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When models bring ugly wardrobes on TF shoots
I cant say I've ever had this problem I tend to have several chats with the models I am going to shoot usually on Facebook where we throw ideas back and fourth, I encourage them to bring to many rather than to few clothes, that way I can normally be sure of being able to cobble a few outfits together. I have just started building up my own wardrobe of clothes, I think this is the way forward if there are particular styles you want to mainly shoot. Jul 22 12 06:08 pm Link egyptmachine wrote: Depends on what you are shooting -- If you tell someone a plain white tank and jeans how badly can they screw that up? Jul 22 12 06:29 pm Link egyptmachine wrote: This is why I model nude. Jul 22 12 06:37 pm Link Art of the nude wrote: I feel ya, but I have limited time when I plan a shoot. So I try to leave nothing to chance. So I am always on the look out for wardrobe. Department stores at the end of a season always a have mark downs sometimes up to 80%. I have picked up designer outfits for as little as $20. I picked up this little number at a thrift store for $2: Jul 22 12 06:40 pm Link I send sample photos to the model to give them a general idea as to the kind of look I want to create. Jul 22 12 06:47 pm Link Eric Jackson wrote: This, too. Jul 22 12 06:52 pm Link chicchowmein wrote: well yeah but the OP didn't give specifics, but I also don't think anyone could mess up a white t-shirt and jeans looks. Jul 22 12 06:54 pm Link Through Elizabeths Eyes wrote:
Jul 22 12 06:55 pm Link I supply most of my own wardobe except for the personal items and heels! Probably have more clothes than most models cause I shop the sales and always looking for bargins. Jul 22 12 06:55 pm Link ChiMo II wrote: +1 amen. If you are gonna shoot models you need to know how to dress them for both of yours success too Jul 22 12 06:58 pm Link I do two things to try to minimize this problem. 1- meet first to discuss the proposed shoot in detail and get an idea of how the model normally looks and dresses. One of the things we always discuss in detail is what wardrobe she should bring and what I have that we might be able to use. 2- after the meet send a PM recapitulating what we have discussed and agreed on, asking for any corrections or different understandings of our discussion. Included with that is a detailed piece of boilerplate that includes directions, a precise of what will need to be signed and 2257 documentation required, suggestions as to the wardrobe I would like to see and a summary of how I like to work and what the model can expect to receive in the way of pictures. Even with all that, sometimes there are wardrobe problems. Many times models simply don't have appropriate wardrobe so I keep a few generic pieces such as the famous little black dress in a couple of sizes, wraps, etc. and a lot of safety pins. Last ditch is nudes and implieds if the model is willing or improvise. It's amazing what you can do with 3 or 4 yards of fabric. And I'm a fixture at the thrift shops. I can just hear the little old ladies behind the counter, shaking their heads and saying, "You know, that's not going to fit him when he gets it home."  Jul 22 12 06:59 pm Link ChiMo II wrote: Atelier57 wrote: To add- start looking at good style blogs like http://www.thesartorialist.com/ Jul 22 12 07:03 pm Link If she/he is paying I couldn't care less. If we're paying the model for one of our shoots, we leave nothing to chance. We supply the wardrobe. Jul 22 12 07:04 pm Link I never seem to have this problem. Jul 22 12 07:08 pm Link Antediluvian Design wrote: Stop playing the victim and take control of your shoots. Being new has nothing to do with the problem, just recognise the weakness and work around it. I styled my earlier shoots without even realizing it, lots of newbies do until a stylist is onboard. Jul 23 12 03:14 am Link Atelier57 wrote: Terrific post. Thanks! Jul 23 12 03:28 am Link Through Elizabeths Eyes wrote: Shooting nude solves everything. No unexpected wrinkles, I never forget my wardrobe. It doesn't matter if it rains. The photographer already knows what it looks like. It never goes out of style. Jul 23 12 04:10 am Link Antediluvian Design wrote: Nudes! Jul 23 12 04:19 am Link Nude or nothing  Jul 23 12 04:27 am Link One word...collaborate. If you don't have a theme in mind...ask what theme the model wants to add to their port? You will substantially increase the odds of them showing up! Ask for a link to an example. Usually