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help, my "image" isn't what I want it to be
Hi all - I looked around and didn't really see this topic addressed. I just started modeling in November - paid for my very first shoot with a good photographer from Denver (I'm in Grand Junction, which is 4 and a half hours away) and the photos were pretty nice. Except he tried to charge me more than I had already paid blah blah you know how that game works, long story short I got 10 images instead of all of them, because that's "all I paid for" whatever. That's not today's bitch. I liked the photos themselves, and didn't feel like they had the problem the rest of the ones I've done since then have had. I used those photos as a portfolio to book other photographers and since that shoot, I've only found one guy I like to work with and even when I shoot with him I find myself disappointed sometimes, most of my work comes out raunchier than I meant for it to. I try to avoid the poses I know I don't like, my expressions are pleasant for the most part, but I feel like the photographers are picking the "dirtier" looking frames rather than the one after it where I was smiling... It has to be something I'm doing, right? I feel like all anyone wants to shoot is lingerie in nature, I've done a freaking ton of that and it hasn't come out like I wanted. I've seen it done very well, heck I've done it very well. I'm also a photographer and MY work doesn't look this way to me... How can I find someone who will shoot me how I want to shoot myself? Or even better? The photographer market here is pretty limited, I already drive 45 minutes one way to work with the one good guy here, and I know I need to make a trip to Denver to do some "real" modeling for more experienced pro's up there, but I want to make sure I've worked out the kinks first and will like the results before I make the trip. I see other models (whom I have shot and liked the images of) work with these same photographers with similar results - is it just the area? I've had to limit my policy to "implied only" for the most part and half of them completely lost interest in shooting me if they can't see me naked (we're not talking artnudes either, though thats what they are calling it... it's basically a picture of a girl with her boobs out, and whatever some people like that but I know what my ladies look like thanks, don't need photos of that!) Is there something I can do to come across as classier in my photos? I've seen these photographers produce nice work, they just get sidetracked by pretty girls who are willing to take off their clothes I guess? And please don't think me elitist, I know I am far from the best as far as my own photography goes, I was just trying to say that I know it can be done in a manner that looks very pretty, even sexy, without making me look like a prozzie or wannabe pornstar... Aug 12 14 10:08 am Link Since I don't know your area it is difficult to advise. Your best bet is to search for photographers whose work you like and then offer a TF shoot. It would be best if you could meet before hand to discuss exactly what you are interested in shooting. You should consider the photographers style and not try to get someone who does mainly location work to do studio shots. Also have samples of the types of shots that you are interested in doing. Start a list, something like "Shots I want to emulate". Troll through the portfolios of models and photographers on MM and add the shots that you like. Be prepared to show these to photographers and see if you can come up with a shoot that will fill both of your needs. Aug 12 14 10:27 am Link RTE Photography wrote: I tend to agree with this advice. In fact, when I do classes for models, the first assignment I give them is to build a 'pretend' portfolio. By this, I mean they should find photos (magazines, online, whatever) they like and in which they could 'trade places' with the model in the shot. This help define what the student sees as her basic look. If you take that approach and show the samples to the photographer the next time you shoot, the session should produce images closer to the results you're after. Aug 12 14 10:35 am Link Sarah B Mayhem wrote: I'd say ask beforehand if you can pick out your own selections for editing. The photographer will likely choose his own images to use for his portfolio, but at least you can choose what you present to the world. Aug 12 14 10:41 am Link Do you know how to use the browse function? I find 45 photographers within 50 miles of Grand Junction and active on MM since May. Many of them actually list their location as Grand Junction. A few are female. Aug 12 14 10:42 am Link One of the things I have done as a photographer is put together a folder on the camera room computer that has about 250 sample images in it for a large number of shoots of all types taken over the last 10 years. Trust me, there's a lot of variety there. From these images, I used Lightroom to create a webpage that is separate from my regular website. A couple of days before a model shoot, I email the model a link to the page. I ask them to pick 10-20 images that they can see themselves in. Now, not every model chooses wisely... what works for a 5'9" size 2 model may not work for a 4'11" size 8 model. We don't copy the images. Rather we use