Models who can show two sides

Wondrous said

Gothic Image yes but yet not many can actually do this character thing truly. Sometimes it's done to blatantly to be art, it becomes a caricature.

That entirely depends on the models you choose to work with, methinks?  I don't want to work with models who look and act the same in every shot.  To my mind, acting is part of being a good model.

JonC If there were a lot of models who can show this I think I would have seen it. I don't think there are, perhaps not entirely their fault you can only shoot what you are booked for. Or shoot yourself and take charge.

Brian Lewicki yes but there you said it , you photographed them in model mode. Not what you saw before. How many photographers are looking for the before and how many models are likely to want to present that?

For some that may actually lose them bookings on a site like this.

So the truth is not many.

I would be mostly doing similar even though I may look for natural emotion on the odd photo. Largely it's still model mode because that's what I most want to see.

I have had several comments from photographers about me going into "model mode" on shoots in several capacities

In the first instance, getting my face and clothes on (or off for a nude shoot 🤣) they say my face completely changes and my vibe steps up and then in the second instance, when we're chatting and laughing in between sets and then as soon as they've got the camera on me it's model face on, pose pulled and game time 🤣

It is very much like acting where you make the transition between yourself and then your character being your model persona almost for me.

Wondrous said

JonC If there were a lot of models who can show this I think I would have seen it. I don't think there are, perhaps not entirely their fault you can only shoot what you are booked for. Or shoot yourself and take charge.

I'm with JonC on this, and it's what I regard as normal behaviour for a model.  Note that there's also no single "model mode", it means that they have slipped into their acting mode where they can portray a variety of characters, not just the person who walked in the door.

Edited by Gothic Image

I'm with most of you; it's a lot like acting.

Wondrous

In my case It’s recognising that

“ something” in the “plain” before the change they bring to camera.

There are models who lead with their bodies and posture, there are the ones who lead with their eyes and gaze/head posture, there are some which rely on emotional impact and there are some who disappear and reappear by someone totally else.

Sometimes this manifests as sweet, buddy type or tomboy model become femme fatale, sometimes it shows itself as strong and brutal looking woman being actually sweet and bubbly. Depending on the vibe, some become sexually more expressive and some show more vulnerability. Such a great palette of unique models out there.

Since I saw all of this again and again, I can't imagine being a model as they are. It is something hard to do, a great talent to have and a  skill to hone. Great respect to the great great models or anyone who is on the way to become one.

Over the years I can only think of one model I've shot who you would not recognise in the street. Scrubbed up, make up on, and kitted out and you would not recognise her. Many others do look slightly different once prepped but this model a true enigma.

I was in the car park outside the studio and was approached by a young lady asking where the studio was, I didn't recognise her from her images, this was the day of the shoot. We went up to the studio, mua got to work, stylist did the clothes and I swear not possible to recognise her as the same person....unbelievable transformation. Bumped into her out and about about 6 months later, didn't recognise her, she said hi, the images were fab, thanks.....sorry, who are you, no chance I could place her. I was with my wife who did the styling that day, even she didn't recognise her in normal everyday environment.

I hope I do just this. Its becuase I am acting when modelling, You would pass me by in Tescos and not even notice. 

My model self everly rose is nothing like the kerry you see at home, I've been told many times I totally change in front of the camera.

EloiseH & Rose Magdalene Child are great examples of this...

Edited by BigBaldTone

I'm obviously in a minority...    I'm not interested in photographing a "model" or an "actor" - I want to photograph the real person, with real emotions.

One reason for shooting nudes - less to hide behind.

Huw said

I'm obviously in a minority...    I'm not interested in photographing a "model" or an "actor" - I want to photograph the real person, with real emotions.

One reason for shooting nudes - less to hide behind.

My nude modelling self is still very different to the real me. In fact I would challenge you to know if I was acting or not becuae I am still capable of showing emotions even when acting.

Edited by Jessica Knight

Jessica Knight said

Huw said

I'm obviously in a minority...    I'm not interested in photographing a "model" or an "actor" - I want to photograph the real person, with real emotions.

One reason for shooting nudes - less to hide behind.

My nude modelling self is still very different to the real me.

... and that's fine.  :)
Very popular on here, ideal if one is casting for a job.

Personally, I find it slightly disappointing when models "model", but I can generally work through it and get the real person showing.
Quite happy to get half a dozen good shots with the real personality in a day shooting.

One reason I avoid "glamour" - which is an entirely artificial construct.

Jessica Knight in real acting you have to fake emotions and do it convincingly, in film or television that might be across multiple takes. I mean stuff like being able to make yourself cry on demand is a pretty incredible skill.