David Lumen Photography wrote:
@ Ruben, Step Above

I didn't mean to imply that you personally didn't know your lighting, nor how to choose a model.  Your post provided an opportunity to share information with others.

Shooting conditions tend to be extreme at times.  Some seasoned photographers even had problems with the sun on the first beach shoot, and some stopped shooting altogether.  The cruiseship also offered a lot of great available light shots also...shots best done with a fast lens and no flash.

Also...in over 30 years of photography, I had never shot a model in front of a sunset, as we rarely see them in the Seattle area.  The cruise was the first sunset opportunity for me, and I'll be finding ways to shoot them before the next cruise.

Oh darn it. I was so sure that you were putting my work down....ha ha

I was simply reponding to what you said because anyone can use a little improvement ... even me

David Lumen Photography wrote:
@ Ruben, Step Above

I didn't mean to imply that you personally didn't know your lighting, nor how to choose a model.  Your post provided an opportunity to share information with others.

Shooting conditions tend to be extreme at times.  Some seasoned photographers even had problems with the sun on the first beach shoot, and some stopped shooting altogether.  The cruiseship also offered a lot of great available light shots also...shots best done with a fast lens and no flash.

Also...in over 30 years of photography, I had never shot a model in front of a sunset, as we rarely see them in the Seattle area.  The cruise was the first sunset opportunity for me, and I'll be finding ways to shoot them before the next cruise.

Another note David. Please don't shoot the models. Some of us might want to work with them sometime.  Besides the Police might be nearby. 

Select Models wrote:
Here's one new addition I've added to the original post that wasn't included in the Sept 2nd Cruiseboat Photoshoot... something added to the 'attendion interested models' section...

If you are a model who has serious issues about giving away release rights to images of you captured BY ANY PHOTOGRAPHER during these 4 scheduled groupshoot events, even as enticing as this free cruise offer may be, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THIS EVENT!

This addition has been added to eliminate any possible confrontation that may arise between models and photographers possibily arguing over release rights after the event is over...

i like that addition gary ...  models should have no reason to complain considering there trip is being paid for... i mean the least they could do is let some photographers take a few shots of them ...  keep up the great work as u always do

Step Above Photography wrote:
I have really been looking forward to one of these shoots and after looking at results from previous shoots there are 3 main qualifications that I am looking for in my choice of models.

I am willing to pay her/their fair and no matter what the cruise costs she should know that not only is she for her ticket getting the chance to shoot with me but with all the other photographers. I want a model who is not going to talk about the money but instead knows what she is getting. By agreeing she is also implying that she is on the same page. 


1. Most important is her personality. No drama queens.

2. More than anything I want to get breathtaking photos. My plan is that I have one year till this cruise and even though I consider myself a very talented photographer I have one year to become much more. I want models and photographers to say "wow, your work is amazing." So, I am looking for models who can bring it. Maybe you are like I am now so how about we work to be much better between now and then. That is the model I want. And let me clarify I am not stating work with me between now and then.

3. I want 2 models, models that like me want more than a cruise and lots of pics. I want models that really want amazing photos to add to thier portfolios.

ruben i like the way ur thinking ahead.  and i will deff give u some advice as well since i have done my fair share of traveling with models.  just dont look for the most popular model or well known.  look for one that u really truly want to work with.  also yes it is a good idea to maybe work with them at least once or twice before the cruise so u can see how u two mesh.  i feel for something like this u really need a model that knows how to pose and is up for a challenge.  its not easy to get a new model and tell her to go over there and start posing.  u will deff want someone with experience and able to almost read ur mind as in posing.  hope that lil info was a lil helpful

hopefully i can find some one who wants to share a cabin quick style so the rates r cheap enough to book.  considering i am living on the east coast now i will need to purchase a plane ticket.

David Lumen Photography wrote:
@ Ruben, Step Above

I didn't mean to imply that you personally didn't know your lighting, nor how to choose a model.  Your post provided an opportunity to share information with others.

Shooting conditions tend to be extreme at times.  Some seasoned photographers even had problems with the sun on the first beach shoot, and some stopped shooting altogether.  The cruiseship also offered a lot of great available light shots also...shots best done with a fast lens and no flash.

Also...in over 30 years of photography, I had never shot a model in front of a sunset, as we rarely see them in the Seattle area.  The cruise was the first sunset opportunity for me, and I'll be finding ways to shoot them before the next cruise.

Step Above Photography wrote:
Oh darn it. I was so sure that you were putting my work down....ha ha

I was simply reponding to what you said because anyone can use a little improvement ... even me

I'll buy ya a drink on that one...and can tell with your sense of humor we will likely be sharing quite a few before the cruise is over with!  Too bad it is soooo far away now.

Bob-W wrote:
"Shooting" in full sunlight is a challenge even with a large speedlight. I prefer the reflector if someone can hold it, but models don't like the constant intensity.
My camera doesn't support high speed sync. Does anyone think HSS is valuable?

