Showing posts with label Photographer. Show all posts

Friday, December 4, 2015

Model Portfolio Checklist:


A Clear, unmanipulated head shot is at the heart	of a good portfolio

A model’s portfolio is her most important asset, and should be compiled and constantly updated to present the owner as a competent, wholly professional and very employable commodity - a totally respected member of the model photography community.

Model Portfolios have constantly evolved over the years into a very streamlined and universally accepted formula, and every model, whether female or male, should do their utmost to comply with the well accepted conventions of the standard “book”.

Portfolios today can also exist as files on CD’s or DVD, or as pages on a website, but the traditional printed portfolio contained within a presentation folder is still the most valuable and useful possession a model of any experience level can possess.

It might be useful to note carefully, because seemingly many models, and far too many photographers who claim to provide model portfolio photoshoots, seem to misunderstand this important point: the collections of pictures appearing on Model Facebook pages, or on profiles on model social media sites, such as Modelmayhem, and Starnow, are NOT portfolios in the true sense which Industry Professionals expect. They are in fact simply collections of disparate pictures.

A good portfolio should be highly focused, presenting the best of the best.
It should consist of a minimum of eight images, and a maximum of twenty.
It is not unknown for people in the industry to refuse to look at portfolios of more than 20 pictures.
It should also provide the viewer with a strong idea of what the model is good at, and the direction she wishes to take in the future.
It is not a collection of pics to illustrate her past history as a model.

What a Model’s Portfolio Should contain:

Not good photography, but Excellent photography, with excellent lighting, showing superb makeup skills, perfectly exposed and properly processed images, with accurate attention to detail.

Preferably colour images, however if black and white images are included, they should show an excellent tonal range and proper post processing. B and W should not be artsy farstsy crap, which might make the photographer look “creative”, but should first and foremost be about the model.

Colour and B and W versions of the same images should NOT be included.

Having stressed the importance of excellent photographs the whole portfolio is about the model, not the photographer.

Images to include without fail:

A good figure shot is essential

One professionally shot image of the model’s face without makeup.
At least one if not several headshots, the full head showing hair and with nothing lopped off by careless cropping out of frame.
A bust shot, from between the bust and the waist upwards to the top of the head
A three quarter figure shot, from thigh upwards to the top of the head
These pics should be frequently updated, as the model, changes or grows older, changes hairstyles, gets teeth straightened, or other evident tweaks.
Several pictures showing a variety of poses and clothing styles ...from casual to formal, and including beachwear. Bikinis, one piece swimsuits, shorts and blouses, jeans, slacks, dresses, skirts for girls and the equivalent styles for men.

Makeup for all portfolio shoots should be light and designed to enhance rather than disguise, and either professionally or skilfully applied specifically for photography: social or formal evening makeup does not photograph well.

Further pictures should show the type or genre of modeling you wish to concentrate on: for example a fashion model would have images of fashionable clothes complete with suitable accessories, a catalogue or advertising model would be shown presenting or demonstrating products, an aspiring television host would be photographed in a suitable set with broadcast legal clothing colours, etc

As Career Develops:

A model who has been successful enough to get paid work , should where possible include tear sheets from paid jobs she has completed and which have been published. Tear sheets should no longer be torn from magazines or wherever they appear, but high quality photographic copies of the pages should be made for inclusion in your portfolio, and any photographer who provided you with great folio pics, also has the expertise to do these quality copies for you.

If you are lucky, you may also be able to obtain outtake pictures from the campaign shoot to use in your folio, but do not ever expect to be able to use, or even get copies of the actual images used in the campaign, especially before the campaign is entirely completed.

Be aware though that amateur publications, photographs entered or taken as part of competitions
( such as swimsuit, or wet tee shirt comps and similar) are not suitable for use in your portfolio.

Neither are photographs which appear in vanity or exploitation online magazines, due to the very low level of acceptance, the non existent payments to models or any contributors, and the extremely poor overall quality of these “magazines”, they are not recognised by industry professionals as published work.

