Outlet Photography

Christi's first time model shoot.

If you’re a regular visitor of my site, and I hope you are, you know I enjoy different styles of photography. But I am partial to capturing the beauty of a woman! I always say,”photograph what you like and all your photos will be winners!” In my case its the form, curves and softness of the female figure in addition to the expressions she makes while posing. Paying attention to the facial expressions a new model makes is even more important.

Many times a woman’s first artistic nude modeling project is a very stressful event. She probably has gone back and forth for several days making the decision to pursue it. Its important to not overlook her feelings during the shoot. I’ve seen photographers in similar situations get so preoccupied with the lights, cameras and poses that they forget to ask the model how they are doing, if they need anything or offer some type of encouragement! Whenever I work with a new model I try to have the studio lights, my camera, batteries, notes, anything and everything set to where I want it, so when she arrives, I dedicate my attention entirely to her and the shoot.

If I see that she is unsure of something, perhaps a pose or what I am doing, I make sure she understands what I am doing and why. If I make encouraging remarks, I make sure they are professional in nature. Its ok to say “that angle accentuates the curve of your legs very well, that was a great pose idea you had, thanks!” or “your clear complexion and even skin tone are things that set you apart from other models!“. I think its important for the model to know that she is what you expected. Not that she wants you to like her or think she is the most beautiful model in the world, but that she has the features and attitude needed for you to produce great images! This is not the time to give her rude or blatant inappropriate remarks. After all she is in a vulnerable situation and this is when a photographer needs to be as professional as possible. Otherwise, I assure you, the shoot will end very soon.

I prefer to work with someone in a simple test shoot, outdoors or in a studio situation taking head shots or fun photos. Its not until then that I may bring up other types of modeling, like bikini, pinup and lingerie. After all, when doing a full 3-4 hour shoot or a full day shoot, spend money renting out a studio, money on camera equipment and props for the shoot, the last thing you want is for the model to cancel the morning of the shoot because she changed her mind. So meeting her beforehand is usually a must for me, they are less likely to cancel.

When I shot Christi above, I had already met her once before then communicated for several days regarding that shoot. Although she was nervous, the setting I created for her I know made her feel very comfortable. I woke up early that day and setup my studio lights, backdrop, laid out some of the outfits I wanted her to wear and set aside the props for the shoot. I spent 45 minutes before she got there making sure I metered the light correctly, looking over my Nikon camera and seeing if I forgot anything. I had a full check list for the shoot and it was all complete by the time she arrived.