A short but quick tip on lighting your models. Have you ever been shooting outdoors late in the day and got tired of using your flash or portable lights? Why not use the light from the sunset? Sunsets not only good to shoot, but also a great source to . . . → Read More: Great lighting at sunset.]]>

Picture taken at sunset

A short but quick tip on lighting your models. Have you ever been shooting outdoors late in the day and got tired of using your flash or portable lights? Why not use the light from the sunset? Sunsets not only good to shoot, but also a great source to light up your subject. The warm tones it provides, although only for a few minutes, is an excellent and free, way to give your pictures a unique look.

The photo on the left was taken about 15-20 minutes before the sun completely set behind me and facing the model. We were running out of time so I moved the model out in the open. We were shooting at a park and I wanted to use the green grass as a backdrop. I used a wide open aperture to blur out the background. I was using Nikon’s 80-200mm 2.8 AF-D lens, it allowed me to shoot at 2.8 and zoom in and out without changing my aperture setting.

In such a short window of time of about 20 minutes, it was enough time to get a few nice pictures. This was one of them. I really like the warm soft light the sun provided, overall I think the pictures turned out great. I’ll definitely use this method again at a future shoot.

Here is a good Tuesday night photography tip, next time you shoot a friend, relative, model or whoever, get in real close for a very personal shot! Its nice to photograph people from the waist up as most people do, but sometimes its nice to zoom in close . . . → Read More: Taking pictures close and personal, zoom in!]]>

Photographed using a Nikon DSLR

Here is a good Tuesday night photography tip, next time you shoot a friend, relative, model or whoever, get in real close for a very personal shot! Its nice to photograph people from the waist up as most people do, but sometimes its nice to zoom in close and take a tight crop picture. In the bottom picture, I zoomed in and made sure to fill up the viewfinder with her face. She had cute curly short hair and very little makeup, I wanted to show her naturally beautiful face and the only way to do it is to get in close.

Taken at a wide open 2.8 aperture setting, it allowed me to blur out the background, I used my 80-200mm AF-D 2.8 lens (Nikons new version is the 70-200mm lens, at a later post I’ll go over Nikon lenses and my thoughts on them).

The angle I thought was also great, having her look over her right shoulder gave it a special touch. Its as if I caught her in the middle of a thought or about to say something.

Headshot

I also like the first image, which shows her more playful side and a little more of her body. This picture is what most people would take and of course are accustomed to viewing. Compare it to the second with the tight crop and you can see how each have their own special features. Photography isn’t only about having the most expensive or latest photo equipment, its about creating images that tell a story, at least that’s how I view each project.

With the first image, I zoomed in to 105mm and again used a wide open aperture of 2.8, if you try this, be sure you are far enough so she is in full focus, use your aperture preview button to confirm every part of her is in focus. The fact that she was playing with the two strings from her blouse added to the playfulness of the shot. Overall I think the picture is fine but not as personal as the close up image above. As a photographer, I try all types of poses, angles and experiment often. Try it yourself and you will see similar results!

Every photo shoot I do normally has a purpose. Sometimes its for a client, other times its for my inventory of stock pictures, whatever the reason I always try to find a person I think will fit the project. Even when I do a test shoot, I . . . → Read More: Having fun during a photo shoot, its so important!]]>

Have fun during a photo shoot.

Every photo shoot I do normally has a purpose. Sometimes its for a client, other times its for my inventory of stock pictures, whatever the reason I always try to find a person I think will fit the project. Even when I do a test shoot, I only offer it to people that have certain characteristics that appeal to me. And one characteristic I always try to make sure they have is a positive attitude.

I’ve found that people that are positive tend to be happier, smile more and easier to work with. I learned this the hard way early on in my photographic career. I recall photographing a model who was hounding me for weeks to shoot her. Finally when I agreed and she arrived at the studio, we clashed at the “hello”! She proceeded to tell me instantly that she only wears black and that she brought her own wardrobe because she would only model in the clothes she had. She went on to list several conditions, including the last one which was that I should not expect her to smile too much!

Needless to say, I cut the time of the shoot in half and never used the pictures for anything. It was the longest and worst hour and half of shooting I ever did. Nowadays I pass on anyone like that, life is too short and photography equipment and studio time is to expensive to waste on people like that.

The image included in this article is of a woman I would photograph any day of the week! She was nervous at first, but was happy, positive and energetic! She arrived ready to have fun and enjoy the experience. We even went over our time allotment and shot for an extra hour! So next time you photograph a model, be sure its a “happy” one and leave those negative people for someone else. And for the models, have fun, relax and enjoy the experience!

Knowing when to use available light while photographing people can enhance your pictures to a new level. Whenever possible I try to use existing light, but it takes some practice to get it right. Knowing how use the right settings in your camera is important, but you also . . . → Read More: Leave your flash at home, available light is the best!]]>

Picture taken with window light.

Knowing when to use available light while photographing people can enhance your pictures to a new level. Whenever possible I try to use existing light, but it takes some practice to get it right. Knowing how use the right settings in your camera is important, but you also need to position your subject in the right area or angle.

I photographed the woman on the right using the light from a large window. It was an overcast yet bright day, so the light shining in was soft and diffused. I took a few pictures with my mounted camera flash, but that created a terrible shadow. (I didn’t have my studio lights) It looked like a snapshot and I knew this woman deserved more from me than just a snapshot! So I turned off my flash and positioned her next to the large window, while she stood almost leaning against the wall, the diffused light exposed the right side of her face perfectly.

