Be honest- Do you love your own photography?

Allesandro B said

tandi said

Sorry Marissa. The point I was trying to make is that not every model on PP can be "great or competent" and therefore will never be on any photographers "WTSW" list. For me personally I'd like to see the photographer "gems" (to quote Afrofilmviewer) out there being more creative by using different models, rather than (and this is purely my subjective view) select the most beautiful models who have the ability to light up any photograph with their presence.

That's a subject worth a  new post on it's own

It really is.

I'm answering on this account because the comment was directed at this account, even though the thread is my model account.

To try and tie in my Original post with the following comment:

"For me personally I'd like to see the photographer "gems" (to quote Afrofilmviewer) out there being more creative by using different models, rather than (and this is purely my subjective view) select the most beautiful models who have the ability to light up any photograph with their presence."

I asked all, if you love your work.

Many are satisfied, some are not, but are going towards being better, some do not, but have the drive and passion to keep creating.

The comment by one of the contributors has expressed a suggestion, for certain photographers to shoot with models that are not the types they normally work with.

This in it's essence is good. There should be more varieties of model types.

The comment acknowledges that the models they use "light up a photograph". This and only this is the reason the photographers shoot the models they shoot with.

The model, no matter what size, age, looks, must still encompass something that will elevate the image. A photographer should be more open to different models, indeed, but in order for them to then love their work, they must be able to want to shoot with them. They shouldn't be forced to look at alternatives that do not fit their briefs.

Edited by Marissa _PH1

Afrofilmviewer it's the perfect subject to attract all the haters of this platform...but I am seriously thinking of a way to do it 🙂

Marissa _PH1 said

QUOTE: "For me personally I'd like to see the photographer "gems" (to quote Afrofilmviewer) out there being more creative by using different models, rather than (and this is purely my subjective view) select the most beautiful models who have the ability to light up any photograph with their presence."

The comment acknowledges that the models they use "light up a photograph". This and only this is the reason the photographers shoot the models they shoot with.

... in order for them to then love their work, they must be able to want to shoot with them. They shouldn't be forced to look at alternatives that do not fit their briefs.

Edited by Marissa _PH1

As I was quoted... The point I tried to make was "I'd like to see" more diversity rather than "in my view" just selecting the most beautiful models. Please understand that I am not pushing for work myself, my comment tries to help include all those models who love doing shoots, but for whatever reason no longer get the opportunities they once did.

I'm not trying to force you to photograph anyone you would not like to shoot, I am simply saying it may be good to shoot someone who is not so young, possibly not so beautiful, possibly not so slim, regardless of whether they are male or female, if you only do NSFW, try SFW, if you only do SFW, try NSFW, try something different.

tandi

I do shoot the alternative models you list.

The common theme with them, is something that pops in the images. They need to have something unexplainable. They do not have to be conventionally beautiful. I shoot with a model that has a limited set of poses and expressions... BUT she is so photogenic and she is totally open to me directing her fully,

That to me is the key.

Edited by MaristarOxley

tandi

Quote:

if you only do NSFW, try SFW, if you only do SFW, try NSFW, try something different.

I do see photographers trying different styles.

For me, I would not be interested in NSFW, unless I'm trying a fashion editorial that incorporates nude, topless within the story I'm presenting.

Being open minded to shooting is good up to a point. It's only up to themselves to want to do something different.

tandi said

Marissa _PH1 said

QUOTE: "For me personally I'd like to see the photographer "gems" (to quote Afrofilmviewer) out there being more creative by using different models, rather than (and this is purely my subjective view) select the most beautiful models who have the ability to light up any photograph with their presence."

The comment acknowledges that the models they use "light up a photograph". This and only this is the reason the photographers shoot the models they shoot with.

... in order for them to then love their work, they must be able to want to shoot with them. They shouldn't be forced to look at alternatives that do not fit their briefs.

Edited by Marissa _PH1

As I was quoted... The point I tried to make was "I'd like to see" more diversity rather than "in my view" just selecting the most beautiful models. Please understand that I am not pushing for work myself, my comment tries to help include all those models who love doing shoots, but for whatever reason no longer get the opportunities they once did.

I'm not trying to force you to photograph anyone you would not like to shoot, I am simply saying it may be good to shoot someone who is not so young, possibly not so beautiful, possibly not so slim, regardless of whether they are male or female, if you only do NSFW, try SFW, if you only do SFW, try NSFW, try something different.

Tandi - I realise that you were replying to Marissa, and I also realise that Marissa's photography is much more creative than mine. But I'm going to chip in anyway...

The 'photographers should work with a greater diversity of models' topic has reared its head before. Personally, I'm happy to work with models of any age or any dress size. Indeed, I even state that in my profile notes. But... A few weeks ago I posted two casting calls for models who were, shall we say, above size 12 and/or of an older age group. I didn't get any responses from those two CCs. None at all. 

I hope this doesn't sound arrogant, but I don't think I'm the very worst photographer the world has ever seen and I think (I sincerely hope!) that models find me safe to work with. So where are all these 'not so young, possibly not so slim' models?  