Remember if it is not PAID work, and it has not been published through normal channels, it is not really worth including in your portfolio. Be guided by photographers and artists when compiling their own portfolios: if it has to be explained it doesn't work.

Should NOT Contain:

Nudity: Topless, full, or even “implied”
Lingerie or sheer: although becoming acceptable in some quarters, the majority of industry professionals still frown on this kind of work in a normal working portfolio
Zombies, sugar skulls, disaster victims or any similar “theme shoot” material where your identity is disguised or obliterated by makeup...your portfolio face should be a “blank canvas” to be considered for its suitability for a job, not a "work of art" advertisement for some “creative” makeup girl.
Theme shoots may or may not be fun, but they are strictly amateur...consider just how many times in a publication or an advertisement you see a girl dressed as an ice-cream sundae pushing washing powder, or a horribly disfigured zombie as a featured cover girl?
Any picture which isn’t quite up to the mark, but was included to make up the numbers.( Go out , do another shoot, and get a better picture)
Bad photography, either or both technically or creatively, and posing which looks posed or forced.
Photo-shopped images: no images should use photoshop tricks, screens, filters, over-saturation, HDR, or any of the multitude of “artistic”plugins. Photoshop correction should be limited to correcting tonal range, colour, and sharpness, and eliminating distracting background elements: skin blemishes, moles, freckles, operation scars should not be removed and figure altering manipulation is especially taboo.

If your photographer/s isist that any of these are "necessary" or "great for your folio". it is time for you to walk out and find a professioonal photographer who actually knows what s/he is doing, and has actually not only seen , but also photographed model portfolios in the past.

You would be surprised just how many have not!

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXV
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Don’t Put a Target on Your Back!

Technorati Tags: disclaimer,professional,postings,comments,photographs,rights,copyrights,social media,information,ramblings,legal standing,nonsense,photographer,model

It appears that we are entering another apparently annual round of people worrying about their copyrights, and rights to their profiles, postings and comments they post on the internet, especially on various social media sites they may belong to.

In response, they seem to rely on one or both of the following stock “Legal Notices” they find on the internet, to try and guarantee protection against photo, and or profile theft:

Today, (Month, Day, Year) in response to the Facebook (or other social media site) guidelines and under articles L.111, 112 and 113 of the code of intellectual property, I declare that my rights are attached to all my personal data, drawings, paintings, photos, texts etc... published on my profile. For commercial use of the foregoing my written consent is required at all times.
Those reading this text can copy it and paste it on their Facebook (or other social media site) wall. This will allow them to place themselves under the protection of copyright. By this release, I tell Facebook (or other social media site) that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, broadcast, or to take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents.
The actions mentioned above apply equally to employees, students, agents and/or other staff under the direction of Facebook (or other social media site). The contents of my profile includes private information.

Facebook is now an open capital entity.

All members are invited to post a notice of this kind, or if you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you have not published this statement at least once, you will tacitly allow the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile

I declare that I own full rights to my profile, as well as all information and pictures appearing in conjunction with my site ID and Profile. I will fully prosecute my rights, in relation to anybody misusing those rights, especially students of (particular) University to use any of that information or pictures in their studies or coursework.

…or words similar to these.

Like the vast majority of disclaimers, these and similar legal sounding ramblings are useless with no legal standing, or added protection to your rights.

Note that there are several things which should raise questions about the indiscriminate use of these notices.

It seems that the only country to have a “code of intellectual property” is France, so how would that be relevant to Australia, or America, (where most of the social media sites seem to be located)
What is an ”open capital entity”?
Why are you expressly instructed to not “share” the notice, but specifically “copy and paste it”?
Why do you need to specifically post a dodgy sounding, pseudo legalistic notice to place you under copyright protection, when you are already fully protected under Facebook’s, or any other site’s terms and agreements, and more importantly Australia's ( or any other nation’s) Copyright Law.

It seems to me …and I am not a lawyer, but I do have a decent working knowledge of Copyright…that at best this is just some useless nonsense, made up at some stage by some paranoid “bush lawyer”

Most likely though it seems to scream

“IAM A COMPLETE PRATT!”

