How to Photograph a Model
Use a digital camera., Consider the setting., Consider how you will light the picture., Use a fan to add movement to a shot., Talk to the model., Get the white balance and exposure right., Think carefully about how you frame your shots., Get the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Use a digital camera.
While many professionals still prefer film, a digital camera allows more room for experimentation.
Until you know exactly how to get the very best shots, or are being paid a lot of money to take them, stick with digital so the number of pictures you can take isn't limited and you can see immediately how good a shot is. -
Step 2: Consider the setting.
Are you going to be shooting against a plain white background or something more exciting? Will you be indoors or outdoors? Make sure you know where the model will be and have an idea of the kind of poses you want them to do, so you can make sure the setting is suitable for what you want. , Natural light is very different to indoor lighting, plan how you will light your picture and allow for anything going wrong with the lighting if you are shooting outside. , Fans can add movement to hair and clothing, making an image look for more exciting.
A fan won't be appropriate for all pictures however, so if it won't look right in your shoot, don't use it. , It is easier to get a good picture of someone when they feel comfortable around you, chatting to the model while you are working together can help make her feel more relaxed, resulting in better pictures. , Technicalities aren't everything, but these two are vital to getting a picture that looks right.
Make sure your white balance and exposure are right and don't be afraid to change them if the lighting changes. , Consider which parts of the picture are important and which parts aren't.
Try not to let the rest of the image detract attention from the model. , Give them directions on what kind of poses you want, if you need them to move their arm an inch the right to make the shot look great, ask them to move their arm.
You are the one who can see how the shot will look, you need to tell the model what to do, don't rely on them figuring it out themselves. , Don't take all your pictures in the same spot, move around and take pictures from different angles, you might be surprised what comes out looking good. -
Step 3: Consider how you will light the picture.
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Step 4: Use a fan to add movement to a shot.
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Step 5: Talk to the model.
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Step 6: Get the white balance and exposure right.
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Step 7: Think carefully about how you frame your shots.
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Step 8: Get the model to try out lots of different poses and expressions.
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Step 9: Move around.
Detailed Guide
While many professionals still prefer film, a digital camera allows more room for experimentation.
Until you know exactly how to get the very best shots, or are being paid a lot of money to take them, stick with digital so the number of pictures you can take isn't limited and you can see immediately how good a shot is.
Are you going to be shooting against a plain white background or something more exciting? Will you be indoors or outdoors? Make sure you know where the model will be and have an idea of the kind of poses you want them to do, so you can make sure the setting is suitable for what you want. , Natural light is very different to indoor lighting, plan how you will light your picture and allow for anything going wrong with the lighting if you are shooting outside. , Fans can add movement to hair and clothing, making an image look for more exciting.
A fan won't be appropriate for all pictures however, so if it won't look right in your shoot, don't use it. , It is easier to get a good picture of someone when they feel comfortable around you, chatting to the model while you are working together can help make her feel more relaxed, resulting in better pictures. , Technicalities aren't everything, but these two are vital to getting a picture that looks right.
Make sure your white balance and exposure are right and don't be afraid to change them if the lighting changes. , Consider which parts of the picture are important and which parts aren't.
Try not to let the rest of the image detract attention from the model. , Give them directions on what kind of poses you want, if you need them to move their arm an inch the right to make the shot look great, ask them to move their arm.
You are the one who can see how the shot will look, you need to tell the model what to do, don't rely on them figuring it out themselves. , Don't take all your pictures in the same spot, move around and take pictures from different angles, you might be surprised what comes out looking good.
About the Author
Jean Roberts
Committed to making organization accessible and understandable for everyone.
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