I suppose you had to be there to fully appreciate the challenges of that mid-day Mexican sun.  I ended up mostly shooting at 250 sec, f8-f11, 100 ISO, and TTL flash within 30 feet using a 24-70 tele. I did not get the bokeh I wanted, so the models were often "part of the background." I've been able to fix some of this in Photoshop, but that really isn't the answer.

Bob, if you can get HSS to work with your system...the way I understand it...along with your speedlight...I think you will be able to open up your f-stop and get great images that will jump out of the frame given the background bokeh that you will also get.  That is, if I understand how HSS would work with your system.  I shoot Nikon.

David Lumen Photography wrote:
I suppose you had to be there to fully appreciate the challenges of that mid-day Mexican sun.  I ended up mostly shooting at 250 sec, f8-f11, 100 ISO, and TTL flash within 30 feet using a 24-70 tele. I did not get the bokeh I wanted, so the llamas were often "part of the background." I've been able to fix some of this in Photoshop, but that really isn't the answer.

Bob, if you can get HSS to work with your system...the way I understand it...along with your speedlight...I think you will be able to open up your f-stop and get great images that will jump out of the frame given the background bokeh that you will also get.  That is, if I understand how HSS would work with your system.  I shoot Nikon.

My Nikon D500 doesn't have it so I was wondering if that is good reason to buy the D600. I would need an HSS speedlight too. The local guys seem to use ring-lights and power packs. Unless Maxim or National Geographic is paying the bills, that is not a feasible option.
I used a variable Neutral Density filter to get my aperture to f4 or so. Then I had to run the big speed-light at full power. I got some DOF separation but I didn't feel in control.

David Lumen Photography wrote:

David Lumen Photography wrote:
@ Ruben, Step Above

I didn't mean to imply that you personally didn't know your lighting, nor how to choose a model.  Your post provided an opportunity to share information with others.

Shooting conditions tend to be extreme at times.  Some seasoned photographers even had problems with the sun on the first beach shoot, and some stopped shooting altogether.  The cruiseship also offered a lot of great available light shots also...shots best done with a fast lens and no flash.

Also...in over 30 years of photography, I had never shot a model in front of a sunset, as we rarely see them in the Seattle area.  The cruise was the first sunset opportunity for me, and I'll be finding ways to shoot them before the next cruise.

I'll buy ya a drink on that one...and can tell with your sense of humor we will likely be sharing quite a few before the cruise is over with!  Too bad it is soooo far away now.

David, I think of it this way sure it is a long way ahead and things can change so getting models to commit this early will not be easy. But, when you look at the positive side as I do it gives you more time to get to choose the right model/models for you like Jason says. I do say to Jason though that I can think of 3 models that were new when I first met them and they were naturals, followed directions better than some pros because they were more open to my ideas. I am excited about the coming year and the opportunities.

David Lumen Photography wrote:

David Lumen Photography wrote:
@ Ruben, Step Above

I didn't mean to imply that you personally didn't know your lighting, nor how to choose a model.  Your post provided an opportunity to share information with others.

Shooting conditions tend to be extreme at times.  Some seasoned photographers even had problems with the sun on the first beach shoot, and some stopped shooting altogether.  The cruiseship also offered a lot of great available light shots also...shots best done with a fast lens and no flash.

Also...in over 30 years of photography, I had never shot a model in front of a sunset, as we rarely see them in the Seattle area.  The cruise was the first sunset opportunity for me, and I'll be finding ways to shoot them before the next cruise.

I'll buy ya a drink on that one...and can tell with your sense of humor we will likely be sharing quite a few before the cruise is over with!  Too bad it is soooo far away now.

I will take a shot of cognac at Ruth Chris Restuarant. Only $150 a half shot when I turned 50 in 1999. Friggin great drink though. Loved it. Not sure how much it costs today there.

Jason Becker wrote:

ruben i like the way ur thinking ahead.  and i will deff give u some advice as well since i have done my fair share of traveling with models.  just dont look for the most popular model or well known.  look for one that u really truly want to work with.  also yes it is a good idea to maybe work with them at least once or twice before the cruise so u can see how u two mesh.  i feel for something like this u really need a model that knows how to pose and is up for a challenge.  its not easy to get a new model and tell her to go over there and start posing.  u will deff want someone with experience and able to almost read ur mind as in posing.  hope that lil info was a lil helpful

hopefully i can find some one who wants to share a cabin quick style so the rates r cheap enough to book.  considering i am living on the east coast now i will need to purchase a plane ticket.

#1 Reason I had a my photo shoot contest! Filter out the drama queens and make sure everything was said before hand so the model new everything I knew before she agreed! Easier to tell someone face to face and see it in their eyes that they understood!
And some thought I was crazy to have my Photo Contest! LoL

Yani S wrote:

#1 Reason I had a my photo shoot contest! Filter out the drama queens and make sure everything was said before hand so the model new everything I knew before she agreed! Easier to tell someone face to face and see it in their eyes that they understood!
And some thought I was crazy to have my Photo Contest! LoL

Yanni, I thought WTF just pick someone when I read about your contest, but now it seems like a good idea.

