First studio shoot coming up, tips and tricks?

AshleyC

AshleyC

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I booked myself into a studio shoot for the 22nd, only done this sort of thing once before a couple of years ago when i did a one day portrait course which went ok but i didnt really get much experience of posing people and telling them what to do, controlling the lighting positions etc. So was just looking for some tips maybe.

The theme of the day of 50s pinups. There will be 4 models and 6 photographers including me and it will be over 5 hours or so, so im expecting a lot of "model time" which im a bit nervous about.

Ive googled the theme and got a good idea of the sort of thing to expect and aim for. Not sure what lens to use, ive a Nikon D300 and a choice of Tamron 90mm macro, Nikon 35-70 2.8d, Nikon 55-200 kit lens which tbh seems a pretty sharp lens! and a Nikon 35mm 1.8 which i think will be a little too wide.

Im practicing at home with off camera flash and triggers, all this will be provided by the studio though so hopefully will be easy enough to work out on the day. Due to the fact there are only a few photographer i just dont want to feel like im getting in the way or pinching other peoples ideas if you know what i mean? I let the owner know im new to it all and he seem'd ok with it so fingers crossed, im just not sure what to expect and want to minimise the feeling of being a 5th wheel when im there :)
 
It's natural to be nervous but you'll find on the day you'll quickly get over it and by the end, you'll just want to keep snapping! Some tips from my first time (which was in December)

1) Come prepared with some ideas. Doesn't need to be shoot list but have a flick through the likes of Flickr, 500px and make a mental of shots you like. Figure out why you like it, look at the pose (remembering pose includes posture, hands, expression) and think about how you'd do it "your" way. Have a think about lighting - have one or two ideas in your head but I think how these situation work is the lighting is agreed amongst the photographers and then you each shoot "a round" then the lighting is changed by agreement and then you shoot another round.

2) With regards to the models - a smile and some chit-chat goes a long way. Be friendly and don't be afraid to ask them to move their hands slightly or flick a bit of hair out of the way. Part of their job is to be directed - just remember to be precise and don't be afraid to demonstrate a particular pose you have in mind if it helps.

3) Lens - take the 35mm, given the crop factor makes it pretty close to 50mm which is a great portrait focal length and I'd take the sharpest lens between the 35-70 or 55-200 (or both).

4) Other photographers - don't worry about being 5th wheel. IMO photography is one of those things where people are always understanding of people starting out and more than happy to offer advice or just chat. Nearly every photographer finds some common ground with each other. And don't worry about feeling like your pinching other people's ideas because there's a good chance they'll be looking at yours and pinching them ;) In seriousness, it's a good chance to "network", both with photographers, model and the studio owner so make the most of it.

Hope this helps!
 
cheers for that :) i think the first hour i'll just be a bag of nerves, im just banking on the models knowing what theyre doing and ill just click away. Im defenitly going to seive through google to get some image ideas.
 
Dieslepunk's?

I'll be there too, should be fun!

See you there.

Dean
 
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