Author Topic: The art of instructing models (Read 8627 times)

laflor · « **on:** August 05, 2009, 07:27 »

Hi everybody

There is a certain science to doing great stock images, and I want to share a few thoughts on something I have realized. Coming from a background of meditation and the journey of self discovery I am used to concentrating my attention internally. And trying to apply this to all situations in life naturally I also use it in relation to my stock photography. What I am about to touch upon is the art of being completely situated in your own consciousness in a time of external turbulence.

When I am on the set with my stylist, productions manager, assistants, friends and a handful of models it comes in very handy being able to shut out the world of externals and concentrate on my own internal creative process. Actually I believe this to be a prerequisite for good model instruction. If you cannot “get into the mood” yourself how on earth will you convey the emotions of the image at hand to your talent? Superficial instruction can often result in superficial images. Of course sometimes you work with extraordinary models who are indeed first class actors and who just know what you are looking for when reading your brief. However more often than not you need to be on top of the situation. You need to clearly define your vision. If we don’t know what we want our output is going to be random. Ocassionally that can be good, and indeed we need an element of that, but that is only a small part of the big picture. Relying on randomness is like playing the lottery … and out goes the science. Get where I’m going?

A method I often use is taking a moment (standing in front of the models and everyone else) where I close my eyes and sort of have a mental conversation with myself. Could go something like: “Ok, so if you are on a romantic vacation and you take a walk on the beach alone, how would you stand?, how would you interact?, how would your jolly, free and enlivened personality live out the situation?, what emotions do you go through? etc.” Answering these question you get into the mood of the “scene” and then you explain your thoughts and conclusions to your models. Of course you have a shootplan, but this is about “hitting the refresh button”. This method will make your models at ease and enable them to forget all the other people, the flashes, reflectors etc. And in this way I believe you get as close to reality as possible; you create an environment where the models get emotionally involved, which is the basis for natural expressions.

I know that I'm only touching upon a vast subject, so comments, own realization and questions are very welcome

Regards,
laflor

leaf · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2009, 14:33 »

nice post, thanks.

RT · « **Reply #2 on:** August 05, 2009, 15:01 »

Interesting approach thanks for sharing, although it's not something I'd do myself.

laflor · « **Reply #3 on:** August 05, 2009, 16:42 »

Thanks for the comments

I can fully understand and appreciate that we are all different and that my method is not suited for all.
I'd love to hear how you approach instructing models. I'm eager to acquire new insight into the subject

laflor

elvinstar · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2009, 23:37 »

Thanks for sharing! Great stuff!

Graffoto · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2009, 00:43 »

Beautiful work Laflor.
Interesting idea for working with models, but I would echo RT in saying its not quite how I go about things.

I do think that putting models at ease is the most important step.
I know from experience that my best shots from any modeling session always come near the end of the shoot.
This is when the models have had time to relax, realize that they look good, things are turning out well etc, etc.

If I want to obtain a certain expression from a model, I sometimes ask them to close their eyes and visualize something... say an ice cream sundae for instance. When I see that they have got it, I ask them keep thinking about the ice cream and open their eyes. Seems to work

laflor · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2009, 03:32 »

Quote from: nosaya on August 06, 2009, 00:43

If I want to obtain a certain expression from a model, I sometimes ask them to close their eyes and visualize something... say an ice cream sundae for instance. When I see that they have got it, I ask them keep thinking about the ice cream and open their eyes. Seems to work

Excellent idea. If a model is comfortable with that why not

It is similar to my method just reversed towards the model instead.

pixdeluxe · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2009, 03:51 »

thanks for the post, Laflor! Great tips..

I tend to agree with your method, tho it is your method, it is an interesting one. I think it imperative to be attuned to what works for you, what your default or method is, and be constantly looking at ways of expanding it. Not to take a step back and switch on autopilot but to really be fresh and ready and using your default method to really absorb the blows when things don't quite work for you..

All the best,

pixdeluxe

laflor · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2009, 05:28 »

True. Complacency makes one weak and the threat of loosing ones edge becomes imminent.

We constantly need to grow as photographers and challenge ourselves. Every day is different; location, model, stylist, weather etc. so I we try to apply the same old routine to all situations we're in trouble.
Just like a carpenter has many different tools for different situations, similarly we need different approaches for different situations. If you only have a hammer at treat everything like a nail ... good luck building a ceiling eh!