“I do not understand copyright, and I have not read or understood the Terms and Conditions of the site I am a member of.”

“So feel free to steal my pictures, my postings, or my complete profile”

But above all, if the poster claims to be a professional photographer, model or in any other arts related field, I would regard their professionalism with the contempt it deserves.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

A Modern Chronicle of the Knights of the Creatively Challenged

Friday, July 18, 2014

Working with Under Age Models


Working with underage models is easy	if all the rules and regulations are observed before and during the shoot.

Maybe it's the school holiday season, or maybe even the onset of spring “when the dirty old man's fancy turns to photographing nubile chicky babes”, but the Internet forums have had more than their usual share of questions along the lines of: “What do I do when an underage girl approaches me wanting to be photographed?”

The stories of recent years involving illegally obtained mobile phones with ensuing exorbitant bills, and illegally obtained tattoos should be a pretty good indication.

However it seems that rather than the photographer going to the trouble of finding out the law as it stands in his region, state, or country, the question is thrown open to Internet forums and Facebook friends in the hope that if a good enough number of “Internet experts” vaguely agree with what he wants to do anyway, then it somehow makes it the right thing to do.

The responses are always strangely predictable, and fall into the usual distinct groupings:

total ignorance of the law.

total contempt for the law.

an interpretation of the law based on what an individual would like it to be, rather than what it actually is.

an egotistical interpretation where the law applies to everyone else, except ‘me’

the mantra of the latent criminal: it is not illegal unless you are caught.

an occasional lone voice who recommends checking with the appropriate authorities.

As it is also technically illegal to give legal advice when you are not qualified to do so, and I am not: therefore it is sufficient to indicate that the law which applies (in most countries – CHECK for yourself!) revolves around the age of majority and/or consent (it does not only have to do with sex, y’know) and the inability of a minor to ‘contract’.

Therefore if you are a photographer, rather than a guy with a camera (GWC), it is advisable to first check the law as it stands: most laws and regulations are very specific and unambiguous: laws are generally only complicated and onerous to those who do not wish to understand.

My personal rule of thumb when approached for photographs by teens who appear to be under the age of majority:

Ignore most of them: most are not serious, and few have anything of interest to a professional or serious photographer anyway. (Just as not everyone can or should be a photographer, not every girl with stars in her eyes has what it takes to be a model – rule of thumb: an amateur photographer uses his friends and acquaintances to learn and practice; a fauxpro is desperate to get anybody in front of his camera, and it shows in his photos; a professional picks, chooses and rejects everyone except those with real ability or potential, and goes with the one model who is most suitable for his current project or vision.)

If there is genuine potential, as well as signs of genuine interest and dedication, the parents should be referred to at the earliest opportunity. It is the parents or guardian who you will be dealing with for all contracts, transactions, model releases, and required legalities, including the most important: their Parental Permission (preferably in writing) for the photography to actually take place.

(It goes without saying that the girls who say they don't want their parents to know about it, or want to see if they are any good before they tell their parents, or they want to surprise their boyfriend with a professional pic, and even the seemingly innocuous “go on take a picture of me” that happens at public events: are all potential trouble with a capital T.)
I would still not go ahead unless I could ascertain in person that the parents were fully supportive, involved and, fully cooperative: those who seemed to be uninvolved, uncaring, or worst of all, meekly controlled by the kid’s whims would be an instant deal breaker. At the opposite extreme so would be the obsessive stage mum.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXIV
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Rights of Various Participants in a Photo-shoot...

Part One: The Model´s Rights

Traditionally a photo-shoot involves two people: the model and the photographer.

Other people are sometimes involved to complete various work necessary to making the shoot a success, the tendency being the more commercial the shoot, the more people involved.

Therefore what rights do these various people on a photo-shoot have, both during the actual shoot, and in the results of that particular shoot.

