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Author Topic: how to get a model. for photoshoot, nothing funny!  (Read 18451 times)

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« on: October 21, 2009, 20:03 »
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ok so i been doing some product shoot, because i dont have a model, and outdoorsy thing is hard to get approve of.
my question is how did you guys start to take picture of people (model)? tfcd? tfp? family? friends?
other thing is that my equipment is very minimal, no flash! not yet. how do you guys overcome that, i did a location shoot with a friend and its very hard to achieve the lighting with just reflector, but i manage to snap few good one.
and for now im trying to get a flash, im stuck between vivitar 285hv or sb600, my problem is i want a flash that actually can be "safely" attach to my nikon, and easily adjusted with the ttl system. but in other hand vivitar is dirt cheap so i can get 2 of them and work from there on.

so help me. thanks.


« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2009, 21:19 »
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I can't help you as far as flash goes... I never used flash until I bought some cheap strobes which I still use. Regarding models, I did TFCD with friends and put ads on Craigslist.

Hope that helps!

« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2009, 00:15 »
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what cheap strobe do you use?

« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2009, 01:18 »
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I don't use models for micro. But after joining a photo club I went on a few model shoots. Some of the girls told me they work for around $20 an hour. That is pretty cheap in my view.

« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2009, 01:31 »
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First model: friend, mostly outdoors and non-isolated on non-cluttered nature or urban backgrounds.
Up till now: SB-800 ceiling-bounced in a small cubicle with reflecting material. For microstock, this is not viable in the end since the time you lose isolating the non-totally-white background and the shallow DOF (F5.6) which limits the poses and gestures.

« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2009, 11:06 »
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For Model Shoots I've used:

Friends:
-Pros: Generally free or a favor in return. Working with someone that you trust.
-Cons: Limited time frame usually. You can wear out your welcome or something is expected in return.

Family Members:
-Pros: Generally free or a favor in return. Less likely of a no-show. Working with someone you can trust.
-Cons: Limited time frame usually and usually tire of it easily

TFCD models (I have had successes using Perfect Pose Website & CraigsList Ads ... others you can try for TFCD include Model Mayhem etc.)
-Pros: Generally free for CD (TFCD). Usually they need the exposure so they will work longer than friends or family members. If it goes well you have a model lined up for future use.
-Cons: You have to spend quite a bit of time to both locate one and arrange for one to show up (much easier to do for paid model sessions I would imagine). Working with a stranger.
 
Paid Models (I hope to explore this in the future in order to foster more PROS and alleviate some of the CONS mentioned above)

I hope this helps.

-Mark
http://markwpayne.wordpress.com
« Last Edit: February 26, 2010, 22:31 by mwp1969 »

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2009, 13:45 »
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and for now im trying to get a flash, im stuck between vivitar 285hv or sb600, my problem is i want a flash that actually can be "safely" attach to my nikon, and easily adjusted with the ttl system. but in other hand vivitar is dirt cheap so i can get 2 of them and work from there on.
Can't help with models, I have none.
However, if you literally meant to attach your flashgun to your camera, generally forget it. I can only talk for iStock, but most of my 'lypse photos were rejected for poor light with the message "take the flash off the camera" and that was with bouncing, a sto-fen and a lumiquest (I hadn't used flash so was practising. Haven't used it since.)

« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2009, 15:03 »
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Quote
what cheap strobe do you use?


I use these strobes combined with this trigger and the combo does a great job for me.

Fairly inexpensive to get into. Hope it helps!

« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2009, 15:49 »
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KM, I blogged about paying models last year, if you don't mind I'll just lead you to my blog post.

http://microstockjunction.com/2008/08/24/what-do-you-pay-your-models.aspx

One of my models appeared in a Viterra ad, he wasn't very thrilled about it because he does not like this company, but he did agree that appearing in a Viterra ad is better than a Viagara ad  ;).  If I had paid him $30/hr I wouldn't have minded, but I feel a little bad because he was a tfp.

I used the Nikon creative lighting system for quite a while but I ultimately found that ttl can be limiting and inconsistent (I could never get the SB600 or 800 to fire as fill in bright sun with ttl) I now use PocketWizards with my speedlights.  The SB 600 is limiting also, you cannot even connect a PocketWizard.  I can sit it on a SafeSynch that my PW will plug into.  

For the price of a Nikon speedlight you may be able to get another brand AND some RadioPoppers (or Cactus or Alien Bees radio triggers).   I would seriously take a look at those Vivitar flashes if I was you.  I was shooting ttl and everything I have is Nikon where I could have done much better.
  
- Do the Vivitars work ON your camera?  
- Can they attach to your camera with a cable so you can use them in a bracket?  
- Can your camera even accept a cable, my old D70 has no port for a cable unless I put a safe-synch in my hotshoe and plug it into it.  

« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2009, 22:38 »
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i recently told a friend that i wanted to take their pic when i get my flash and they agreed.

as for my decision about the flash, im going to buy the vivitar 285hv first, with cactus wireless trigger... cant afford PW... soon i will!
and then im going to get sb600 later on the road for the second flash and use another cactus reciever, that will give me the on camera usefulness too, and ttl for event or on the move shooting.

i have read on multiple thread online that the 285hv is save to use on the nikon, so i might try to do that, but with a close eye.

thanks for the blog that was helpful, i wish MPY happened :)
and i do not want to put myself in the trap incase i do a tfcd, so how many picture do you guys promise on the average of an hour of shooting? or a session?

and as for flash stand does the ebay cheap stand kit work?

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2009, 03:04 »
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One of my models appeared in a Viterra ad, he wasn't very thrilled about it because he does not like this company, but he did agree that appearing in a Viterra ad is better than a Viagara ad  ;).  If I had paid him $30/hr I wouldn't have minded, but I feel a little bad because he was a tfp.
But presumably you had told him in advance that there was the possiblity he'd be used in a Viagra ad?
I've never met anyone who would be prepared to have their image used to endorse 'any product, service or cause'.

« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2009, 17:15 »
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so glad i when to san jose photo fair today... well worth the hour drive there. i got the 285hv for 50$ and the SB800 FOR 300$!!! im happy now!!! time to reshoot my self portrait :)

« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2009, 11:59 »
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I'm relieved that you got the SB-800 instead of the 600.  

Nikon makes a nice little portable stand system.  It comes with a carrying bag, a light stand (extends about 10 feet), the device that attaches that you mount your flash onto that also controls the angle of the light, and a 46" umbrella that can be used as a refector, or the skin can be removed and used as a shoot-through.  Are you in the U.S?  They go for about $169 Canadian, so in the U.S. they are likely at least 20% less.  Thing is they go on sale for $119 CDN at least twice a year, so if you can find a source that sells them and you can wait for a sale they are a very nice affordable little setup.  But note, the stands are not strong enough to hold strobes, just your little speedlights.  I use mine a lot - very portable.   I have stands off e-bay that weigh a ton and the springs are all broken.  I have made a lot of purchases from ebay and you really do get what you pay for.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2009, 12:01 by Pixart »

« Reply #13 on: October 25, 2009, 12:47 »
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Actually I got a stand and umbrella at the fair, And a 43" reflector also. The stand quality is cheap but workable and really light, it's just the swivel is very fragile, but it's workable consider I pay 30$ for it.
So now I'm getting the cactus v4 so I can use it both at the same time, and the sb 800 is going to be the main light and the 285 is going to be the background light. To bad that the v4 is going to get here in 2weeks+
is there other trigger that is affortable and workable other than the cactus? It's seem that's all the rage on the Internet.
Ok I have this problem, maybe not. But how's is your workflow like? Shooting time spend? Retouching spend?
I'm currently take about 2hr of shoot time plus 2hr of retouching product photo in lightroom and Photoshop. But that time maybe cut short with the flash, since halogen light is a pain to work with.
And as concept wise, how do you plan it? And how do you research what's needed in the market?I look at the microstock as same as the stock exchange market is there a trend? Or a bull kind of thing? How do you research the consumer market?

Thanks!

« Reply #14 on: October 25, 2009, 14:04 »
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The only model I've found that didn't piss me off with the first 5 minutes was myself.  So, I only do self portraits nowadays.  I don't have a studio or expensive equipment.  

I have a carport on the south side of my home and the siding is white.  In the afternoons the natural light under the carport is fairly good, with a rather nice reflected light off the concrete driveway on the west side of the carport.  I put my camera on a tripod and point the camera towards the north.  

I have two extremely cheap strobes that my wife found at a garage sale.  I have to wireless triggers that I bought on ebay for about $15 each.  I place one on the ground between my feet, pointing 45 degrees upward towards the background (the white siding which is about 5 feet or so behind me)  The other strobe I lie the shelf of a wooden step ladder (shelf is about 5 foot off the ground) which is just out of frame on the east side.  I bounce the flash off the carports white metal ceiling which counterbalances the  reflected light coming in from west side.  I normally shoot at about f8 at 1/90 and iso of 200.

My white background isn't perfect, but I make sure the brightest part of the strobe's light is hitting the background right behind my head, so there is usually no isolation touch-up need in that difficult area.  The rest is quickly and easily dealt with, usually in only a couple of minutes.

I don't claim for these to be all that great, but a do sell a few, and recently had my first sale on Alamy with this one.  
« Last Edit: October 25, 2009, 14:26 by astrocady »

« Reply #15 on: October 28, 2009, 05:23 »
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other thing is that my equipment is very minimal, no flash! not yet. how do you guys overcome that, i did a location shoot with a friend and its very hard to achieve the lighting with just reflector, but i manage to snap few good one.


