I see shooting as a trade, that's what the T in TFP stands for. So we trade our time and talent for images we can use in our portfolios.
To me trade may also include shooting something we don't want to shoot, but will benefit the other person. For instance, you are a great swimsuit model, but don't have a lot of fashion. I need swimsuit, but not fashion. We'd get together and shoot both. I'd shoot the fashion you need but I don't, and you'd shoot the swimsuit you aren't interested in, but I need.
Below you will find detailed descriptions of the different styles I shoot and how to prepare for those shoots.
High heels. I always tell models to bring high heels, and by high I mean over 3 inches. Even when shooting something where we won't see your feet, the heels make a difference. They make you stand differently and make your legs and rear look better. I'm not a fan of "stripper heels", those clear high heels with a platform, because I think they are ugly. But if they are all you have, they are better than nothing.
Clothing. In general you will need to bring all the clothes we will shoot in. We do have some stuff in our prop closet, but don't depend on it.
Makeup. Professional makeup makes a huge difference in image quality. For a TFP shoot, where I'm not being paid and we are both benefiting, I will offer to split the expense. I have a number of great MUAs that I can book if you are interested. (As of Sept 2008, most MUAs charge around $70, so your half would be $35).
I want you to have fun and feel comfortable before, during and after our shoot. We are creating art here and if you are uncomfortable it will have a negative impact on the image. If anything here bothers you, or is unclear feel free to email or call me and let's talk about it.
I will never shoot something you are uncomfortable with. That is why I want to be so clear about the meaning of terms and why I ask in advance.
What it is: Fashion is all about the clothes. This means we will emphasize the clothes over your good looks. There is high fashion and casual fashion. High fashion is fancy dresses and direct lighting. Casual fashion is everyday clothes.
What to bring: You need to bring the clothes. If you want high fashion, you need to bring fancy clothes. Accessories are also key to taking an image to another level, so think about them as well.
No idea what would be fashionable and elegant? Check out the italian fashion charity's 10 things a woman needs to be Fashionably Elegant On a Budget.
How to prepare: Look at magazines with the kind of clothes you want to shoot in. Feel free to bring in images you'd like to shoot. Remember poses and practice them in the mirror.
What to bring: Same as fashion, but more casual. While a t-shirt and jeans are casual, they probably aren't going to produce the best images.
How to prepare: Not much to do to prepare.
What to bring: Generally fitness is shot in a swimsuit. I like to shoot stuff that emphasizes a lean, cut physique in some what normal clothes. So a bikini top or bra and a pair of jeans. Fitness wear - two piece preferred - is also good.
How to prepare: Get cut and lean. Your body is the subject here. We'll probably apply an oil to your skin to make it shine and show the lines of your muscle. I call this style "body shots" and find it works on lots of models, even ones who don't consider themselves fitness models.
What to bring: Mmmm, let me think. Oh, a swimsuit. Actually, multiple swimsuits would be good. Accessories like sunglasses are also good.
How to prepare: Swimsuit's show a lot of skin, so make sure yours is ready. Legs, underarms and bikini line need to be shaved. Also don't wear tight fitting clothes to the shoot that are going to leave indentions on your skin. These take time to fade, and that is time we could be shooting.
What to bring: Bring a casual top the color of your eyes to emphasize them. You probably want something with a color. Bring something that comes off the shoulder for a beauty headshot, that will only show skin on the shoulders.
How to prepare: Professional make up is generally best for these close ups.
Any color will work for either shoot, but fashion generally doesn't use bright colors, like red. Glamour lighting is generally tinted to a warmer color and shows rich colors better. Glamour is generally shot on a bed. In my studio that is with red satin sheets and warm light. White sheets and soft natural window light. Or black sheets and soft white light.
What to bring: Lingerie.
How to prepare: Pretty much the same as swimsuit. The only difference is that some lingerie is see through so you need to think about what shows through.
Also think about being sexy. I know a photoshoot can be intimidating, but try and relax and think about things that make you feel, and therefore look, feminine and sexy. Look in magazines like Maxim and Playboy for examples. Ask your boyfriend what you do that is sexy.
What to bring: Goth clothes. There are different kinds of goth clothes, the two main type being punk goth and victorian goth. Punk goth is what you find at Hot Topic. Victorian goth is corsets, lace and flowing dresses. You'll need to bring the wardrobe.
How to prepare: Goth girls know how to bring it. You non-goths I don't know what to tell you.
What to bring: Professional makeup is a must. If you aren't a dedicated pinup model, you need to get it done. Pinup clothes and accessories are something you need to bring to the shoot. Since pinup shoots are so conceptual talk to me about what we're going to be doing.
How to prepare: Get your clothes, accessories and props together. Look at lots of pinup photography and art on the net. Practice those pinup poses and expressions.
What to bring: Your costume, accessories and props. Let me know what you've got so we can pick a good location to make the images work.
How to prepare: Think about the concepts you are going for and talk to me about it.
How to prepare: Like swimsuit nudes show a lot of skin, so make sure yours is ready. Make sure you skin is clean and prepared.
Legs and underarms need to be shaved. How you choose to groom your pubic region is your choice, but any shaving needs to be done in preperation for the shoot. Avoid razor rash, burn, or stubble.
Again don't wear tight fitting clothes to the shoot that are going to leave indentions on your skin. These take time to fade, and that is time we could be shooting.
What to bring: You'll probably want a robe to wear when moving around the studio. Shoes, even flip flops, are good for keeping the bottom of your feet clean.
What it is: Many genres can lend themselves to implied nudity. This means the image implies the model is nude, but we don't see the parts that would make it a full nude, namely the breasts and pubic region. Lingerie, swimsuit, goth, pinup, can all be done as implied nudes.
The covering can be done with your hands, with a sheet or other cloth, or anything that can be positioned creatively. Shadows and angle can also be used to make private parts not show in the image.
It is often possible to shoot implied nudity without even the photographer seeing the area not to be photographed, but not always. If this is a concern for you please let me know before we start shooting.
What it is:Fine art nudes use the body as a source of line, texture and contrast. They are often, but not always done in black and white. They also are often shot where you don't seen the model's face, since it is the line and form you are interested in. Fine Art nudes may be sensual - having to do with the senses - but are not sexual.
What it is: Glamour nudes are about sexy. They show line as do fine art nudes, but for the purpose of titillation. They are done in a tasteful way. While the intent is to show case the beauty and sexiness of the model, they are not erotic. The purpose of erotic photography is to show off the sex, not the model.