them as a starting point. Aug 12 14 10:44 am Link Living in a small(er) market it can be difficult to get the shots you want, also because so much of we do as artists is collaborative there's a price that's paid for working with other people and as the model because you're the one in the shots it can reflect most negatively on you. It's going to be rare that the images that you like are the ones that the photographers like so my sincere suggestion if you want classier images is to do what you need to to create a different atmosphere overall which means being much more careful about the settings and the styling (hair, wardrobe and make-up) that you select as well as being mindful of things you're already aware of like your posing and facial expressions and the people you shoot with. For example shooting near a tractor with bed-head, highly glossed lips in little tiny shorts and a crop top can look like the opening image for a set of increasingly explicit photos but take that same setting with the same model in a sleek high ponytail, more natural make-up and put her in a boho style skirt and a tank top and you have a totally different image. Beyond that you need to be more proactive about looking at the shots before the shoot is over. I've personally never met a photographer who wasn't willing to show what they were shooting to give the model a better idea of her pose etc as the shoot went on. Aug 12 14 10:50 am Link i've never operated like that. either you got a lame photographer or there was some misunderstanding about the deal. every photographer works differently so it's good to understand what you will (and won't) be getting. and of course some guys are just on the slimy side but it's hard to know since we don't have his side of the story. on all of my shoots i give the model a full proofing gallery and she chooses the ones she wants and i choose the ones i want. find photographers who shoot what you want to shoot and do it on a TF basis. when you get paid it's pretty much what the photographer wants (within your limits). and maybe you need to be more assertive about setting your limits and not letting the photographer cross that line (leave the shoot if necessary). my nude models are almost always "classy nudes", "easy on the hooha" and so on. and when you're paying the photographer it should be what you want (unless there's a client or agency involved so it has to be a certain way). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Except he tried to charge me more than I had already paid blah blah you know how that game works, long story short I got 10 images instead of all of them, because that's "all I paid for" whatever." Aug 12 14 10:53 am Link I do things this way: If the client is paying me, then they choose what I retouch and present. If it's TF, then I pick. If you were paying, I don't see any reason that you shouldn't get what you like. Another question: Were the photos you considered "raunchy" similar to other photos the photographer showed? If so, then you shouldn't have been surprised. Were you posing in outfits that begged to be raunchy? Lingerie? I had a gal with rather large breasts proportionately who I posed and lit just like everyone else in my portfolio who told me that she felt like her breasts showed up too much in the photos--and she was wearing dresses. Aug 12 14 10:56 am Link You should consider flipping the "nude" switch in "Details" from "yes" to "no" to avoid misunderstandings when people contact you for nudes and you tell them implied only. I'm partial to vintage, so that colors my views, but I think you would look great in some late 19th century garb, also anything long, feminine and designed to show your curves off without revealing too much. Definitely do some trading or discounting to get some tighter head shots as well. Best of luck, and remember that free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it! Aug 12 14 10:59 am Link I'm a little confused. OP, you said you paid for your first shoot, and used those images to book other photographers. But I'm not sure if by that you mean booking other shoots where photographers paid you, or TFP, or some other terms. If you're paying for a shoot, first off, there should be a very clear agreement in writing, prior to the shoot, specifying the cost and what is included: shoot time, styling, number of images, format/resolution of images, retouched or unretouched, time frame for receiving the images, etc. If you are paying for a shoot, YOU should be selecting the images you receive. If a photographer is paying you, your compensation is the monetary payment, and you should have no expectation of receiving images. If you are receiving some images, that is a bonus, and if they're portfolio-worthy, that's an even larger bonus. If not, at least seeing the images allows you to identify what you like and don't like, want to do again, or improve upon, etc, as it sounds like you have done. If you're shooting TFP, there should still be an agreement up front as to how many images you will receive. And it's entirely reasonable to think you would have opportunity to select some of them. If a photographer won't commit to this, then they're not the person for you to shoot TFP with. There's also a good option of offering to model for a photographer for a lower than your usual rate, in