You can do a lot with a reflector.  I think it is a common misconception that better equipment will equal better photos.  I was surprised once when I helped a very well known wedding photographer in the area, who shoots medium format and has the resources for a serious strobe set-up used only a large reflector for lighting.

A reflector is great in that it is a very large light source, it doesn't take batteries, it is very light, is versatile... etc. etc.  I think you could do some pretty great shoots with just a reflector.

Outdoor Photography : Reflectors in Outdoor Photography

eyeCatchLight

  • Imagination is more important than knowledge.
« Reply #16 on: October 29, 2009, 05:17 »
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What does the guy mean in this video with feathering? I can't see it well, quality is a bit bad. Sorry for the stupid question, haven't used reflectors before, thanks for this video!


« Reply #17 on: October 29, 2009, 05:21 »
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What does the guy mean in this video with feathering? I can't see it well, quality is a bit bad. Sorry for the stupid question, haven't used reflectors before, thanks for this video!

He means not pointing the reflector so the sun shines RIGHT IN the models eyes or face.  If you make it so the light is mostly OFF the model and just catch the edge of the reflected light on the model - that is feathering.  You can also do that with softboxes in the studio by pointing the softbox a little 'off center' of your subject
« Last Edit: October 29, 2009, 06:35 by leaf »

eyeCatchLight

  • Imagination is more important than knowledge.
« Reply #18 on: October 29, 2009, 05:24 »
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wow, so fast, thanks! i adore these things, wish i had the space and money for lighting equipment!!

« Reply #19 on: October 29, 2009, 06:37 »
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wow, so fast, thanks! i adore these things, wish i had the space and money for lighting equipment!!

well a reflector is very cheap.  If you can't afford a collapsible one from the store you can just get a big piece of white paper, or a cardboard box and spray paint it gold or white.  My first reflector was a white sheet that I spray painted gold.  It didn't work as good as a bought reflector but it was cheap and was a good place to start.

eyeCatchLight

  • Imagination is more important than knowledge.
« Reply #20 on: October 29, 2009, 06:59 »
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oh well i can afford a reflector, it's not that bad  ;D
i would also like to buy some lighting equipment, for example to isolate subjects. but there it gets a space problem pretty soon also, as my flat is quite small.... but i am so interested in the lightning aspect of photography, how to control light, or use the available one. now my things are mostly outdoor, and some things with a wireless off-camera flash.
thank you for everything, i like this group so much, you're great people!

RacePhoto

« Reply #21 on: October 29, 2009, 09:58 »
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wow, so fast, thanks! i adore these things, wish i had the space and money for lighting equipment!!


well a reflector is very cheap.  If you can't afford a collapsible one from the store you can just get a big piece of white paper, or a cardboard box and spray paint it gold or white.  My first reflector was a white sheet that I spray painted gold.  It didn't work as good as a bought reflector but it was cheap and was a good place to start.


Bought one at a dollar store. (for $1)  It was packaged as a windshield Sun reflector. Nice silver. Maybe some day I'll find a gold one?  ;D You can duct tape it over a frame, old Hula Hoop or circle from a large pizza. Done! Haven't used it yet, because I have some umbrellas, with slave strobes, on stands, and no assistant. It's there in the supplies, just in case.

Cool Educational Video comparing umbrellas and soft boxes with a models face.  http://ow.ly/uR0H

« Reply #22 on: October 29, 2009, 10:59 »
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oh well i can afford a reflector, it's not that bad  ;D
i would also like to buy some lighting equipment, for example to isolate subjects. but there it gets a space problem pretty soon also, as my flat is quite small.... but i am so interested in the lightning aspect of photography, how to control light, or use the available one. now my things are mostly outdoor, and some things with a wireless off-camera flash.
thank you for everything, i like this group so much, you're great people!

These are some great books I love and are really worth reading:

Light Science & Magic.  By Hunter Biver
Exposure and Lighting.  By Meadhra Lowrie

And if you are interested in using small flashes, check out David Hobby's blog: Strobist.





eyeCatchLight

  • Imagination is more important than knowledge.
« Reply #23 on: October 29, 2009, 18:35 »
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Thank you!!
I will check out these books.
I know David Hobby's blog a little, it is really great.

Everything seems so much about blogging in the microstock world...wow, is that modern now?

« Reply #24 on: November 26, 2009, 08:55 »
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Hope it's not too late for you. If you have a blog or your profile somewhere in Facebook you probably have at least a couple of models only waiting for work with you. Really, if you post something like "Please, please - can somebody save me from staying alone with camera" - even in this case some of your friends write you back. And if to write: "Special action only for you! Only here, only now and only for the first 3 guys" - you'll have a chance to choose the best variant from the huge amount of propositions...


 

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