Model Adventures: “Setting up the Big Take”

Ever wake up one morning and think, “this would be an amazing picture”? I do. I’m frequently laughed at for using my iPhone drawing program to sketch out my very artistic stick figure poses and coordinated props. It’s the fastest way that I can get the image in my head into a medium that I can discuss and plan for.

I take that idea and begin the development process. I start with the location and then the appropriate model “look”. I list out my props and figure out which companies we’ll partner up with to use their products for joint marketing. Once the concept is complete, we begin the technical preparation.

That’s the other Palmer’s forte. She decides all of the required apertures, ISOs, lighting, and the all important scheduling decision: the time of day/location that’s necessary to create this vision. I then get on the horn and contact everyone to set up the shoot.

On location, Penny’s creative eye finds the location and I begin setting up the model with my vision. I spare myself the embarrassment of showing her my artistic abilities, and move on to the demonstration (which in itself can be hilarious). After all the prep work and time involved for the entire team, we shoot until we have the best the situation has to offer and move out. Here’s the final shoot from that drawing above:

MODEL ADVENTURES: "Avoiding the No-Shows or Slow-Go's"

There is nothing worse than being the generous & kind photographer that thinks they’re helping out a model by doing a portfolio shoot TF or for a discounted fee – and the model no-shows. It feels much the same as when you hold a garage sale and no one shows up – you pour your sweat & tears into setting it all up, advertising and blocking the time off to be there instead of off having fun with your family and friends. You sit and wait – watching eagerly for the customer to arrive… and nothing. 

 We try to be very clear with our models that we are devoting a span of time specifically for them. After 15 minutes of waiting, we call the model. If no answer, we give them 15 more minutes to return the call and then we consider ourselves released from their shoot. By requiring a non-refundable retainer fee, at least we have not wasted the drive time, equipment prep, creative process and the standing-stupid 30 minutes.
Something to think about the next time you find yourself lugging your gear off into the sunset after a mission unaccomplished.

MODEL ADVENTURES-"Tips From the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.

The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 

Thanks Team!

 

MODEL ADVENTURES- "Tips from the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.  

The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 
Thanks Team!

MODEL ADVENTURES- "Tips from the Edge"

When we first started working with models, we learned the hard way that making or updating a model’s portfolio required more than simply a model, a photographer, an expensive camera and some creative know-how. Both the model and the photographer have a lot of preparation to make the best portfolio images.  

 The model needs to remember NOT to party the night before, drink plenty of water in the days prior, be COMFORTABLE in the look they’re shooting, and most importantly – SHOW UP and ON TIME!

The photographer has to come up with the vision of all visions for each shoot – and when you shoot 4-5 days/week like we do, vision can sometimes become tunnel-vision. Finding and maintaining creative inspiration can be exhausting if you don’t keep in a rhythm. We’ve found that our balance of business, family time and personal time keeps creativity flowing and we’re always excited with the addition of each new model to the team!

 The overall look contains key pieces that can’t be ignored. We’ve all heard the saying, “location, location, location makes the shoot”, but so does lighting, distractions, safety, and planning. Once everything is in place, we unleash the creative beast and have some fun. We get what we need for the shoot and then we try to accommodate the model’s reasonable requests for additional poses. Having a good working relationship with your model is important – you are working together to create these storytelling moments, animosity is extremely visible from the all-telling lens.

 We are always welcoming new models (beginners and extremists), but love working with our former models too! We keep all our models in mind for corporate shoots and any photo shoots that will grant each model exposure and put food on their tables too! We really do care about our fantastic team and appreciate everyone’s part in the collaboration of photographic art. If you’d like to join the team too you don’t need experience, only a cell phone and some passion. Call Us! 
Thanks Team!

Hello World!!

We’ve had a number of requests to fill you in on our adventures during a shoot and we want to show our appreciation to you so…
WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!
Where to start? Let’s go back in time and give you a few details about some of our earlier photo shoots.

Some Maui Sealife