How I work with fashion models – Fashion photography tips.

I often get asked the question what is your technique while working with models and where do you find them?

Models come from many different sources. Sometimes I see a girl on the street (which is rare) and I may approach her. I am usually pretty disarming because I immediately let her know I am married and have a little boy (he is 5) and I think she has a great look and ask if I can take her pic. I carry cards with me so she can have a look at my work and I leave it at that. Keep it simple.

I use social networking sites. I used to find contacts in myspace quite a bit and now, stalkerbook. I mean facebook. Sorry. Because I show some of my work on these sites I have a lot of professionals approach me asking to shoot. I love that because the model has a sense of what I do and it’s a nice compliment when someone respects your work. Also it beats the heck out of pursing a girl that does not like it. I usually set up a meeting to make sure the she hasn’t changed too much since her pictures (code for gained way too much weight) and to learn about her and tell her about myself and how I work.

Models hire me. Have camera will travel.

Modeling agencies send girls to me. I explore the world and work with modeling agencies all over. In Los Angeles I like to work with Elite (Jackie), Next and at LA models (Philippe) mostly, but there are some really cool bookers at other agencies that I have established a relationship with and who respect my work and trust my vision.

Tips:

1. Find a location and travel together if possible. I like to shoot in remote, quiet locations like the beaches and deserts around LA and sometimes in studio. I usually carpool with the model and makeup artist. This gives us a chance to talk and further get to know each other. It also really sucks if a model gets lost and you have to tell her your about 4 kilometers west of the tumbleweed near the dry river. Stay together! As a photographer it is my job to put a girl at ease. While working I have one agenda: make the model look amazing. A couple weeks after the shoot my images are often on their composite and in their book. It is important to me that the model is relaxed and looks unforgettable. Its our work and we want the best for each other!

2. Keep it simple. Sometimes the fashion models I shoot have very little on. People ask why? Modeling agencies aren’t selling fashion. They are selling the girl. They know what I shoot. As long as it is tasteful and beautiful the agents are happy. Sometimes I do work with amazing designers and clients who provide beautiful styling. The important thing is keeping them in a safe working environment which means a place where they feel comfortable to play and express themselves.

3. Give direction. On set I give direction to models. I like to give her a role to play. “The girlfriend” role is generally something that a woman can easily connect with. I will then set up the circumstances and shoot. She plays. If a model moves too quickly I may slow her down so I can capture that decisive moment. I can be particular with the direction, especially if the model is new, as I like my images to have nice lines and shape to them. I have been guilty of overshooting a particular image or look, so it is best to keep things flowing. I am usually a pretty fast shooter and models are surprised when I say “Ok, wer’e done. I got it.”

4. Be nice. I am very easy to work with. I never understood photographers yelling at models and making them feel insecure. That’s not my approach to getting good results.

5. Don’t act creepy. C’mon photographers! Models are real people. I hear so many horror stories of photographers following models into bathrooms, grabbing them, calling them in the middle of the night, etc. You’ve only known the girl for a few hours. You can’t be obsessed already! If you have never had a girlfriend or have never been in the prescence of a woman at least pretend like you have. Leave them alone when they are changing outfits. Go far away. Scout around. Check your gear. Be modest. This is a professional endeavour and not a place for you to practice your pick-up-lines. I find the less you put out a sexual vibe and the more respect you give the girl the more respect you’ll receive. You get better pics that way no matter what she is wearing.

6. Be real. Don’t make her promises you can’t keep. Do your best work. Have fun.

7. Brush your teeth.

8. For male models (whom I shoot) strike rule 5 altogether (it ain’t happenin’), change the “she’s” to “he’s” and the “girlfriend” rule does not apply. Please try not to touch me. Please. That really scares me.

Thea

Olga Syzmanska

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