A question for newbies and the experienced model alike!

[Tea Martini]

I am new at doing pin-up shoots, and though it has always been a huge interest of mine i find that when in front of the camera i forget all the millions of times i modeled for myself in front of the mirror. and as much as i want to get into it, i can't help but feel unsure because afterall i am not the one looking through the lens.
My question to everyone is how do you, as a model, encourage the photographer to give you direction without looking inadiquate or worse off... clueless?? And for photographers who read this... how do you feel about giving a model direction, or the amount of communication between model and photographer?

[Filmmonkey]

On the short films I've shot in the past, it's really about building a relationship with the actor, even if it's just a one day shoot. I speak with each actor about the role and how it fits in with the entire project and what I see the role doing, then I ask them to come up with their own ideas.
If the idea is really different than what I want for the character we'll usually do the "my take, your take" thing. As long as the do it my way once correctly, I'll let them try it their way and (try to) stay open minded about the take ;-)

I think the photog should be giving some basic type of direction. There is a lot of different ways to go even within pinup and without some inital talk, you two might be coming from different angles.

If you're not sure what to do or what is expected just ask. If it's a little imtimidating you can ask during a down time, like when you're getting your makeup done. The photog will probably be near, and you can just say "hey, so I was thinking along the lines of WWII nose art" or something...

I like when an actor brings ideas up, it shows me that they are thinking about the part and aren't just there to get some footage for their reel.

[Samantha Valentine]

I think the confidence comes with experience. The more you get back shots that you like you are more sure of what to portray in front of a camera.
Ask to see the shots mid shoot (if the photographer is comfortable with this) as it can really help you access what you've done so far and make any necessary improvements.
It is very important to have a supportive photographer who is willing to give direction. I would just ask for it ("how am I doing?" "is this pose looking good?" "any suggestions?").
Photo shoots should be a collaboration as far as ideas go. You should be able to bounce ideas off each other and work well together. If they don't give you any direction it's probably not the right photographer for you.
Good luck doll!
XoXoX

[ROXI DLITE PHOTOGRAPHY]

I am a model and photographer. What I do when modeling in the mirror is pose then close my eyes and feel what that pose actually feels like. Take note on how high you are holding your chin, your posture even your facial expressions. Remember to always try to create triangles with your limbs.... that helps a lot.

As for the photographer, he/she should be used to giving a little nudge when it comes to posing. A good photographer can work with your pose, and should know what angle to shoot it at. Id say ask the photographer how it looks from their angle. leg up or down? chin up or down? these are all things that will come natrually in time but as a novice, the photographer should have an eye out for your posing, as well as the composition, lighting etc.. of the photograph.

Remember, angles change when you are not looking at yourself dead on. That's usually not the angle the camera will capture you in... always face whatever part of your body you want to show off where the camera is, always be aware of the camera's eye.

I hope that helps a bit babe, good luck!

xoxo
Roxi Dlite

[Tea Martini]

These are all so helpfull and indepth, thank you ladies!

[2d1jh4f6bcokc]

When I work with new or novice models I try and have a talk with them before we shoot and give them a run down on what I'm looking for and I also show them pictures of what I'm after .... It seems to work for me and that way they kinda have a feel for what it is we're trying to capture together... my 2 cents - FBP

[GlitzbyLindaJoyce.com]

Ever tried to put a huge mirror behind the photograher?

[River Taylor]

Personally I like to work with new photographers who are more of an amateurs, cause they let me do my thing and I can be free to try out new poses.

I would have to say that practice is the key, but also looking at poses, old time movies or art books and even Fashion magazines can give you a good idea of a variety of things you can try.

Maybe try some out in the mirror to test out your angles and so forth.

Hope that helps somewhat.

[Soda Shop Sue]

i have no problem as a photographers telling the pinup what looks good and what direction of pose to create... i like to back up my pose moves with WHY the pose looks better then before, and how it improved the pinup image... i prefer to show examples of the film so far ... too.... i think this makes the model more comfortable on set, and reassurance that she is a bombshell pinup!!!

[Soda Shop Sue]

i have one there at my studio.. THAT WORKS GREAT TOO!!!!

Linda Joyce GlitzbyLindaJoyce.com said:

Ever tried to put a huge mirror behind the photograher?

[Cassie Wanda]

"Feel free to tell me if my chin's too high..."
"Does my leg look broken like this?"
Quick questions that will help everyone out. :)

[Wink Holliday]

Exactly. I can handle the general posing, thankyouverymuch, but I rely on the photographer, who is the only person who can see through the particular angle of that lens, to tell me "move your right arm forward a little" or similar, to make sure that together, we get the best shots possible!

Cassie Wanda said:

"Feel free to tell me if my chin's too high..."
"Does my leg look broken like this?"
Quick questions that will help everyone out. :)