Inspired by a listener question (Hi, Danni!) this minisode is about how to plan a model folio shoot. If you need to do this – or you are building your portfolio through test shots – discover what you need to know in terms of what you need to do in order to plan your shoot, the “go to” looks that should be in most model portfolios, how to use the props and location around you and much more.
In this episode, Gina and Valerie talk about how to shoot darker skin and feature muscle definition.
Gina and Valerie love bringing this podcast to you.
Ask your questions at [email protected]
Hope you enjoy the podcast.
Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets.
Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process.
Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio.
Show notes
Listener question
From Danni:
Ok guys, I have my first photo shoots coming up at the end of July. One is paid and the other two are TFP. The one I’m most worried about is of a young black male model with muscle definition. He wants some “tropical” shots done, besides some moody ones I want done. The tropical ones I was thinking of doing in the morning near our pool in blazing hot and sunny Texas. What would be the best way to get the definition in his muscles and get his face in the bright sun. Would reflector and a scrim work well? I think we have white pool umbrellas that might help as a scrim. Here are some photos of the pool area.
Planning: Make a list of all the shots you need to achieve
- Head shot
- ¾ shot
- Body shot
- Casual shot
Include columns for type of shot, location, outfit and any props needed
Walk around to each location at the same time you are doing each shot
Keep shots simple. A suggestion of water or sky or sand is often enough to say “tropical”
Blow out or blur backgrounds
Work with sun and fill light to control contrast, scrim is great as are reflectors or fill flash
Flow poses
Open shade
Walls
Chairs
Something to lean on
In water
Exposure for dark skin tones
Use silver reflector
Use down lighting for muscle definition. The sun between 11-2 is perfect for this look.
Softbox or Gary fong style diffuser for flash + fill to control contrast