Blown opportunity or not?

[srwatters]

So I got a chance to shoot with a young model who is represented by the Campbell agency here in Dallas. Only problem is that I didn't really realize that until we were pretty much done with the shoot. I would have hired a makeup artist had I thought she was going to take the proofs to her agent. Question is, what do I do now? I can certainly ask her to give me another chance to shoot her again with the proper preparation. I'd like my first impression with Campbell to be the best it can be. Opinions?

[PeteQ]

Ok, here goes my two cents since you want an "agent" critique. (I looked at a Holiday Inn Express website last night)

Of the two I like the first one best. Something about the deep shadow between her neck and hair on the right side of the second image that just looks funky to me. The first one is strong but a tad warm for my tastes (almost looks orange and yes it's calibrated ), but certainly a keeper. Maybe crop out that strap or include more of it because I think it is one of those cases where there isn't enough to really tie it to the image but enough to make it distracting. Also, I would clone out those hair fliers on the upper right side. Layout is nice, plenty of space on the right should they want to drop in her info when sending it out or have you add it. If they aren't planning to add info you might want to tighten the crop to lose a little of that open space on the right.

As for first impressions by the agency. The only really big thing I would like to know is if they have a standard size, etc. These are both landscape orientation and may well be in a folder where a portrait oriented shot is expected. Just having to flip the page could mean the difference between them liking the photo and not. Just like resumes on orange paper, sure you stand out, but maybe they never get past the orange.....

So, long story longer. I don't think you would necessarily need to re-shoot, but you may want to make some slight adjustments to what is going to them. How's that?

[Detonate]

I like the first shot a great deal.

In the second one her neck looks exxxxxtra long.

[KeepsakeGirl]

I would definitely ask her for a reshoot....

and i like the 1.
#2 looks like she has a bruise on her cheek and she's been thru a rough time.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Reshoot

(and it has nothing to do with the quality of the images posted)

_/oe

[srwatters]

I'm actually more concerned about the makeup and hair. All the technical nits with the images can be worked on. She wasn't sure of her book size, so I'm starting at 9x12. We had the discussion about portrait vs. landscape and one of the reasons she came to me was for the 'cool' landscape shots. I know I'm bucking the trend, but maybe for comp or business cards these shots are OK.

Speaking of crops and sizes... What's the deal with the 9x12 model book? Is that so they can fit magazine tears? 3x4 isn't a standard camera ratio, is it?

I cooled that first image down a bit. I was a bit aggressive with the white balance on that one. I think I had cranked it up to 6500. Her natural skin tone is olive to yellow. Very different.

[engstrom]

Scott, nice images as always but I do think that the makeup and hair could be better. A reshoot is probably a good idea.

[LadyShutterBug]

i would reshoot and use a makeup artist. and as the person above said, it has less to do with your photography skills and more to do with the model.

[PeteQ]

Ok, it seems there is a leaning towards re-shooting, great, but keep this in mind also:

When does she need to get them turned in to her agent? If she had you shoot her because these are going out today, etc, although you can ask for a re-shoot, will it be available within the time constraints of your schedules. Don't miss the opportunity because she had nothing to give her agent at the deadline.

I actually like the lighter make-up on these Scott. Sometimes the MUA's get heavy handed so if you do a re-shoot I would keep an eye on that.

As for the technical nits, well I apologize, from your post I thought these were what you were looking to submit so I based my remarks on them.

[srwatters]

There isn't really a deadline for these images. They are basically for our books. I saw her MM portfolio and was also interested in hiring her for a workshop (not likely, but maybe).

Pete, no need to apologize. I should have mentioned that these are really 5 minute edits. Just levels, and removing a few blemishes (which were difficult, her skin was broken out quite a bit). Final versions will look much better.

I sent her an email (her cell phone died last night) asking if she would be up for a re-shoot. I'll see if I can talk her into it.

Thanks again for the support.

[gpgyo]

What's the story with the whites of her eyes? Poke in the eye with a sharp eyeliner? Right hook from you to get her to sit up straight? They are very different. Is this something you will normalize in final editing? Still can't get enough of your lighting!

Have fun,
Greg

[CaptainTom]

Hell!! I even stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once...

I would consider these as "base" shots that would be used to show the makeup artist how the model looks without the extra touches. Kind of a "before and after" idea.

Definitely need a re-shoot with a good MUA... The model is not drop dead gorgeous, and I think a good MUA would improve her look tremendously.

Of course, your lighting and posing is very strong, and the final product is always first rate.
Show the agency only your best stuff.

[srwatters]

Just as an FYI, her name is Veda and her MM portfolio can be seen at http://modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=127180. You can see what I mean by better makeup and hair making her shots there.

Here's one of mine with just a little more effort.

[MRCPix]

I love that photo she is awesome

[popawalker]

Last post is better, but, reshoot using a MUA you trust, presuming you have used one before. You are trying to make her look better, but also exposing the agency to your work, you want it to reflect as good of work as you can do.