I promise TFP models I shoot with at least 10 retouched images. Much of the time this isn’t a problem and I actually deliver more than 10.
But in general there is only one image per set up, per location that is really high quality. One image that belongs in my portfolio.
So I’ve been thinking, is one image enough? I mean maybe I should just work toward one image. Some people could previsualize an image to such an extent they could just click the shutter once. I don’t think I could do that, but I do know I can get “the image” in under 20 shutter clicks.
Why do I think I need to keep clicking?
I’ve got more time. When I shoot with a model in general we’re going to be at it for around 3 hours. One hour will probably be spent on makeup. During that hour, if we are shooting in the studio, I’ll set up lights at the same time. When she’s done we can start shooting immediately. If I shot 20 shots per setup, we’d be done in about 30 minutes. It just seems strange to me to be done that quickly. I’ve got more time, shouldn’t I shoot more?
I promised 10 images. I don’t think I’ve ever had 10 ideas/setups/looks for a single shoot with a model. So I have to provide more than one image per setup. I don’t get to only deliver the quintessential image.
I’m not getting what I want, but I don’t know what to do differently. Sometimes you look at the back of the camera and you know something is wrong, but not what. This is the most frustrating thing for me, something I thought I’d eventually out grow, but it still happens. My solution is often to just keep shooting.
What’s the solution?
The first problem’s solution is mental. I don’t have to spend 3 hours shooting. Getting it done quickly can be a plus.
The second problem’s solution is a matter of managing model expectations. I already tell models they are not getting unretouched images, and that I’m only retouching 10. I can change that promise to even less if I feel like it. As I say in the mini-course lesson on TFP, you can set and negotiate the terms of a TFP shoot.
The last one isn’t so simple to solve. Sometimes a shoot just doesn’t work. It is depressing and seems to be totally random. I once shot with a professional and highly experienced model whom I had wanted to shoot since I began doing model photography. We were comfortable with each other but I never could capture her the way I had in my head, nor the way other photographers had.
Sometimes the muses just won’t cooperate.
What do you think? When you are shooting are you going for multiple good images, or just working toward one?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I have really struggled with this issue on each and every shoot I do.
I think I may move to a system where I promise the model/mua/stylist one shot from each look, and allow them to choose which one they get (pre-edits). This would allow them to choose the image, then I could still edit the ones I think would be best for my portfolio.
Not sure how I should actually handle this, though.
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That’s actually a really good idea. I normally bring a laptop to a shoot and load images into Lightroom during the shoot. I let the model look over them at that time, and I’ve even let them mark the ones they like.
My question would be would I lose shoots with those limits? If a model wouldn’t shoot with me because of it, would they have been worth shooting with in the first place? I’m sure I lose shoots now by telling them they don’t get all of the images, but I figure the trade off is worth it.
I am actually paying a model for a fine art nude shoot tomorrow and I’m trying to determine how I want to go about it. I know that there is a particular shot that I’m going for that will be “the one shot” for the shoot, but I’m seeing the whole experience as a way to increase my skills at capturing the female form. In this case, I have control over the whole process since I am paying her. The thought process is different in a TFP circumstance since it’s of mutual benefit. With this, it’s all for me and if I give the model any images it’s completely at my discretion. That puts a whole different spin on whether to shoot for “the one shot” or to just get as much as I can in the time allotted.
Any thoughts along those lines? I am working toward the quality of being paid to shoot but for now it’s me doing the paying.