FilmPhotoAcademy.com

Leah Axel Photo Shoot

Simon — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I always have fun working with Leah ‘cos she’s so bubbly and full of vitality. As soon as I saw this dress I thought of Hollywood and setup this “film studio” kind of setup.

And continuing with the Hollywood film, Leah mentioned that she always wanted to do that “American Beauty” picture. One of the props I keep in the studio is a big bucket of pink petals for just such an occasion!

Leah had meant to bring a guitar, so we could do some “jumping on a trampoline while playing guitar” shots. But she forgot, so instead we went for some moody saxophone shots instead.

Now, given that this shoot was in June I don’t know why Leah had brought a fur coat (!!! But anyway, I saw it and suddenly thought of this caricature of a girl walking in cartoon woods.

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

Iona Fashion Shoot

Simon — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Iona is a fashion designer who has a very interesting take on clothes.

These first items are really clever, they are multi-layered and seamless, so the legs become part of the shoulder straps

I really like these, I love the way the different colours of the “inside” and “outside” meet up and the clever way the parts come together.

The second item she designed after having her mobile phone stolen once too often. It features all sorts of internal pockets with different levels of security and accessibility.

Also the way the piece ties together makes it harder for pickpockets to get at the internal features. Though in fact the ways its designed, most would be theives would have no idea there was anything valueable there at all.

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

Feva, Dani & Me

Simon — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

This has always been one of my favourite images. I have it in the studio on a mega-large canvas print.

These images were from a shoot for Feva Design in Cheltenham, Steve Douch and Elliot did the make-up and hair styling respectively.

Dani Turner is the model – and she has a terrific smile.

I’ve worked with these guys a few times now, and it’s always a pleasure, some groups just naturally relax and work together and this is one of them.

One of the interesting problems with shooting really great clothes like these is making them stand-out. In particular this coat, which looks like leather but is actually a silk, it really needs a sense of motion to go with it.

Couple that with a bit of messing about and some fun and this is what you get!

Of course, it helps when you’re model is a complete Drama Queen !!!

After the shoot I put together this video of the behind the scenes.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFrgt9QVo8Y]

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

Photo Shoot with Anita de Bauch

Simon — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I love the painterly effect on this image. Ms DeBauch has that sort of pin-up look about her and I wanted to echo the fifties painted pin-up style for her.

But of course one of the best things about working with a model like Anita is in their flexibility.

That they can change their style so easily and know how to work in a different set and lighting arrangement.

Because here she is looking completely different again.

Anita by the way is really working hard on the burlesque circuit, not to mention which she’s a very intelligent girl.

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

2012 Pirelli Calendar – Behind the Scenes Video

Simon — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:35:02 +0000

It’s that time of year again when the Pirelli Calendar is launched.

The video of the behind the scenes is very interesting, look at the size of the team that it takes.

Mario Sorrenti creates a very serene yet powerful series of images – underlines the importance of creating the environment for a photoshoot.

You can also see Kate Moss, Lara Stone, Natasha Poly, Milla Jovovich working as models which is also very interesting.

These images are samples from our DVD series on photographing women at www.FilmPhotoAcademy.com.

These are 2 DVD sets with over 2 hours of material each. Each program features at least nine shoots with three professional models.You are guided through the thinking, the lighting, the shoot and a final critique.Each session is both inspirational and educational. The DVD's are available for shipping anywhere in the world.

7 Tips for Working With Models

7 Tips for Working With Models

Simon — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:18:00 +0000

1) There are lots of models out there

It’s true, websites like model-mayhem, net-model, one-model-place have hundreds of models no more than 20 miles for where you are. Sign-up, find the models you want to work with by looking at their profiles and ask them for their rates.

2) Model money is well spent

Models rates do vary a lot, somewhere between £15 and £50 an hour is the norm. Be prepared to pay more if you want nude work. Now that may sound expensive, but I can guarantee that the best models add so much to your photography. This is an investment that will improve your photography way more than the latest lens.

3) Choose your model for what you want.

I think there is a tendency to choose the “hottest” looking models, but that might not fit for the kind of images you want to create. If you want fine art nude, don’t choose a glamour girl – or vice versa. If you are creating portraits, then look at the face – and look for natural laughter. If you are shooting creative stuff then look for a model who will understand it. If you are not sure, or shooting a variety, go for an approachable looking girl-next-door type – a sort of everygirl.

4) Find “Interesting” looking models

Working with a model who is nothing like you can boost your enthusiasm and interest. If you regularly work with models of a similar type, choose someone completely different – you never know where it may take you. If you are not an alternative gothic type of person, then shoot an alt-goth – you will find it interesting and stimulating.

5) Don’t let the model wait on you.

That sounds odd, but as the photographer it is a key part of your role to keep the energy, vibe and emotion of the shoot going. Now your model may have just spent an hour in make-up, but that should have been time you were getting ready so that the first ten minutes are spent getting them warmed up to your shoot, not you faffing around with lights and stuff.

6) Learn the model jargon

Learn the language of models and bookings, probably the two key phrases are “TF” and “levels”. TFP means Time For Prints, TFCD means Time For CD – in other words they will shoot with you as long as you give them prints or digital CD images. “Levels” refers to the level of nudity involved: none,implied,topless,fine-art,erotica and adult. Most are obvious, but “implied” means your model may be naked in the studio, but nothing must show in the final picture. “erotica” means very strong sexuality, but artistic.

7) Book a studio

You can shoot in natural environments and in your home studio, but working in a well equipped, spacious studio is a special experience. Studio rental is not as expensive as you might think, expect to pay between £15-£25 an hour for some seriously well equipped and enormous studio spaces. My own studio at Film Photo Studios Cheltenham is available for hire – has loads of sets and a huge cove, all the lights and fittings you need – literally you just walk in and shoot.

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

Underwater shoot with Leah

Simon — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:12:01 +0000

These were shot in the studio this week, with the brave and fearless Leah Axl (the water was VERY cold!!!). There are all sorts of variations one could work with this.

Clothes do look absolutely terrific in the water – which I know doesn’t sound sensible - but it’s true. The way the cloth moves and hangs and floats is really special.

If you don’t believe me then just look at the outfits, they are as cheap as you can get, and believe me you wouldn’t give them space even at the back of the wardrobe!!

The shoot was actually in a giant inflatable temporary pool. Dropping in different clothes at the base to give a different look, followed up with assorted variations of photoshop work.

The genuine underwater shots are actually really simple to setup, I am not using any form of underwater housing or digital camera.

I’ll give you a few days to guess (comments and ideas below) then I’ll let you into the secret.

These images are samples from our DVD series on photographing women at www.FilmPhotoAcademy.com.

These are 2 DVD sets with over 2 hours of material each. Each program features at least nine shoots with three professional models.You are guided through the thinking, the lighting, the shoot and a final critique.Each session is both inspirational and educational. The DVD's are available for shipping anywhere in the world.