First Model Shoot

[mattbikeboy]

Since we're stuck in Vegas this summer with my wife teaching and kids in year round school I decided to see what UNLV has to offer for photography classes. The only class I found for Summer Term 2 was Fashion Photography! Last night was our first class and we had nearly three hours with half a dozen models.

I was a little slow getting going since I didn't know the photo/model/class protocol but warmed up after a bit a shoot 400 or so frames.

I quickly sorted and found 40 or so that I think have some potential and here are a few that I like the best. I played a little with Photoshop to remove pimples, scars, some extra hair, and one just to stylize it!
I have a lot to learn about proper cropping for models and figuring out how to pose them -- but it was a lot of fun.

mbb

[Charles Hess]

Since most of the shots are good documentation of the preparation that goes into a shoot, I'll critique just the first image. The model has an interesting look, and you've done well with the shooting angle and the pose. Hands are tough...the fingers of her left hand would look better splayed and flat instead of the kind of claw they are in now, IMO. The lighting has given the colors and skin tones some problems. Her face is soft and pale, but her right leg is blotchy and has an orange color cast to it. It's evident but not as severe on her left leg, as well. For your first model shoot, this isn't bad. Fun, isn't it?

[Frog]

First let me say I've never shot a model in my life and would have no idea where to begin.
I think the first ones pose looks awkward and her face is rather washed out.
I like how two goes with three and four goes with five.
The last one looks like she is growing out of him with her hidden legs.
just my un experienced observations.

[mattbikeboy]

Since most of the shots are good documentation of the preparation that goes into a shoot, I'll critique just the first image. The model has an interesting look, and you've done well with the shooting angle and the pose. Hands are tough...the fingers of her left hand would look better splayed and flat instead of the kind of claw they are in now, IMO. The lighting has given the colors and skin tones some problems. Her face is soft and pale, but her right leg is blotchy and has an orange color cast to it. It's evident but not as severe on her left leg, as well. For your first model shoot, this isn't bad. Fun, isn't it?

It was a blast!

The lighting in the classroom was pretty brutal. We had overhead fluorescent fixtures and I was trying all kinds of things to see what would work (including the orange cap for my light sphere (which gave her the orange tint in the first image). The biggest challenge in the class is that we are in a really old converted elementary school that has rows of desk that are bolted together with no room for a studio area w/ real lights. I'll start looking for hand placement -- I definitely have a ton to learn. It's a lot different than shooting bike racers.

I'm hoping we'll get a real studio shoot where we have more control of the the lighting. Next week we're doing an outdoor pool shoot at one of the strip casinos. It should be fun and have better natural light. :thumbsup:

mbb