Models Needed for August Shoots

I will be doing four shoots demonstrating posing.  I need models who are willing to be posed. Will be studio shoots, in evening or night (my studio is hot in the summer so I like to shoot later in the day)

Sets will be 1) sitting  2) standing  3) props  4) with another person. I’d like to work each set with a jeans and t-shirt look a dress.

Bridals: I have 4 wedding dresses or you could have your own dress.

Swimsuit: For use in a posing guide. I’m interested in working with a teen for examples of photographing a younger teen in an appropriate, happy, healthy, innocent look. I’m also looking for a 18-22 aged model to demonstrate posing a swimsuit model for sexy look.

Dance: Studio and Location, Ballet, modern, ballroom

I am looking for a female Japanese model for a shoot in September.

Compensation: I am offering TFP for a commercial release. Models gets 20 to 25 images on a web gallery and may download and use them for their personal portfolio and their personal websites.

If you are interested in any of these castings, please contact me via email at tom@sparky.cc Please include a photo of your face, a full body photo if you are interested in swimsuit, and a link to your website (best Facebook gallery, MM, OMP, personal website)

A guest post from Torsten Bangerter on Modeling

The other day I suggested to Torsten that he write guest post for this blog. So, Take it away Tbang.

So the other day Tom asked me to write a totally awesome blog post for his blog thingy, I was like I have lots of mad writing skill and I am full of wisdom and whit, so I was like for sure I'll do it. Now in all reality I am not the skilled at this crazy writing thing but I will do my best to share my wisdom and whit.

Lets list a bunch of things that models need to think about before doing a shoots, These things include, comunicating with the photog, wardrobe, makeup, hair, theme, use of pics, who is going to come be your escort, do you even need an escort, confidence, facial expressions, mad posing skills, what type of model release is the photog going to have, location, and how are you going to get to the shoot.

Lets go over a few of these things quickly. I'll address some of the other things later, Today I want to go over Hair and Makeup, Wardrobe, and the purpose of the shoot.

First I want to address Hair and Makeup. I am no MUA (Makeup Artist) I really have no idea what looks uber legit and totally awesome, so I leave that up to qualified Makeup Professionals. These peps can do wonder for a shoot. They can really help get the look that you and the photog are going for. Hair is same kind of deal if you want something super totally awesome I would find a hair stylist for sure. Often you can do your own, but if you want it to look uber awesome I would use a MUA and a Hairstylist.

Ok lets go over wardrobe. How are you going to acquire the clothes, is it something you already have, are you going to borrow something from a friend, are you going to go on a shopping spree (everyone loves shopping), or is the photographer going to provide some for you. This may be obvious but maybe not for some, make sure all of your clothing goes well together, its washed and free of wrinkles. Pay attention to shoes some times those are over looked, they can be a very nice accessory. Make sure not to go over board with too many accessories like five million necklaces and three billion rings, a couple of rings and one necklace is good. Some times its fun to look at thrift store to get crazy clothes.

Now lets talk about the purpose of the shoot. What are the images going to be used for, is it just a portfolio builder for you or the photographer, are the going to be used in stock images, are they doing a crazy magazine shoot for Vogue or something like that, is it going to be used in a fine art gallery, or are you just bored and like taking photos. When thinking about the purpose of the use it is important think about compensation (what you are getting paid).

Well I hope this helps

T Bang

TorBang Photography

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Some things to consider before modeling nude.

I recently read a conversation on Facebook about nude modeling. I have some thoughts. I’m sure my mom would be scandalized that I would even broach the subject, but I think there are some important things to consider for the model who is contemplating nude art modeling.

Marjaan is NOT a nude model. I worked with her 2 years ago when I was trying to figure out which one was the shutter button.

First and foremost is the idea that once you hear the shutter click, the image is made and you have little control over how the image will be used or disseminated.  So be sure you are totally comfortable with it.  If you have never modeled nude and are considering doing so, here are some things to consider.

