Style. Do you over cook it?

I tend to use models who are creatively adaptable and respond to the theme of the shoot, so the "usual pose" thing doesn't often occur.

I have shot some "typecast" models radically differently, and although the models have been pleased with the results, the images usually go down like a lead balloon because they aren't what their followers want or expect. Perhaps there's a good reason why some models stick to a particular "look"?

This post has been filtered based on your content filter settings because it is NSFW. View reply

This post has been filtered based on your content filter settings because it is NSFW. View reply

Assuming I've interpreted the question correctly...

I choose my location, and then pick the model to suit.

I'll then ask the model to pose in sympathy with, or counter to the location.

I'll ask the model to go through their stock poses, but mainly I want their interpretation of the surroundings.

So, the model dictating what I shoot is secondary to the location calling the shots... if that makes sense.

Specifically regarding models, I mostly work with friends now anyway, and their looks don't really dictate the work that I do; their personalities/lives maybe do.

I don't think I totally get stuck in the grooves made by the model, as a result. Though if I look back through my photos it's possible I have taken those photos nevertheless, but simply avoided _using_ those photos. I definitely *notice* some of the identifiable "vamps" models can be recognised by.

One friend I work with absolutely does influence my thinking because her look and her expressions are so Mediterranean and even sephardic -- she can look like a 1950s Latina B-movie star, or a 70s/80s Italian model, or one of those femme fatales from a Montalbano episode. (She'll kill me for that last one)

Edited by Unfocussed Mike

“how much does the model you have dictate how and what you shoot?”

I usually choose a model who shoots art nudes, and avoid a glamour model with a set range of glamour poses. Seems reasonable.

Even then, I tend to steer them in the direction I want. Then a great model (and I’m pretty good at picking them) takes my idea and flies with it.

Joint creativity is the best thing ever….

Huw said

“how much does the model you have dictate how and what you shoot?”

I usually choose a model who shoots art nudes, and avoid a glamour model with a set range of glamour poses. Seems reasonable.

Even then, I tend to steer them in the direction I want. Then a great model (and I’m pretty good at picking them) takes my idea and flies with it.

Joint creativity is the best thing ever….

Yep. I love it when that happens.

The answer depends if you have booked a model who will give you a routine performance possibly done several times.

Or a model who can take some direction and inject her own performance into it perhaps reacting to the environment, giving you a balanced shoot.

There's not necessarily a right or wrong here, it comes down to what you want out of the shoot.

It would also depend on the models figure, I have found the more athletic a model the more suited to artnude creative poses. The more full figured the more glamour , of course there are sometimes models who fit in both camps.

Some models do view themselves as a form of brand , so if you want to do something radically different with a model known for a style of modeling maybe express it before meeting. Or you may well get a radical reaction to your request.

Edited by Lenswonder

I hope that my portfolio here shows that I am versatile as a model. Whatever ideas you have, whatever mood you want to create, I hope I can accomplish.

I think it's fine for photographers to have a particular style.

I think a models job is to be just that: "to either to display commercial products (notably fashion clothing in fashion shows) or to serve as an artist's model or to pose for photography"

Edited by Holly Alexander

GDSandy Photography

"...do you ever think. "I can't shoot with this person even though they have a look and shape I like because they seem to specialise in a pose and several variations thereof"?"

I can't say I have.

I feel prep and direction negates some of that. Also part of the reason I don't like my images being edited by others.

I've parred down what I do. I know what I want my images to look like to a point. Give or take a few things I feel people I've shot with have interrupted things well.

GDSandy Photography that's a great question. I find it really depends how well you can work with the model and understanding and working with their skills.

i usually have some sort of vision on what I want to achieve but I'm not vastly accomplished in direction so things tend to fall into place of their own accord. it doesn't always yield the results you had in mind but on the other hand having a bit of freedom within the shoot sometimes gives really good pictures out of luck and chance.

models will often put their own creative input into the shoot without any direction, which is great, but in the long run I think creating and producing a particular vision is an acquired skill that takes time to learn, so until then it's a case of continuing to practice.

if you want to carve out a particular groove then I think you got to work at it.

GDSandy Photography said

My question though is, how much does the model you have dictate how and what you shoot?

A lot. I either choose a topic based on a given model, or choose a model based on the topic.

GDSandy Photography said

do you ever think. "I can't shoot with this person even though they have a look and shape I like because they seem to specialise in a pose and several variations thereof"?

That is not to say that they are bad models in fact I wonder how many of them wish that someone would shoot them radically differently, or not even radically.

On occasion, yes.

If the ONLY things I've seen them do fall within a very small range, especially if that is a specialized one, I'm far less inclined to want to work with them unless I'm looking for just that thing.

I vastly prefer to work with chameleons; models who can portray a range of characters, emotions, expressions, and so-on. It increases the chances of serendipity, and makes getting better images overall much easier.

As a model I am fully aware that if I shoot a genre such as boudoir for example, then there are a few 'Signature' poses that I pull out of the bag.

However, I hope that with the diversity of genres I cover within my portfolio, I show that I can offer a full range of differing looks, styles and poses.

What I can not change is my age and look. I know many photographers choose a model for a certain aesthetic eg size 8 and under age 30.

There's absolutely nothing I can do about that. It's their choice if they would to shoot a particular model aesthetic.

I know I have a ton of experience, not just modelling but in life too, so I can portray a whole range of emotions.

Speaking as a photographer (yes I work that side of the camera too), I choose models based on how well I think they can execute my idea. For example if I wanted to shoot a cosplay theme, I'd be looking at someone who not only can fit the theme but execute the styling to an exceptionally high standard.

I tend to work with models that stir me creatively and can give me emotions from an image. Really get into character and also go along with some crazy ideas I might have such as put this dress over your head like its a veil etc.

When it comes to my post processing I try to style the image as it works in my head, a lot of my recent work has been to make that fine art old master type of portrait image.

But it very much the style matching the vibe of the shot in my head.

I prefer to shoot with models who flow pose and don’t require direction as I feel these poses look more organic. I loath to over direct as I find the poses just look stiff and awkward. So I always say to the model to pose what feels natural but I do ask for shapes and I do offer some direction when needed. Often when I see a pose I like I’ll ask the model to keep that pose with micro changes in facial pose a a position. I think allowing the model to freely pose gives me better photos ultimately but sometimes I do feel abit lazy lol