Haute Couture shoot as a personal project

[bluphoto]

<p>I know the below might sound more than a little naive, but I'd love to make it happen so I am hoping for a little

advice.<br>

I'm not a professional photographer but I want to take on at least one couture fashion shoot. These images will

be for ME, not for a client, so I'm assuming I'll have to pay for everything myself.<br>

I'm inspired by many of the fragrance advertisements on TV and I want to shoot with models and couture

dresses of that level and quality. Without meaning to offend anyone, I've almost had it with shooting 5ft3 models who

are just trying to earn some extra cash while at college.<br>

There are a few couture outlets here I could approach for use of outfits, but I can't find any agency sites that

publish model prices though.<br>

What sory of money am I looking at for higher end agency models - models that have already had some

exposure to advertising?<br>

I know I also need to look at makeup and hair too, but one thing at a time.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<

p>Guy</p>�

[reflectedglory]

<p>You might find that hooking up with a good make-up artist/stylist is actually a better starting point.<br>

The make-up/styling for these shots is *critical* and the input they can provide is absolutely invaluable; i've watched talented MUAs create outfits out of practically nothing!<br>

Having a good MUA on board will also make you more attractive when it comes to getting models etc.<br>

Just my $0.02<br>

Dave<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/4031726030_3e44696914.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="274" /></p>

[patricklavoie]

<p>Agree.</p>

<p>What you need since nobody know you is a good stylist that have plenty of connection and can open you door you wont be able to open without her...a makeup artist should come second to this project..not that its not important, but stylist have the most connection when talking about cloths and magazine or model agency.</p>

<p>Then why would a really good well connected stylist would like to work with you if you dont have anything high end in your book? Maybe because she / he believe in you enough..but dont dream that too much; you want acces to highend model, highend clothing..for personal use only..its a different story if you where proposing your story to a magazine for editorial or else..then again, why a hihgend magazine will hire you if you are nobody yet?</p>

<p>I know it sound harsh, but that is how thing work..you cant out of nowhere decide to do a highend shoot, for personal reason and not being already know by the industry around you..except if you are lucky or if you have something really really interesting already in your book.</p>

<p>I would start with free session with good starting model from reputable agency, from there, find a stylist that they probably will recommend you and work youre way up.</p>

<p>Good luck for youre project, hope it work..and post some images after to show us ; )</p>

[owen_s]

<p>modelmayhem should cover all your bases, put a casting on their for your project, or browse for models that meet your critera, as well as mua's that have not done it, but have simular style images... schedule at least 2 of each for the same time, since many flake, so you don;t waste your time</p>

[allen_r1]

<p>"I've almost had it with shooting 5ft3 models who are just trying to earn some extra cash while at college."<br>

The above statement effectively excludes Model Mayhem-don't waste your time there! If you are serious about this, and it sounds like you are, you need to book your models through an agency.</p>

[bluphoto]

<p>Okay, so I think you're probably right. My problem is now finding a decent stylist who has connections and exposure.</p>

<p>I'm in the North of Scotland - not a place that's well known for its fashion industry! I don't want to "break into" fashion photography. I think if I was doing it for a living I'd get bored with it. I love my photography so want to keep it as a hobby.</p>

<p>I want to show myself that I can shoot pictures like those from Coco Chanel or Nina Ricci, with big hair, flawless makeup, sumptuous ballgowns and 5'11" models.</p>

[patricklavoie]

<p>Anyone can shoot that..not anyone could make it look flawless and high end..if it was so easy as a matter of getting tall model and a good stylist, anyone would become a pro ; )</p>

<p>Theres also a lot of post prod (retouching) after the shoot, so finding the right model, stylist, acces to haute couture clothing, the place to shoot and all amke that look good require talent and dedication..something more than just a hobby.</p>

<p>As i said, anyone could do what you like to do when its hobby oriented, when you want something like in the fashion mag, it take more then just a hobby to get there. It could pleased you to try of course, and maybe it is just what you are after...</p>

[paul_k1664875007]

<p>Sorry, but IMHO you are completely starting from the wrong direction. I'm not seeing any input on the creative, and technical and last but not least practical side of the whole project.</p>

<p>No offense meant, but just walking around and asking who will help you create your dream project will only end up getting you stuck with the '5ft3 model' variety of stylist, make artist and model agency, and seems a bit of a '5ft3 model' approach of the whole thing.</p>

<p>When reading the reactions (including those of the OP) it appears that if you get the clothes, models and make-up artist, the pictures will happen just like that; a bit like asking what camera you should buy the make the pictures like this or that top photographer.</p>

<p>I must admit that at the same time I recognise in your questions a lot of the situation I was in myself when I started into fashion photography some twenty years ago. Like you I then had a clear idea of the pictures I wanted to end up with but no idea how to get/shoot them. It then too seemed a practical idea to get in touch with the creative people to have them help you realise your dream pictures.</p>

<p>But from experience (and although based in the Netherlands I did do some international shoots/publications in Paris, Milan and London, before dropping out of professional fashion photography due to eye problems) I cannot recommend the approach you know sketch. After all, for real and capable professionals to help you, there should be something in it for them as well, just a 'thank you' or even some money at end of the day will really not motivate them to do their utmost, and that is what you must want them to do.</p>

<p>I think you should first get for yourself an exact idea of the pictures you want to shoot, not 'just like Coco Chanel or Nina Ricci' but an actual storybook with sketches of the pictures in your head, or examples of the picture(s) you want to shoot.</p>

<p>Then make a list of what this mean on the technical side, like cameras' lenses, lights, technique, location etc. (don't underestimate the practical side and obstacles of organising a 'more then just one girl with her own clothes and make up' shoot)</p>

<p>Then look at your own photographic skills compared those with the ones required for the pictures you want to shoot. My advise would be to stick with pictures which you can shoot with what you know, rather then wanting to shoot pictures on the day itself while at the same time trying to sort out the technical side.</p>

<p>Then based with that clear idea of what you are going to do, and the confidence that you will actually be able to do it, approach possible top or maybe no so top stylists, make-up artists and eventually model agencies etc.. While talking to them you then can convince them with the homework you've done that you will be able to perform, rather then appear to be just another (rich?) amateur with wild ideas of pictures he thinks he can make or buy himself into.</p>

<p>And from experience I can tell you that when you can convince them of your skills and of the near certain possibility that something interesting will come out of it, money isn't really a factor to get them to work with you.</p>

<p>In short try not only to find someone who says they are wiling to help you, but who really wants to and actually can do the job required, just like they will want to be convinced that you will be able to do yours.</p>

<p>Oh, and I wouldn't start approaching people saying that you're not really interested in fashion and probably will get bored photographing it, not really a good sales pitch when wanting to ask people who are pros in that area, and probably highly motivated and dedicated to it, to help you.</p>

<p>Good luck, and looking forward to see the pictures</p>

<p>Paul K</p>

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