1st G&N Shoot soon - advice needed!

[Halcyon]

I've a couple of girls booked for a studio session soon and they will be doing topless / artistic nudes.

I will be professional at all times during the shoot.. but.

Look, I'm a guy, ok? These two girls are really quite atractive! I know it will get easier as I do more shoots.. But all of you had a first time of taking these kind of shots.

So - are there any tips to make sure you absolutely keep your mind on the job - don't get nervous - or god forbid enjoy it too much!

Please - don't react like I'm being tacky or not taking this seriously - I am! I just don't want anything to go wrong!

so help and advice would be really appreciated!

[tfiorda]

If you make getting the technical details of the image the most important thing, you won't have time to think about "THAT"! :-) If you must adjust the models positions manually, ask permission first and then only touch them with your fingertips, not with the palms of your hands. That could be considered smarmy.

Talk continually to your models, guide them, praise them, and give feedback. It's okay to joke around, but make sure that they have taken the lead on anything like that.

Remember that it takes years to build a reputation as being professional and only one moment to destroy it. By asking these questions, you seem to be on the right track to staying in a professional manner. It's "subject"-"photographer" similar to a doctor-patient relationship, if you want to continue to make images like your going to do, be sure to keep it professional!

Those are my thoughts anyway.

Good luck and enjoy it!

[Halcyon]

Thanks - good advice :-)

I'm planning on having a hair/mua there and maybe my girlfriend who has helped out in the past (using the light meter, etc) which should hopefully keep things professional.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Mark_Cohran]

Remember that it takes years to build a reputation as being professional and only one moment to destroy it. By asking these questions, you seem to be on the right track to staying in a professional manner. It's "subject"-"photographer" similar to a doctor-patient relationship, if you want to continue to make images like your going to do, be sure to keep it professional!

Great advice - it's worked for me for nearly 30 years of shooting.

[BigBlueDodge]

I would say that they need to know who is in control, and that you need to lead/direct them. Have a game plan setup, poses you want to do, lighting scenarios you want to try and. Even if you don't know what you are doing, don't let on. This will earn their respect, and give them a professional image of you. If you are passive, or can't control the session, they are likely to lose interest fast and not put out a good word for you.

[charlesu]

If you have an undesired reaction, take a break. Lots of new guys have an issue getting started. It's natural and nothing to be ashamed about. Just don't make any jokes about it or call unnecessary attention to things. An observant model might notice but probably won't make an issue if you maintain professionalism.

This is one reason workshops and group shoots are a good way to get comfortable working with beautiful nude women.

[BJWOK]

the way i look at it is slightly different. i wear tighter than usual jocks under jeans or shorts and i actually hope for the "undesirable" reaction down there, because as soon as that starts happening i know i am getting gold. seriously.

[derky82]

the way i look at it is slightly different. i wear tighter than usual jocks under jeans or shorts and i actually hope for the "undesirable" reaction down there, because as soon as that starts happening i know i am getting gold. seriously.

I must admit, this is the first time I've heard that approach! :lol:

Hey, whatever works... right? lol

- Derek

[Halcyon]

Ermm.. right. Thanks! er, I think!
lol...

[BJWOK]

well if you think about what we are trying to achieve with this style of photography, what kind of reaction we are hoping to stimulate with the images we capture, then it fits that as the photographer we should also feel a similar result.

look at it this way:

i also work as a pizza cook on weekends and if i am making a staff pizza (one that is not on the menu) I will have a slice myself to see if the ingredients worked well together. i don't eat the entire pizza, but i do sample a small portion.

same thing with shooting glamour, you want the images to "move" the viewer. if it "moves" you, chances are you are doing the right thing.

[ueb0258]

I find that if I am shooting glamour I am so concerned with making the model look the best they can and making sure all my stuff is right that I have no time for anything else. I see them as art.

[Halcyon]

Tis done!!!

And it all went really well. I was a bit nervous at first, but the model was a professional and made me feel completely relaxed very quickly.
I think ueb0258 had the best advice - after 30 minutes or so, I was completely unconcerned that she was naked and it felt like any other shoot - so good fun, a learning experience (shouldn't every shoot be?) and constructive.

So thanks for your advice guys, but I feel 100% more confident now!

Oh, and who do I have to talk to to be able to post up some of the results?

[Mark_Cohran]

Tis done!!!

And it all went really well. I was a bit nervous at first, but the model was a professional and made me feel completely relaxed very quickly.
I think ueb0258 had the best advice - after 30 minutes or so, I was completely unconcerned that she was naked and it felt like any other shoot - so good fun, a learning experience (shouldn't every shoot be?) and constructive.

So thanks for your advice guys, but I feel 100% more confident now!

Oh, and who do I have to talk to to be able to post up some of the results?


Great. Sounds like you had a lot of fun.

See the G&N Image LInk in my signature line to see the process for early G&N access.

[Halcyon]

Thanks Mark
I followed the instructions to the letter... I think! :-D

[GDconcepts]

the way i look at it is slightly different. i wear tighter than usual jocks under jeans or shorts and i actually hope for the "undesirable" reaction down there, because as soon as that starts happening i know i am getting gold. seriously.
:lol::lol:hahaha wow, that's is bw!


-Gianni-

[gcobb]

I find that if I am shooting glamour I am so concerned with making the model look the best they can and making sure all my stuff is right that I have no time for anything else. I see them as art.

This about sums it up. I am focused on lighting, the poses and other technical things rather than thinking about how hot the model is. I have a good reputation and I'd like to keep it that way, but I am a guy like any other. I just know how to separate that from my work. I've heard of models that will freak when noticing a bulge.

You have to know how professional you are.

[Thomas G]

It is just like shooting any other model! She is just nude. Just don't stare to long at the goods. :D