Be Real! It Photographs Better!

One of the biggest issues that I see in newer models (and some more experienced models) is that they come to the set without really knowing who they are. Maybe that is because they are always being told what to do and who to be.  But I find that a great number of the better shots I capture are of models that know who they are and are comfortable being themselves. They tend to share bits and pieces of themselves during the shoot.

These models have learned that what makes them unique and special isn't just their outer beauty, but it is their spirit and personality that makes me, as a photographer enjoy that working with that model.  In many case a model that is very comfortable with him or herself is at least somewhat creative and doesn't mind adding a little of their creative energy to the shoot.  For me than can be inspiring. I tend to feed off of the energy and vibe of the model.  If the model is to hyper with no sense of creative direction, than that can be very distracting.  On the other hand if a model comes to the shoot and think that they know it all and begin to direct themselves along with everyone else including me, the photographer, then that tends to be a much less productive shoot, and I will probably not book that model again.

I would suggest that a model just be REAL! Get to know you and master being you first! become comfortable with yourself.  We all have things that we want (and need) to improve on, so cool, let get to work on making the improvements and use all those great qualities that we have to bring something to the shoot that no one else can ever bring, and that is YOU!  You are the only you that God made, to take advantage of that and become the best you that you can be.  Continue to listen when you are shooting to get a better feel for what the photographer is trying to capture.  Build a relationship with your team, including the Make Up Artists, Stylists, and the rest of the production crew.  Not just to be a suck-up, but to build a team of professionals that can help you to become better.




But most of all just be real, and work on getting a little better everyday!  That would be a great goal for each of us, right?  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns that I may be able to help you with. Remember that we have a Meetup Group just for models that you can
join to learn more and we have our Model Bootcamp that begins in June, 2010.


Remain blessed!
Nat
BlackBox Visions Photography
www.BlackBoxVisions.net