Models who can show two sides

I've never been bothered about what models look like in makeup vs. without. Back when I had the jacuzzi I remember one model shot in it, and then took a shower after so she could wash her hair etc rather than travel home smelling like a swimming pool. She removed her makeup during said shower and I thought someone different emerged 😂

I have shot with a few models who actually do look different in the flesh as opposed to a photograph. Nothing to do with acting. Nothing to do with makeup.

Acting for a photograph is similar if not the same as acting for a film.

It has to be subtle and for me, minimal.

What works is the use of the entire body and the face can often be apparently much less important.

It is difficult for me to find models that can do what I want.

The failure is mine though.

As a further thought I quite often take shots of models with a cutoff at the lips and a good model can show amazing expression using this limitation.

I am not talking of "anonymous " models here.

I've worked with several PP models that have the 'chameleonic' talent. Chief among them...

Artemis Fauna is IMHO be the most versatile of all: Check the port'. Total professional. Beyond versatile.

♥ Chiara Elisabetta has a huge range too, and is a blast to work with... Again, check the port'.

Rebecca Tun from just a one shoot experience, is clearly versatile, expressive, and wholly involved-engaged in the shoot process... of making great photo's.

That last comment - shoot engagement - means a lot. I have worked with very long-term experienced PP models who are clearly not (engaging) with what they're being paid for. Getting a great image with a model is a matter of teamwork and some level of artistic communication, not pure photographer direction.

Edited by Stanmore

JPea & Stanmore you both make excellent points.

One thing I think is really important is no matter how experienced a model is, they *have* to be able to take direction. Through no real fault of one's own, it's very easy to get locked into personal habits, or develop a "house style" and whilst a model who can direct herself is often great, there are those occasions when you need to be able to say, in maybe not these words, "Can you forget everything you know and pose how I'm asking you to, even if you personally think it's wrong?" As an actor I'm asked to do that a lot so maybe it's just me projecting I've been trained onto modelling.

But that said I would also agree that model engagement is paramount; this in itself might well be acting because I'm sure many, if not every model, has taken on a paid shoot that she really didn't want to do.

And I get it, because I have gigs in my line of work that I really don't want to do, but do them because I have to pay my bills; and mobile DJs certainly don't command anything like the hourly rate models do so we can't even pick-and-choose work.

However, you still have to kick high and smile about it and do the job you're being paid to do.

It's why I'm not bothered about References or the frequency of which she comes round on the FPIs; it all means nothing if she rocks up to a paid shoot and phones it in. I'll hire the model who is going to give me her full engagement, heart and soul, every time.

I know I typed two faces but I really should have typed 3 or maybe 4 on the title.

Ask yourself if the model you think has these acting qualities shows these portrayals on their port.

Vulnerability

Everyday woman

Girl next door

Glamour babe

If they don't show these 4 through a range of photos convincingly and looking slightly a different person, they're not there and I'm talking subtley not a caricature. I don't want to make this a model Vs that model thing which is why I've named no one. I can tell you for sure though there's not many models that do show these 4 sides. Maybe off the top of my head I can think of 3/4 and I'm even pushing it with 3/4, it's just not a range shown on most ports, most stick to one or two and majority of profiles only usually show one mode , one expression.

Edited by Wondrous

Isn't the whole thing smoke and mirrors? I have been to studios where there is junk piled everywhere, but the shooting area is looking like a mansion, the lighting of course also makes a massive difference. Then you add me and the skill if the MUA or wardrobe can transform me into a goddess or a crone. Then it is for me to bring that character to life using my own skill to get into their head and the director telling me how they want that to be. These are my skills and this is what I will bring to a shoot be it acting or modelling;in this case I could be my own MUA and I do have an extensive wardrobe. This is what I belive you are paying me for plus 100 per cent committment to the shoot while it is happening. This is the challenge and what I really enjoy othe work. Its why I like good pre shoot comms so that i can prepare the character. I just love this side of the work and would love to do more.

It's one thing changing appearance visually and how they carry themselves and by that I mean automatic change of mannerisms, I've noticed some go into model 'mode' conscious of how they look and 100% aware of how to position themselves in respect of camera/light position/limits. The conveyance of emotion and expression depending on the genre style is something completely different imho.

I like to outline the concept/style and let them embrace the moment. One has to be careful not to interrupt their flow by giving directions once they are 'performing', best to run a series of shots and review, this is when shooting tethered is indispensable. Some models have what one might describe as a routine, similar m.o. each shoot they do, others will 'wing it' and give it a go. One has to get a balance between your direction and not hinder their freedom of expression too.

