Photography (possibly nsfw some day)

[TheCatt]

The current setup is a 3 hour shoot:
1st hour - face, lighting.
2nd hour - body, lighting.
3rd hour - flexible. If model has ideas, or outfits, or, we can just experiment.

[Leisher]

3 hour shoot is kind of awesome.

What are you doing about wardrobe and makeup? I assume it'll be on the model to start, but have you thought about having options or even doing a trade situation with a stylist for hair and maybe makeup? Not all girls do make up well.

Do you have multiple backdrops and props?

Sorry, I'm very vested in how this goes.

[TheCatt]

What are you doing about wardrobe and makeup? I assume it'll be on the model to start, but have you thought about having options or even doing a trade situation with a stylist for hair and maybe makeup? Not all girls do make up well.

You honestly ask a shit ton of great questions. Most of them I've considered, some I haven't. Come be my 2nd shooter some day

Yes, I have. For now, both are on the model. I have a few generic things (men's white button down, fuzzy white robe - all clean, unworn, NOT MINE/MRS CATTs) to start with. I have thought of having options, but one challenge is: I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SIZE MY MODEL(S) WILL BE. Like the first woman looks about 5'1", 110 lbs, if I had to guess. Second woman looks 5'3" 100 lbs, again, just guessing. And those are not the same sizes.

a) Makeup: It's on the model for now. I offer 30 minutes of pay for doing their own makeup. There are MUA (make up artists) available if I get more serious. There seems to be a decent supply of them, so not a concern.
b) Clothes: Right now, I have bigger things I need to get better at, and no specific wardrobe ideas for the most part. Also, given that my models my range in sizes, not sure how to approach. So, yes, also on the model for now. My thought was that if I establish a working relationship (like monthly) with someone, I might give them a budget, or get their sizes to tailor some wardrobe items to them.

[Leisher]

You honestly ask a shit ton of great questions.

*Pointing to my head* It's not just a hat rack.

I'm just trying to help a friend. I genuinely feel like you're approaching all of this very well. Don't rush anything in these early stages. Sit with Mrs. Catt after these first two sessions and really analyze what you did right and what you did wrong. There will likely be some of both.

Most importantly, remember that you don't need this. Don't risk everything you worked for by letting anything slide. Be professional and protect yourself at all times.

[TheCatt]

Pointing to my head* It's not just a hat rack.

lol.

I'm just trying to help a friend. I genuinely feel like you're approaching all of this very well. Don't rush anything in these early stages. Sit with Mrs. Catt after these first two sessions and really analyze what you did right and what you did wrong. There will likely be some of both.

Yeah, I'm expecting 90% "Ugh, I should have..." and 5-10% "Hey, that's not terrible" then I'll use the next 2-3 weeks to refine the things I fucked up and make notes to myself.

Most importantly, remember that you don't need this. Don't risk everything you worked for by letting anything slide. Be professional and protect yourself at all times.

True. I kinda need it from the artistic self-expression, but yes. It's not essential to my life.

[TheCatt]

Well, shoot #1 done. And, I completely forgot the model release. Sigh. I've now printed a small stack of them to keep in the studio room, and texted her to see about signing one.

Overall, it went OK. She did not have any poses or ideas she wanted to do. And, I, uh, learned that even 21 year old women could have deflated breasts. Going to spend time putting together a pose book or ideas I want to do. I didn't have a structured one, but had poses I'd flagged digitally that we reviewed, and from a book I'd noted. Need more structure.

And I really need to, well, get better

I was able to adjust her poses without any touching, so that was nice. I previously worked with my wife, so touching didn't matter, and am glad it wasn't just an automatic thing I did.

[Leisher]

Very cool.

Glad it went well and you're definitely getting good takeaways. Develop that rep and you'll get less deflated breasts.

I do think "the photographer's eye" is something that can be developed. Yes, some are born with it naturally, but that doesn't mean it cannot be taught or learned. (Larry Bird is the greatest example that you do not need to be born with a skill to master it.)