1st shoot with a model

[john_pyle1]

in trying to expand my business (www.thatsagreatpicture.com) and showcase a modeling

portfolio I have a shoot tomorrow with a model who should do a great job. 5'11'' blonde blue

eyed girl really excited about it. What should I be trying to accomplish tomorrow to

showcase some great pictures to not only attract business but capture great images. Will be

using my 20d. I have a tripod, 17-40 L,24-70 L, and 70-200mm 2.8 IS,USM. What are great

shots,dress,locations,etc for the first time out. I have ideas but want to hear from others.

Thanks in advance.<div></div>

[john_pyle1]

also would love some feedback from the website if you feel called to do so...thanks!!

[beauh44]

Hi John, I'm sure you'll do fine. A few ideas off the top though: If you're not careful, wide angle lenses can make people look fat. Think of those "trick" mirrors you see at a fair or a circus. In general, I think your 70-200mm lens is the way to go. That's a great lens.

 

One thing about a lens that sharp though - it'll show ever single pore and imperfection. Maybe you'll have a model with perfect skin, but if not, you might want to master a quick and dirty Photoshop "soft focus" filter.

 

I didn't do a very good job on this example - I spent about 3 minutes - but basically you duplicate the layer, blur the heck out of it, back off the opacity a bit and either erase or mask out the blur over the eyes so they stay sharp. I might've gone a bit overboard in my haste!

 

I've found there are very few models who will be angry with you if you do this. Just think of it as digital makeup. It's probably a good idea to clean up imperfections with one of PS's clone-stamp tools first.

 

This is the reason Canon sells a soft-focus lens. ;-)

 

All that other stuff, dress, location, are up to you guys. But I'm sure you'll come up with something. Have fun!<div></div>

[michaelhills]

John, even though your telephoto might be the 'best' lens to use for the majority of your compositions, don't forget about the wide angles - if done right, you will get some beautiful model images for your portfolio that is different and stands out from the crowd. Always try to think outside the square :) <br><br>

You might like to have a look at these images to get more ideas for your compositions: <br>http://www.photo.net/photo/4032983<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/3469343<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/1009451<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/3065457<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/3537289<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/3923231<br><br>

M :)

[beauh44]

Hi John, Michael's absolutely right and has some beautiful shots! Of course you can use wide-angle lenses for portraits.<P>

 

I shot with a model yesterday and here's a shot I did with a wide angle lens - I believe I was using <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/4084865">the wide end of a 24-70mm lens.</a> (Warning! There's naughty bits!)<p>

 

When I took that shot I was literally on the floor so I could get those huge boots in the shot.<P>

 

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/4083099">Here's the same model</a> and I think I was using a 50mm lens, sort of a "normal" focal length. (Warning! More naughty bits!)<P>

 

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/3606096">Here's an example</a> of what a really long telephoto lens can buy you: A very sharp focus on the subject while obliterating any background distractions. Talk about outside the box, I shot this with a 500mm lens! (I thought he might kick my a$$!)<P>

 

<a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/3924560">Lastly, here's a shot</a> taken with a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens, inside my home with an on-camera flash. You'd never know what a mess my house was! This can have a great advantage in that your background becomes much less important because no one will ever see it... except maybe for the overall color.