TOP 10 • PERSPECTIVES
Contrary to popular belief, a good camera isn’t a magic bullet to a great photograph. In the same vein, we can’t assume that gifting an expensive brush to an artist won’t create a beautiful piece of art. Many factors contribute to a great image. These top ten facets of fine arts photography hopefully give some context to the many moving parts of a stunning photo.
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INGREDIENTS
Be Elegant
Be Sensual
Be Alluring
- Both the photographer and the model have a job to do. Expectations apply on both sides.
- Models prepare their hair, makeup, nails, and wardrobe. When my model arrives to our photoshoot, I'm hoping she’ll be emotionally engaged.
- My responsibilities include preparation of my studio (or a planned site visit to an outdoors location a few days before our session). I need to make sure my equipment is working properly. Most importantly, I want to create an environment where my model will feel relaxed and confident.
ASSETS & MEASUREMENTS
Be Clever
Be Compassionate
Be Zen
- This category is subjective and prone to controversy. In any case, these are my preferences as a fine arts photographer. It's less about measurements and more about proportions.
- We're naturally drawn to lines and curves. A good photographer can make a well-proportioned model look larger than life.
WORKFLOW
Be Strong
Be Passionate
Be Inspiring
- When the selection process goes well then everything that follows typically falls into place. For this reason, much of my attention is spent evaluating profiles and portfolios. During this review, I ask myself: Does she have empathy? Will she reveal her soul to the camera? Will she bring emotion to our photoshoot? Will we find common ground?
- Experience is not critical. Sometimes I get lucky and find gems with a natural instinct to work with the camera. In the end, it's about establishing trust, confidence, and a relaxing atmosphere. If I succeed, then the rest is magic.
WARDROBE
Be Free
Be Wild
Be Sexy
- Suggestive poses are seductive.
- Selective reveals are sensual.
- Curves are sexy.
- Wardrobe plays an important and provocative role in fine arts photography.
PRESENCE
Be Agile
Be Graceful
Be Gentle
- Emotional presence is the most important asset to a fine arts photography session. Posing instructions tend to flow easier with experienced models because expectations are more aligned from the outset.
- Regardless, I try to relay the importance of her emotional investment to the session, so that we can capture the best images.
- Eyes always reveal the truth.
LOCATION
Be Sweet
Be Wise
Be Nurturing
- Whether in the studio or outdoors, the key to a successful photoshoot is lighting. Understanding how to manipulate light as it falls on the model and the surrounding scene helps to enhance an image's ambiance.
- For the most part, backdrops are blurry in fine art sessions. It's not so much about what's behind the model than the colors and surrounding textures that help to complement her.
CAMERA
Be Spicy
Be Fantastic
Be Creative
- A good camera is hard to deny. A high-resolution sensor helps with composition corrections while still maintaining a crisp image.
- Learning to tweak settings within seconds to capture a split moment is crucial for my fine arts sessions. Magic needs to be captured in split seconds as the model flows from one pose to another.
- A high-quality prime lens is the most important asset in the camera bag. Having the ability to play with aperture settings below F/2.0 is key to narrowing depth-of-fields and capturing breathtaking bokeh images.
ATTITUDE
Be Powerful
Be Magnificent
Be Unique
- Be Present ● Models need to be emotionally engaged in my sessions and immerse themselves in the experience.
- Be Free ● I try my best to ensure that my models are as comfortable as possible. The best images capture a free spirit.
- Be Wild ● When a model taps into her inner feral confidence then our photos enter uncharted territory.
ORGANIZATION & PRODUCTION
Be Legendary
Be Colorful
Be Majestic
- Planning is essential. Especially when a location is unfamiliar. Understanding how light falls on a scene is essential to a great photograph. For this main reason, visiting a location prior to our session (i.e., preferably at the same time of the day as our photoshoot) helps to plan backdrops, angles, and poses. But it's not so much about implementing the plan than increasing our chances of a well-flowing photoshoot.
- After a photo shoot, most of my time resides in post-production. A three-hour photoshoot will easily require 30 hours of editing and publishing effort. Many corrections can be made in 'post' such as composition, color, and lighting, but it's impossible to correct point-of-view, focus, or misalignment of emotions between the photographer and the model. If I've succeeded in the planning and implementation stages, then we're one step closer to a successful session.
- Every photo shoot is a unique learning experience.
MOOD
Be Enlightened
Be Sympathetic
Be Seductive
- Establishing trust is my first goal from the moment the model arrives.
- I only get one chance to make a first impression, so I focus on a relaxed ambiance so that my model will feel as welcome as possible. I want her to find her inner confidence as quickly as possible.
- If I succeed, then our photos are one step closer to being fantastic.
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