashley. Studio. D3/24-70mm f/2.8 @56mm 1/200th f/6.3 ISO 400.


WORKING WITH MODELING AGENCIES WORKSHOP: STUDIO/OUTDOOR LIGHTING

It's been 6 months since I've done this workshop and this is still the most interesting/popular workshop I've taught. I'm asked a lot about shooting agency models, how to approach agencies, what the agencies look for, how do I know if I'm ready?

With all these questions, I figured we could answer all these questions and more in one fell swoop. So here's the Working with Modeling Agencies Workshop hosted by yours truly on July 23-24, 2011!

-If you're still building your portfolio and trying to get your foot in the door with agencies (particularly in the competitive LA environment), this workshop is for you.
-If you're trying to improve your existing body of work, this workshop is for you.
-If you're trying to build a paid-relationship with agencies, this workshop is also for you.
-If you don't care about improving your port or working with modeling agencies, then this workshop is not for you. 

Without further adieu here are the topics we'll cover:

-What agencies are looking for in a photographer and a portfolio.
-How to approach agencies
-Portfolio review
-Creating the "agency look" in capture (natural light and strobes)
-Creating the "agency look" in post
-Photographer/agency/model interaction
-Shooting without a studio

This will be a two-day event that will feature insight from agency models and will highlight many of the lighting setups and post-processing techniques that I employ for my own work.

How does this workshop differ from your first one in January?
When I first started shooting with modeling agencies, I didn't have a studio. In fact, most photographers don't own a studio and can't afford to blow money on unpaid tests. I will be dedicating all of Day 2 to shooting outdoors, without a studio, without strobes, without reflectors even. And still execute the "agencies" look. For this we'll be going on location (about 40 minutes from the studio) and I'll be showing you how to "control" location lighting.

It's a fallacy that you can't shoot at high-noon. I will show you how you can shoot whenever the hell you want and how to control the light.

Highlights from Day 2 include:

-How to control your background
-How to control lighting angles
-Proper camera settings (and why)
-Control model posing
-Model/Photographer interaction

POST-PROCESSING

Shooting is only half the battle. Without good post-processing it's all moot. You can't submit images straight out-of-the-box to agencies (or to anyone these days) without processing. So we will really focus on  processing on Day 1. That way, on Day 2 you'll know what you're looking for, how to generate the right lighting for the right effect, and actually practice shooting for those looks.

Day 1:
-Cover basic agency criteria
-Portfolio review
-Approach and communication
-Basic studio setups (0,1 and 2 light setups)
-Shoot and review (we go over the images together on computer immediately after you shoot them)

Day 2:
-Shooting on location
-Controlling the background
-Controlling location lighting without strobes/reflectors 
-Photographer/model interaction

General notes:

-Since good models are paramount to getting "the shot" we'll provide experienced agency-represented models for the workshop. I'll be updating this page shortly with who we're shooting.

-Choosing the right location is also important. I'll be showing images of the location where I did exactly the type of outdoor shoot we'll cover.

-Photographers will be learning/shooting on-the-fly. I'm not a fan of lectures but rather a constant dialogue and sharing of knowledge. That also means, you're not paying to watch me shoot... you'll be doing most of the shooting!

-One of the things I enjoy most is keeping the workshop small for more one-on-one attention. I will cap the attendance at 9.

-One-on-one time with models is critical to the learning process. At the workshop you'll have plenty of time to work with models. There will be at most 2-3 photographers per model.

-You'll be shooting with all the studio gear including the AlienBees system with all the light modifiers and the RadioPopper JrX system. Studio is privately owned, indoors with A/C and heat, plenty of white wall space and portable set walls/props, and plenty of parking.

Photographers should bring:
-Camera/assorted lenses
-Lightmeter
-Media cards
-Something to take notes with

Fee:
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. WORKSHOP IS FULL!
$749. Register by July 8th for 10% discount!


Location
LUCIMA STUDIO
2620 Concord Ave. STE 120
Alhambra, CA 91803

Date/Time
Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24th, 2011, 10AM-6PM

Here are my last 4 workshops!
January, February, April, June

Q/A:
Will update as inquiries come in!

Q: Do you also teach workshops from Calumet? What's the difference?
A: Yes, I have a non-exclusive partnership with Calumet Photographic that affords me the opportunity to teach my own workshops. So far all my classes at Calumet have been 1-day events at the Hollywood store with no location shooting.

Q: I'll be flying in from [fill in the blank]. Where should I stay that's not too far from your studio?
A: Being that I'm 3-4 miles from Old Pasadena, I would suggest you book a hotel that's not only close to the studio but also has much to offer in terms of night-life and shopping.

a) Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town 
180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

b) Hilton Pasadena 
168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

c) The Westin Pasadena 
191 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Q: Which models are we shooting?
A: So far I've confirmed Bekka and Janelle and Kate




Q: How will we get to the location on Day 2?
A: For day 2 the people that are close to the studio will meet and drive to the location together. Otherwise those that are already in LA can just meet at the location. I'll send details to everyone beforehand so we don't get lost!

Q: Where exactly is this location?
A: Great question. I'm debating between 2 locations. It's either going to be where my avatar was shot or where the above picture of Kate was shot.

Q: Will we be shooting nudes?
A: Nope. For that I suggest you go to Drew and Karl's workshops. I hear they're great

LOL! Thanks for the catch Michael. I'm dyslexic with months Cheers!

Got a question today that might be helpful for you guys:

Q: I'll be flying in from [fill in the blank]. Where should I stay that's not too far from your studio?
A: Being that I'm 3-4 miles from Old Pasadena, I would suggest you book a hotel that's not only close to the studio but also has much to offer in terms of night-life and shopping.

a) Courtyard Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town 
180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

b) Hilton Pasadena 
168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

c) The Westin Pasadena 
191 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Updated with model information

8 spots left

July 23-24th!

Calendar is Marked!!

This is the outdoor style we will explore on day 2. We might actually go to this exact location!

I WANNA BE ONE OF THE MODELS

SAVING $$!!

Cant wait I miss yah Charles!!!!

If there's still room, I'd love to jump on board.

7 spots left! Sent you a message Francis!

6 spots left

In there like swimwear good buddy...10-4 and out
Question:
For the Day 2 location; are we meeting at studio and driving together from there?

Updated Q/A!

Q: How will we get to the location on Day 2?
A: For day 2 the people that are close to the studio will meet and drive to the location together. Otherwise those that are already in LA can just meet at the location. I'll send details to everyone beforehand so we don't get lost!

Q: Where exactly is this location?
A: Great question. I'm debating between 2 locations. It's either going to be where my avatar was shot or where the above picture of Kate was shot.

See you on the 23rd Kat! Or do I get to see you beforehand?

LOL! Oh yeah Cheers! See you guys on Tuesday

5 spots left!

I want to go so bad, but if i leave i'll come back and be unemployed.. i'm still debating tho.

4 spots left

Just signed up, can't wait.

Cheers Francis! 3 slots left!

2 slots left ;P

I would love to be one of your models! please let me know

Time to book a room tomorrow. First time in LA in years...can't wait

Updated with model info. Kate will be at the workshop

Only 3 days left for discount to apply

Looking forward to this, meeting everyone and your Calumet course too. :0)

I'd love to do this!!!  Wish you were closer.

1 spot left!