my first *real* photo shoot, HELP!

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

This Tuesday I will be taking pictures of two young women, early 20's and
need advice on what to take. They will be doing 2-3 outfit changes. They
like film so will be shooting medium format along with 35mm, and will have
a P&S digital for backup. Any advice would be deeply appreciated. Thanks.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Orio, the champagne idea is a good one! Laughing

fast 50's:

1.4/50 AR Hexanon
1.7/50 CZ Planar
1.8/50 Zuiko
1.8/50 Nikon Nikkor

I don't have a fast 85, tho. I have the AR UC Hexanon zoom 4/80-200,
Vivitar Series 1 2.8/28-90 (good lenses, but not fast). What would you
pick from these? I'll be using the Bessa 6x9 mostly for the medium format
as they like the look of those shots.

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

why not the zuiko 75-150, f/4 is fast enough for much

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

f4 is plenty fast for 20ish Girls well, generally speaking they need no flattering softish focus.
I liked that Port you posted of the snake killer using the 75-150.

Orio may have been joking about the wine but it actually is a good idea to loosen things up.
Herbal refreshments are nice to have on hand as well Wink

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Orio, I have the 137MA that takes AA batteries, will pack a spare pair. I
was thinking that would be the 50 of choice. Also have the 2.8/135 Yashica
ML lens, but not overly impressed with it. The Nikon FE/MD12 will go with the Series 1 zoom.

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

Oh yeah, the South. Got it Embarassed

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

martinsmith99 · Expire: 2013-11-18

Changing lenses can ruin the momentum when shooting models. I vote the 28-90 zoom.

PaulC · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 2318

I've only shot a model once and I found it very difficult. On the basis of my incompetence, here are some observations:

Make sure you plan out in advance what sort of poses you want and what props are needed and have everything ready.

If the outfits include anything that is going to put pressure on their skin - elasticated cuffs, for example - remember that it will leave marks that will stay there for a long time so don't shoot them in something more skimpy afterwards (my model was leaning on some books at one time and the impression remained in her arm for quite some time - it needed cloning out).

Unless you are simultaneously able to think about camera settings, lighting, expressions and poses, give instructions and maintain some cheerful chatter (and if you can do all that, you must be female!) it might be useful to have an assistant who can jolly things along and perhaps even help as a sort of artistic director (I would have been quite lost without my daughter lending a hand).

That's about all I can offer. Good luck!

Jieffe · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 754 Location: Belgium

Best work is done when both photographer and model(s) are relax.

Typical session at Gina&Jieffe's attic, errrr, studio :

The first pictures won't be good, I accept that fact and use it to check lights disposition and exposure.

During the shooting, I make (lots of ) fun of myself ! Better way to get rid of artificial smiles and make a positive experience of the session.

Be verbal ! Try to direct your model(s), show them how you want them to pose when explanations are not clear enough.

Tell them when you like what you see in the viewfinder.

I try to restrict my choice of lenses to 3 or 4 (55m, Tammy 90 for close-up shots, 24/28mm for larger shots, and occasionnaly the new toy Wink

). The lenses are ready on a table, it only take a few seconds to change. If I only could use one lens, it would be a fast 50mm.

It also helps to have a (female) assistant/fellow photographer (I always shoot with my GF).

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

50mm is short in my opinion need to get too close to the model what is pretty disturbing longer zoom like Konica give you more space.

On a good portrait on young woman relaxed environment is more important than anything else so Champaign was good idea really.

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Martin, Paul, Jieffe, and Attila, thanks for your advice! I checked the
weather for next Tuesday and it calls for rain and 89F for a high. The
shoot will be both indoors and outside and of course the weather can be
completely different from what is forecast.

I think zooms will be my best friend in this first endeavor. I would like to
take my Koni Omega, but it would be a heavy slog to pack that around
with all the rest.

Thanks again, folks.

Jieffe · Joined: 04 Nov 2007 Posts: 754 Location: Belgium

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Has anyone used Provia 400X for a shoot like this? Have a couple rolls in
35mm I could mix in with my other film.

Schnauzer · Expire: 2012-03-08

I used to do quite a bit of this and enjoyed it, but its been years. I do remember that my favorite lense and the one most pros that I knew used most was a fast 85mm.

How would porta work Bill?

Katastrofo · Expire: 2013-11-19

Ron, I plan on shooting some portra in 120, great film.