Also as many models, actors and photographers, makeup artists and really just about anyone, are often keen to get involved in many different roles within their industry, and therefore learn by actually doing, I offer the following summary of their ¨rights¨:

The Model/Actor

The model only has one right available to him/her to exercise; the right to the use of their ¨likeness¨.
They give the photographer permission to use their likeness for any lawful purpose, by merely standing in front of the camera, and allowing photographs to be taken, or by applying/attending to a photo call.

If it is a commercial shoot, or it is envisaged that the resulting pictures may be used for commercial purposes in the future, the model is asked to formalise this permission by signing a written ¨model release¨.

Shoots are often explained to a model verbally prior to a shoot, or at an audition, or in written form in a casting call. These conditions should be understood completely, considered carefully , and the requirements followed. Always ask if anything is in doubt or has not been explained adequately to your satisfaction.

Some shoot conditions often require nudity: and the model should always retain the right to the degree of nudity she is willing to allow.

It is always a good idea to state somewhere in writing, what you are prepared to do, and I (and most other professional photographers) have a question in my model information form which asks if a model is prepared to pose in swimwear, lingerie, topless or nude,
When these questions are asked, make sure that you answer definitely with ¨yes¨ or ¨no¨: if you wish to consider based on your future interaction with the photographer, state clearly that you will decide later, and make certain that you ask to amend the form at a later date.

If later, or during a shoot a photographer tries to ¨convince¨ a model to go past what she has stated is her limit, he is actually violating your right to your likeness.

If however you take part in a shoot which has stipulated beforehand that a degree of nudity is required, you have no right to decline when it is asked for.

Technically also, and this applies to most professional photographers, and most shoots, models do not have the right to review, or veto the use of any of the shots taken during the shoot.
Most photographers will allow or license a selection of the shots to the model for use in his/her portfolio, and for self promotion, although technically this is not required.
If the photographer is shooting for a specific client, that client may not allow the model any photographs at all.

Disturbingly to both professional photographers and models two trends have emerged recently:

Photographers, mainly amateurs, but also those who should know better, have been offering, or promising ¨rights¨ to models that they are not in a position to offer, and that models are not entitled to. This is almost always under the guise of ¨considering the model´s welfare¨, but in reality is confusing to new models, as they go on to demand these ¨rights¨ when dealing with professionals, and as a result are quickly shown the door.

Some models have landed themselves in very expensive trouble by selling prints of themselves which are copyright to others, or leasing their photographs to magazines, and thus breaching the copyright (and damaging the potential income, livelihood, and reputation) of the photographer who generally owns the copyright to all the photos taken during a shoot...one well known stable of magazines actually encourages this practice thus adding confusion to what is a clear cut case of copyright ownership.

Models do not own any copyright in photographs they appear in: and although there has been a great deal of waffle (especially on internet forums) about joint copyright, a professional photographer would rarely if ever consider such a logistical nightmare.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXIV

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

MODELS BEWARE!

If you can stop laughing that is...

An experienced model can work confidently with any photographer, secure in her knowledge of the model release

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

Was shown a ¨Model Release¨ yesterday presented to a model acquaintance for signing by a ¨photographer¨ I didn´t know very much about.

Being experienced the model took one look, laughed and walked away from the shoot, but the document is indicative of much of the nonsensical paperwork floating around shoots in recent years.

Obviously cobbled together from ¨stuff¨¨garnered from interent forums and their resident experts, knowledgeable mates , and a bit of home spun ¨fairness¨ thrown in for good measure, the release consisted of 4 to 5 pages ( yes! really!) of psuedo legalistic terms and phrases , paragraphs compeletely contradicting the one before it, and a liberal sprinkling of demands, obligations and ¨rights¨ for everyone involved.

I stopped reading when I reached a large section ( almost a full page) devoted entirely to the make up artist (?)...therefore I don´t know whether the studio cleaner, or the tea lady featured in the remaining two and half pages.

Part release, part contract, part ¨agreement to shoot¨ ( who uses those anymore? ), part control-freak egotism, and part utter nonsense, the whole document became all of them and none of them simultaneously, couched in meaningless gobbledegook.