return for receiving a couple of images of your choice in addition to the monetary payment. The best 1-2 images for each look are all you should be concerned about for your portfolio, so there's no need to negotiate for this being a large number of images. Basically though, the short version is: If you're paying, you should be selecting the images you receive. If the photographer is paying, you should not be expecting to receive images, or a choice in the images you might receive. If it's a TFP, or "partial" TF (some pay, some images), then set this up with photographers who will allow you to make some selections, since that's what you are in need of and will benefit you. Aug 12 14 11:07 am Link Honestly, you live in a pretty small secluded area, finding quality photographers is going to be difficult, if you can't get out to an area with more photographers whose work you like, all you can really do is try and study other models, look at how they pose, see if they're doing anything different, and try to improve yourself. But if you ever get the chance, I'd say try and travel, and much of what's already been said by the photographers. Your images are a collaboration, if you can't improve them, you have to improve yourself. If you take photos as well, maybe you could take some self portraits that could help boost your portfolio a little, if you offer retouching services, a lot of hobbyists will also let you edit your own images, which can make a big difference. Ask to see photos, if they give you permission, delete any you aren't happy with, most of the photographers I worked with when I was just starting out actually PREFERRED to have me choose the images, it can be a time consuming task and some photographers will actually appreciate it. Beyond that, if you don't like their work or how they make you look, don't work with them. If you want to work with them in spite of that, because they're paying you or something, then no complaining! You knew what you were getting into, you're getting money out of it, not portfolio images. Restricting nude work is a good start to getting rid of the sleezier guys, though. Gigs might slow down, but hopefully they'll be better quality! Edit: Sorry, just realized I don't know if you're just waiting for photographers to come to you, but look into other models portfolios in the area and do some research and contact photographers you like on your own, if you find them yourself and you like their work, you'll probably like the way they capture you, too!  Aug 12 14 11:28 am Link Thank you all for the suggestions - lots of good points in here (and thankfully things I can change to better my chances of creating the glamorous photos I had in my mind!) I've switched off "nudes" so it's not a question anymore, I know 3/4 of the photographers I talk to won't shoot me if I won't do nudes, but I guess it's not a good match at that point anyway. I really don't mind posing nude and a few nude concepts I've done have produced really exceptional results but I think it's a better idea to shoot something a little more foolproof my first time with a photographer and if the photos are great we'll open up to concepts that involve nudity later on. I think the suggestion that resounds with me most is the example Tiffany B gave me with the tractor - if I show up looking like I'm ready for a hi-fashion or editorial shoot, there's a LOT less chance of things coming out raunchy on the other side. I realize my "neutral" styling has been a big problem in lots of my photos, I am showing up looking like an amateur and it makes it harder for the photographer to make me look glamorous. I just need to stop being so pedestrian in my style choices and make myself look how I want so that no matter who the photographer is, I will still like how I look. And to the person who said to make a "portfolio" of sorts, not of me but of shots I'd like to emulate - thank you thank you thank you. This is exactly what I needed to do. When a photographer asks me what I want to shoot I've been kind of sheepish and just said "well what concepts are you working on?" because I figure they're shooting me for free, it should help their portfolio too. Again, pedestrian, and I know I need to quit... I'm realizing now that a good concept will help their portfolio a lot more than a subservient model will, and that if I come in with strong styling and a conscious direction in which I expect the shoot to go it will come across more in the final photos. Finally, I just booked a female photographer, so fingers crossed on that front. Thanks all. I really wasn't expecting such helpful advice, you guys rock. Aug 12 14 04:56 pm Link I like my models to get photos that they like, so I give them a list of photos from which they choose a number to be edited. It is never practical to edit all the good photos, so some choices have to be made and my taste may not co-incide perfectly with the model's. Consequently, the short list can be fairly long, because it contains all the photos that I would be happy to edit. That way, whatever the model chooses will be photos that we are both happy with. On the occasions that I have let the model choose from the whole shoot, their selections have always included a number of real clunkers that, in my opinion, made neither of us look good, whereas the current system