Glam photoshoot coming up: any tips for the newb?

Hey guys,

I've got a photoshoot with a first time model coming up real soon. I've actually ordered in a 430EX + 50mm nifty fifty + BG-E3 grip for this shoot, and I plan to venture into portraits over time.

But for now, we're both new. She wants to get a few series of her in glamour-style pose. I've done alot of pose hunting around POTN and several other websites...but I'm still finding it difficult to choose what pose to use. To pro's out there that's done this before, I'm just wondering:

1) What setting should glamor shots be in?
2) What poses are a 'must-do' for glam shots?
3) CLOTHING. how many change of clothes do you think I (or she) would need for a successful series of glam shots?

Note also that I've offered to do this Free Of Charge due to my lacking experience, but she said she will pay me for my time. I told her she can pay me whatever amount she deems fit once I churn her shots outta Photoshop

Oh btw here are some shots of her:
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1) What setting should glamor shots be in? There's no one setting for glamour photography. I shoot in Manual and Av mode mostly, but wouldn't hesitate to shoot in Tv mode if that's what I needed to do for the shot. In general, though, because you want to draw attention to the model and not necessarily the background, a shallow depth of field helps to isolate the model from her surroudings. That's a judgment call because often the surroundings may define the mood of the shot.

2) What poses are a 'must-do' for glam shots? Must do poses? In general, for a portfolio, you're going to want to get some head shots, some head and shoulders shots and some full body shots. Poses should be chosen to accentuate the models best features. For example, if she has great legs you should have her do some shots in heels or on her tip toes. Look in fashion and glamour magazines to see what poses currently popular and tear those pages out for quick reference when shooting.

3) CLOTHING. how many change of clothes do you think I (or she) would need for a successful series of glam shots? I typically do 3-5 changes of costume/clothing for a glamour shoot. That's about 2-3 hours of shooting.

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #5246606
1) What setting should glamor shots be in? There's no one setting for glamour photography. I shoot in Manual and Av mode mostly, but wouldn't hesitate to shoot in Tv mode if that's what I needed to do for the shot. In general, though, because you want to draw attention to the model and not necessarily the background, a shallow depth of field helps to isolate the model from her surroudings. That's a judgment call because often the surroundings may define the mood of the shot.

2) What poses are a 'must-do' for glam shots? Must do poses? In general, for a portfolio, you're going to want to get some head shots, some head and shoulders shots and some full body shots. Poses should be chosen to accentuate the models best features. For example, if she has great legs you should have her do some shots in heels or on her tip toes. Look in fashion and glamour magazines to see what poses currently popular and tear those pages out for quick reference when shooting.

3) CLOTHING. how many change of clothes do you think I (or she) would need for a successful series of glam shots? I typically do 3-5 changes of costume/clothing for a glamour shoot. That's about 2-3 hours of shooting.

Thanks very much. Will keep looking at samples on POTN and fashion mags.

One more question though: Do you decide clothing, or does the model?

KM-

If you are trying a new style of photography, its is best to start with several good sample pictures to emulate. This will help you communicate clearly with the model about clothing, poses, expression, etc and make those decision together. Maxim, FHM, and Victorias Secret are all good sources of sample pictures.

As for your camera settings, I hope you understand that glamour photography is generally shot with more adanced lighting and techniques than a simple on camera flash. Ring flash and studio strobes with umbrellas and softboxes are standard tools for glamour photographers. That said-if all you are able to use is a 430 flash-here is my advice: Start with ISO400, F4, 1/60th with the flash head on. The key here is to practice your settings, lighting, and poses with several friends casually to get it right before you are working with a model.