Another useful approach to great images is letting someone around you who is inspired (and also qualified of course) to direct the shoot for few minutes or whatever. For instance I sometimes let my stylist "go with her flow" when she is inspired. Sometimes she gets a vision of a cool picture and I trust her enough to give it a try. I've also worked with Scott Gordon, an expert art director, on a series of shoots (as I know you have too Pixdeluxe). And having a person on the set totally dedicated to envisioning the images is soooo wonderful. Expensive, but wonderful. Then you can entirely focus on the individual shots, because someone else is maintaining the overview of the situation and is also on top of the next shot in the shootplan. Otherwise you have to do everything yourself which is quite demanding and not really optimal.

I simply love to shoot, it's so much fun

laflor

Jonathan Ross · « **Reply #9 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:21 »

Good stuff Laflor,

I agree. If you are not mentally in the shot then it just trickles down from the photographer all the way through your support team and into the models and the quality of your work. I take it a step further and pre write all my shot lists and pre visualize every shot before the shoots even take place.
From the lighting down to the lens and camera angle and a clear written description on paper of the emotion and the concept, each shot. Everyone has a copy the models and crew all get one but before the shot I step in and really act out the scene to make it clear what I am looking for. This can also really lighten up the mood by putting yourself in play with the talent and having fun with it. When people are having fun their brains work so much better and they relax, the result is a realistic interaction. This choreography also produces the most sellable content from a day's shoot.

Best,
Jonathan

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2009, 10:47 »

I can't imagine letting someone else 'envision' the shot. That's one of the reasons I enjoy doing this - the creative control.

I describe the scenes to the models, but I do my thinking and planning ahead of time. Not in front of the subjects.

laflor · « **Reply #11 on:** August 06, 2009, 15:26 »

Quote from: Jonathan Ross on August 06, 2009, 10:21

I take it a step further and pre write all my shot lists and pre visualize every shot before the shoots even take place.
From the lighting down to the lens and camera angle and a clear written description on paper of the emotion and the concept, each shot. Everyone has a copy the models and crew all get one but before the shot I step in and really act out the scene to make it clear what I am looking for.

I really like the idea of giving everybody on the set a copy of the shootplan. Somehow I always end up with only shootplanning with the stylist. I will take this as a hint to get on it. It really makes sense

I remember how Scott Gordon, the former creative director at Veer Images, always would hand out the shootplan to everybody, even to runners. He used to emphasize that this will create the required team spirit and enable everybody to fully comprehend what is happening. Again, that is a cool workflow. Next time Jonathan ... I promise

Quote from: Jonathan Ross on August 06, 2009, 10:21

I step in and really act out the scene to make it clear what I am looking for. This can also really lighten up the mood by putting yourself in play with the talent and having fun with it.

That is a great approach. In this way the communication becomes very clear.

By the way my before mentioned method is only part of my approach

The shootplan, which is made in detail beforehand, is really my dear friend and companion on the set. I know exactly what I am going for ... in detail. However I addition to the plan I use my meditative exercise to amplify the understanding of the mood, and even more importantly to explore the particular theme/setup by "working the scene" mentally. Get my point? I find it to be a unique gateway to innovation and exploration; new stuff comes up that wasn't in the shootplan already. And I feel there is an extra creative dimension when standing in front of the models with all the props: you see stuff you couldn't have pre-visualized. At least that is my experience.

Quote from: Jonathan Ross on August 06, 2009, 10:21

When people are having fun their brains work so much better and they relax, the result is a realistic interaction.

Which is why I want to share the following words:

How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? Well ... 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that!"

If you saw a man about to slip in a banana peel and you could either warn him or photograph the event ... would you use M or P?

Kind regards,
laflor

Graffoto · « **Reply #12 on:** August 06, 2009, 15:34 »

"P"

grp_photo · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2009, 04:55 »

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

pixdeluxe · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2009, 05:36 »

Quote from: grp_photo on August 07, 2009, 04:55

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

This isn't called for, I thoroughly disagree.. Why bite the hand that feeds information you self say was nice?

laflor · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2009, 07:17 »

Quote from: grp_photo on August 07, 2009, 04:55

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

Please forgive me if my presence annoys you grp_photo. I am only trying to be helpful.

