cmwhalen
model: Alexis Poarch
model: Alexis Poarch
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May, 2015Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at Grapevine Lake in Texas.Time
It was in the morning timeframe, 10am is to be exact.Lighting
I'm use to natural light and depending where the sun is, you can get the right shadows. Usually, I shoot in the morning or later afternoon. When the Sun is over head, I avoid since the shadows aren't attractive to any model. Showing off bags or deep shadows under the nose. Of course a reflector would fix it but I like to move around and get multiple angles so I just avoid that time of the day.Equipment
The gear I used was Canon t2i with a 50mm and battery pack. I don't like flashes outside, the Sun is all you really need. As for tripod, if you shoot at a high shutter speed, which I did, you don't need a tripod. If you have shaky hands then of course there is nothing wrong with it. I'd suggest a mono pod so you can move more often.Inspiration
The photo was for a temp tattoo company called: Crown Mermaid but the I suppose the angle was to show off the model's beauty and the tattoo itself. Making it seem "in the moment" type.Editing
Yes, I do multiple things now. This photo was when I was new with models so I used clone tool and played with coloring and levels. Now, I've learned multiple techniques which I'm close to mastering. There's still learning to be had but mainly focus on frequency separation, burn and lighten, and coloring. Those will be your best friends in post if your just starting.In my camera bag
My bag has about 6 batteries, bubble gum, 50mm - 1.8, 24mm - 2.8, Canon 70d, multiple sd cards that are fast MB, Making sure your SD cards are fast so you can keep the flow going I found. Also, I bring water for the models and myself. I'd bring food if the shoots are longer but usually don't last but couple hours.Feedback
My techniques and style has changed over the years. It takes time to figure out what you enjoy rather then what you think you enjoy. I found many interesting styles but once I had my niche, I was more passionate about each project. For post, study on how to make your models look the best and ALWAYS use manual. I learned with film and manual mode so I learned the hard way about mistakes. It's great to learn from mistakes, it'll make you a better photographer and how to deal with problems. Nothing worth having comes easy. Also, make sure your model is comfy, I've become friends with the model's I meet because there not just subject, there people too. Explain what your going for and if need be, give direction for certain looks your going for. The model is a character in a story so make sure they act out the vision you both may have, otherwise it'll seem fake. Not everything is done in post or makeup. Background of the reason for the shot is great for both the photographer and model.
