This is an open letter to everyon here in Clubsnap who are interested in portraiture photography...
The only reason i posted this is because i'm disturbed by the fact that how many people have agreed to assist in being PAs for the model shoots i am doing, and only for them to pull up last minute when he was informed that the model was a male... well, thankfully, a replacement has been found...
Anyway, the singular fact that one is interested in portraiture photogarphy only because it's an opportinuty to be in the vicinity of a "pretty" model pretty much sums it all up abt what kind of a person he is.
And of course, the other reason i wrote this is because a few PMs have been recieved, asking me if i would conduct lessons on potraits if they paid for models and such and honestly, i do not think i am qualified to teach, but i am willing to share what i've learnt so far.. so i replied, in the affirmative but i do wonder why there is a need to get paid models.. a young child, another fellow photogarpher, or any other subject would do. Getting a paid pretty face just to shoot is a sad excuse if you say working with a professional model will help.
Portraiture doesn't mean shooting the members of the opposite gender and taking the chance to ogle. Portraiture is about capturing the spirit and the nuances of that person. The character must come through...
Everyone seems to believe shooting a pretty female model would definately work and the picture would be a keeper. But on what level? A pretty face is easy to shoot, granted. but what would differentiate your shot from others? Poses? Outfits? Concept? Lighting? Everyone can take a snap shot of a pretty face but the hard work comes in communicating with the subject, scouting out locations for shoots, arranging logistics and transport for the make up artist and hair stylist, consulting them on the different looks... Now, can one tell me how this entire process differentiates from a paid shoot?
In fact, i wager i would have barely skimmed the surface, in regards to the full logistics and arrangements that are often required for a full day shoot...
So at the end of the day, if you think doing a shoot for a "model" is what you want, then by all means, go for it, but don't bother engaging a model just to shoot. It won't help you improve as a photogarpher, much less become a better person...
Do note that i am not disuading anyone from attending or participating in a paid shoot but what i am trying to highlight is the intention of the participant.
The only reason i posted this is because i'm disturbed by the fact that how many people have agreed to assist in being PAs for the model shoots i am doing, and only for them to pull up last minute when he was informed that the model was a male... well, thankfully, a replacement has been found...
Anyway, the singular fact that one is interested in portraiture photogarphy only because it's an opportinuty to be in the vicinity of a "pretty" model pretty much sums it all up abt what kind of a person he is.
And of course, the other reason i wrote this is because a few PMs have been recieved, asking me if i would conduct lessons on potraits if they paid for models and such and honestly, i do not think i am qualified to teach, but i am willing to share what i've learnt so far.. so i replied, in the affirmative but i do wonder why there is a need to get paid models.. a young child, another fellow photogarpher, or any other subject would do. Getting a paid pretty face just to shoot is a sad excuse if you say working with a professional model will help.
Portraiture doesn't mean shooting the members of the opposite gender and taking the chance to ogle. Portraiture is about capturing the spirit and the nuances of that person. The character must come through...
Everyone seems to believe shooting a pretty female model would definately work and the picture would be a keeper. But on what level? A pretty face is easy to shoot, granted. but what would differentiate your shot from others? Poses? Outfits? Concept? Lighting? Everyone can take a snap shot of a pretty face but the hard work comes in communicating with the subject, scouting out locations for shoots, arranging logistics and transport for the make up artist and hair stylist, consulting them on the different looks... Now, can one tell me how this entire process differentiates from a paid shoot?
In fact, i wager i would have barely skimmed the surface, in regards to the full logistics and arrangements that are often required for a full day shoot...
So at the end of the day, if you think doing a shoot for a "model" is what you want, then by all means, go for it, but don't bother engaging a model just to shoot. It won't help you improve as a photogarpher, much less become a better person...
Do note that i am not disuading anyone from attending or participating in a paid shoot but what i am trying to highlight is the intention of the participant.