>>>MClass I. Part 1. 1) Preparations.

[jrdu]

It would be a nice thing to have - maybe with my next camera.

I asked a girl to be my model, but she turned me down. I need an emergency shipment of Yehuda's shaving lotion.
--
John Dunn
My show 'Serenity': http://fototime.com/inv/6A04BAB6F082B6C

 

[Yuri Pautov]

I find your work excellent!
We here in Russia have marks for lessons 1(very bad) - 5 (excellent)

I give you 5!

1. This Background shows us colorful, specific environment.

Think that EYE CONTACT with your model (I see your model in 'outstanding' dress - color or model of dress) will help to hold the composition.
2. Just fantastic, I think with these far away buildings also...

3. Excellent again! The question is can your model be 'inserted' there.

Your background has concrete lines - horizontal and vertical. So it will not be an easy task to place your model.
4. Again I like it
The only thing about 3 and 4 - we have NATURAL LIGHT PORTRAIT theme.
5. Like it too!
Great work, John!
Yuri

 

[KT Mae]

John, a couple of them are very interesting to me... but I think the abandoned High School fascinates me the most.

How about yours?

By the way, good work!
--
Kathy
'All the world's a stage.'

 

[jrdu]

if I don't get there soon. I think I need either someone in a ball-gown or someone all punked up.
--
John Dunn
My show 'Serenity': http://fototime.com/inv/6A04BAB6F082B6C

 

[Yuri Pautov]

Engaging a person
I understand that this post will be the most ‘polysemantic’ so to say.

Of course, some methods or tips which can help a photographer in one country (Russia, where I live, for example) can be used with some caution in another (Germany), or cannot be used at all (Saudi Arabia, or Egypt). So, taking into consideration that we live in different countries with different traditions, I nevertheless think that I can share with you some of things I do here.

At least, in case you’ll visit the city of Voronezh, Russia, where I live, work and take photos, you’ll know what to do

I myself use different approaches, and the people could be either unknown or known to me.

Sometimes I see my future 'model' but I notice that it's not the right time or place for my approach. In this case I try to become acquainted only. I have my business cards with me, with my photo gallery address and phone number.

I think that such a card (with email, web, phone and your name and maybe your photo) plays an important role.

And my friend Vladimir – a pro photographer, who worked in Israel, Russia and other countries for a long time agree with me.

Unknown.

The overwhelming majority of my portraits are of unknown to me people, whom I meet on the streets, at café, hospitals. With some of them, after our sessions, I continue relations and even have some new friends.

I tend to walk around looking at the people around me with a friendly, open look, filled with interest. And when I see a 'potential' model, I never hide my emotions. Yes, I understand, it is hard to make a first step and start talking.

And the fact of talking with unknown person itself might be strange in your country. But… If you have a friendly look, REAL interest in your eyes, no ‘Stone in your bosom’ as we say here, then why not make this first step?

Model’s eyes are of my special interest. You might have heard the term “Yuri’s eyes”. It is true. Exactly eyes attract my attention first. And people feel this.

Whatever you do, you’ll have eyes contact with your future model first. And in my case, I have A FEELING. Name it intuition but I think that EYES SAY ALL!
What to do next? Depending on your feelings.
You may draw aside your look, if something tells you ‘Oh, no…’
Or,
You can make a first step.

I am keen on psychology, and though it is not my profession and I have no special education, I’ve read and read now a lot of books.
Reading some psychology books will be my advice to you.

There is an approach of ‘triune sentence’.
1 part ‘I understand that…’
2 part ‘still/ but/ at the same time….’
3 part ‘It’s you to decide though’

In the first part you say that you understand your ‘interlocutor’, in the second – what you want. The third pass the decision to the one you talk with.

For example

I understand that it looks strange that I start talking with you, but I am an amateur photographer and after I saw your beautiful eyes, I imagined what a wonderful photograph portrait could be done, if you don’t mind. It is you to decide, though.

(Book: How To Deal With Your Acting Up Teenager Bayard, Robert T)

After your first steps of conversation, you can receive one of three answers: 'Yes'(Or so) / 'No (or so)' / 'Later' (or so) Must say that I have received 'No' very rarely – must be only five or ten times. I often heard 'Oh, I am not that photogenic…' – that's an encouraging answer, and it's my turn to say that its not true…

It was not easy for me to stick to people in the streets, when I started. But I did it.

It is very important: you must have REAL FEELINGS and you must LOOK INTO the EYES.

We are not alone on this planet. We have co-workers, neighbours. We visit the same places with the same maintenance staff.

