In my last post, I was reminiscing about how I switched from nature photography to human photography, I decided to post (or in some cases, repost) my photoshoots involving models in chronological order. Shoots like these are such fun! And challenging.
To be honest, for an introvert like me with social anxiety, it's not easy to learn how to work with models. I lucked out at my first shoot at Preston Castle, because there were many other experienced photographers on site that were happy to help me and coach me. Even though I didn't have any lighting equipment and could only use ambient light, I was so excited by how the photos turned out! Especially with the historical and architectural aspects along with the models.
I am dying to go back with some ideas in mind and take my own model and props/clothes with me so I don't have to share like I did the first time. Maybe 2023 will be the year I can make some of my ideas come to fruition. I tried once and it is wayyyyy harder than it seems to put on a successful shoot with themes, models, styling, etc.
But I was so thrilled with my first experience with models that I couldn't wait to try another one! Luckily I had found Meet Up through the organizer of the Preston Castle shoot and joined a few groups. And my next happy, flowery shoot was well-coordinated and staffed by a Meet-up group (not very active in the last few years unfortunately) that is run by a professional photographers. She had about 6 models there for this "lifestyle" shoot with floral clothing (the theme) at a prime location at William Land Park gardens. She even brought a changing tent and was also standing by to help the amateur photographers in the group learn.
I had SUCH a great experience at this shoot. In large part due to another professional who was there and who was so helpful at casually teaching us amateurs some clever ways to work with models and ambient light. Isi S-M! You are awesome and I am forever your fan!
It was such a bright and beautiful Summer day when we did this shoot. I love these gardens at William Land and I was so happy with the experience and results. Here are some of my favorite shots.
This is Sabrina and I just loved the way the light fell on one eye in this shot. And she has such pretty cat eyes. I know I do like some weird edits and shots that others may not like, but I have to go with what I like. :) I guess it might be different if I was a professional.
Looking at these old photos again has made me realize that I kind of forgot a lot that I had learned from these early experiences. I'm really grateful for having these opportunities to stretch myself and learn new things. I always love learning even though I wasn't so great at school!
For the next installment of "History of Models", I am re-editing the photos I chose to feature. I like m edits but boy have I learned a lot since then. I really overdid it with some things and also have some better software now. :) I hope you look forward to the results of my "Creek Creatures" photoshoot!
xoxo
