Pentax model shoot (PG-13)

Pentax model shoot (PG-13) · Posted by hamidlmt, 03-27-2009, 12:34 AM

Before my critical mind sends most of these to the cutting room floor, I took 160 or so (out of 280+) unedited shots and cobbled together a quick video. All images snapped with the K20D with the DA* 16-50mm 2.8 and FA 77mm 1.8 Limited lenses. Lighting was provided by either a 1000 watt Photoflex Starlite in a 3' gridded Octodome or two AF-540's on a dual flash bracket behind a shoot-thru umbrella. Enjoy!

YouTube - Photography by Hamid - Photo shoot with Bailey

Jewelltrail · 03-27-2009, 01:02 AM

Well done!

Branimir · 03-27-2009, 03:01 AM

Pictures are nice, and technically well done, but why does your model have "stone face"?

Face is very important, because it transmits mood and feelings. There are pics where a "pouting" face would be perfect, some need a smile, some a frown.
The problem with lack of it is that it looks like: photographer made me do this shoot, and I want to get over with it. (I get a lot of that look from my wife when I try to take pictures of her

)

But that is my feeling about it. I hope benjikan sees this video and gives his opinion.

Branimir

*daacon* · 03-27-2009, 05:31 AM

Some good shots in there - wasn't she the 'Lady of the Lake' model you posted some time back ? That was one of my favroite shots from you. Music fits in well.

hamidlmt · 03-27-2009, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Jewelltrail

Well done!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by daacon

Some good shots in there - wasn't she the 'Lady of the Lake' model you posted some time back ? That was one of my favroite shots from you. Music fits in well.

Yes.... same model. She's one of my favorites... it's always a joy to work with her!

hamidlmt · 03-27-2009, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Branimir

Pictures are nice, and technically well done, but why does your model have "stone face"?
Face is very important, because it transmits mood and feelings. There are pics where a "pouting" face would be perfect, some need a smile, some a frown.
The problem with lack of it is that it looks like: photographer made me do this shoot, and I want to get over with it. (I get a lot of that look from my wife when I try to take pictures of her )

But that is my feeling about it. I hope benjikan sees this video and gives his opinion.

Branimir

First off... Not into pouting. Not into frowns.

And, don't ya know every model has a look? This one is called "Blue Steel." Watch Zoolander!

I shoot 150 to 300+ images in a shoot and keep a dozen or so to share with the model and put on my web site. Out of those dozen, I might share 2-3 with the forum and maybe, just maybe, choose to add one to my portfolio. The vast majority of these shots will head into the trash bin (or the archives). That's why you're not seeing a lot of variation..... when editing, I look for those singular moments... that mix of pose, exposure, lighting, expression and as the French say (or is it Mike Meyers?), that certain "I don't know what?" that stands out above the shot right before it.

Maybe you shoot models too and can pull totally unique looks out of your subject throughout hundreds of images. I'm not that good. I simply wished to offer a glimpse into my own process for those interested in model photography.

Jewelltrail · 03-27-2009, 11:16 AM

I think the model looks great and has an extraordinary pair of eyes!

*Jimbo* · 03-27-2009, 11:50 AM

There are many great photo's through the video. I have the first shot with here holding the ropes. Love the sound track. JIM

hamidlmt · 03-27-2009, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Jewelltrail

I think the model looks great and has an extraordinary pair of eyes!

I could get lost in those eyes.... if I was younger and not married..... oh, and if she was straight, LOL!

Originally Posted by Jimbo

There are many great photo's through the video. I have the first shot with here holding the ropes. Love the sound track. JIM

Thanks Jim! There are a lot more shots with the rope.... once I go through the lot in a few days, I'll post a few.

Branimir · 03-28-2009, 12:36 PM

No, I do not shoot models. My shots would certainly be inferior to yours.
That said, I look at model shots, and I see that there is a lot of acting in posing.
Your pics in this series are nice, but they do not produce the WOW! effect on me like Codiac's and Benjikan's do.
Maybe they have more experience, and maybe it's just that their style coincides with my taste.
Nevertheless, I see potential in your pics. Maybe in a shoot or two, you'll make those pics that will leave me speechless.
Have a nice day!
Branimir

*Ash* · 03-28-2009, 01:54 PM

Nice one Hamid.
Like your work and your model is very cooperative to have 280 sets of flashes shine in her eyes!
Branimir's critique is quite accruate. I'd like to have seen more variety in her poses.

PP can help a little to bring out some more vibrancy to the images, but the lighting, though it's great already, could be a little more balanced to bring out some more texture. But perhaps the full size images portray that already - hard to see all that detail in a low-res video.

Thanks for sharing.
Great stuff.

hamidlmt · 03-28-2009, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Branimir

No, I do not shoot models. My shots would certainly be inferior to yours.
That said, I look at model shots, and I see that there is a lot of acting in posing.
Your pics in this series are nice, but they do not produce the WOW! effect on me like Codiac's and Benjikan's do.
Maybe they have more experience, and maybe it's just that their style coincides with my taste.
Nevertheless, I see potential in your pics. Maybe in a shoot or two, you'll make those pics that will leave me speechless.
Have a nice day!
Branimir

Codiac and Benjikan do excellent work and are both pros, only sharing their best work with the forum. We all have very different styles. Perhaps it was a poor idea to share 150 unedited images for kicks and giggles...

Perhaps you'd like to comment on my previous thread, with post-processed shots...
Two sides to every coin...

hamidlmt · 03-28-2009, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by Ash

Nice one Hamid.
Like your work and your model is very cooperative to have 280 sets of flashes shine in her eyes!
Branimir's critique is quite accruate. I'd like to have seen more variety in her poses.

PP can help a little to bring out some more vibrancy to the images, but the lighting, though it's great already, could be a little more balanced to bring out some more texture. But perhaps the full size images portray that already - hard to see all that detail in a low-res video.

Thanks for sharing.
Great stuff.

Yeah... these are all unedited and I only included a few posing sections of the shoot.

brkl · 03-28-2009, 06:37 PM

I think your model has a ton of personality that shows through this shoot. I don't really get the criticism -- seems like a matter of taste rather than anything to do with your abilities or the quality of the photos.

hamidlmt · 03-28-2009, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by brkl

I think your model has a ton of personality that shows through this shoot. I don't really get the criticism -- seems like a matter of taste rather than anything to do with your abilities or the quality of the photos.

I could have easily put in more sequences of different poses... or, just a few of each pose. If it was live video and one was watching a shoot from a step or two back, I doubt there would be similar complaints. Instead, I choose to share 95% of the material that would see the trash bin. That's also why I choose to share 3 shots at the end of the video for a longer duration.... 3 keepers out of 150.... to show that my style of photography takes a lot of pics, then the self-critical editing begins. That's the process of a many working photographers.

I have so much to learn about lighting and photography in general. I'm not the best photographer out there. I shoot what makes me happy. And, I always seek to refine my technique in every shoot.