At list, sure you have your relatives and friends. You have relatives of your friends. And so on. Try to talk to them and ask to be your models.
More shots, more practice – more experience…

I usually give my 'models' CDs with photo session's results. And present them several 30x45 cm prints. If you are not so 'rich' you can limit yourself with CD only.
And…

I always have a model release with me, and ask to sign it. I try to do this before shooting…

Yes, you can also do this later, before posting/printing. But you must HAVE A RELEASE.

HOMEWORK: Find yourself a model, who will help you to take portraits.

--
Spasibo,
Yuri
http://pautov.viplast.ru

 

[KT Mae]

This is going to be tough. I will reflect on it and try to fulfill the assignment this weekend. Yuri, I don't know if your technique for selecting and getting a model will really work for me. I may have to evaluate this because finding folks on the street may not be within my comfort level.

I will think about this.

--
Kathy
'All the world's a stage.'

 

[Yehuda Katz]

HOMEWORK: Find yourself a model, who will help you to take portraits.

This assignment is much easier than the first one.

Thank you for the lesson,
Yehuda

 

[NicoChina]

Hello.

I'm catching up a bit late here, and not much time to participate these days.

I find the thread very interesting, probably one of the very best i saw here. I hope this will be updated as a website later, it is definitely worth it.

Just one remark about the whole "PREPARATION" thing :

• TIME is a very important limiting factor, being you and your model's available time for the shooting (and the time the model keeps a "fresh" look... if you have been smilling to flashlights for a whole day you know what i mean.) as well as the availability of the set (and changing natural light).

As people are usually taking many pics and can expect from 30min/1h to a whole afternoon, you should have gear for that length of time.

That gear is not only batteries/memory cards, it is also ideas/options for shooting. I think that instead of being anticipating one "scene" with a background, it can be very interesting to look for a location with several photo opportunities (and a few precises ideas in mind if possible).

The idea is to be able to experiment and move from place to place. You will end up with a more interesting choice of pictures, and it is also interesting to keep the model and yourself entertained. (+ in case something goes wrong, you can react pretty fast)

In the same order of idea : if possible, it is always cool to have the model taking a bag with a few different clothes and accessories. Just having a few necklaces/hats/gloves/scarves/whatever and 2 or 3 jumpers instead of one can add a lot and there is no need for a facility for the model to undress or anything.

Basically, i ask for one white cloth, one black or dark, one colorful, and the model's favorite. I also invite another photographer friend, who brings his imagination, good mood and the ability to take some more natural shots (the model can't pose for 2 people, so i give up some nice angle, when the other is shooting, but i can take some pics that have the advantages of posed pics and those of candids in the same time).

--
French living in China,
Sony R1
Nikon D200 (tamron 17-50 / sigma 50-150 / SB600)

 

[Yuri Pautov]

This is going to be tough. I will reflect on it and try to fulfill
the assignment this weekend. Yuri, I don't know if your technique
for selecting and getting a model will really work for me. I may
have to evaluate this because finding folks on the street may not be
within my comfort level.

I will think about this.

Spasibo, Kathy for your reply!

Yes, its a delicate point and, as I wrote, depends very much upon traditions of the countries we live in.
It also depends upon an environment...

For example it seems to me that finding your model in student's midst is easier then between visitors of Aragawa restaurant (the most expensive - in Tokyo).

That is why it will be VERY INTERESTING to me to read your ways of finding models
Again thank you very much, Kathy!
Yuri

 

[Yuri Pautov]

HOMEWORK: Find yourself a model, who will help you to take portraits.

This assignment is much easier than the first one.

Thank you for the lesson,
Yehuda

Thank you very much for your participation, Yehuda!

I have a very important for me question.

Was it hard (or HARDER then in Israel) for you to find a model when you were in US?

For me finding a model is also not a question.

But does this depends upon your charm, Yehuda, or the country you live in?
(More 'opened' society)
that this is very 'close' so to say society...

I cant believe that when I'll come to US, I will not find a model to shoot!

Spasibo,
Yuri

 

[Yuri Pautov]

Hello.

I'm catching up a bit late here, and not much time to participate
these days.
I find the thread very interesting, probably one of the very best i
saw here. I hope this will be updated as a website later, it is
definitely worth it.

Just one remark about the whole "PREPARATION" thing :

• TIME is a very important limiting factor, being you and your

model's available time for the shooting (and the time the model keeps
a "fresh" look... if you have been smilling to flashlights for a
whole day you know what i mean.) as well as the availability of the
set (and changing natural light).

As people are usually taking many pics and can expect from 30min/1h
to a whole afternoon, you should have gear for that length of time.