seems win-win. My approach is the same irrespective of whether the deal involves cash and, when cash is involved, if it usually a TF shoot with the cash as a bonus because most of my models are tertiary students. As far as the nude button is concerned, I would offer a dissenting view and suggest that you keep it at yes, preferably supplemented with some text in your bio as to the styles you are comfortable with, worded in an appropriately diplomatic fashion. Also, consider including some of the exceptional nudes that you mention above. Without this, there is nothing in your portfolio to suggest that you are open to nudes, so some photographers who may be able to offer you a range of genres may pass you by. Sarah B Mayhem wrote: The flaw with that strategy is that you are asking the photographer to deploy all of his/her skills and assets while you deploy only some of yours. If you seek to combine a skilled photographer with an inexperienced model, that may become a particularly lop-sided bargain and many photographers would not be interested. Aug 13 14 05:39 pm Link Sarah B Mayhem wrote: Excellent! Aug 13 14 05:52 pm Link Hello Sarah, I relally feel your k Op here. Maybe right now onky shoot with photographers whose work represents what you want or have a very clear talk pre shoot with new photographers about this very post. It may take a couple tries with the same photographer. Maybe agree to let them have their shots with the look that is too seductive for you as long as they are willing to work on less seductive looks for you. Jen P.s. and I do think its a good idea to only keep what you like in your port. If you have raunchy or seductive in there then someone will want to shoot more edited for tablet typos Aug 13 14 06:24 pm Link You might have to do a little traveling. As far as controlling your image and shaping it you can try a few ideas. One is in a trade shoot make sure you add verbiage to the release that any images showing nudity can not show identity. When it comes to what you get out of the trade make sure they have a clear understanding of what you are looking for. Maybe show them some ideas you have seen and ask if their skill set can produce the ideas that you are looking for. You may have to be more direct in your communications and don't be afraid to tell a photographer that the shoot is not going the direction that you expected it to. Most good photographers are very good listeners as well. Aug 14 14 07:00 am Link No one will ever photograph you in the way that you see yourself. Aug 14 14 10:33 am Link Koryn wrote: +1 agreed. Aug 16 14 06:58 am Link I'm pretty good at spotting models on MM whose look and/or skills are much better than their portfolios represent them to be, and I'd put you in that category. In such cases, the answer is always the same: Work with better photographers. Especially if you're paying them. The issues with the photos in your portfolio are pretty common – and pretty basic. First, the lighting isn’t very good. Second, most of the backgrounds are distracting, and they’re stealing the show. You can use practically anything as a background if you can throw it so far out of focus that nobody can tell what it is (although that isn’t always the best practice). Third, several of your photos are composed and/or cropped in strange ways. (What you exclude from a photo is every bit as important as what you include.) Fourth, in two of your photos, the photographer “shot down” at you. Shooting down at a model is rarely a good idea (with one exception). Unless I’m on a stepladder and the model is laying on her back and looking straight up, I almost always shoot from the model’s eye level or (most of the time) below the model’s eye level. Fifth, the post-processing could be better. For your part, there’s only one pose that I’d characterize as bad, but it wouldn’t hurt to put some effort into practicing expressing and emoting. Aug 16 14 07:47 am Link And while I'm at it congratulations on having a "wish list" of quality reference photos on your profile page. I suggest that all models have such a list - unless their portfolio is as good as it gets and will never need to be updated. Having a list makes it infinitely easier for any photographer who has the sense to look at it to plan a shoot with you. Not only that, it increases the odds that the photos you get will be the type of photos that you want. Aug 16 14 07:52 am Link I took a look at your port. There is basically one photo in there I would keep, maybe two. You can PM me if you want more details on that and why. In general a few observations: 1. Most of the are lit and composed the photos horribly. They make you look pasty and fat, or like some half baked Bella from Twilight wannabe. Neither of those things is true about you - but the photos are just simply unflattering. 2. As a model you need to learn two basic skills - a. How to find the light and use it; light is your friend. b. How to deliver an engaging expression on demand. In a lot of your photos your expression is a sneer bordering on disgust. 3. Build yourself a look book of the kinds of shots you want to do. Practice the models expressions and poses in front of a mirror. Add something new to your book every day. Practice those looks every day. Then you are prepared to have a discussion with a photographer about exactly what you want to shoot. 