However after interpreting the confusing and almost illiterate language of the very first statement, the penny dropped:

Basically it translated as ¨This Release covers photographs taken for NON COMMERCIAL purposes ONLY¨

Are releases like these the result of complete ignorance, plain stupidity, or the overwhelming desire of people masquerading as photographers to appear as if they know what they are doing?

As the sole reason behind needing a ¨Model release¨ is to permit images to be used for Commercial purposes, why even attempt to bamboozle models, especially those with little or no experience, with such time wasting, energy sapping and delusional rubbish?

But then again it could be just an aversion to proper research by the photogapher into the accepted workings of his chosen profession.

In that case just how much does this aversion to knowledge about the necessary paperwork vital to their profession correlate with their knowledge and skill, in relation to techniques, creativity and marketting of their actual photography?

So Models, please dont encourage them.

Instead, check out what a standard, and acceptable model release looks like, and what it needs to contain, and when and why it is necessry to sign one.

And if the one you are presented by certain photographers, varies too much from the norm, have an experienced professional photographer check it out for you.

There is probably no need to go to the expense of a solicitor looking it over, because the concept of a model release is so simple that legal advice should not be necessary.

Then you too can confidently enjoy the thrill of laughing and walking away, when you need to.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?

In Summary:

The best advice that anyone can give to a beginner model is:
Learn to recognise and appreciate a good photograph.
If only a small percentage of models actually knew what a good photograph was supposed to look like, there would be a swelling of the ranks of trainspotters and stamp collectors overnight as so called ¨photographers¨ flooded ebay with second hand photo gear, because they wouldn´t be able to get photo-savvy models in front of their cameras.

(This advice could equally apply to many present day picture buyers, magazine editors, and stock picture library curators, and possibly ninety percent of ¨photographers´ could also benefit from knowing what a good photograph looks like as well.)

Monika in red shirt, published several times

over the years

in many different markets

Don´t limit your knowledge or research to the internet, or worse still Facebook only, but actively look at magazines, books, brochures, photographic exhibitions, television, advertising, and anything which uses photography and models in the real world.

In other words, research the real world industry, and not just the world of internet modelling, which although it seems very active will not get you very far if you are a determined, ambitious model.

Avoid trapping yourself in the amateur photo club style posing nights, and the meat market ¨theme¨ shoots: these may seem like a very good place to get experience, and an easy ¨ in ¨ to the industry when first starting out: however sadly the truth is that most of the particpants in this scene, including photographers, makeup artists and models, reach a certain level, and never advance any further ...even a cursory glance at the multitude of theme night photos on the internet will reveal a sameness of models, posing (or lack thereof), lighting, background and technique, and an overall low level of expertise and inspiration.

And if you don´t believe me ask one of the many models who have come away disheartend from applying to real world model agencies, after being told that they do not want to see certain types of photos ( including many who REFUSE [the agents´ words] to look at anything to do with THEME SHOOTS),

and possibly the most common comment these days according to agents I have spoken to :¨we can´t really tell if the model has any potential or not because the photos are ABSOLUTE GARBAGE! [again the words of agents...not mine]

Traditionally there was always one severe bar to real world modelling: if a girl had done ¨adult¨ work, of even the most mild kind, she would never be taken seriously as a model.

However now as the interent modelling phenomena and real world modelling increasingly diverge, a second barrier has become more evident.

Therefore if you are serious about modelling, even if you are just beginning on what can be a very varied and exciting career path,

seek the advice of, and hang out with professionals involved in the industry, and work with like minded individuals: and do your utmost to avoid amateurs, fringe-dwellers, wannabes, pimps and svengalis...and beware: give a wide berth to the photographer who claims that his wonderful concept will be ¨great for your folio.¨

In other words: Appear professional from day one!
Be serious, dedicated and enthusiastic about your modelling and where you want it to take you: but above all if you want to succeed be genuine

Monday, May 12, 2014

What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?

Part Five:

How do I go about getting good pictures for my folio?

There are several avenues available to a would be model to get photos for her folio...called a "book" in professional circles, and a "port" by the general run of internet wannabes.

