Working with amateur models?

[srwatters]

I had an interesting shoot last night. A 23 year old hopeful model with very little experience, one hair/makeup shoot previously. I think she has an interesting look and great skin and hair. Problem is, I had a very hard time getting different facial expressions from her. I brought up portfolio images, posing guides, and some magazines as examples, but I somehow couldn't get my point across. Near the end of the shoot, I pulled out a large hand mirror so she could 'see'. I haven't had time to convert any of the shots yet, but I'll post some examples tomorrow. She seemed eager to learn, by my teaching skills are, well, lacking in this area.

Any tips from experienced photogs on how to get the 'look'?

[LoungeLizard]

She may have been somewhat nervous also.

I think the models would be better at explaining that! This may be a good one for the TMT forum.

I do recall some tips about the "look":

1) Have them close their lips and then just ask them to open slightly
2) Heather's "vowels"...ah, oh, uh. Have her say the vowels in this way.
3) Have her video tape herself and then watch the tape. Looking in the mirror is not as good as a video tape.

If she's good, she'll learn and you can establish a good relationship as you both learn. Even the "bad" photos should help her see her mistakes.

[srwatters]

Good tip on using the TMT board. I'll do that tomorrow when I can post an example.

I tried the 'lick the lips', 'open your mouth a little', even a little direction like "flirt with that hot guy across the room", "you just caught your boyfriend cheating", etc. Obviously I'm no Felini :(

I'll post some shots tomorrow.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by srwatters

"flirt with that hot guy across the room",

No wonder it didn't work!

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

No wonder it didn't work!

Ouch! Got me, right between the... :shock:

[brad]

I saw good advice in a posing book...


Never have on your face an expression you don't want to see on your model.


Basically, if you frown, she'll frown... if you smile, she'll smile.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by brad

I saw good advice in a posing book...


Never have on your face an expression you don't want to see on your model.


Basically, if you frown, she'll frown... if you smile, she'll smile.

I read that same book...come to think of it, you recommended it. But I just can't see Scott pulling a Dee (at least I don't want to see that!)

[Fred Clingerman]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Near the end of the shoot, I pulled out a large hand mirror so she could 'see'.

That's really not a bad idea, maybe get one of those mirrors that are made to go on a closet door. Put it next to you so she can see her expressions. May make it easier on her part to understand what you are looking for.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Fred Clingerman

That's really not a bad idea, maybe get one of those mirrors that are made to go on a closet door. Put it next to you so she can see her expressions. May make it easier on her part to understand what you are looking for.

I actually have an antique full length oval mirror that I was considering using as a prop. My only fear is the light bounce from the strobes. I'll have to be careful where it is in relationship to the lights and the model. Let's see, angle of incidence = angle of reflection...

[Vernon Theis]

I have very limited experience but I've found that rushing is the worst thing. Take more time than you think you need. Take your laptop and sit down with a Coke and let her review shots. Acknowlege that you are both learning if that is true. Tense moods are obvious so be at ease as much as possible.
A few ladies are very mush at ease in frint of a camera naturally but they, sadly, are the exception. Good lck.
I've been fortunate that my teen sons have had some friends that let me practice. I'm learning, hopefully.

[PIC]

S,
2 things ...

1. Have her sit and watch you do the poses you want - it teaches,
breaks ice and often is very amusing to see {use your imagination}.

2. Have her talk during the shoot on her favorite subjects - be very talkative and supportin encouarging.

EL

[Silvernic]

Originally Posted by brad

I saw good advice in a posing book...


Never have on your face an expression you don't want to see on your model.


Basically, if you frown, she'll frown... if you smile, she'll smile.

Is that why all of my models end up looking goofy?

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by Vernon Theis

I have very limited experience but I've found that rushing is the worst thing. Take more time than you think you need. Take your laptop and sit down with a Coke and let her review shots. Acknowlege that you are both learning if that is true. Tense moods are obvious so be at ease as much as possible.
A few ladies are very mush at ease in frint of a camera naturally but they, sadly, are the exception. Good lck.
I've been fortunate that my teen sons have had some friends that let me practice. I'm learning, hopefully.

Vernon, I had seen that first photo many months ago on your site. Don't remember how I got there, but I did. I think, to me, that is about the perfect casual portrait.

First off, the young lady is incredibly beautiful and you've captured that. The smile, the eyes, the posture, everything just lends itself to a wonderful casual portrait. The background is great also.

Just thought I'd pass that along. I'm sure she's very happy with that photo.

[srwatters]

I finally got a chance to run the proofs for the model I started this thread about. These are not touched, just raw converted and resized to 600x400. The facial expressions are what I'm referring to:
The model is Kendra OMP#179409
#1

#2

#3

[PIC]

S,
Not good.
1. Looks like she is uncomfy, not wanting to be there, or too concerned bouth the shoot.
2. I dont think she studied enuff or mirror practiced.
Too many girls dont do the work in 2.
She needs work practice and study - ball in her court.

Eric