4. When deciding to work with a photographer, be very open with what you want, what ideas you have. When working TFP's I try to be very collaborative with the model - they need to get something and I need to get something out of working together. If I am paying, then I call all the shots. If they are paying, vice-versa. Review the photographers other work and make sure their style suits you before agreeing to work together. If they other shots look nothing like whats in your look-book, then you don't really have an expectation of getting what you want. Finally - you are in control of your image. What you have to do is to make sure that you manage that and don't let others manage it for you. Aug 16 14 10:41 am Link If you do some photography why not set up a camera on a tripod and photograph yourself? All you need is some decent natural lighting and a neutral/uncluttered background. If you do that you can let rip with the poses without worrying about what is going to get out there. If I were a model that's what I'd do, rather than chasing photographers. For some cameras you can get a little remote release so you don't have to work with a self timer. IIRC the Nikon D70 used a very small remote release you could hide in the palm of your hand - cost about £20. The camera itself you can get for around £150 now, and with a £60 50mm lens you could be set up for not a great deal of money. Aug 16 14 02:52 pm Link Most shorter models with large tattoos far away from big cities will have trouble attracting the interest of top photographers for trade shoots. You will have to find photographers who will produce the type of work you want and pay them to make images to your standards. Most shorter models do sexier or nude work to be more unique and bring more interest in trade shoots. You will have to pay top photographers to follow a different path. Aug 16 14 04:09 pm Link Thought I’d add a little food for thought, mainly about expressions. The first time I read your OP, I kinda glossed over the middle paragraph, because it was so long. After I glance through a model’s portfolio, if I’m still looking at it, the first thing I look for is how the model uses her hands. The second is the model’s expressions. You mentioned that photographers don’t use photos in which you’re smiling. Usually I don’t either. The smile is only a staple among available expressions in three types of photography. 1) Pinups. 2) Ad photos showing products that are used in work that’s generally considered drudgery. 3) Lifestyle, where it’s not the only expression, but one of many. Lifestyle is intended to show people doing things that, generally, people enjoy doing, and people who are doing what they enjoy do tend to smile at times. A model photographed with a dishwasher may be smiling to show that she’s happy with the product, and that it has made doing something that she doesn’t enjoy doing somehow better. And someone who has just scored a point in volleyball, for example, just might smile for a moment. Worse, when models (especially models with less experience) smile for a photo, the smile often looks forced or phony – and often the smile is way too big. Next time you’re at a bookstore or the grocery store, pick up a few fashion magazines and even a glamour magazine or two. Thing Vogue, Harper’s, Elle, Glamour, and maybe even Maxim. Just look at the expressions. For fashion, more often than not, the look is somewhat aloof, distant and unapproachable. In glamour, it’s just the opposite – not a smile, but more often a somewhat sultry look with a dash of come hither. For artistic nudes, it’s often a serene gaze in the distance, but anything that shows one of the more serious emotions can work under the right circumstances. For every 20 models who can pose well, there’s about one who can also express and emote well. I’ve worked several times with an agency model who is terrific at posing, but getting an expression out of her is one of the most difficult things I’ve done photographically. About a year ago I sent another model a few photos from a shoot. She asked if I had some photos with better expressions. Throughout the shoot I had tried without success to coax or even provoke an expression from her. We went through the photos from the shoot and, sure enough, she could only find one expression – and she has been modeling for years. Once the wardrobe has been selected, the makeup and hair have been done, the background is selected and the lighting is set up, there are basically three variables from one photo to the next – the pose, the expression and the lighting. Even though the lights don’t move, every time a model moves or varies the pose, the lighting (on the model) changes. More models would do well to learn to work the lights. If the photographer doesn’t tell you which light is the main light (and what the implications of the lighting are with regard to your freedom of movement and which direction you should be facing most of the time), ask. If the main light is to your right, in most cases the odds are against you if you face left most of the time. With a model who knows how to work the lights and poses and expresses well (time after time after time), I might get 85-95% usable photos from a shoot. This doesn’t mean that all of them will be contest winners or even