I am just beginning and after a thrashing have definitely learned lines between plus size and bbw. lol. What suggestions do you have to make a shoot run smooth?? Preparation suggestions etc. Please be respectful as my time is not to insult anyone else's goals.



Thanks

Can't say much as far as the modelling aspect goes as my preference is to be behind the camera. However it is a good idea to think of a session as a collaboration between model and photographer. The photographer should do what is needed to make the model feel relaxed and comfortable as well as trying to bring out and capture the models personality and the model should take direction from the photographer as far as posing and adjustments to poses that are needed. There is a give and take between the two that can be tricky for both sides at times but when they click some great things can come from the session.

Hi OP

I spent a good few minutes writing this this morning in response to another thread, so I may as well get value for money from it. Hope some of it is applicable to your situations:

My top tips for a good shoot once you have a model that has provisionally agreed to shoot with you:

1. Establish exactly what is expected from you both with clear and concise communications, including; theme, limitations, location, date/time, MUA/own make-up and any 'delivery dates' for TF.

If it's a paid shoot then include how and when money is to be handed over.

2. Get a contact number nearer the shoot date. Confirm everything in a telephone conversation 24hrs prior to the shoot. Ask her to text you when she leaves for the shoot on the day.

3. On the shoot work professionally; start by reaffirming the 'limitations' you have both agreed to. Say something like 'During the shoot if I ask you to do anything that you are uncomfortable with then please say so straight away.'

As for touching models; again opinions vary. Many photographers ask a model to move or pose in a certain way by using 'words' or even demonstrating the pose themselves and don't feel the need to touch the model to move her.

However, sometimes it's quicker or more productive to make contact. I find it helps to say something like 'If I feel the need to touch you to move a hair from your eye or such like, I will always ask you for permission first, every time.'

4. Talk to your model during the shoot. Not about how 'hot' she is but to keep her motivated/clued in as to what you're doing/what you want from her. Let her know when she can 'take a break' if you are going to fanny about with your settings or something. There are fewer things more disrespectful than just wandering off or slipping in to your own little technical world for an age without letting the model know what is going on.

I often show the model the back of the camera just to let her know how the shoot is progressing and to discusses poses etc in these breaks.

5. After the shoot stay professional and deliver what you promised/agreed to/have in your Release Form. Before you agree what is to be handed over you may want to consult one of the thousands of threads on MM about handing over raw files, Jpegs, form of delivery, how many images, who decides etc..

Personally - I state on my RF that I'll deliver 1-4 post processed images from the shoot. And that the first thumbnail will be sent via email within 48hrs of the shoot ending. 'Promise less - deliver more' is a good motto. And quality always wins; most models would rather have 1 killer shot than 30 mediocre ones. And so should you.

Okay - these are just my opinions. Others will have a different take. Take it all on board and develop your own style that works best for you.

Drew