I avoid glamour like the plague, not a lover of the blbp look, or knickers in stiletto approach very much stylish, fashion/beauty etc so my actual range is limited in this respect. There are very few who can embrace every aspect,vso best to select the most suitable for the particular genre you're trying to capture. That's my 2p.

I somehow feel that I am looking for something different from a model

On one of my better days I am not taking a photograph of a model.

I am using a model to get a photograph that I think I want.

I mostly fail.

indemnity said

It's one thing changing appearance visually and how they carry themselves and by that I mean automatic change of mannerisms, I've noticed some go into model 'mode' conscious of how they look and 100% aware of how to position themselves in respect of camera/light position/limits. The conveyance of emotion and expression depending on the genre style is something completely different imho.

I like to outline the concept/style and let them embrace the moment. One has to be careful not to interrupt their flow by giving directions once they are 'performing', best to run a series of shots and review, this is when shooting tethered is indispensable. Some models have what one might describe as a routine, similar m.o. each shoot they do, others will 'wing it' and give it a go. One has to get a balance between your direction and not hinder their freedom of expression too.

I avoid glamour like the plague, not a lover of the blbp look, or knickers in stiletto approach very much stylish, fashion/beauty etc so my actual range is limited in this respect. There are very few who can embrace every aspect,vso best to select the most suitable for the particular genre you're trying to capture. That's my 2p.

+1 to almost all of that, especially the bit in bold. 

I often throw an idea to the model and ask her to run with it, and I often find that because of the model's input - her creativity and experience - I get far better pics than I'd originally envisaged. I love it when that happens. 

When I started out in photography a mentor told me “models are actors without a script or dialogue”.  I’ve always found that to be true of the models I’ve worked with.  From ugly ducklings in sweat shirts and trackie bottoms at the outset to very fine swans indeed in every shoot the transformations were wondrous to behold. (Pun intended).

indemnity said

II like to outline the concept/style and let them embrace the moment. One has to be careful not to interrupt their flow by giving directions once they are 'performing', best to run a series of shots and review, this is when shooting tethered is indispensable. Some models have what one might describe as a routine, similar m.o. each shoot they do, others will 'wing it' and give it a go. One has to get a balance between your direction and not hinder their freedom of expression too.

I avoid glamour like the plague, not a lover of the blbp look, or knickers in stiletto approach very much stylish, fashion/beauty etc so my actual range is limited in this respect. There are very few who can embrace every aspect,vso best to select the most suitable for the particular genre you're trying to capture. That's my 2p.

Totally agree with it!

Stanmore said

Getting a great image with a model is a matter of teamwork and some level of artistic communication, not pure photographer direction.

Absolutely - it's a collaboration in the true sense of the word.

Orson Carter said

indemnity said

It's one thing changing appearance visually and how they carry themselves and by that I mean automatic change of mannerisms, I've noticed some go into model 'mode' conscious of how they look and 100% aware of how to position themselves in respect of camera/light position/limits. The conveyance of emotion and expression depending on the genre style is something completely different imho.

I like to outline the concept/style and let them embrace the moment. One has to be careful not to interrupt their flow by giving directions once they are 'performing', best to run a series of shots and review, this is when shooting tethered is indispensable. Some models have what one might describe as a routine, similar m.o. each shoot they do, others will 'wing it' and give it a go. One has to get a balance between your direction and not hinder their freedom of expression too.

I avoid glamour like the plague, not a lover of the blbp look, or knickers in stiletto approach very much stylish, fashion/beauty etc so my actual range is limited in this respect. There are very few who can embrace every aspect,vso best to select the most suitable for the particular genre you're trying to capture. That's my 2p.

+1 to almost all of that, especially the bit in bold. 

I often throw an idea to the model and ask her to run with it, and I often find that because of the model's input - her creativity and experience - I get far better pics than I'd originally envisaged. I love it when that happens. 

Once again, teamwork and collaboration!

Oh, there are several darn good models.  Gothic Image  Holly Alexander here on the page are lovely examples.  I am (pleasantly) surprised when I give a model some modest setting and direction and she takes it and transforms into it, making a coherent "scene" out of my idea.  My role is to give her something to inspire her, whether it is wardrobe or location or mood or whatnot, and her role is to illuminate that inspiration with her own light.  It's kind of groovy when it works.  Cheers to all the lovely models.