Model photography is nothing short of an art form. People admire how polished the photos are, while many strive to look like the models from magazine covers. However, the person in the picture is only one piece of the puzzle.
Behind the scenes, you will find a team of professionals working tirelessly to perfect every detail. Yet, the photographer is the one who brings everything together. They are responsible for creating a perfect shot that shows the model in the best light.
If you want to become a person capable of translating a creative vision into polished model photography, this article is a must-read. Inside, you’ll find many tips and tricks that will help you elevate your images. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
How to organize the best model photography session
1. Conceptualize your photoshoot
Just take a look at the model pictures on Depositphotos. This is an example of high-quality model and fashion photography. But what makes the photos so special? They all have a concept! Something that helps guide the shoot and creates a unified look in the visuals.
So, before the photoshoot, you need to define its purpose, theme, and mood. First, ask yourself whether it’s an editorial, commercial, or personal project. Second, create a mood board with inspirational images, color palettes, and potential poses. Lastly, think about the location, lighting, and props that will support the concept you have in mind.
2. Find the right location
The location you choose has great power. It can set the tone for the entire shoot and reinforce your concept. However, wrong settings can also detract from your images. Therefore, it’s important to consider the following: will the background dominate your model, or will it complement the chosen style and props?
When choosing a location, also consider the advantages and challenges it presents. For example, outdoor settings offer natural lighting and a variety of backgrounds. However, they also come with unpredictable weather conditions and short windows of flattering light. The location’s accessibility is equally important, as it affects the amount of equipment and people on set.
3. Choose the right camera and lighting
The right camera and a well-lit set can make all the difference in the final outcome of your photoshoot. However, in portrait photography, which is often the case when shooting models, lenses play an even bigger role than the camera.
Since portraits require a sharp focus on the subject’s face but a soft focus on the background, it’s important to choose a lens with a wide aperture. This includes f/2.8 or even wider aperture, such as f/1.8, f/1.4, or f/1.2. The perfect focal length for portraits is between 85mm and 100mm.
Your lighting will depend on your fashion photography style. Direct light adds contrast, intensity, and drama to photos. But if you want to create a professional-looking portrait without drama, opt for more diffused lighting. This is easier to achieve with multiple light sources, as they will balance each other out and create a softer, more flattering light.
4. Find the best beauty masters in model photography
We cannot stress the importance of working with skilled makeup artists, stylists, and hair professionals during a commercial model photoshoot. Especially those who understand all the nuances of model photography. They are the key to bringing your vision to life.
If you team up with the best, consider that half the work is done. Beauty experts will make the model camera-ready while also enhancing their features. This equals to less time spent in front of the computer editing the final images. Additionally, investing in top beauty artists means that the model’s look will embody your concept and convey the desired mood.
5. Take care of the relationship and atmosphere during the photoshoot
Your model takes center stage during the photoshoot. The actions of the person in the lens determine whether the shoot will be a success or a failure. Therefore, you must treat your model like a star so that they can feel confident and comfortable in order to truly shine.
Make sure the model receives a warm welcome, a tour around the set, and an explanation of the photoshoot’s concept. It’s also important to communicate what you expect from them during the shoot and how long it will last.
6. Direct expressions and body language of the model
As a photographer, you are responsible for the final fashion model photo. You have a vision, you take a shot, and you review the results. This means you need to be able to direct the expressions and body language of the model during the shoot, as they can’t rely solely on their feelings.
More experienced models probably already have a good understanding of how to convey different emotions through facial expressions and body language. However, it is still important for a photographer to give directions on set. But if you don’t know what poses a model can do, check out this posing guide with 50 different poses for professional models.
7. Pay attention to every detail while photographing a model
Model photography is often done to showcase clothing, accessories, or beauty products. Therefore, the photographer must pay close attention to anything that can disrupt the scene or shot. This applies to unironed clothes, price tags, stray hairs, smudges on accessories, or cosmetic packaging.
Another issue is reflections. If you’re taking a photo with a mirror, through glass, or any other reflective surface, always check what’s in that reflection. Because later you may realize that part of the crew is visible in the photo, but you didn’t plan for that.
8. Focus on post-production for polished results
Last but not least is post-production. In this final step, you can fine-tune your images to perfection. So take the time to adjust contrast, sharpness, and color balance, as well as retouch the model’s skin and remove any imperfections. And don’t forget to use various techniques like dodging and burning to create a polished photograph.
Final thoughts
The work of a model photographer is quite demanding, requiring one to do many tasks at the same time. But once you master the art of model photography, the results can be incredibly rewarding. However, perfection is not achieved overnight; therefore, you must be patient in your journey towards mastering this craft.