This is an ambitious project-good luck.
-Scott

"Pinup" poses:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=297063

Model Posing Advice
http://www.bobpardue.c​om …crets-of-model-posing.htm

The Challenges of Glamour Photography
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=51826
Editorial portraiture by Neil Turner
http://www.dg28.com/te​chnique.html
Shooting Beauty Series: Beach Beauty: The Images of Andy McFarland
http://www.onemodelpla​ce.com …tter_glamour_ar​ticle9.cfm
How to get your wife/girlfriend to pose for glamour shots
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=139829
Does any one photograph "Normal" woman anymore?
What Do You Say To A Naked Model? - Working with glamour models, Part II
http://www.vividlight.​com/articles/2911.htm
Models - Letter before a shoot
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=203023
Adult Photography Law - Internet business
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=251726
Video PhotoTips for landscape, in/outdoor high/low key portraits, wedding, glamour, aerial, couples, children, sports, nature, time-exposures (Slow loading)
http://alwaysgirls.ezt​hemes.com/video/index.​php?Photography
Is it possible to create home studio with Speedlites?

Excellent guys thanks for your help.

Scott yes i too think its ambitious, but I feel that it's the best way to learn. We're both first timers, and the only thing that can come out of it is experience. I've been collecting several sample pose shots from POTN and other websites as reference.

Frank, thanks for the links, mighty helpful.

I hope I'll be able to gain an insight into portraits from this session.

There is one question that I beg for it to be answered:

After speaking to the model, she said that she wants my images copied onto DVD after PP and she wants it in 'safe-hands'...meaning that she doesn't want it released to the public or for anyone to see (apart from herself and her partner - hence the DVD copy).

So I'm just wondering, a Model Release Form states that "photographers get full legal rights to use in adverts and prints..."

...so how does that work? Obviously if I asked her to sign a model release form, she most likely wouldn't want to do the shoot altogether. Should I get her to sign one to protect myself, or risk not doing the photoshoot altogether?

My understanding is that you only need the release form if you plan to sell pictures she appears in where she is recognizable. If this isn't something you intend to do/know she does not want to happen then you don't need her to sign anything.

I believe you would be allowed add the pictures of her to your portfolio etc without her consent, but if she definitely doesn't want them made public you might as well just think of it as a good practice session.

Mr.Ric wrote in post #5284433
My understanding is that you only need the release form if you plan to sell pictures she appears in where she is recognizable. If this isn't something you intend to do/know she does not want to happen then you don't need her to sign anything.

I believe you would be allowed add the pictures of her to your portfolio etc without her consent, but if she definitely doesn't want them made public you might as well just think of it as a good practice session.

Our agreement was based on the fact that her shots will not be disclosed, even in my portfolio. I may have to chat to her about that because almost certainly they'll be good shots which i would like to present in my folio.

Okay thanks alot Mr Ric, crystal clear now

IMO No release = No Shoot. If you're not allowed to use or display the photos, what's the point? You would essentially get nothing out of this deal.

Kurt

Twitch1977 wrote in post #5285057
IMO No release = No Shoot. If you're not allowed to use or display the photos, what's the point? You would essentially get nothing out of this deal.

Kurt

Exactly. Unless, your objective is gain a little bit of experience or practice, but even then you'd probably want to show it to people for feedback, and the agreement with your model certainly rules that out.

I had a similar issue with a model I met on MM a couple of months ago where she would not consent to me having full rights to display her pictures, so I just decided not to do the shoot instead of wasting our time.

Twitch1977 wrote in post #5285057
IMO No release = No Shoot. If you're not allowed to use or display the photos, what's the point? You would essentially get nothing out of this deal.

Kurt

Kurt is right. There's no point in shooting if you can't use the photos. I get full releases from all my models. Usually they sign before the session starts, but no way do they get any image until the release is signed.

I agree with the above posts. All the models that I've shot with had signed releases and only one requested a change to the release form (take out the part that allows me to profit from the images). No release form, no shoot.

I can't see the problem here.
Agree that the photos are not for publication. Then after the shoot and the PP, choose a few images were she looks really good (but I would suggest not showing too much flesh!) and ask her if you could possibly use those shots for your portfolio only. (A signed agreement may be required here)

In my experience, if the shots come out well, the model tends to change their mind

As you've said, this is a "training session". Not for profit or sale.

If you don't have it in writing you can always run into trouble later on down the road. Even if you're using it only for your portfolio. Its just better to be safe than sorry. A person can change their mind at any time and if you don't have a written consent there is always a possibility of a hassle later down the road. Maybe nothing to the extremes of a lawsuit per se but I rather not be bothered by it at all. Just my opinion though.