The photographer’s perspective
on collaborative photo sessions
Article by: Kenneth Ingham
[email protected]
http://sexyabq.com/
http://keninghamphoto.com/
As a photographer, I enjoy
working with models on a
collaborative photo shoot. In
most cases, my experiences
have been positive. However,
over the years I have learned
a few items the hard way. In
this article, I will talk about
what I have learned that makes
the whole process go better.
By far, the most important
point is communication, before,
during, and after the photo
session. I might (some friends
would say there is no “might”
about it) tend toward overdoing
it, but undercommunicating can
turn into a failed photo shoot,
anger, and closing down of what
might have been a very productive
professional
relationship
for
all
parties
involved.
The first communication occurs
when the photo shoot is being
set up. Here is my checklist of
what to talk about before the
shoot begins:
Cell phone numbers: The model
needs to be able to contact me
if he/she is lost, is wondering
where I am, or something
goes wrong while trying to get
to the photo shoot location.
Similarly, I need to be able to
contact the model for the same
issues. I normally use a cell
phone, but some people use
Facebook messaging or other
communications mediums. It is
just critical that all parties know
hot to contact the other, and that
the appropriate service exists to
allow the communication at the
photo location. New Mexico has
many areas with no little or no
cell service, and even more areas
with limited to no data service.
Site overview: The model and I
both need to know how to get to
the photo location. Normally, at
least one of us has been there
before. I normally scout out
any possible location before
suggesting it. In addition to how
to get to the photo location, any
other site-specific information
needs
to
be
discussed.
For example, I often work
in caves. This means that
everybody
needs
helmets
and lights, boots, gloves, etc.
Photo: Kenneth Ingham
Model: Laura Beck
Meeting details: By this, I am
not talking about a business
meeting, but where to meet, what
I look like, what the model looks
like. Between this information
and the other communication
options, actually finding each
other
should
be
assured.
Weather issues: For outdoor
photo shots, what causes a
cancellation? If a photo shoot is
canceled due to weather, there
should still be communication
to confirm the cancellation
and that all parties know
the photo shoot is canceled.
Theme: What type of photos are
going to be produced? This could
be one or more specific ideas
provided by the photographer
or model, or it could be more
general such as casual clothing,
swimsuit,
fitness/physique.
Clothing for the shot: Who is
providing the clothing? What
clothing is each party bringing to
the photo shoot? I normally think
from top to bottom: hat (if any),
top (shirt (what kind?), lingerie,
etc; for women there might be
a bra), bottom (pants, skirt,
lingerie, etc), shoes, jewelry, etc.
Clothes changing options:
Related to the clothing is where
the model can change. For studio
shots, this is normally simple,
but public outdoor locations
can be an interesting challenge.
Closely related Props: Similar
to clothing, what props does each
party need to bring (if any). This
could be a general style (sports
equipment) or more specific
(hockey stick and fencing sabre).