Some avenues will provide good portfolio standard pics...others will be a complete waste of time and energy, and the worst will be a complete waste of money.

Go to a legitimate agent - (really you only have a choice of about ten or so here in Australia) - they will most likely recommend suitable photographers.

Go to an ¨agency¨ : they will probably insist that you go to their own in house, or highly recommended ¨Internationally Famous, Award Winning Photographer¨ and cost you anything from $500 to $3000

Go to one of the glamour portrait studios (Starshots is the kind of thing I'm talking about). Cost anything up to $5000, and you will get pictures totally unsuitable for a folio, simply because they are designed specifically for the lady who wants a feel-good pampering, a boost to her ego, or an intimate glamour portrait for her husband, boyfriend or lover (existing or potential): a different purpose entirely to a portfolio.

Go to an amateur photographer, friend with a camera,or the guy down the street with a studio in his garage ; no need for me to comment further.

Go to a commercial ¨social" photographer- you will get varying quality, some tenuously suitable for a portfolio, but the majority will be really portraiture rather than showing you off as a potential model.

Volunteer to pose for a camera club model night, or a meat market ¨theme" shoot,: you may or may not get pictures from it, but those which you do get will be all about what the photographer thinks a model should be, and the ¨skills¨ of the makeup artist : not about you as a potential model: pics will vary in quality from average to abysmal, and unfortunately, especially with theme shoots, will be almost identical to hundreds of other theme shoots from around the country.

Go to a professional photographer skilled and knowledgable in shooting model/actor portfolios. Cost will be about $300 to $500, but you and your photographer will be dedicated to getting pics which will showcase you and your potential as a model, and nothing else.

A pic specifically taken for a portfolio by a practising portfolio photographer, but just different enough to grab attention

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

NB: It has long been a tradition that professional photographers will work on a TF* basis with a beginner model who shows better than average potential.
However most, these days, are wary of such arrangements for a variety of reasons :

Internet experts have decided that models have a natural born right to free photos.

the concept of TF* has been distorted and corrupted to such a degree by the concept of ¨internet modelling¨, that very few newcomers actually know what TF* actually means any more.

girls use the term ¨model¨ loosely to get free pictures to impress their Facebook friends, with no intention of becoming models.

No legitimate photographer has a problem if a girl decides during or after her first shoot that modelling is not for her...after all that is a prime reason for a first folio shoot...but if a photographer is used by a time wasting wannabe, it is a completely different matter: and professional photogaphers do talk amongst themselves.

( I myself have been almost ´burned´ twice in recent months; a girl wanted foliopics ...I think she was quite relieved that the pictures she was under orders from your boyfriend to do, although a valid branch of the industry, would never be done during a legitimate folio shoot..
The other girl was simply testing whether her ¨posing techniques´ would still have an effect after a few years away from the dating game, but why she picked a jaded, useless old git like me to try out her ´charms´ is beyond me.)

So if you are a model who would benefit from a TF* folio shoot, make certain that you impress your chosen photographer with genuine enthusiasm, dedication, and at least the promise of ability.

Also keep in mind if setting up a folio shoot is too easy, too cheap, or too expensive , especially if ¨photographers¨ are leaping at the chance to get a totally unknown and inexperienced girl in front of their camera) the results from the shoot will probably be of little or no use to you in the long run

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Sunday, May 11, 2014

What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?

Part Four:

What will have them immediately look elsewhere!

Below is a short list of the things ¨models´ do either unwittingly, or under the (mis)guidance of others, which will immediately lose them work, gain them the wrong type of reputation, or even get them blacklisted by reputable photographers and work providers.

The most revealing fact that you can state on an internet modelling site is that you are ¨registered with Brutus and Desire@ripofftalentagency and pizzaria.com. This will speak volumes about your knowledge or lack thereof, of the modelling industy.

Industry Professionals know ALL of the agencies operating at any given time, the reputable, the OK ones, and the downright shonky, and if they need an agency represented model for any of their projects, they will book one through one of the 10 or so reputable Australian agencies with which the entire industry deals.

