I recall doing two remote shoots between 2021 and 2022, I have not seen many since. Do people still shoot remote? I feel like it did have some benefits and could work especially if it is a creative and unique concept. It can be especially convenient for people hundreds of miles apart.
How did everyone feel about remote shooting?
I do! Not as many as I did a couple of years ago but they're definitely still a thing
I last did one a week ago! Try searching for images with "remote shoot" tag?
Edited by Gothic Image
Gothic Image that’s awesome! I have not gotten the chance because I just signed up for purple port today but will definitely check it out! :)
I did a number of remote shoots during the first phases of COVID, some using very simple tech (meaning the model only had, say, an iPhone which I could control) and others where the model had a setup llinking to an SLR which allowed me a lot more control.
In those times it enabled photographers / models who were keen to continue to produce images. My take on it was that it was incredibly hard work for the model who had to set up her place, understand how to light herself, then, if if things needed to move 2 inches to the left move it, then go back to modelling. Some models are really well equipped to do the tech stuff (especially in my experience, those who had a supportive partner)
And then very, VERY dependent on the connection between myself and the model. I did shoots which were, in my view, pretty cool, and others that, not due to the model but due to their internet connection, were like pulling teeth. I'd try to control the model's camera / phone / ... and many seconds later the picture would swim into view
I have a great number of very happy memories of those shoots, some which beggar belief. I like to think, in many instances, the models and I created some very cool images that aren't evidently remote. I'm not going to post them here, simply not to be tedious, but feel free to ask.
Now, with things as they are, if someone was at the other side of the world I was crazy keen to shoot, I'd consider it (I know a model in the US who bought kit to not only be able to change the focal length of a zoom lens, but move the camera along a track, all controlled remotely so the photographer can 'move'.
Currently I'm not really interested in remote shooting (despite getting what I felt / feel are decent images) unless there's some location I really can't do with a local model (plus of course that we can work out how to shoot the model in the location
.
ADWsPhotos thank you for sharing your experience. Remote shooting definitely has its cons as you said. For me it was just fun little projects to do with photographers and helped me gain friendships! I can say it definitely was hard moving the camera to the right angle at first. But with the right guide the photos can turn out awesome, especially with a good concept!
I'm still doing remote shoots with people in the UK and abroad. It's still a great way to shoot if you're far apart. I have good conversations during shoots and as ADWsPhotos said I make friendships too. I enjoy the process and the images we produce are good quality, although it is a lot of work for having to move the camera and the lighting and do all the sets and all the modelling stuff. But it's all part of it.
I did 2 remote shoots last week with someone in the US and someone in England. <<< Remote Shoots Album >>>
I have not done any, not something that dings my bell, however, I sincerely don't think this very versatile mode of work has been exploited as well as it could. There are many many people unable to get out due to health/disability and many other factors who really are missing out on a very fulfilling form of photography. My 2p.
Natasha J Bella that’s amazing! I’m glad you take friendships from the shoots. I don’t like when I just shoot and the photographer disappears
after. I enjoy the personal connection. So glad to see u still shooting!
indemnity I understand, it’s not for everyone. For me it’s a hit or miss. Is the concept is good then it’s nice but if it is not good and the photographer doesn’t know what they are doing, the quality can be really bad. But it is very convenient especially if far away and good for making connections!
I've got some lined up. Remotes to down under are perfect for when the weather is as crappy here as it is now. But not too many models can do location shoots remotely which limits my options quite a bit as I don't like shooting in studios but prefer natural light outdoors.
But with the right set even an indoor remote can be great, even for an outdoor photographer like me.
Sacha Saxer that’s awesome that you still do them! I didn’t think outdoor remote shoots existed, I thought it was more of an indoor thing like the ones I’ve done. Will definitely look into it!
Luminousxo said
Sacha Saxer that’s awesome that you still do them! I didn’t think outdoor remote shoots existed, I thought it was more of an indoor thing like the ones I’ve done. Will definitely look into it!
My first remote shoot was in a studio but almost all others I did were location shoots. It's amazing what you can do with a cellphone connection and a laptop. This is from my second remote shoot:
We went all in on social distancing, with me in Switzerland and Lucy in New Zealand. Still one of my all time favorite photos I took. We only noticed afterwards that the flowers fell apart in the shape of a heart but this just gives the photo some poetic depth.
It does take some trial and error to find spots that work for a shoot and have good enough cell coverage to do a remote. But any decent 4G signal should do the trick. I'm going to try setting up a remote shoot for an interested party next summer when I take a model to one of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland. Last time I checked the signal seemed to be pretty stable and there's the perfect posing tree (Yes, it does exist :D ) there so it'd be a really great spot for a remote with a view over a gorgeous mountain lake.
ADWsPhotos said
I did a number of remote shoots during the first phases of COVID, some using very simple tech (meaning the model only had, say, an iPhone which I could control) and others where the model had a setup llinking to an SLR which allowed me a lot more control.
In those times it enabled photographers / models who were keen to continue to produce images. My take on it was that it was incredibly hard work for the model who had to set up her place, understand how to light herself, then, if if things needed to move 2 inches to the left move it, then go back to modelling. Some models are really well equipped to do the tech stuff (especially in my experience, those who had a supportive partner)
And then very, VERY dependent on the connection between myself and the model. I did shoots which were, in my view, pretty cool, and others that, not due to the model but due to their internet connection, were like pulling teeth. I'd try to control the model's camera / phone / ... and many seconds later the picture would swim into view
I have a great number of very happy memories of those shoots, some which beggar belief. I like to think, in many instances, the models and I created some very cool images that aren't evidently remote. I'm not going to post them here, simply not to be tedious, but feel free to ask.
Now, with things as they are, if someone was at the other side of the world I was crazy keen to shoot, I'd consider it (I know a model in the US who bought kit to not only be able to change the focal length of a zoom lens, but move the camera along a track, all controlled remotely so the photographer can 'move'.
Currently I'm not really interested in remote shooting (despite getting what I felt / feel are decent images) unless there's some location I really can't do with a local model (plus of course that we can work out how to shoot the model in the location
.
I had my 35th remote shoot of 2023 on Sunday, and have one scheduled for this Wednesday, and one more at the end of the month. Next year will probably be somewhat similar, though most likely with fewer but somewhat more elaborate shoots.
I will note that some studios are now offering remote setups, which expands the potential model base; a few of my remotes were with models who do not provide remote capabilities themselves. In those circumstances, the constant context-switching from model-photographer-model is eliminated, which has got to be helpful for the model. On the other hand, I've had a lot of successful shoots where it was just me, the model, and bunch of intermediary software and computers.
As you note, one big advantage is the ability to work with models over 5000 miles away--I'm based in California USA, and I've been able to work with models in the UK, Norway, Russia, and elsewhere. There's no way I'd have been able to do that otherwise.
Sacha Saxer that is such a gorgeous photo, it doesn’t even look like a remote shoot!! It looks like you were there. Wow! The possibilities are endless. Beautiful model and scenery, good job!