Brainstorming ideas and keeping sketchbooks is a really big thing for me but I also know many photographers who just shoot what they are currently thinking. So the question is, is it better to be organized or to be spontaneous.
When coming into a shoot and an agency send you a model, a new face. Great look, long legs perfect but her expressions are lifeless and her movements are stiff, now what do you do. You have two hours to deliver these beautiful fashion images to the designer. Start with this, go onto google images before the shoot and download a sheet of happy faces with expressions and what the expressions are written underneath it. Print this out and have it available for the model in the beginning of the shoot. Start with talking to the model and talking about all the different expressions. Tell her to go over the expressions and with every expression think of something, for example: this expression is happy, what’s something that makes you happy?
This will give more depth to the models expressions
Another thing to make the model more comfortable would be to put some music on, ask the model what type of music he/she enjoys.
To get the model more comfortable with posing you can do some funny poses first, tell her to do the craziest pose she can imagine and that these photos are just for fun and give you over exaggerated expressions. This should loosen the model up a little and get her/him in the groove.
Fashion. Every little piece of the shoot has a different meaning. From the ring which was sent in from India to the necklace which was made in Dubai. Every designer has a different vision and as a photographer you get to help put this vision and make it a story readable by all. Choosing the set for a clothing brand is setting the mood, choosing the model is to choose the muse, choosing the makeup artist is to set the direction, every little piece making the story what it is.
When casting for models first thing I look for is current Polaroids or snapshots. Because I know models always go up and down in weight and change their hair color for different jobs. It is really important for me to get current photos and measurements to make sure you fit the job that I’m casting for. A simple and direct email is good, best thing to do is send the following:
Name:
Phone:
Location:
Availability:
Measurements
Height:
Chest:
Cup:
Waist:
Hips:
Shoe:
Inseam:
Pants:
Dress:
Shirt:
About You
3 favorite hobbies:
3 Strengths:
How long have you been modeling?
What was your favorite job to date? why?
What interested you about this casting?
Jade Hannah Photography Blog 