So, I’ve always been into photography. But after all this time, I’ve never really had a model that’s there for me. I’ve always been the type to take action shots or random whatever-is-around-the-house type things. I love capturing people in their natural environment before they pretend in front of the camera. That being said, I was giving this opportunity to shoot the beautiful and very camera-friendly Samantha Laura Kaye. Sam is looking to build her portfolio as well as crack into the 100 Sexiest Women by FHM. I’m just trying to learn and see where I fit in.
To be honest, the shoot was last minute and unplanned by me. Not that it makes a difference, I’m not sure I would’ve done it any differently had I had time. I had never had my own model to myself nor had I been on many shoots, so I wasn’t too sure of what exactly I should be doing. Sam helped where she could by bringing large amounts of sexy lingerie and we had a great house to use in De Waterkant.
It was tough directing a model for the first time. I know I didn’t do a good job at it. I also didn’t know what I wanted so didn’t convey my thoughts well enough. Normally I let people do their own thing and I snap. This is totally different. Much harder. And needs much more creativity from me, which probably isn’t my strong point. On the plus side, I can look at the outcome and see what I would’ve liked changed. I must just remember to voice those thoughts and remember that the model is there to do what I ask.
It was also the first time I’d ever used a speedlight. Or any other type of additional lighting, actually. I kind of got the hang of it but there’s a lot of practice that needs to happen first. And I also need my own! Sam also let me use her 10-24mm which you can see in some shots. I loved it too and it’s definitely one I’d like to save up for.
I loved working with Sam and I’m hoping to shoot her again in the next few days before she goes to London for a few months. You can see the pics here. Don’t forget to vote for Sam on the 100 Sexiest and you can keep track of her on her site.
These are great Neal. Look very professional for a first timer. Very classy too, I’m sure she is well chuffed with these.
Well done!
Thanks Mike. Very happy with the photos that we’ve got 🙂
Would love to do it again.
hi neal nice work, actually very creative! Invite me next time to watch you in action.
Geez… pretty damn good for first-time model shoot, I’d say! I’d be interested to know what you did in terms of direction? “I want you to stand like this, etc, etc?” or how did you communicate what you wanted?
Good form and good luck with the future shoots – career change ahead? 🙂
Thanks Gops and Rich.
@Rich – The problem I had was that I’d never actually been part of a shoot so I didn’t know what was expected. In my mind, I wanted Sam to do her own thing and I would shoot as I saw things. In reality, a model needs direction as she can’t see what looks good, so you have to actually move them around by telling them what should look where. It was a bit awkward for me, but I think when I get used to it, it’ll be fine. I think I’ll definitely do it again, but I want to be part of other people’s shoots more to learn.
I would love to be able to do this professionally, except there is so much still to learn, know, blah blah blah. We can dream though 🙂