They will not book a model from an internet modelling site, only to have to deal with ¨agency¨ demands later on in the workflow.

Just as revealing is the sentence in an email ¨I am with shonky.com, but they allow me to find my own work¨ (!?!)

As the sole reason for existence of a legitimate modelling agency is to find their clients work, surely a model would query the idea that after a long wait through months of silence from their ¨agency¨, they are told ¨but we allow you to find your own work¨: and then of course the agency hand goes out for the commission.

Other things which can be only an annoyance to many, are an anathema to most, such as:

An answer from a model which arrives two weeks or more after the inital contact. Believe me you will be forgotten if no answer arrives within a day or two at the most. So check your account everyday if you are really serious about modelling.

An email exchange which continues until everything is arranged: time and day are set, location chosen, costumes sorted, and then goes mysteriously dead. Although you may still be able to play at being a model with many of the internet amateurs, your career as a serious model has just gone mysteriously dead as well

A model who turns up late, or not at all (with no notice of course), or cancells at the last moment, or even tries to constantly rearrange the date, will be regarded as nothing but a time waster, or to use the current lingo ¨a flake¨.

A model who turns up, inappropriately dressed, or with the wrong clothes, or clothes she decided would be more suitable.

Allied with this is the model who turns up poorly made up, with ugly chipped nails, or worn nail polish, dried out skin or hangover eyes, unwashed hair, and/or a totally unprofessional attitude will soon be shown the door because a shoot requiring extensive photoshopping after the event is not a worthwhile shoot.

And then there is the model who arrives with an unagreed and unannounced boyfriend, manager, minder, pimp, etc or entourage of dogsbodies...how many girls would attempt to take the same entourage to their job behind the counter at Maccas?

And lastly the dead giveaway of a model who is on a internet site for anything other than actual modelling:

A model who´s folio page is obviously written by someone other than herself, and communication which is obviously answered by someone other than herself, or someone who is ¨looking out for her welfare¨

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Saturday, May 10, 2014

What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?

Part Three:

What Industry professionals DO NOT want to see!

Selfies... and distorted phone pics.

Faces obscured with ¨creative¨ zombie or theme shoot style makeup

Nudes, not even topless. ( only exception is if you specialise in nudes to the exclusion of everything else...and really the internet modelling sites are not the way to get established as a professional art or glamour nude)

Heaps of almost identical pics of over made up, over photoshopped, badly lit, and obviously amateur efforts identical to everyone else on the site.

Huge and ugly watermarks on your photos placed there by photographers who want to use your portfolio to advertise themselves.

Your portfolio should be to showcase YOU and nothing else. ...if your photographer doesn´t treat you as the subject, and the sole reason for a folio shoot, simply get another photographer who understands what a model´s folio is all about.

A Model who also claims to be a MUA, stylist, stage crew, actor, full time mum, nuclear physicist, rousabout, photographer, ...Oh and I forgot has a full time job as well.

A good clear figure pic suitable for a folio

What to avoid like the plaque!

One self description which will send fear into even the most hardened professional photographer: Model/Photographer

The words: ¨No experience´ next to ´Professional Model- paid work only.¨

Great long lists of everytime you have ever appeared in the same room as a camera, since the maternity ward you were born in .

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Friday, May 9, 2014

What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?

Part Two:

What Industry Professionals are looking for!

A pleasant personality evident from the model´s words as well as her photos.

Between three and twelve photos maximum. No one will bother wading through more than that to get to other relevant information.

The three essential shots are :
One good clear face shot with minimum makeup, and a pleasant, not outstanding , expression.

One good clear three quarter or full length photo of your figure in either swimsuit, or figure hugging tights and top.

One good clear photo of you wearing fashionable, relaltively conservative clothing: like the perennial little black dress, Tshirt and jeans or similar.

The rest of the twelve pictures are made of a variety of different styles of clothing, casual, formal, etc.

