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This is a discussion on Need shoot advice / ideas / tips? within the Share Your Physique Photos forums,----- Not that I'm the end-all-be-all of photoshoot knowledge, but if any of you have any questions about photo shoots in ...
Not that I'm the end-all-be-all of photoshoot knowledge, but if any of you have any questions about photo shoots in the fitness industry — everything from release forms to location ideas and everything inbetween — I'll be happy to help out.
Not that I'm the end-all-be-all of photoshoot knowledge, but if any of you have any questions about photo shoots in the fitness industry — everything from release forms to location ideas and everything inbetween — I'll be happy to help out.
Do you think that certain, "more known" photographers have more decision making as to which models are put in magazines or who gets more exposure? Ugh, low carb day, does this make sense?
There are definitely some photographers out there have a better chance of getting you in a magazine. People like Mike Yurkovic and Ralph DeHaan not only take great photos, but they also have a pipeline to these mags.
If you want your photos published, you can either go two routes: shoot with a regularly published photographer and hope that he likes your look enough to send in, or two, take photos with whomever you want and send them into magazines yourself.
I'll be honest, the latter of those two choices is alot tougher, but you may get photos that you're happier with in the long run because you have more options.
Could you throw some general tips for the inexperienced going into a photoshoot?
What do the models/clients with whom you have produced the best shots with have in common?
Here are some general tips..
Practice: You don't just step on a figure stage for the first time without practicing how to pose, so treat photoshoots the same way. Know your best angles. Look at other photos you like and mimic the pose. The more you do it in the privacy of your own home, the easier it'll be to do the same things once your at a shoot.
Accessorize: Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big fan of accessories to turn a generic bikini into something out of a Lady Gaga video. Spend $25 on accessories at Target or a local place and turn a generic black bikini into a whole new look.
Synchronize: When posing, try to have the emotion of your face mimic the emotion of your pose and/or outfit. If you're doing a boudoir shoot and in lingerie, looking bright eyed and bushy tailed with a big ol' grin on your face will look a little out of place. In shoots, you're trying to convey an emotion — strength, power, sexiness, joy, alluring, etc, etc. If you bring it all together, your photos will improve.
Have fun: Don't come to a shoot and expect the photographer to hold your hand and pose you like a mannequin. Come to a shoot prepared and ready to have fun. Confidence goes a long way to creating memorable images, and you ladies have physiques you should take alot of pride in, so confidence shouldn't be a problem. Get in front of the camera and shine!
Can you give us some suggestions on how to do a very successful outdoor shoot? I am doing a photo shoot with yoga poses, running and biking and want to make sure I am well prepared for what the photographer may need since we are shooting at a fairly remote location...
I have some questions..goodness..where do I start?..lol..I want to get my photos taken so bad..I just dont know where to start. It seems like everyone on here has had some type of photo shoot. I would like to do some fitness modeling in my future as well as compete in figure. How are you guys finding these photographers? I have looked up photographers, but I cant find "physique photographers". Do you have to meet them at the bodybuilding comps? Is there are website I can go to where they are all listed? I am a wee bit frustrated and tired of trying to find someone..lol
I have some questions..goodness..where do I start?..lol..I want to get my photos taken so bad..I just dont know where to start. It seems like everyone on here has had some type of photo shoot. I would like to do some fitness modeling in my future as well as compete in figure. How are you guys finding these photographers? I have looked up photographers, but I cant find "physique photographers". Do you have to meet them at the bodybuilding comps? Is there are website I can go to where they are all listed? I am a wee bit frustrated and tired of trying to find someone..lol
I'm with you girl! the one shoot I had last year, the photog found me online and offered to shoot me....I would love to do it again, but I dont know how to go about doing it!
I'm with you girl! the one shoot I had last year, the photog found me online and offered to shoot me....I would love to do it again, but I dont know how to go about doing it!
[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="4"] ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! IM SOO JEALOUS!! LOL...where did he find you? youre soo lucky. your pics look amazing!! [/SIZE][/FONT]
I dont mean to hijack this thread...
GUrls, you can find photos for FREE or cost on modelmayhem.com.