If you also notice, the background is out of focus, I did this by backing up a little and using my Nikon 80-200mm 2.8AF-D lens wide open. Have you noticed from my other posts that I use this lens often? Its one of my favorite lens and I use it in many occasions, especially in low light situations, like this one. Now back to the photo…the light from the window created a dramatic mood and with the model working her “look”, the final image, in my opinion was a winner! The image shown was only re-sized for online viewing, but no photo editing was done to it. Know you know why I love and continue to learn ways to use existing light!

The site is developing as promised! Today I added a Model Castings page with several paid shoots available to local Los Angeles and OC models! We shoot based on projects, so when we have a specific shoot planned we will post it up right away. The page will change weekly, . . . → Read More: Model Castings page added to site!]]>

Model for Energiafoto!

The site is developing as promised! Today I added a Model Castings page with several paid shoots available to local Los Angeles and OC models! We shoot based on projects, so when we have a specific shoot planned we will post it up right away. The page will change weekly, so check it often for new shoots.

When you submit your email, be sure to include two recent images and your location. Click on the image to your left or at the link below to visit our casting page!

Model Casting Page

While photographing Nathia, I took advantage of the leaves and their natural color. The leaves were hanging/hugging the white wall, which made the colors stand out even more. And very conveniently there was a gap in between the leaves where she could easily pose! I always have . . . → Read More: The use of colors in your photographs.]]>

Use of colors in your pictures

While photographing Nathia, I took advantage of the leaves and their natural color. The leaves were hanging/hugging the white wall, which made the colors stand out even more. And very conveniently there was a gap in between the leaves where she could easily pose! I always have luck on my side! ; )

I was especially fortunate to have a range of colors, from green to red. The setup was not a distraction but sort of a frame for the model. Not much work was done to the image on Photoshop, but I did soften the colors a bit and of course re-sized and framed it with a border. The angle of the models head also worked for the picture, since she is offset to the right side of the frame facing the leaves to her right.

Taken with a Nikon D70 with available light, it was a nice surprise to see these colors this time of the year!

GLAMOR MODELING ADVICE AND MODEL TIPS: HOW CAN I LAUNCH MY GLAMOUR-MODEL CAREER?

Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet . . . → Read More: Model Advice and Glamor Modeling Career Tips: How Do I Get Into Glamour Modeling?]]> Author: Alex Joy

GLAMOR MODELING ADVICE AND MODEL TIPS: HOW CAN I LAUNCH MY GLAMOUR-MODEL CAREER?

Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet fun profession. You will also find some useful tips and advice on how to get started in teen modeling.

What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. COMMERCIAL MODELING (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):

Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling and teen modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:

Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that same look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of mirror work every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again at will are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or different look is good but often not an absolute necessity. Personality, likeability (that the audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself – because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (called digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars do not always look that way in real life. It is the camera, lighting, makeup and digital editing that often does the trick.

2. PROMOTIONAL MODELING (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, Events, etc.):

Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, Events, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get. Creative forms of Promotional Marketing (often referred to as Buzz Marketing) and Event Marketing are gaining fast in popularity. It seems to be a high-growth area, and compensation seems to be improving too.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:

Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling, although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you will still want to look and act your best. Promotional/Event Modeling is a growing field.

3. FASHION MODELING (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):

Fashion models help launch new products and designs such as in apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, beachwear, etc. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too. Many industry-specific fashion shows such as shows for apparel and swimwear can hire hundreds or thousands of models at a time.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:

Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling especially for the Runway (where you walk up and down a Runway, wearing clothes of a certain brand and/or designer). However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling. For certain apparel and swimwear shows, a good well-proportioned body is more important than just height alone. Since, the shows can require hundreds of models per day (and there are just so many really tall good looking models around), you probably have a good chance of being selected as long as your overall body proportion is in harmony with the product line of the manufacturer. Then, of course, there are apparel and swimwear manufacturers who make clothes for petites and plus-sized customers as well.

4. INTERNET MODELING (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):

Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a popular segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS & STOCK PHOTO AGENCIES:

Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Licensing to others and/or for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is just a trade or swap. The photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold or licensed to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed, among other things.

Others before you have made it big in modeling, and you probably can too! A good first step would be to create your free Portfolio on the Joy Of Modeling website (http://www.joyofmodeling.com/) and on as many other modeling websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Learn about the business. Notice what is working and what is not, and take corrective action. Good luck and best wishes.

The fast-loading Joy Of Modeling website is a popular job searching and referral place for models, photographers, videographers, film makers, agencies, actors, actresses and reps. It is also a resource for talent scouts and recruiters looking to hire for television, film, theater, dancing and entertainment jobs. Aspiring models, actors and actresses looking for their big break have a free opportunity for worldwide exposure at the Joy Of Modeling website. It is a family-friendly site (no nudity, porn, profanity or violence), and has separate sections for grown-ups and kids. The site also offers Free Gifts and/or a Free Shopping spree to its Gold Level members.

Whether you are searching for Models or for Modeling Jobs, please do visit the Joy Of Modeling website (www.JoyOfModeling.com) today. Thank you.

Article Copyright © 2006, AFPI and www.JoyOfModeling.com. Author allows you to distribute this article freely, in its original unedited form, as long as credit is given to the author, and a link back to the website of the author is provided.

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About the Author:
Alex Joy is a well-respected Professional Photographer, Modeling Career Coach and Successful Entrepreneur in South Florida, USA.