Are you just starting out in model photography but unsure about where to begin with? Or are you facing trouble finding models for photo sessions? The easiest way to achieve this is by creating your own network and niche.
You must possess the right mind-set to make the impossible possible! With the right resources and creativity, you can become a premier model photographer. In this article, you’ll discover some ways to approach the genre of model photography. These helpful ways should merely be a starting point for you and then the sky is the limit.
TO LOVE BEAUTY IS TO LOVE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY
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What is model photography?
The general definition of model photography is a portrait photography practice where a photographer captures photos of aspiring or established models for their portfolios. However, this definition is somewhat limited. Model photography represents a genre of fashion photography or more appropriately high fashion photography where your art is devoted to capturing models, clothing trends, and other fashion items.
It can be a lucrative and glamorous photographic profession, and this vocation attracts both experienced as well as novice photographers. Every photographer that wants to break into the profession of model photography will need to make a bold statement about their style.
Every photographer that wants to break into the profession of model photography will need to make a bold statement about their style.
How to get into model photography
You can opt for agency services to arrange castings for model photography sessions. However, it can be very expensive, and it will burn a big hole in your budget. Nonetheless, some other strategies can be employed to prevent the hefty expense of hiring your own models.
Friends could become your models
With the massive influence of social media imagery on our consciousness, most influencers within the generation of TikTok, Facebook and Instagram communities are fully aware of modelling poses that best suit their style. Having friends in this sphere of influence is a blessing for photographers that are attempting to break into the model photography genre.
Ask your social media influencer friends if they would be interested in a model photography session. Such photo sessions will not only add to your portfolio but also help you to hone your skills, learn about camera settings, learn about the effects and difficulties of lighting, and know how to creatively approach different poses. This will instill confidence in you and prepare you for professional photo sessions.
Connect with aspiring models via social media
Today we are connected to everything and everyone because of social media. When you start searching for prospects on social media, it will surprise you just how easy it can be to connect with like-minded people through social networking groups.
TFP
Many aspiring models are hesitant in paying for costly photo shoots to build a portfolio of their own. You can propose your intention to photograph them as models. In return for your professionally edited photos, the models will provide their time. This approach is called TFP, or Time for Print, Trade for Print, and is sometimes known as Time for Photos, but the experience is the same no matter what it is called. Facebook has a large number of TFP groups that you can join. Just search for local groups.
Everyone works for free on the model session and everyone receives professionally edited photographs. This helps the aspiring models build their portfolio, and as a photographer you’ll be able to photograph a range of models for your own portfolio.
Some TFP models will have a wealth of experience in posing, whilst others will have minimal to no experience, but both are a plus to you as the photographer. The experienced models will pose in ways that you have unlikely seen before, and with the inexperienced models you will be able to begin to develop your own model photography style.
Never hesitate to demonstrate poses
Your models are of utmost importance for your portfolio. Sometimes even experienced models fail to understand the needs of photographers. When this happens in your photo session you should explain to the model the pose you desire. If you must do it yourself then don’t be reluctant in demonstrating the pose. Or if you have a picture of the pose in a mood board then you can show your model that picture so they’ll know the look you are trying to achieve.
Tips for high-quality model photography
Apart from finding models, props, clothing, and anything else that you consider required at the session, it is of utmost importance that photographs of your session are of high quality. Here are some tips to procure high-quality photographs that show every detail accurately.
Shooting in RAW
RAW requires more space on your memory card than JPEG or other formats, however, the importance of shooting in RAW cannot be underestimated. RAW files preserve the sharpness and contrast even when retouched in post-production. The quality of RAW format gives you more control over how your photographs look after post processing.
Understand lighting
The foundation of high-quality photographs in every photography genre is correct lighting. So, you should not neglect the effect of lighting during every photo session. Whether using natural light, flash or a combination of both, bad lighting can break what would have otherwise been a great piece of photographic art.
Don’t rely too much on ISO
In low-light conditions, it is a common mistake to adjust ISO instead of aperture and shutter speed. The downside is grainy images that are low in quality. It happens because raising ISO leads to noise which is not an ideal for model photography. Don’t let the ease of changing ISO draw you to rely on it too much during a model photography session. However, you should raise your ISO when it is utterly necessary. If adjusting ISO is producing good results, then do it without pushing it too far.
Create a mood-board for the model session
You can specify the visual direction of your model photography by using a mood-board. A mood-board is a collage of several different images that will help your models understand your working style.
Create an online portfolio
You must be mindful of a few things when creating an online portfolio. The portfolio should be easy to find, meaning your website or social pages should have good SEO (search engine optimisation). Your model portfolio should not be buried three levels down in the navigation menu on your site, especially if model photography is your passion and you want to be seen as a model photographer.
Your online model photography portfolio should depict your style so that potential brands, models, and potential clients can learn more about your style and assess your work.
Add your contact information on each page, or at least a link to your contact details on every page. You don’t want to lose interested clients. It will also be advantageous for you to add multiple sources of contact including web address, social addresses, email address and phone number.
Believe in the process of model photography
There are no specific step-by-step routes into successful model photography, but the ideas mentioned here should make the process easier. Believe in the process of time and keep improving your model photography as much as you can. Your hard work and dedication to this artistic style of photography will hopefully pay off.
Have fun with model photography!
TFP is a great way to begin to break into model photography.
