model photoshoot

hey everyone, i am going to be doing my first model photoshoot this friday...i am going to pick up a reflector....what tips and techniques do you all suggest? i have a kit lens and my nifty 50 and 380ex with off camera cord...what mode should i shoot in? i usually shoot M, but i dont want to mess with the settings while the shoot is going on....the shoot will be outside by a pool i was told.

Is she paying you or are you paying her or is it a trade shoot? Either way she should be ok with you adjusting your settings if something is not working as she wants the best possible photos like you do. If you are used to shooting in manual then I would continue to do so. As far as tips go I would bring an assistant to hold the reflector. If she's a new model make sure to tell her if something is not working in a pose ( I like to shoot it anyway so she can see what I'm talking about). Have fun!

Make sure she knows you are new. If you try to pretend you are a pro, but cant change anything on your camera, she will know, and probably never work with you again. However if she knows you are new, most models will understand and be very accomidating and not judgemental. So this is a perfect time to finally take your first steps and get rid of the M. And take your time. Good pictures are better then a lot of pictures.

togish1 wrote in post #6046299
hey everyone, i am going to be doing my first model photoshoot this friday...i am going to pick up a reflector....what tips and techniques do you all suggest? i have a kit lens and my nifty 50 and 380ex with off camera cord...what mode should i shoot in? i usually shoot M, but i dont want to mess with the settings while the shoot is going on....the shoot will be outside by a pool i was told.

Well, my models are usually under the age of 6, so no advice with adult models. I always shoot in TV & seem to get pretty good results.

The advice hold true for moms and dads too!

im pretty sure the models are new as well...its a test shoot for nee models for an import magazine thats in the making. and i will def have an assistant to hold a reflector

Sounds like they are going to be in bikinis/bathing suits correct? If possible try to get some off camera flash going as it sounds like it will be more of a glamour/import modeling thing. I like to use a bare bulb on a strobe for nice spectral highlights...... also if you have the time try to pick up a bottle of glycerin (50/50 mix with water) to give them a little sheen on their skin.

if you use manual, make sure you meter with a gray card.

So this is a perfect time to finally take your first steps and get rid of the M.

I'm new as well and I'm wondering why suggest not shooting in Manual mode? Please don't take offense, I'm trying to learn as well.

Not sure why he said that - He probably was thinking "A" for the little green box.

Once you know the settings and can be consistant - there is no benefit to shooting in auto unless you are just "cheating" to see what the camera picks and setting your manual settings using that as a guideline.

yea i never use auto, im 75% in the M and the rest either av tv or p

Togish-

What works best for me in cases where I want to isolate the subject from the background is Av Mode = f3.2-4. I would use the 50mm for best Image quality and the flash at FEC -2/3 for just a little fill, with partial metering and centerpoint focus.

You will have a much better shoot if you practice your camera settings with a friend before the shoot. You are also probably going to get better results if you examine pictures from Sports Illustrated and Victorias Secret to see what makes them so good.

Have fun-
Scott