1^st,  You may not want to let people know that you are doing this right away. If you go out on a nude art shoot and discover that you are uncomfortable with it or that it just isn’t for you, it will be easier to avoid requests for nude work if no one knew that you did model nude. I’m not suggesting hiding the fact, just delaying it until you are sure you’re comfortable with it.

2^nd, Make sure you check out your photographers reputation and his/her work. Does the stuff he/she puts out look like the kind of work you want to make?  What do other photographers and models have to say about them.

3^rd, While it may be uncomfortable to add a 3^rd party to the shoot, do it. History is full of people who were nice guys until they weren’t any more. Be safe. I would recommend making sure that someone you trust also knows where you are going and what you are doing, as a back up safety plan.

4^th, Don’t put nude work in your portfolio unless you want to do a lot of it. You are going to be asked to pose nude, even if your website or MM account says you don’t do nude. If you do put nudes in your portfolio, for example on Model Mayhem, you will be asked to do that work 10 to 1 over other modeling work.

5^th, Charge. You may have a hard time getting paid modeling work, but there are so many guys that want to shoot nudes and so few who will model nude, that you should charge a fee. A monetary fee, not trade.  Maybe your first test run at nude you could do on a trade basis, but I wouldn’t after that.

I want to be clear to my audience, I am not advocating nude modeling. I personally have chosen to not model nude, but I know there are some who do and others who consider it. I’d like my model audience to be safe, and have a meaningful career, regardless of the types of modeling they do.

Posture Posture Posture

I am always amazed how many people who want to model pay so little attention to their posture. People with good posture exude a sense of confidence. I think they look smarter and are more attractive.

Jantzen Rees made some beautiful images with me the other day. While shooting I asked her to help me with some examples of poor posture.

It does not take very much lazyness to ruin or diminish your photos. Here Jantzen has her shoulders and back rounded. Not very flattering.

Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.   

Notice how the posture in this next photo makes her waist look thicker and her bust smaller. Compare with the last photo.

Even though it is the same model, same light, this image of Jantzen looks less appealing.

Here she is without the slouch. Smaller waist, nicer bust, she looks more with it and draws you into the photo with her.

Breathe

A thought on posing. Breathe.
Concentration can enhance a good photograph, but if it is too obvious on the face, or creates tension in the body, it can be a distraction and ruin an otherwise beautiful photograph. Don't hold your breath for a modeling pose...remember to breathe and feel at ease.

Making the Deal – Negotiating the Shoot

When you negotiate a photo shoot, you need to have a clear understanding with your photographer, or agency on what you are going to get out of the work and what you are expected to do.

I want to focus on the TF shoot today.  First of all TF means “trade for” TFCD is trade for a CD disk. TFP is older and means trade for prints. I personally do TF with an online gallery and no CD because I like the delivery method and my models can share the link with who they want to.

You and your photographer should have a clear idea on what the trade is.  How many images do you get, how are they going to be delivered to you, how soon will you get them and what quality of digital images are you getting. Will the images be retouched, etc. Most good photographers will not give you every image from the shoot. They want only the very best work to be seen. Who picks the images to be edited? The photographer, the model, both? In my case, I usually choose which ones, but that is not always the case.

What does the model need to do to prepare? In the TF arrangement, who is providing make-up? This is negotiable. It could be the model or the photographer or the model might do her own.  Who is providing the wardrobe? Does the model need to come camera ready? What is the genre? Fashion, casual, swimsuit, glamour, art, etc?

Release. What does the release look like and say?  Ask the photographer to send you a copy of the release ahead of time so that you can read it, understand it, and ask questions about it if you are unsure. If a photographer will not send you a copy of the release before the shoot, you should wonder why.  You should also get a release to print or use the photos as per your agreement with the photographer. I either put the release on the printed side of the CD, or now I am including a release in the online gallery.

Have fun with your session, but make sure you both understand what you are each giving and getting for the shoot.

Building Your Portfolio, New Model

I will be discussing ways to enhance your portfolio.