That gear is not only batteries/memory cards, it is also
ideas/options for shooting. I think that instead of being
anticipating one "scene" with a background, it can be very
interesting to look for a location with several photo opportunities
(and a few precises ideas in mind if possible).

The idea is to be able to experiment and move from place to place.
You will end up with a more interesting choice of pictures, and it is
also interesting to keep the model and yourself entertained. (+ in
case something goes wrong, you can react pretty fast)

In the same order of idea : if possible, it is always cool to have
the model taking a bag with a few different clothes and accessories.
Just having a few necklaces/hats/gloves/scarves/whatever and 2 or 3
jumpers instead of one can add a lot and there is no need for a
facility for the model to undress or anything.

Basically, i ask for one white cloth, one black or dark, one
colorful, and the model's favorite. I also invite another
photographer friend, who brings his imagination, good mood and the
ability to take some more natural shots (the model can't pose for 2
people, so i give up some nice angle, when the other is shooting, but
i can take some pics that have the advantages of posed pics and those
of candids in the same time).

--
French living in China,
Sony R1
Nikon D200 (tamron 17-50 / sigma 50-150 / SB600)

--
Spasibo, NicoChina!

I think that the question of the variety is in fact the question of your personal approach and 'availability' of your model.
In my case, all comes down to model's opportunity.
Some of them have enough time, some - not.

As I wrote, I am an amateur photographer - so I cant spend much time at photo sessions.
But they last at least for two-three hours.
I usually make 150-200 shots.
I prefer not more then one-two dress changing of my model.
I usually use something about ten places (backgrounds).
Again, thank you very much!
I'll be waiting for your assignments.

Yuri

 

[Yehuda Katz]

Was it hard (or HARDER then in Israel) for you to find a model when
you were in US?

I had no rejects in the States (I enclose 2 images). Same for France, Germany, Costa Rica and Russia. OTOH, sometimes I get rejects here in my country, but after a few exchanged words the ice usually melt.

But does this depends upon your charm, Yehuda, or the country you
live in?

I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think that the most important factor is how I approach my subjects. If I show self confidence, and able to exchange some polite words - I get eventually an OK.

I cant believe that when I'll come to US, I will not find a model to shoot!

I can ASSURE you that you'll have NO problems in the States. I understand that you plan to visit there.

Take care, Yuri.
Yehuda

 

[RockinC]

Sorry I'm so late... I would like to participate. I do some portraits but would definitely like to be better and consistent!

My homework for backgrounds. They were all taken the last hour of the day with my Sony P&S S45.

Would be nice for couple or woman. There are benches on the inside



A princess would be nice for this



This building is pretty large but would make a nice back drop for a 50-60's car with owner or maybe a Harley dude.



Nice for senior portraits:

 

[Yehuda Katz]

When approaching strangers, the first thing they notice is your camera. If it looks big, preferebly with a flash on it, you transmit professionalism.

Yehuda

 

[Yuri Pautov]

I think we all must say Todah Rabah - 'Thank you' - to Yehuda for his kind reply.
Now we know - everything is possible!
If you have desire!
And special thanks for wonderful portraits!

Yuri

 

[Yuri Pautov]

Sorry I'm so late... I would like to participate. I do some
portraits but would definitely like to be better and consistent!

My homework for backgrounds. They were all taken the last hour of
the day with my Sony P&S S45.

Would be nice for couple or woman. There are benches on the inside

Unfortunately, I can't see what background do you mean.
We see a lot of backgrounds here - grate, Wall of a building, tree, street.
Please, start with simple backgrounds, as I asked you.

A princess would be nice for this

I like this one. And it will be interesting for shots, taken from above!
(Without horizon)

This building is pretty large but would make a nice back drop for a
50-60's car with owner or maybe a Harley dude.

I find it a great object itself, so to say!
And any smaller one (car, bike) will not attract attention. What do you think?

Nice for senior portraits:

I like all of them - all three!

Spasibo,
Yuri

 

[jrdu]

to keep up. I have had a fever for a couple of days. Before I went to my bed I asked a woman on the street if she spoke English, and if she would help me to buy an electronic thermometer. She was very kind, and walked with me to a couple drug stores and helped me to make my purchase. We exchanged phone numbers.

Later, I thought I would like to talk to her more, so I used your three step approach. "I realize we just met by random on the street, but I would like to talk a little more to get to know you better. It's your choice, of course".
Then she responded and we sent many messages back and forth.
I haven't found my model yet, though.
--
John Dunn
My show 'Serenity': http://fototime.com/inv/6A04BAB6F082B6C