Oh jeez, help with posing please!

[Nevyn]

So I'm going to srwatters' workshop on the 18th.
The thing is, I couldn't make it to his earlier one on lighting, which leaves me without much by way of experience photographing models.
This worries me, although srwatters has said that it'll be fine and there'll be enough people there to help out as required, which calms me a little.
Still, I would like to go in with a bit more than nothing, so can anyone out there give some suggestions on where to start, both in general with studio photography and with getting some ideas together to take in with me. I'm less concerned with the lighting, more with what to do with the models!
How did you seasoned experts approach this when you started?

Thanks.

[srwatters]

Your job will be to compose and focus. In fact I'd suggest trying to NOT concentrate on the technical aspects of the lighting your first time out. I'm planning on handing out lighting diagrams for all the sets to the attendees. You should be able to see from those how the lights were set and I'll explain the metering and camera settings as well.

To get the most out of working with the models, I suggest that you open your eyes and look with the right side of your brain. What I mean... Is the image you see in the viewfinder pleasing to your eye? In fact, before you even bring the camera up to your eye, look at the scene you're about to shoot. Is the color pleasing? Does the model's body position look pleasing to you? Are there any elements out of place?

The lighting will be set for you by Greg and I. We will have worked out the details of ratios and positions. Your job is to see the light and shadows. Has the model moved closer to or further from you? Is she in the light? Was she standing and now is kneeling? Those relative positions will make the biggest difference in the exposure.

Most of all, just have fun. Fill the viewfinder with the scene you want to capture, focus on the eyes (I'll talk about how to do that), and push the button. Think like a pro, shoot like one (well, maybe that's a little exaggeration )

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Your job will be to compose and focus. In fact I'd suggest trying to NOT concentrate on the technical aspects of the lighting your first time out. I'm planning on handing out lighting diagrams for all the sets to the attendees. You should be able to see from those how the lights were set and I'll explain the metering and camera settings as well.

To get the most out of working with the models, I suggest that you open your eyes and look with the right side of your brain. What I mean... Is the image you see in the viewfinder pleasing to your eye? In fact, before you even bring the camera up to your eye, look at the scene you're about to shoot. Is the color pleasing? Does the model's body position look pleasing to you? Are there any elements out of place?

The lighting will be set for you by Greg and I. We will have worked out the details of ratios and positions. Your job is to see the light and shadows. Has the model moved closer to or further from you? Is she in the light? Was she standing and now is kneeling? Those relative positions will make the biggest difference in the exposure.

Most of all, just have fun. Fill the viewfinder with the scene you want to capture, focus on the eyes (I'll talk about how to do that), and push the button. Think like a pro, shoot like one (well, maybe that's a little exaggeration )

Thanks - I'm just a bit nervious about this (can you tell? Does it show?! )
I was assuming (read: hoping) that the lighting would be set. My concerns relate more to the 'arrangement' of the model within that lighting environment.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Nevyn

Thanks - I'm just a bit nervious about this (can you tell? Does it show?! )
I was assuming (read: hoping) that the lighting would be set. My concerns relate more to the 'arrangement' of the model within that lighting environment.

You know the new PGA tour slogan "these guys are good"? Well at this workshop it also applies, just slightly modified; "these women are good". For the most part they will be instructed to pose on their own. You are welcome to direct them if you feel so inclined. And please do. If you see an arm out of place or a hand growing out of a hip (I'll explain that one at the workshop), by all means, ask them to move a little. The first thing to remember is that they are human beings. Make them feel comfortable and get them to laugh a little. It will make your experience fun. Yes they are beautiful and experienced, but in the end, they put their pants on one leg at a time too. Granted their legs are skinnier and much nicer to look at, but legs just the same!

Relax, it's going to be an awesome day! I'll be running around like a head with my chicken cut off, so you can at least laugh at that

[Nevyn]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I'll be running around like a head with my chicken cut off, so you can at least laugh at that

I'll look forward to it!

[Shane]

No worries mon' . . . just point and shoot!

They know more poses than you could ever begin to start explaining to them. I had the same worries last time and it turned out fine!

[engstrom]

Just act like the Jakestir at the last class Scott put on. You know, walk up to the model and say "Work it!" Obviously he did that in fun and the model knew it. Like Scott said, these models are professional and they're actually nice to work with. Just like anyone else they like a friendly smile and the occasional compliment/comment. It's no problem.

[PictureCow]

I was going to say if they're professional models it will be a real treat to photograph them. Most professional models need little direction when it comes to posing. Once you've photographed "real" models... shooting wannabe's will seem so different.

Learn to look at the light. That's the most important thing. If there is a stylist they should be watching things like messed up outfits or things out of place. So have fun!

[JohnRushing]

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