Beating the Blues

Modeling can lead to emotional burnout pretty quick.  There’s only so much someone can take before they want to just hang it up and move on.  I imagine this comes from the rejection a model faces regularly, as well as the fact that modeling is very much about one’s looks (including their skin, face, hair, and body), and that models are often criticized.  So sometimes, models get emotionally burned out, and need a little encouragement, even if it comes from within.  Here are some ways I’ve found work for me when it comes to beating the modeling blues.  Feel free to add your own in the comments!

Getting out of a Creative Block

A photographer on one of the modeling sites, HT Portraits, shared a blog post of his, which discusses some ideas on overcoming a learning plateau in terms of photography.  Given my last entry, and how the team I worked with stepped outside our comfort zone, I thought it would be appropriate to share his blog with you.

Before I do that though, I would like to address it from a modeling standpoint, as quite often a model reaches a creative plateau that can put her in a funk (of sorts) and result in all kinds of issues.  Boring, still poses, the same facial expression over and over, doing the same kind of shoots over and over… you get the idea.  I have definitely been stuck on that plateau before… and it sucks.  So, I’m going to take this blogger’s suggestions for photographers, and write some tips for models.  Here they are… 10 tips for moving past a learning plateau, for models.

What do you practice in front of a mirror?

Models say it all that time.  Many photographers do too.  “Practice in front of a mirror.”  But what, exactly, is a model supposed to practice in front of a mirror?

Deal-Breakers

Here are deal-breakers for me when it comes to photographers.  All of the things listed below are either things I’ve seen, or things I’ve dealt with during communications, at a shoot, or after a shoot.  Post-shoot deal-breakers mean I won’t work with the person again, nor recommend them to others.

Shoot Results: Ice Falls

A couple years ago a local photographer started shooting nudes at the frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park in near-central Illinois.  One of the things that bugged nearly everyone who saw his shots was that the always had the models in boots of some kind.  His argument, when this was mentioned in critiques, was that a barefoot model would stick to the ice.

Enter local photographer Greg Kolack, who agreed with me that that wouldn’t be the case.  So we planned to shoot at the very same frozen falls, with me going barefoot.  I wouldn’t be nude, but we agreed that a black leotard, short tights and a flowy skirt would look great there.  Greg and I also agreed that instead of standing in front of the ice falls, I’d dance as well as interact with them however we saw fit once we got there.  We planned and planned, but for nearly 2 years we couldn’t get our schedules (and the weather) to cooperate.

Studio/Location

This ‘game’ was posted in one of the forums I frequent, and I thought it was a really neat idea for coming up with shoot ideas (especially if you’re shooting stock stuff).  As I took it, the “studio” is a place where you can shoot with a lighting setup (or even a set you can create in a studio).  The “location” is one where you need to shoot with available light and/or on-camera flash, typically an actual location versus a set that can be easily designed in a studio.

Coming Up With Shoot Ideas

Coming up with your own ideas for shooting can be quite a challenge, whether you’re a photographer or a model (or anyone else for that matter).  Some of the answers to the questions below will largely depend on the photographer’s style and capabilities.  They may also depend on the model’s capabilities and willingness to do certain styles.  It’s important to keep that in mind once you have an idea and are looking for someone to shoot with, but also if you’ve got someone to work with and are now figuring out what to shoot.  It’s also important to make sure the location will suit the style of images you’re looking for.  Also, make sure you discuss any ideas you have with the rest of your team (photographer, model, stylists) prior to the shoot.   Communication is definitely key!

Where to start?  Here’s how I do things.

Recycling Bridesmaid & Prom Dresses

While planning wardrobe for an upcoming shoot, I’ve decided to take a look at yet another bridesmaid dress I have.  It’s one I’ll most certainly never wear again, so I might as well shoot in it, right?  Inspired by a designer from the VOP Fashion and Rock Show, Dawn at Brilliant Stranger, I’ve decided to not just accessorize the dress differently, but to revamp it with the help of scissors, my sewing machine, and perhaps some other fabric and lace remnants I have laying around.  This moment of “oooh, so that’s what I can do with it!” is the inspiration for today’s entry.

Posing Tips

Often times new models ask about posing.  How experienced models know how to pose, where they get their poses from, and other similar questions.

For me, it’s a combination of practice, and prior experience in dance, cheerleading and gymnastics.  I’ll get to the practice in a minute.  Dance, cheer and gymnastics all helped me be aware of my body, what I was doing, and got me in the habit of doing certain things (like pointing my toes).   All three of those have helped posing almost come naturally to me.