Jojo West
Posts: 929
Washington, District of Columbia, US
So I often hear "your facial expressions are all so similar", which if you look through my port, yeah they are, but it's what I keep being asked for
Most of the photographers I've worked with tend to guide me into that particular expression. I have so facial expressions I can't even count them, extremely expressive, but when I'm in front of the camera it's "no no, do this , yup"
So...how the heck am I supposed to get more expressions in my images? Lol. I don't want to have to post camera phone pictures in my profile, that's a no no, or is it?
I make it a point to ask models what they may feel they need for their ports during discussions on a trade shoot. IMHO, that is what makes it a trade. I get what I want, she gets what she needs, and errybody's happy happy happy! This would include (up to, but not limited to) facial expressions, a certain wardrobe, specific makeup, a specific lighting style, outdoor shoot, in studio shoot, etc. within reason. If a model feels she just needs a shot of her with the Rocky Mountains as the background, they're paying me for that one!
sweet gamine
Posts: 195
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
If you are working on a trade basis and not getting what you need, then it ceases to be trade for you.
Insist on having certain expressions photographed and the retouched images forwarded to you in the agreement.
In a trade shoot, I will photograph a model in poses I know I will never use but that does not mean that she does not want these images herself.
First off, if it's working for you, who are we, or anyone else for that matter, to tell you to change; unless you want to venture into different territory (different expressions) and if that's the case, like Sweet Gamine said above, do some TF's and get the images you want, or at least some practice.
Do they take accidental photos with different expressions? You can ask them for those, geez not such a big deal to give you an extra photo. I used to have the same thing said to me, in fact it got as far as people telling me to "loosen up" so I added another album, the thing is I always goof off and laugh during shoots but yes the photographers tend to pick different photos.
As was already said, it it really much up to the photographer. Normally, he/she should explain you what is the story behind the image and than then different expression follow naturally.
Models often tell me that the worst situation is not being guided by the photographer and only hearing click, click ...without any guidance.
As already mentioned on a TF shoot you need to make sure you are getting something that is going to benefit you.
Viewing your portfolio I notice you have very expressive eyes, but in most cases they don't match with your actual facial/mouth expression and this is where the photos miss the mark. So make sure you to let the photographer know what YOU WANT.
The are a few exceptions in your port such as the following, get more like this.
Jojo West
Posts: 929
Washington, District of Columbia, US
Flash-Joerg wrote: Models often tell me that the worst situation is not being guided by the photographer and only hearing click, click ...without any guidance.
I always tell photographers before I start "I can't see what you do behind the lens"
I ask them to give some direction on the way I angle my face, sometimes I hide my neck, I know this, so I ask for that to be pointed out. Plus a little direction here and there is great...for some reason though, they don't listen!
You're right, just hearing click click, is not just frustrating, but I find the images don't look as nice or seamless as the ones where the photographer has given at least some direction.
I've got several shoots coming up, some are for my own themes and ideas, so I'm hoping those produce nice images that show varying facial expressions. Thanks for the advice folks.
| 
| 
| edu