portfolio quality – just that they don’t have any serious flaws. With a new model who hasn’t learned to do any of these things well, I’d be lucky to get more than 5%, if I didn’t step in and start directing the model. And even then there are tradeoffs. The lighting might be best in 63, but the pose is flawed. Maybe 114 has the best pose, but the expression isn’t working. And 132 has the best expression, but the lighting isn’t the best. After a shoot, I upload the photos to my computer and then go through them quickly and mark the ones have the potential to be the best images from a set. Then I keep going through the photos and photos until I get to *the* best photo from each set, comparing nuances and minute details. (A set is generally a wardrobe change.) After my last shoot I marked 107. The one before that, 246 – and then I spent over four hours working down to the best image from each set. But that’s a lot better than going through an entire shoot once and finding six that might have some potential. I have yet to shoot a perfect photo, i.e., one in which there is nothing at all, even some minute detail, that I wouldn’t change if I could. You’ll go farther if you aren’t easily satisfied with your contribution to a shoot as well. The more you learn, the more you work to develop your own skills, and the more you work with better photographers, the more pleased you’re likely to be with the results. Aug 16 14 08:58 pm Link I think you need to define what you want from each shoot. You didn't say what kind of look you wanted, but kind of left it in the air and sometimes (always) other people will have an idea you don't like. I also think the photographers that you paid for did not do their jobs. If you pay for a photographer, that photographer should discuss with you before hand what poses, styles, ideas you want to have done. Please do not skip the pre-planning stage, unless you want something you won't like. I never been to a photoshoot or any shoot where someone got anything good without planning. So you need to be clear in exactly what you want, and convey that to the photographer. Aug 17 14 12:45 am Link Another thing to remember is both models and photographers have a difficult time finding a good person to work with. You just have to keep trying and you will gain experience from trying. It gets easier with experience. Aug 17 14 07:18 am Link Either the photographer doesn't have the same aesthetic sense as you (which is something you can generally determine by looking at their work beforehand) or the photographer doesn't have the same aesthetic sense when it comes to YOUR look (which you're never going to know until you shoot with them and get the pictures back). The latter really sucks but is extremely common. I'd suggest working with friends, photographing yourself (as someone already suggested) or only working with people who'll let you choose the photos yourself (which might really limit your options and the overall quality of the photographers). Aug 17 14 09:50 am Link Hello Sarah, A great way to achieve the type of image and look you're aiming for is to create a moodboard- or a detailed selection of inspirational images- prior to the shoot and share them with the photographer. This way you're both on the same page. Another great way to achieve certain looks is to bring styling- hair, make up and clothes- that lend themselves to the types of looks you imagine yourself in. Warm regards, Sarah Aug 17 14 12:49 pm Link I honestly think a simple kit and a little basic knowledge could take care of portfolio building for most new models, at least to the point where you might start to attract the attention of better than average photographers (if that is on the cards). It's been said many a time before, but the crucial thing is to separate out what photographers want to see in a model pic. Too often models chase the glossy image making or the arty pic, thinking that a photographer is going to see you have been shot like this or that and want to shoot you because of the cool image, but I don't think it's so at all. You can be alive in an image that positively sucks from every technical aspect and that image will sell you better than one which is great from every aspect except that you could be replaced by a mannequin and it wouldn't make a lot of difference. Apart from giving you free reign to be expressive, photographing yourself and then examining the results will teach you how to address the camera and, as mentioned above, how the light affects the image as you change poses. Aug 17 14 03:44 pm Link Biggest piece of advice I can give (has already been mentioned before) is to consider wardrobe - it makes all the difference. Before you get to a shoot, lay out a bag (i usually take a large duffel bag, some models take mini suitcases) and lay out tops, bottoms, dresses, tights, etc. Most of all, picture these clothes on you and keep in mind that less clothes does NOT necessarily mean more sexy or beautiful. Experiment with colors. If you are going for the classy look, you will be surprised at how much more flattering a fitted/A- line dress with neutral tights and wedges looks as opposed to a bra and booty shorts. Also never ever ever forget accessories, sometimes a pretty headband, (i tie long necklaces around my hair bun etc) makes all the difference, same goes