Orson Carter

Hey, your work is Fabulous btw. I would shoot with you, except that I find my body totally unfit for the type of nude that you do. I also don't drive, so travelling to Somerset is too far. That's my excuse anyway 🙏🏽😍

When considering the question of model types, in terms of appearance, it is worth noting that there are also various interlinked factors such as insecurity, whether they are a performer offering a brand or a actor willing to model something different, physique/athletic, suited to the outfit requirements, are able to portray a specific major ingredient the photographer needs, the shoot logistics, whether the model is open to the preferred style, presence, body modifications, temperament, how they interact ie how they will fit in with the working style of the photographer, are they good listeners or do they decide what the photographer will get regardless.

There are so many questions I ask before deciding to approach someone and I am afraid some model types rule themselves out based on factors above, not their appearance.

Insecurity or shooting a particular way that comes across very strongly on their portfolio are two factors that stop a lot of models with particular appearance from being approached by me.

I am never in a position of having a blank space and no idea what to put into it. I have an idea of all the ingredients that may interest me and am looking for the elements someone else has to provide. That is a lot more than just saying I need this particular appearance

Marissa _PH1 said

tandi

but if you were someone else (photographer) would you shoot yourself, your age group?

Taking a big risk of being shot down in flames here...   ;)

Good grief no.
I don't generally shoot any women nude over about 35 (with one or two exceptions who I started shooting with before that and the family know well).

Women over 35 are far too sexy. Even 60 year olds can be very hot.

Shooting 20 year olds is like shooting kittens. Beautiful, perfect, but not terribly sexy.
I'm not aiming to shoot "sexy".

I was taught, while at college doing my degree, it's good to be critical of yourself, means you can only try harder next time. But, in the same instance, not to be too critical as you'll lose touch of what you are doing & fall out of love with it...good words from my tutor.

Huw said

Marissa _PH1 said

tandi

but if you were someone else (photographer) would you shoot yourself, your age group?

Taking a big risk of being shot down in flames here...   ;)

Good grief no.
I don't generally shoot any women nude over about 35 (with one or two exceptions who I started shooting with before that and the family know well).

Women over 35 are far too sexy. Even 60 year olds can be very hot.

Shooting 20 year olds is like shooting kittens. Beautiful, perfect, but not terribly sexy.
I'm not aiming to shoot "sexy".

Hah -- reminds me of something from the other day: if you'd gone back in time 30 years and said to a young male X-Files fan in 1994, "yeah, twentysomething Gillian Anderson is cute now, but you wait 30 years..." they would have erroneously assumed you were suggesting a process of decline.

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

Jack_Photography

It is striking the balance, that's so tricky 😁

It's a good question. I guess like most others I find the activity of photography absorbing for a while, and then my interest in what I'm photographing wanes. It's been tiny flowers for a while, but now i couldn't bring myself to photograph one if you offered me folding money. There's only so many times you can take a long exposure of a subject that wilts before you start to lose your mind. 

Other people's photography, though -  my love of that never seems to lessen. There are some sensational photographs on here.

Edited by Mark671

Edited by Mark671

Orson Carter said

Tandi - I realise that you were replying to Marissa, and I also realise that Marissa's photography is much more creative than mine. But I'm going to chip in anyway...

The 'photographers should work with a greater diversity of models' topic has reared its head before. Personally, I'm happy to work with models of any age or any dress size. Indeed, I even state that in my profile notes. But... A few weeks ago I posted two casting calls for models who were, shall we say, above size 12 and/or of an older age group. I didn't get any responses from those two CCs. None at all. 

I hope this doesn't sound arrogant, but I don't think I'm the very worst photographer the world has ever seen and I think (I sincerely hope!) that models find me safe to work with. So where are all these 'not so young, possibly not so slim' models?  

Casting is a little bit odd, I take a look now and again and there seems very few opportunities within a reasonable distance for models and photographers near me.

Huw said

Taking a big risk of being shot down in flames here...   ;)

Good grief no.
I don't generally shoot any women nude over about 35 (with one or two exceptions who I started shooting with before that and the family know well).

Women over 35 are far too sexy. Even 60 year olds can be very hot.

Shooting 20 year olds is like shooting kittens. Beautiful, perfect, but not terribly sexy.
I'm not aiming to shoot "sexy".

I wish I would have modelled when I was 20. Right now I feel like "Mutton, dressed as lamb, asking my photographer to shoot her". LOL! Switched up from NottingHill film, sorry I watched it last night with my hubby.

Unfocussed Mike said

Huw said

Marissa _PH1 said

tandi

but if you were someone else (photographer) would you shoot yourself, your age group?

Taking a big risk of being shot down in flames here...   ;)

Good grief no.
I don't generally shoot any women nude over about 35 (with one or two exceptions who I started shooting with before that and the family know well).

Women over 35 are far too sexy. Even 60 year olds can be very hot.

Shooting 20 year olds is like shooting kittens. Beautiful, perfect, but not terribly sexy.
I'm not aiming to shoot "sexy".

Hah -- reminds me of something from the other day: if you'd gone back in time 30 years and said to a young male X-Files fan in 1994, "yeah, twentysomething Gillian Anderson is cute now, but you wait 30 years..." they would have erroneously assumed you were suggesting a process of decline.

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

Everyone grows old it's inevitable, not many will look as good as they did, the main thing is that us older people have something to offer the only question is, will people want to see it without it grossing them out :-)