this image will have made someone's list on MM. Look at those lists. Study them and what made the images noteworthy...e.g., lighting, location, wardrobe, theme, expression, etc. This will give you the direction you need...and you will grow professionally from it. Keep in mind that you are unlikely to get more out of a shoot than you are willing to put into it. Even those who model nude still need a theme, pose ideas, perhaps props, and proper lighting for either studio or on-location shoots. IMHO...nudes are one of the most difficult genres to successfully photograph. If don't have these figured out before the shutter clicks, all you will get is a bunch of naked pics...rather than the art both of you hope to create. Jul 23 12 05:13 am Link AJScalzitti wrote: +1 Jul 23 12 05:29 am Link After further thought about the question...rather than making a post about what should have happened to avoid the situation...... I think the only thing you can do once you find yourself in that situation is to ask the model what theme she had in mind when she picked her wardrobe? Then...if a computer is nearby...sit down and look at some examples on MM or elsewhere...and decide upon your own variation of the theme. Jul 23 12 05:38 am Link Also even when photographer or a stylist is providing wardrobe it is a good idea to remind the models to bring a variety of neutral undergarments and I always ask for the to bring a strapless or convertible bra. For beauty shots a tube or bandeau top can come in handy as well. I often have shoots where I am pulling from a designer or a boutique and I always send over directions, any prep instructions, and guidelines about shoes, undergarments and anything else that is important. Jul 23 12 05:48 am Link If the model's already showed up with some seriously bad wardrobe, you could swing by a thrift store and pick out a couple things with her. You'll have your good wardrobe then, and hopefully, the shoot day can be salvaged. To prevent such issues in the future though, you need to communicate clearly what kind of image you have in your head for clothing. Use pictures if you aren't sure how to describe it. If you want to be certain you're expressing yourself correctly, have the model photograph what she plans to bring for the shoot. That way, you can be sure you're both on the same page. Oh... and make sure to give her time to get the wardrobe. Don't message her the night before and say, "Oh, and bring this and this and this..." ... Give her at least a week if you can to gather everything together. If you end up thinking of something last minute, just mention it and say, "No pressure if you don't have it." Jul 23 12 06:07 am Link Through Elizabeths Eyes wrote: ^^^ this! Jul 23 12 07:28 am Link with a crappy wardrobe you can always shoot tight and body parts with her birthday suit. Jul 23 12 07:33 am Link Camerosity wrote: I do this as well Jul 23 12 08:00 am Link I've actually met a model at a Goodwill and went shopping with her. Took 20 minutes and we came up with 3 great outfits for $20. Jul 23 12 08:13 am Link A few years ago, I prepared a list of clothing and accessories for models to bring to a shoot. I gave them plenty options so that, if they brought half of what was on the list, they had plenty of options for different looks. Despite that, I found that very few models could put together a selection that looked much good on them and some brought stuff that was downright unflattering. That was when I decided to gather my own wardrobe. Size is not an issue, because two sizes covers most models. The styles are on the flamboyant side, and most are second hand, but any flaws are rarely obvious in the image. Costume jewellery I either buy on sale or from China. I have a few heels, but they are only for emergencies. Usually, I expect the model to bring her own. Ditto for underpants. I have no bras because few models need them and the fit really does depend on the person. Everything else I can supply and many of the girls have a lot of fun playing dress-ups in a range of clothes and accessories that is new to them. (and, just for the record, I also shoot nudes, but not as an alternative to poor wardrobe choices) Jul 23 12 08:20 am Link Antediluvian Design wrote: TF doesn't mean a model shows up, models for free, and the photographer gets everything he wants. Jul 23 12 09:11 am Link Through Elizabeths Eyes wrote: +1 Jul 23 12 11:06 am Link Antediluvian Design wrote: At one time I had about 8k worth of attire, accesories, etc. on hand, for good reason. Jul 23 12 11:14 am