Portrait/modelling shoot advice

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E.M.P.

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I normally shoot motorsport as a hobby. I am tempted to experiment with other styles of photography and would like to have a go at doing a modelling/portrait shoot.

I have never done any work with people before, its always been cars on a racetrack or in the pits.

What advice is there for working with people/posing etc. I would like to keep the poses as natural as possible and not "forced" like some pictures i`ve seen.

If anyone has links to some good beginners guides to portrait/modelling that would be great!

I would be doing the shoot outside in natural light. If anyone has some tips for how best to work with the light for modelling shoots that would be good as well.

Thanks in advance :)
 
YouTube is your friend- plenty of good tutorials to be found there :thumbs:

Les :D
 
Make sure you know how to pose because depending on your model, you might be showing him/her how to, I don't know what you mean by natural.

Also you mention not forced, I think you are talking about the slightly less comfortable looking poses? if so they are quite fashionable at the moment.

Make sure you look and sound confident and communicate everything to the model, even if it sounds like you are muttering, just keep talking through what's happening and you will notice them switch on and move in sync. If you need a couple from similar angles or settings, make sure you ask them to hold it as soon as you press the trigger, some of the seasoned models listen to the flash beeps or shutters and move between shots.

If I am using natural light, I tend to carry a reflector, where if needed i will clamp onto a lighting stand somehow just to add a bit of light to the shadow side.

Have you got something arranged? if not what sort of theme are you going to arrange? If you have no idea the model will not like it because the first question will be about what to wear. Also make sure you give them plenty of notice, they often want much more than what you guess would be adequate.
 
As far as posing goes, there's a world of difference between models and real people, there's generally a massive difference between what you are aiming for with them too.

Just like any other subject - be simplistic in your approach and start with:

Who are you photographing and what do you want to achieve?

Babies, newborns, children, couples, families (in a studio or environmentally)

Or with a model are you shooting fashion, glamour, art nude (studio or environmentally)

There are some vastly different approaches amongst that lot. As far as posing goes, real people need direction and cajoling and treating very carefully, models can be relied on to help you (provided they're experienced)
 
Thank you for the detailed reply.

Nothing is arranged yet, i`m just getting ideas together for when I do get something arranged.

By natural I mean the style of poses, not the uncomfortable unnatural looking poses I see some models in.

I will do some googling about poses to try and get an idea. I guess it could be something of an "ice breaker" demonstrating poses and making bit of a fool of myself lol Something to make the model feel more relaxed anyway.
 
To start with I would just be looking to work with real people but with a goal to work with slightly more inexperienced models wanting portfolio shots etc. Mostly in an outside environment but this is mainly as I have never done any studio work or worked with flash lighting (apart from an on camera external flash)
 
Sorry I dived in on this one and presumed it was a model photo shoot but yes as Phil mentioned its different to normal people posing.

If you are going to use a model or someone who calls themselves a model. Try to arrange one with the most experience. The good ones will run through some of there own stuff and not need much from you. I have had some that need very clear instructions about where to put there hands, how to look, stand etc and I had to go through every pose, they can also be nervous which makes them look less natural and more alarming.

If you are shooting people, do a google image search before hand and try to get an idea of what might work best for the given situation. I like the more candid looking shots along with outdoor portraiture, look for things in your scenery to help frame the shot or make it interesting.

This is a good tip: make it fun!
 
Go out and shoot some people before you start thinking you might get a business out of shooting model portfolios. Shoot your friends, your parents, strangers, anyone that'll sit for you in return for free prints. Learn how to light*, how to interact with people and finally how to pose them.

You might think you've learned a lot since you got your camera, but frankly, you are still at the stage where you haven't got the faintest idea how little you've learned so far.

*Extremely important, before you start getting hung up on the technicalities of posing - look at how portraits are lit, it's well lit pictures you like, no matter what else it is that you think you're impressed by. Learn how to light.
 
Phil V said:
Go out and shoot some people before you start thinking you might get a business out of shooting model portfolios.
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I`m sure I said I would like to start with real people with an end goal to maybe working with less experienced models. I didnt say anything about jumping straight in and thinking I would make a business from working with experienced fashion models etc.

Yes, I have learnt a lot. Much more than I ever expected in a short space of time, but I am under no illusions and I know I still have a massive amount to learn. If I thought I knew everything I wouldn't be posting on here asking for advice.
 
E.M.P. said:
I`m sure I said I would like to start with real people with an end goal to maybe working with less experienced models. I didnt say anything about jumping straight in and thinking I would make a business from working with experienced fashion models etc.

Yes, I have learnt a lot. Much more than I ever expected in a short space of time, but I am under no illusions and I know I still have a massive amount to learn. If I thought I knew everything I wouldn't be posting on here asking for advice.
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No insults, but it's not a simple step from your first portrait to shooting model portfolios. I'm sure it could be done quickly by someone with enough drive and the right personality. But I'd still suggest getting your boots on and shooting some people before you start any business plans.

There are plenty of people who literally hate shooting people in the same way I hate shooting landscapes and wildlife.
 
I like motorsport and thats what got me into photography. I never planned on getting into it quite as much as I have. I just dont want to limit myself to one particular style. I want to learn different styles/techniques etc. For me I feel the next step is to start working with people and see how I get on. If I dont like it or find i`m no good then I`ll have a go at something else.
 
E.M.P. said:
I like motorsport and thats what got me into photography. I never planned on getting into it quite as much as I have. I just dont want to limit myself to one particular style. I want to learn different styles/techniques etc. For me I feel the next step is to start working with people and see how I get on. If I dont like it or find i`m no good then I`ll have a go at something else.
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Nowt wrong with that :thumbs:, the only things I shoot (almost) is people and rallying. It might look like an odd combination to some, I've tried most things, but this is where I've got to.
 
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