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 …
1) Contrast clothes and location
If your sitter is wearing blue, don’t put them against a blue background. If your sitter is wearing elegant, try them in the something grungy. You see these contrasts all the time in fashion photographer because the contrast adds drama and interest.
2) Check the edges of your frame.
While we’re talking about backgrounds, check round the edges of your picture to make sure nothing is intruding where it shouldn’t and that nothing is being cut off that needs to be there.
3) Check the edges of your subject
Now …
Here are six inspirational photographers that helped me in my search for my personal style and have given me great, creative ideas that I have built on and you can too.
1) Use Window Light
Long before flash was invented artists used windows, in particular northern facing windows. This gives a lovely diffused light, which is soft and flattering to the skin. Actually something that studio photographers spend a lot of time and money on re-creating.
2) Never say “Cheese”
I know you want nice smiley photos of your friends and family, but lining them up in front of something and then going “cheese” is always going to look stuffed shirt posed. Instead keep your camera out while you’re enjoying your al fresco picnic, …
Fine art nudes have a long tradition of putting the naked figure into all sorts of environments. You can either go complimentary, on this case
the contrasty, grotty and incongruity. The textures of the environment really setting off the figure.
Lighting Diagram
A single bare bulb strobe some distance away provides long shadows against the wall.
You can emphasise shape and form and repeat it through the use of shadows.
And always remember to break away from shooting square to the set, shoot along it, down it, above it – whatever …
