Commercial Model
The Model Portfolio: Professional Techniques
The purpose of a model’s portfolio is to show her versatility and aptitude at model posing. It should contain a varied assortment of shots that show different emotions and looks. It should be a good example of her range as a model. After all, it is her calling card, her tool to woo potential clients. With so much riding on a model’s port, care should be taken to ensure that it is put together as professionally as possible. Both the photographer and model play integral roles in creating a glamour model portfolio. While the model may have the task of conveying different facial expressions, it is the task of the photographer to help her by drawing them out.
The symbiotic relationship of model and photographer is one of creativity and communication. When it is at its best, great shots emerge and the model receives a portfolio that is a solid representation of her and her abilities.
For the Photographer
Of course it is your job to take pictures, but that isn’t your only job! In getting those pictures, those awesome shots, you have to do a little work. It is part of your job to help your model. Encourage her, show her how to pose and help to draw out different expressions from her. Talking to her is one of the most effective methods of achieving this. Weave various scenarios that evoke certain emotions from her. You want to get her creative juices flowing and awaken her imagination. Talk with her as you shoot, offering tips, praising her, giving encouragement and make suggestions.
When you aren’t behind the lens, you should be doing research. Watch people and the different expressions that they display. Notice a cocked eyebrow or a half smile and think about the situation that spawned that particular expression. Use this to recreate the same expressions in your model.
Every part of the face makes up a single expression so you want to look at the face as a whole, but pay attention to the little details. Expressive eyes can make a shot. The rest of the face can be expressionless, but fiery, expressive eyes can convey enough emotion to create a dramatic shot. The mouth is also very expressive, as are the eyebrows. The tilt of the head is also a part of displaying expression. Write down several expressions such as boredom, fear, joy, concern and anxiety, then record several situations that brought about those emotions. You can use those situations by relating them to your model.
Photos in magazines are also a great way to research interesting expressions. Keep in mind though, that each model will be a little different. While you want to achieve the overall concept of anger or joy, remain flexible enough to accept the model’s own brand of expression. As you look at the photos, consider the expression that each model displays. Think about how you can get that expression from your model.
Once you have done some research, you need to put it into practice by working with a model. Watch each detail in her face and notice the little nuances that add depth to each expression.
If you are just starting out and need some practice, find a few models who are interested in doing TFP/CD (Time for Prints or CD). TFP/CD means that they will pose for you and you give them prints or a CD of the shoot in return. This is a win win situation for both you and the model. You get experience and usually some shots for your own portfolio and the model gets experience and shots for her port as well.
Before the shoot, decide on several different expressions the try. If you don’t trust your memory, jot them down on a pad or use notecards. Add phrases that could be used as prompts to achieve the different expressions. Don’t rely too heavily on this method, though, because photography is a visual art and written instructions won’t take you as far as you like.
Work with your models, trying the different expressions. Use stimulating phrases and imagery to draw out the expression.
For the Model
In getting the perfect model pose, you have a big job. You are a focal point of the shot and it is up to you to portray various emotions and expressions. Your portfolio should show your wide range or looks and expressions because this will widen your base so that you appeal to more, varied clients. Before the shoot, prepare by doing a little research on your own. High fashion magazines are great tools for the glamour model. Keep a scrapbook, or idea book, of the more interesting poses and expressions that you would like to try.
With book in hand, stand before the mirror and practice the different expressions from the pictures you collected. Let the pose in the book be your base pose and expression, perfect it and them begin to move. Modify the base pose and expression so that you make it your own. Try to imagine what the model was thinking when she was posing for the shot. Try not to be self conscious because the camera will pick up on it. Preparation will increase your confidence and erase your self consciousness, so practice often.
They say that the eyes are the mirror to the soul and that also applies in pictures. Your eyes can reflect emotion when the rest of your face registers no emotion at all. Watch your eyes, eyebrows and the area around your eyes to see how you express various emotions like sorrow, joy and anger. Use a scarf to cover your head and face so that you can only see your eyes. Try showing different expressions through your eyes.
Use your imagination to come up with different scenarios that cause you to experience certain emotions. Learn how show these expressions in your face.
Do this activity repeatedly with different expressions until you can just think of something and it shows on your face. Teach yourself to be joyful, to be afraid, to cry. Simply looking happy or scared to tearful is not enough. You have to teach yourself how to experience the emotions at will.
Finally, get in front of the camera. That is the only way you are going to get any real experience. Many photographers will do TFP/CD, allowing you to get some good model posing techniques experience, practice your expressions and get some great shots for your portfolio.
Commercial Model Career Information : How to Become a Commercial Model
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