Tips/Advice Needed: New to G&N

[bmurf]

Hello all,

I have done about a half dozen portrait shoots in studio now and am looking to do some shoots more along the lines of what I have been seeing in the G&N section. I am not looking to do any nudity at the moment though, but lingerie is an option.

My main objective at the moment is to do a Glamour style shoot for my final portfolio for Professional Photography here at school. Being that I have done a handful of shoots and demonstrations on lighting, I feel as though I have a good grasp on that aspect.

The main problem I feel that I am going to face is communicating with the models. Since I haven’t had a ton of experience shooting with models, I’m not sure what sort of advice/directions I should be giving them without making anyone feel uncomfortable.

I am looking for some tips on props and what not that the models can use. I really like the use of a black box that the model can sit on/play with, but can't really seem to find anything that would be acceptable to use. Are these something most people make themselves, or are they available in store somewhere?

This may be a silly thread, but I just want to try and be as prepared as I can be for my first Glamour style shoot in the studio.

Thanks in advance,
murf

*Edit: Is it also a good idea to have some sort of informal contract to have the models I am working with sign even though there is no monetary involvement in this project?

[TheAnt]

Even if I'm shooting my friends, I have them ALL sign releases. Most of the time they're cool about it because they know that the pictures will probably end up in my portfolio, and I let them pick out which ones I CANNOT put online.

I've read through almost EVERY post in this talk about G&N forum over the past few months. There is A LOT to learn in here. Read everything you can.