If you happen to be a photogenic person there is a good possibility that at one point or other in your life you will be asked to pose for a photo. In that case you will be looking directly at the end of my camera. These photo shots don't necessarily take place in a photographers modeling agency but could very well be located at an engagement party, perhaps it's for a family portrait, or possibly even a work related event. Many people when first getting their photo taken will appear frozen in time from a hidden fear of pictures. To get an idea of how bad this phobia really is look at a selection of driver's license photos. You would think these people were just arrested and are having mug shots taken.
My job in situations such as these is to loosen up these people so that I can catch the real person behind the face. I have to gain their confidence and then get them to pose in a natural manner so that I can successfully take their photos.
This is not an easy assignment I can assure you. Many appear so depressed that I too sometimes feel like sitting with head in hand and weeping at their gloom. In order to accomplish my job the best I can I have devised a short list of clever tips that may assist both the models and other photographers.
Working with your Photographer
Before I am hired by any agency they first meet me in person and review my portfolio. They follow up on any references which I may provide to them.
As a photographer it would be disastrous if I were to show up at a photo session late. As soon as I arrive at my location I proceed to set up my lighting to display my model in the best of circumstances. When the photo sitting actual begins I fully expect the model to cooperate with me and above all I do not expect to hear arguments or recommendations such as the locations of my lights or a preference to photos on one side or the other.
Makeup
I like to see the model arriving at the photo scene with a heavy layer of a translucent type powder which in the finished photo will show a flawless face. No shine will be displayed and the skin will appear to have an even glow about it. I like the model to use a matte lipstick on her lips just before we do the photos. A model should never under any circumstances wear frosted colors. Many models want to appear natural and they wear little or often no make up whatsoever. This is not good either. Newer models tend to over styling their hair.
I have attempted to give you a small insight into my life as a Model Photographer. I hope you understand me a little better now.