Link Antediluvian Design wrote: Take control of your work. Jul 23 12 05:45 pm Link 95536 wrote: While I've acquired a few items so far, I'm pretty much dependent on the model to provide the wardrobe. That's why I want to see exactly what she plans to bring before I'll schedule a shoot. Jul 23 12 05:50 pm Link When you had the pre-shoot meeting with the model and the pre-shoot phone calls with the model and you addressed wardrobe at that time, what did she show you she had? Jul 24 12 12:53 am Link Roger Charles wrote: +1 Also I agree with communicating...I go so far as to e-mail the photographers images of the stuff I'm bringing or asking him/her what he/she thinks would be appropriate for the shoot we both have in mind, depending on concept, location, etc, then I go on ebay, hit the goodwill and TJ Maxx, etc and keep on looking until I find the right things...its fun to do!...I recently scored on a lot of 17 pieces of pearl jewelry (necklaces, earrings, braclets of all kinds of sizes and styles of pearl jewelry) on e-bay, so definitely having a shoot with those...also picked up a faux white fur wrap to go with the pearls...well, you get the idea. I always have long black gloves or other kinds of gloves and hats and scarves...they work wonders too! I have also been lucky enough to shoot with a couple of photographers who had wardrobes to die for! Thanks Dee! and Jim (the photo in my port labeled "tiny dancer" is a very, very vintage piece of lingerie...it was gorgeous!) That particular photographer had a wardrobe and studio out of this world and my photographer friend Dee from What Fun Productions also has some amazing, amazing pieces that she picks up from I don't know where Jul 24 12 01:11 am Link To the OP, always assume the model has no idea what she is doing, or doesn't care, because on MM that is most likely the case. I don't care what her portfolio looks like. There are always exceptions, but always assume the worst so you'll be prepared. What used to happen to me... Me: "Bring this, this, this, this, this, etc." Model: "Ok, perfect, I have all of those things." Me: "Cool." Day of shoot... Me: "Ok, let's see what you have...sweet 5 shirts that all look alike except for the pit stains and the wrinkles...good thing I brought wardrobe because you didn't bring anything we talked about you bringing." (I didn't actually say this) I now ask all models to send me phone pics of items they have so I can yay or nay them prior to the shoot and so she knows exactly what I am looking for. I also send her sample photos of shots we will try. Most models have no money and can't afford to build up a fashion specific wardrobe, so you'll need to play your part by going to thrift stores and picking up pieces over time. Good models DO have a standard wardrobe and know what to bring. Variety of undergarments, preferably dark and light colored lacy bras and panties; button-up shirts; loose and tight tanks; a variety of shorts and pants; jackets, vests, cardigans, etc.; heels, black and other colors, and short boots, etc. Again, if you want something specific, like a particular type of dress, studded shoes or shorts or jackets, whatever, you may have to come out of pocket or a find a stylist that will work for free or for cheap. That said, take a look at the types of portfolios you want to build for yourself. If fashion, you'll notice that 90%+ of the test shots are VERY simple wardrobe. Cut-off jean shorts and a tank. If you want to shoot campaign style stuff, then you'll need MUA/hair, stylist, assistants, etc. The fancy stuff doesn't get done alone. It's a team and a process. My random thoughts... Oct 14 12 11:28 am Link Means it is time for someone to become a REAL PROFESSIONAL and hire a STYLIST and a Make up Artist for their Shoots instead of Playing at being a "pro" photographer .... If you are going to be complaining about things regarding a shoot then put your money where your mouth is and HIRE TALENT . 'When they Bring Ugly clothes' .... please , one person's garbage is an other's gold. For someone to be 'running a business' you sure do have whacked way of working then , leaving things to chance like that . And to invoke another old cliche' You get what You pay for . Oct 14 12 11:35 am Link just say what not to bring ... what do you want from a tf shoot ? Oct 14 12 11:37 am Link Through Elizabeths Eyes wrote: That's about it. Whenever I have been dissatisfied by what a moel has worn-brought to a shoot, I inevitably return to the conclusion that it was MY fault. Oct 14 12 11:40 am Link |
