Studio-less Model Photoshoot?

[KevC]

Hey,

I'm one aspiring photographer :D

I don't have a Studio. But I want to shoot models. What I'm *considering* is planning the 'photoshoot' on a sunny day on my beautiful college campus.

How many of you guys shoot models outside of studio? Pro/Semi-Pro or even Amateur. I'm completely starting out right now...

Any tips?

[Longwatcher]

Keep the sun to your back.

That would be my number one tip. To be ignored as needed. I had to learn this one the hard way. Twice

Sucker someone into being your assistant and holding a reflector (gold reflectors looks nicer (at least to me most of the time), but not always and especially not as it gets closer to sunset). I recommend a 5-in-1 photoflex reflector.

As several people have mentioned in other threads, flash can still be your friend in bright daylight.

Have extra batteries standing by. And if you shoot like I do, sometimes portable storage is cheaper then more memory cards (although it is getting closer)

Did I mention having an assistant to keep "helpful" people at a safe distance?

And if near (or in) a river or waves have an assistant to watch the model's and your back and save the camera before you fall over. remember my location motto; "Save the model, save the camera, the photographer can be repaired".

If you can't find an assistant and none convienetly walk up to you, just have fun. Which is what it is all about.

I recommend building steps, fountains and trees as good generic locations for taking shots.

Just my experience and opinion,

[Jon]

And better check in case the campus constabulary want you to have a permit. If you're an enrolled full-time student, you can maybe claim it's a class assignment. If you're not part of the campus community, they might get sticky. Better to have it clear up front (which may also help in keeping the previously mentioned "helpfuls" clear; if the cops know you're OK to be there they may be willing to move others along).