1st time glamour shoot

hi guys ive lined up a nice model for my first glamour shoot however im unsure what equipment to use.

im going to do an outside shoot and the equipment i have consists of a canon 1000d, 50mm 1.8, kit lens and 430ex ii.

i know i have very limited equipment but it has served me well shooting bands and concerts however im unsure what lenses to use, any suggestions would be much appreciated.

thanks in advance

A longer lens works better for beauty and glamour photography if you hae the space to use it. The longer lens helps to compress perspective and isolate the model from a busy background. I'd suggest the 85 f/1.8 as a nicely budgeted lens for this type of shoot. If you'd prefer a zoom, any of the 70-200 L's would work well too.

thanks for the reply, the only problem is i only have acess to the 50mm 1.8 and the 17-55 3.5-5.6 lens. which out of the two if any would you reccomend on using? thanks again

I'd use the 50mm prime - but try both. Don't artificially limit yourself to one lens.

ok thanks mark, i appreciate the advice

Also for outdoor shoots, keep the model out of direct mid-day sunlight. You can shoot in a covered area but will need some fill light to balance any backlighting you might have, otherwise if you expose the model correctly, the background will be blown out. You can use a reflector or your flash, and the flash will add a nice sparkle to the model's eyes.

Otherwise, early morning, or dusk would be a great time to shoot. Outdoors you have to keep an eye out for distracting backgrounds, trees growing out of one's head, etc.

Have a great time!

I started another thread on this and looking for anyone with an answer, is it impossible to get a professional glamour shot in direct sun? What if there is no shade option, what then?

Use a fill flash or reflector if you don't have these use shade.
Shooting in direct sunlight can lead to images that have high contrast, blown out highlights, lens flare and colors that might even look overly saturated.You also might get the ’squint factor’.


Find a tunnel/bridge and shoot the model under the edge of it. This can achive a nice effect midday as the sunlight in not directly on the model. I hope this makes sense.

Yep the tunnel thing makes good sense.

I know the rule of shooting in shade but getting your background to be in the sun. All together I just wonder for weddings especially, or outdoor shoots with models how it is done in the sun. I've seen some people shoot on building tops in direct sun without any overhead shade, and I don't understand how it works.

ive seen some assistants holding objects over the models heads out of frame to block the direct sunlight, then fill flash to light the image.

I see. What is a good size reflector or diffuser to start with for over the head, close up head shot maybe even with shoulders?

to be honest ive never tried it, but ive seen the technique being used on a dvd called motivational light. pretty good dvd for glamour photography, the photog is a bit weird tho

My thoughts are, that as soon as you can get that flash off the camera and start playing with that, then you'll have potential for so much more.

A portable light stand with boom holding a large diffuser is pretty useful in these situation. There are plenty of affordable ones up on thebay. Of course you have to sandbag it, or just do the same effect with your camerabag and or anything heavy you can find. I primarily use a 43" foldable diffuser.