for jewelry (don't overdo it of course) Once the photographer sees your choice in wardrobe, they are less likely to ask you to pose more "risque"/explicit. If you show up to a shoot with minimal wardrobe , only having little shirts and short shorts, don't be surprised when the photog wants you to try more daring , naked poses, he thinks that you're cool with it since you prepared this way. For example, I will only do lingerie/swimsuit for catalog work, creatives with a team, or a photog i know etc. The second piece of advice is to find model shots that you like, keep in mind posing, facial expressions, stature, limb positioning (having your arm like this looks different than having your arm like that etc). practise practise practise,, find out what looks good and what doesnt. Message me if you ever need guidance/advice !! Aug 17 14 05:28 pm Link I am a perfectionist by nature and therefore totally understand the want to work up to the top of your game before approaching the best photographers. That said, stop! Under that mentality, you'll never be "good enough" to work with the people whose work aligns with your own aesthetic and taste. You can't shoot with great people and get great work that you're proud of unless you take a risk and ask for what you want. Worst case scenario? They say no, you practice more with others, and then re approach them later with new work and see what they think. You may be surprised who agrees to shoot with you and what a top notch photographer can help you achieve. It's all about lighting and how the scene is set. When you are about to shoot anything that has the potential to get racy, discuss the mood of the shot and look at reference images together with the photographer. If you have a look in mind and the photographer's book has nothing similar, look for a different photographer. Not everyone can shoot everything. Another tip to make nudity look less racy is to think of how it plays into the whole scene you're photographing. What's the story, background, narrative? I mean this in the spirit of construcive criticism, so please don't be offended, but the nudity and lingerie in your portfolio now don't look classy or artistic to me because they don't make sense to me. Why would a young girl be wearing lingerie and a leather jacket alone in the woods? What's the story? It's not a commercial image, similar in style to a Victoria's Secret ad, and it's not an art nude, so you're just a scantily clad girl in the woods. How can you make it special? How can you tell a story? What were you going for here? Add vision to it and know what you want the final picture to look like before you start....which requires only working with those capable of delivering your vision. Lighting (photographer's job) and expression (your job) also make a huge difference. You could do some great commercial lingerie images in studio that look classy: https://www.google.com/search?q=candice … 920%3B1080 It can even be done outside, check out the different feel this has from the work in your portfolio : https://modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32885606 Try softening it up...softer expressions (your face looks really stern in all your shots) and softer wardrobe. She's wearing a sweater, a light flowy dresss....not a leather jacket and red linergie. There's a time and place for everything, but if you're trying hard not to be raunchy, intentionally style yourself and emote to project softness, innocence, vulnerability, etc. That said, none of that is any good with the wrong photographer. There arw photographers on MM who couldn't make Gisele Bundchen look any good if she were right there in front of them because they can't light or compose a good photograph. Pay or travel if you have to, it will be worth it for the images if they change your image and help you attract the kind of work you want. Good luck! Aug 23 14 12:28 am Link I agree with most of the above on bad photography and bad choices by tog (location etc.) DO you really want to do nudes? If not DO NOT. Do not bother with the "implied" nudes or concealed identity nudes. They are a pain in the butt and what will happen is the tog will try to persuade you to do more because those little bit of the way things are so frustrating. Plus you come across in your profile as wanting to be so accommodating. You are too short to do high fashion, you don't look like girl next door lifestyle and beauty I can't tell from these images. Tattoos don't help. But that's where the nude requests are being spurred. Your expression does not look like you're into what you're doing and one you look about to cry. These pictures will only help you get more of same. YES do self portraits. Shoot upward to make legs look longer unless you have double chin. Camera on tripod, focus on stool or something that will be where you will stand and lock focus to manual. If you don't have remote - my camera I can set to self timer shoot 10 images every two seconds.remote you never have to go to camera to restart but always have to hide remote so it doesn't show. Women photographers good idea! But not looking to get laid they will not be as easy to get. Look at some successful models' statements and get ideas. Don't say you carry things. If you have a rapport you will carry. Photogs know this. Aug 23 14 01:37 am Link |