I was personally trained by Yuri, and he is still my mentor. So yes, if my pictures reflect Yuris understanding of what good stock imagery is, I guess that would be perfectly natural.

I've only been in the stock photography business since august last year, so frankly I'm still a newbie. I'm the first to admit that. I commit mistakes constantly and there is tons of stuff I don't know. Every week gives new insight, and every time I wish I'd know those things earlier.

On the other hand having executed more than 50 shoots myself with stylists, production managers, assistants and more than 200 models I guess some experience is there to be shared. It's just like in school. The kids in 2nd grad help the 1st grade student. And the kids in 10th grade helps all others. I may be in 1st grade in some peoples eyes, perhaps by you grp_photo, and that is fine with me. But perhaps there is someone in here who is a bit younger than me in experience. I would however like to thank you for indirectly reminding me to always grow in my style and become even better in my attempt to master the art of good model instruction. Life is a playground and I'm right here with my bucket in the sandbox trying to have fun, and hey grp_photo, you're invited

And Jonathan, I think you show a good example by continuously showing appreciation in here. Even though you are a stock heavyweight and know more that most people in here, you still appreciate and encourage everyone else. That shows humility and a big heart; the real prerequisite for success in life. There is a lot we can learn from you

By the way thanks pixdeluxe for standing up for me. I appreciate that

Kind regards,
laflor

laflor · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2009, 07:24 »

Phil · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2009, 07:31 »

Quote from: grp_photo on August 07, 2009, 04:55

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

imo this is a bit harsh. yep, nice write up and the shots are perfectly executed.
no they are not photographic masterpieces, how much stock is? especially microstock? and then how much of it sells? yes it is a similar style to others, look through old mags and see the same 10,20 & 30 years ago. (I looked through some magazines from the 50's and there was our telephonist is ready to take you call, with a pretty girl holding the phone (not a headset

on white, and another of a girl dancing to a portable radio

its good clean stock, the stuff that sells and for me its great to get people giving advice and assitance (thankyou laflor), it has also generated others coming in with their comments, ideas, methods etc which adds even more value. personally I have learnt a lot from Jonathon and other people on this forum who offer advice. (its certainly more useful than the lube stuff etc that occurs )

RT · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:04 »

Quote from: laflor on August 07, 2009, 07:24

I think your method has let your model get too relaxed

Good stock shot.

laflor · « **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:51 »

No, no, no! That was just the sleeping pills I slipped him during lunch

Anything for a good shot right?

Jonathan Ross · « **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2009, 14:07 »

Really enjoying your post Laflor. Keep em coming.

Best,
Jonathan

madelaide · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2009, 16:18 »

Quote from: RT on August 07, 2009, 09:04

I think your method has let your model get too relaxed

I think Laflor tried to avoid having to get a model release!

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #22 on:** August 08, 2009, 07:58 »

Quote from: laflor on August 07, 2009, 07:24

Really funny. This gets my vote as the best response to a jab I've seen here.

Jonathan Ross · « **Reply #23 on:** August 08, 2009, 16:23 »

Maybe Laflor pulled an Alfred Hitchcock on us and that is actually him under the coat

I have been in the background of a couple of my shots just for fun. Great shot sir.

Best,
Jonathan

photoshow · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2009, 15:00 »

Quote from: grp_photo on August 07, 2009, 04:55

It's a nice write-up but I personally don't see it in your pictures! Your pictures are perfectly executed but they look like the typical stuff from Yuri,Lisa etc ; certainly they will sell well but they are extremely boring to look at. I really don't understand how you can talk about inner feelings and emotions etc. come on reality-check it's just a yuri-rip-off are you Yuri inside or what?

Spoken like a true anonymous trol and completely uncalled for. GRP where are all your Stellar Stock Photos that show no influence from anyone but yourself? Personal attacks of this sort only make this forum less desirable and reduce the overall effectiveness of it. Why they are tolerated here is something I struggle with and they are the number one reason I so rarely share anything involving technique here.

Great post Laflor, maybe not the exact method I use either but each of us develops a work flow that works best for us and as long as we achieve the desired result then all is good.

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