If you have actually done some professional work* they want evidence of this, such as photos from the shoot, or tearsheets from the finished work ( eg a scan from a magazine page or advert)

*professional work can be either commissioned or spec work, tfp or paid, done with a professional photographer with the aim of being published...it does not include amateur camera club shoots, ¨workshops¨, theme nights, or amateur ¨glamour¨ shoots

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Thursday, May 8, 2014

**What does an Industry professional want to see in a Model´s Portfolio?*

The biggest complaints I hear from models are :

Nobody ever contacts me on internet modelling site_of your_choice.com.
I get lots of enquiries from idiots, perverts, amateurs etc...

I do a shoot which promises everything, but never get any pictures or ever hear from the guy again.
I get booked for shoots and then f***ed around with venue, time, day changes, ignored for two hours and then treated like nobody when I arrive (very common with Music video clip shoots)
I get promised great shots of myself for my folio, and then get muddy, badly composed, over photoshopped things in which I am hardly recognisable and hidden behind a huge ugly photographer´s watermark. (the watermark is ugly, and Iĺl keep my comments about the photographer to myself)

Don´t despair: simply be aware that internet modelling sites are specifically designed for amateurs and wannabes from both sides of the camera.
However some industry professionals do seek new models and sometimes established ones from these sites.
But also be aware that they are looking for very specific things in an online portfolio ; these are the very same things they look for and have always looked for in printed folios ever since photographic modelling began., but unfortunately they are the very things they rarely see.
Knowing what they are looking for is the first part of gaining a real advantage: the second part and the hardest to achieve is supplying what they are looking for , and appearing to be the odd one out in a vast sea of misinformation and photographic crap.

The next post in theis series will discuss more fully exactly what type of shots need to be in a model´s portfolio

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/645731338825617/
https://www.facebook.com/thedefinitearticlephotography
http://publicize.me/definitearts
https://www.pond5.com/artist/definitearts

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Is Good Compostition still relevant?

Great care and thought seems to go into photographing landscapes, seascapes, trees, cars, sports, insects and wildlife, but alot of contemporary photogaphy would suggest that by putting a human in front of the lens and all the conventions of composition seem to fly out the window.

The result, even when using the most accomplished and beautiful of models, is a round blob of a face, or a rigidly lifeless figure standing in the midst of an expanse of blandly lit studio, or a vast desert of sand and sky: DEAD CENTRE of the photo.

The centre of a picture has been called ¨dead¨ for centuries for a reason.

Even the occassional telegraph pole growing out of the top of the head, or ear piercing, or neck slicing horizon would make the composition more interesting to look at.

Or possibly the use of that seemingly one and only, all encompassing rule of composition beloved and belaboured by ¨internet experts¨ the world over : The Rule of Thirds...even the name is an anathema to anyone with even a semblance of understanding of artisitc composition.

Maybe, improvement could also be made by a little less reliance on the current amateur jargon of photography where every shutter button push is ¨imaging¨ or a ¨capture¨, creating the impression that all a photogapher has to do is wait until something vaguely interesting passes in front of his lens, and then unthinkingly press the button.

Remember: people ¨take¨ a snapshot, but an artist has to ¨make¨ a picture.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How do I become a photographer ?

Just received the latest email in the never ending succession asking "how do I become a professional freelance photographer?" My initial advice is always the same:- Don't give up your day job!
At least not until you are earning at least twice what your day job pays from your photographs, on a constant or at least regular basis, and you can continu...e to take top quality photographs on a constant, regular, daily basis.

And in these days when anybody with a mobile phone thinks he can make a fortune selling pics from Flickr and the microstock sites, making a liviing as a photographer isn't easy.
Apart from needing at least a quality digital SLR with a couple of interchangeable lenses, so you can at least be versatile and produce varying compositions on the subjects you choose to specialise in, you need plenty of time to create, edit and upload, asndf more importantly, market your best (and only your best) pics.

two points there worth repeating : 1-specialise in a subject or a couple of subjects, and become known as an expert producing quality pics in those areas
and 2-work on ratio of about 60/40 marketting and self promotion/picture taking

And then, maybe you will begin to make inroads on the long track to becoming a successful photographer, and maybe eventually you may also become a professional.