Ive done over 20 shoots...I think ive paid for 5.
On MM you can check out their portfolios and speak w/ the gurls they shot w/. before.
If their ports jump out at you or catches your eye, I would shoot w/ them.
I dont mean to hijack this thread...
GUrls, you can find photos for FREE or cost on modelmayhem.com.
Ive done over 20 shoots...I think ive paid for 5.
On MM you can check out their portfolios and speak w/ the gurls they shot w/. before.
If their ports jump out at you or catches your eye, I would shoot w/ them.
Thanks! You have the answer for everything..you ROCK!
Also, one model place is awesome. You can only post five photos for free there. However, you may find a super cool photog who will pay for your membership like I did.
Always check them out and bring a chaperone if you are doing a TF* shoot. If it is a paid shoot, there will be plenty of people on board with you so you will feel comfortable. Ask the photog about hair, make-up, wardrobe, ect ahead of time so you are well prepared in advance.
Can you give us some suggestions on how to do a very successful outdoor shoot? I am doing a photo shoot with yoga poses, running and biking and want to make sure I am well prepared for what the photographer may need since we are shooting at a fairly remote location...
In my eyes, the key aspect of *any* shoot is lighting, and I feel that outdoor shoots give you some great (and flattering) options for lighting. I always try to use natural light as a rim or hair light, meaning the sun is placed behind the model at an angle. This does two things — it provides really dramatic highlights to the physique, and it also allows the face to look natural.
When the sun is used as the key, or main, light, that means the model is usually facing the brightest part of the sky while looking into the camera. This results is squinty eyes, furrowed brows and other undesirable looks. Some photographers are able to get away with it. John Stutz, for instance, primarily uses the sun as his only light source, and it can make for some dramatic lighting. He's a skilled photographer and knows how to strategically position physiques AND faces — and I think both are equally important.
So how can you shoot with the sun behind you and still light the photo? You'll need another source of light to illuminate your physique and face, usually in the form of a reflector or a stand-alone flash unit.
Alot of photographers who shoot outdoors choose to shoot in the shade or in cloudy conditions to eliminate the sun altogether, and this is a safe bet but results in somewhat flat photos.
It all really depends on the look you're going for. Something more commercial and soft? Or something trying to highlight your physique more? It's up to you, and your photographer should be able to accommodate your needs (especially if you're paying him/her!).
Some general tips for outdoor shoots:
- Pay attention to your background and surroundings, because they will play an important part in the mood and feel of your photos
- Stay cool. Don't get overheated and start sweating. Unless you're going for the sweaty, post-workout look.. shiny isn't good.
- Have your outfit go with your location. It can either mesh with it (workout clothes in a gym) or contrast it (elegant look in a grungy alley).. just try to think ahead so there are no surprises.
I have some questions..goodness..where do I start?..lol..I want to get my photos taken so bad..I just dont know where to start. It seems like everyone on here has had some type of photo shoot. I would like to do some fitness modeling in my future as well as compete in figure. How are you guys finding these photographers? I have looked up photographers, but I cant find "physique photographers". Do you have to meet them at the bodybuilding comps? Is there are website I can go to where they are all listed? I am a wee bit frustrated and tired of trying to find someone..lol
MM is a great source.
One thing I'll point out is that although its great to shoot with lots of folks, I feel that all models/competitors need to protect their image. Think about yourself as a brand, with your physique being your primary "product". Just like corporations have lawyers and divisions dedicated to protecting their image and their brand — you should to.
As you start to compete more and more, you'll get approached by more and more photographers — some legit, some not-so-much. Keep in mind that with most photo agreements, the photographer has full rights to do whatever he wants with your photos once they are taken. If the photos are beautiful, then great, spread the word! Sell the brand! However, if you decide to shoot with someone who maybe isn't as skilled, keep in mind that these unflattering photos will be spread around just as much.
Have you ever seen a photo of a well known competitor and had to do a double-take at the photo.. not in a good way? Whoa.. really.. that's her?!
Yeah, well don't be that person. Protect your brand. Protect your image. Hold yourself in high regard and demand only the best. You've put way too much time and effort to establish this product of yours.
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