Amateur Chinese Japanese Fashion Model Photography
November 27, 2006
I had my first chance to test out my new Nikon D80 digital SLR camera during a fashion photoshoot with amateur Chinese Japanese model Cassandra Loh
Besides a previous agency test shoot this was Cassandra’s first modeling photoshoot.
It is always exciting to photograph new faces, you can read more about this subject in another post here: Why I Love First Time And Amateur Model Photography.
Having good chemistry between model and photographer and a relaxed set are key ingredients to produce effortless natural photos like the first image. Of course it is equally important to have an open minded, intelligent, confident model. This portfolio photoshoot with an amateur model turned out to be a great success!
It is a good idea especially with amateur models to choose a theme within the model’s comfort level in other words a theme similar to their personality. Often role playing is an option and the model might have a fantasy or a fascination with a certain style or look which they wish to explore.
Not all these details can be guessed or easily improvised during the shoot. As part of pre-shoot preparations I prefer to meet the model if possible or communicate photoshoot ideas via email or phone.
A modeling portfolio test shoot does not always have to take place in front of a brick wall with a model wearing jeans and a nice sweater.
Pre-photoshoot communication is most beneficial not only to help establish trust between model and photographer but to brainstorm ideas and come up with unique and creative concepts beforehand. Face to face meetings are useful to check if the model’s current fitness level, skin condition etc. are in accordance with her photos.
The colors of the model’s make-up, the late afternoon sunlight and the camouflage trucker hat together create a warm pleasing color scheme for this photo. It is a simple portrait with a blurred colorless background which emphasizes the subject even more.
I love props and they can be found at almost all outdoor photoshoot location. In the case of this picture the leftover spray can adds a subtle but fitting element.
Another simple portrait with a desaturated Photoshop effect which I felt was appropriate for the quiet mood of the photo.
We were running out of time but the setting sun gave us a few last moments of warm light creating a beautiful set. At this time of the day the sun is not so bright so the model can look towards the light source. Unfortunately at the latitude of Hawaii sunrises and sunsets do not last long.
I was happy to be able to capture this moment though and I especially like the shadows the necklace creates on the model’s leg and hand.
The location was a concrete embankment decorated with graffiti under a highway overpass which I discovered during a hike. There was a professional makeup artist on location who did a great job with a runaway/goth/punk style face makeup.
Basic directions were given to Cassandra and as usual I encouraged the model to create a story or recall a memory to express the desired emotions.
The Nikon D80 camera handled beautifully. The viewfinder and the display screen are significantly larger than my Nikon D70 and a great improvement. The colors or the Nikon D80 are warmer, more saturated and the 11 focus point auto focus was useful.
The photo shoot resulted in nice images and perhaps was a confidence builder for a talented amateur model.
Great work, specially the portraits