Bob-W wrote:

Yanni, I thought WTF just pick someone when I read about your contest, but now it seems like a good idea.

All good Bob. I get WTF? a lot when I tell people my ideas. Then after I come through with my mad schemes. Well...their still like WTF!!! How did you do that? Hahaha

Yani S wrote:
#1 Reason I had a my photo shoot contest! Filter out the drama queens and make sure everything was said before hand so the model new everything I knew before she agreed! Easier to tell someone face to face and see it in their eyes that they understood!
And some thought I was crazy to have my Photo Contest! LoL

Where can I read about this contest?

This sponsorship thing does raise the question about "what is a reasonable amount of time that a sponsoring photographer should spend with his model(s) during group shoots?"  It seems some photographers used up a lot of group time with their models, which means other photographers didn't get a chance to photograph them.

David Lumen Photography wrote:

Where can I read about this contest?

This sponsorship thing does raise the question about "what is a reasonable amount of time that a sponsoring photographer should spend with his model(s) during group shoots?"  It seems some photographers used up a lot of group time with their models, which means other photographers didn't get a chance to photograph them.

Every model I asked was willing to shoot! Every model was extremely busy but I waited till I saw an opening and asked. Some photographers asked me if they could jump in and shoot with me which was cool. I even teamed up with one photographer and we took turns holding a reflextor for each other!
I know I tolled my model to go around and shoot with as many photographers as she could. I wanted her to build up her portfolio too! I even had photographers come up to me and said it if she was shooting. I said YES please just go ask her! She nice!
I had photographers come to my cabin and shoot to or hang out and take the models to go shoot! All good! Everyone seemed happy!

Bob-W wrote:
The Morocco room seemed like eye candy, but now looking at my pics it seems the background was too distracting.

To me... the Morocco Room WAS eye candy... AND... if you didn't throw the background out of focus with a short depth of field... it had the potential to be distracting.  Capturing great images in that room had alot to do with effective use of the available light... and flattering composition...

Shodire... reposing in the Morocco Room.



Suzy at the bar in the Morocco Room.



Celine... playing with pearls in the Morocco Room.



Chanel in the window light of the Morocco Room.

Yani S wrote:
Hahaha already!
Maybe I won't wait till the last min. and pay top dollar this time!

Yani you may have waited until the last minute yet happy you joined us on the trip.

Now we all also know something about the planning stages and what needs to be accomplished to have a successful trip.

Yani S wrote:

Every model I asked was willing to shoot! Every model was extremely busy but I waited till I saw an opening and asked. Some photographers asked me if they could jump in and shoot with me which was cool. I even teamed up with one photographer and we took turns holding a reflextor for each other!
I know I tolled my model to go around and shoot with as many photographers as she could. I wanted her to build up her portfolio too! I even had photographers come up to me and said it if she was shooting. I said YES please just go ask her! She nice!
I had photographers come to my cabin and shoot to or hang out and take the models to go shoot! All good! Everyone seemed happy!

You were great to work with, I would recommend you to anyone and I wish we could had shot more and I like your ideas

Bob-W wrote:
Gary, yes the DOF was key to the Morroco room. I do have some with blurred background and they are my best. It's another lesson for me.
I got some advice prior to the trip but I got caught up in moment and forgot to shoot the models low to the ground at the beach to get the sand and surf reflection. I got some great standing shots but next time I want more low shots.

Hey Bob... coolbeans... I'm planning a Oct 13th shoot at the beach and posting details tonight on my MM page.  Hope to work with ya in the near future...

becerrasphotography wrote:
This one I definitely will be on, I will pick a model to sponsor on this cruise .

Cool... can't wait to see your selection...

Bob-W wrote:
Gary, yes the DOF was key to the Morroco room.

I don't know what you guys are talking about, I don't even see a room in this picture

Tina Marie Desaro wrote:

You were great to work with, I would recommend you to anyone and I wish we could had shot more and I like your ideas

Thanks Tina!!!
Had fun Photographing you! More images are coming!!!

Mark G Bissell wrote:

Yani you may have waited until the last minute yet happy you joined us on the trip.

Now we all also know something about the planning stages and what needs to be accomplished to have a successful trip.

Thanks Mark! better late then never right!

F-stop Jonny wrote:

I don't know what you guys are talking about, I don't even see a room in this picture

Select Models wrote:
A different ship... a different group... some different guidelines... alittle cooler and different weather.  And although it was a raging success in my book... this cruiseboat shoot will showcase many differences between it and the Sept 2nd 'Cruiseboat Photoshoot'... viva la difference...

Yes...it was definitely a raging success!  Enough so that I am planning on going this next time...and do hope to see some of the "veteran" models and photographers return.

Any changes that get everyone introduced early on...as well as those that address reasonable expectations...would definitely ensure another raging success.

David Lumen Photography wrote:
Any changes that get everyone introduced early on...as well as those that address reasonable expectations...would definitely ensure another raging success.

Yep... definitely gonna work on that...