The Definite Article Photography and Video

2024-02-07T15:32:00.001+11:00

STAND OVER THERE AND DO YOUR MODEL STUFF.

One essential of any photoshoot is for the photographer to give clear, concise and meaningful direction to the model.

And for the model to take direction, and use their face and body effectively:

To interpret the photographer’s direction,
To strike the appropriate poses which imbues the resulting photographs with exactly what the photographer wants to capture,
Or in a truly creative collaboration, something even better than what he originally had in mind.

However, the sheer number of beginner models who relate stories about photographers whose “direction” consists of a barely audible “stand over there and do your model stuff” has to be experienced to be believed.

It is not the job of a photographer to teach a model how to ‘be a model’, but the idea of not discussing with the model what is required for the shoot, the concept behind the shoot, the desired results is as far from “creative collaboration” as one can get.

With the proliferation of ‘fauxpro’ photographers*, and “Instagram models”**, it comes as no surprise that models come into a studio and huddle as close to the backdrop as possible;
Contort their arms and legs into shy, awkward and uncomfortable “poses”;
Wonder why the photographer is not invading their space with a lens mere centimetres from their face.
Receive nothing more than ‘Hollywood cliché” directions such as “Yo Bootiful babe”, “give it to me, baby”, “dat’s great Dollface”, “Oh yeah, honey”

But the questions remain?

How does a beginner model know that she has stumbled across a useless ‘Fauxpro”, or worse still a “Guy with a Camera”***...and will never learn anything, and certainly not get anywhere as a model.

More importantly though: How does a beginner model learn the basics?

How to stand elegantly?
How to assume basic photogenic poses?
How to use her facial expressions, and her body movements to convey a mood?
Where to actually stand in a studio set, or in an outdoor location to help with getting the best photographs possible?
How to learn to use lighting, props, costume, hand movement and positions, hip and shoulder angles, to make her/himself appear at their best?

(“Make sure you get my best side, Mr. DeMille” is what the Hollywood screen goddesses were reputed to have said)
Where to get sound, accurate, relevant and useful advice, especially if the only “models” you know are in the same predicament as you.
What kind of photographs are actually “great for my folio”****?…

{you would actually be surprised to learn that what Fauxpros tell you, is actually totally wrong, notoriously supplying photos that are designed for no other reason than getting “likes” and gasps of “Awesome capture” on their own social media, and never taking the Industry Standard requirements of a model portfolio into consideration.}

I spent most of my photography career “mentoring” and “developing” beginner, and wannabe models, and unfortunately some very experienced models who had never learned the basics of modelling, and will happily continue to do so, if and when anyone asks…

But it is time to hand it over to the next generation:

I can think of no better model mentor than Ms Rachel Gallagher;

A former, very successful commercial model,

(note: I didn’t say “professional”… actual professionals don’t describe themselves that way; in fact it is a very obvious sign of an amateur, a pretender, a fauxpro to label themselves as “a pro”)

A highly respected teacher and tutor,

A widely read fashion writer,

And a very knowledgeable mentor of all things modelling!

I highly recommend her as the go-to girl on modelling basics, model requirements, styles, genres especially fashion, and not just for beginners: how to establish yourself in the very competitive world of modelling, and how to maintain yourself at the top of your game.

Do yourself a favour and check her out, follow her, and ask her questions (she is very friendly, approachable and always keen to assist those with a genuine interest in modelling):

Intagram: rachelg.img

therachelgallagher.com

https://www.instagram.com/aboutyourclothes_/?hl=en

https://www.therachelgallagher.com/

In fact any beginner model who enquires with me about a photoshoot, or wanting modelling information

(from the NSW Central Coast, Australia, or nearby)

Who shows some knowledge of the vast array of quality info which Rachel has on offer,

Will receive a full beginner model photoshoot with me for free, including my renowned in person full instructions and direction for on camera modelling, and discussion and evaluation of what particular area of modelling you may be most suitable for.

Definitions:

* Fauxpro: usually a male, but increasingly a female who’s recently bought a camera and has instantly declared themselves a “ professional”, who runs their photography ‘business’ almost exclusively through Facebook, Instagram or worse still, Tiktok, charges ridiculous prices...often “$50 for fifteen minute folio shoot”, and whose finished photos are unsurprisingly inadequate and totally unfit for purpose.

**Instagram model: A girl notably listed on Instagram as a “Public Figure”, sporting fake tan, fake nails, botox fillers, ‘the works’, whose only experience of modelling is a phone selfie in the club restroom during a drunken night out: some of these girls pester photographers such as myself to photograph them professionally for free, and when they realise that it aint goin’ to ‘appen, desperately promise to “get naked, and do anything you want me to do (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)”

about as equally a blight on photography as the…

*** Guy with a Camera (GWC): A guy whose only hope of getting near an attractive girl is to buy a camera, and masquerade as a star maker, or a talent scout for model agencies, movie producers, etc, etc, generally repugnant, repulsive and easily recognised by cargo shorts, big bellies, and stringy, greasy ponytails….been around since the Great Flood, but unfortunately some naive young ladies still fall for their slime.

****Great for your Folio: A phrase bandied about on social media, and too often in real life, in amateur “photo studios”, in emails, and DMs, which invariably means inadequate, amateur snapshots that you can post on social media and get lots of likes, “awesome capture”, or “you should be a model” comments,

but as far too many naive young hopefuls have found, model agencies, legitimate photographers, and almost all industry professionals, down to the guy who sweeps out the studio will refuse to look at, and laugh at once you are out of earshot.

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2024-02-06T14:53:00.001+11:00

RETIREMENT AND BRAIN ATROPHY???

Six years ago when I retired from the rather silly game of Photography, which had over a long career involved a deal of model photography, both fashion and “glamour”, I retired this and its companion blog, never thinking it would ever again be relevant.

But of late I am receiving notifications that the almost long forgotten and neglected blog is again being read, and by ever-increasing numbers, almost as popular as it was so many years ago.

A few model friends have been encouraging me to actually resurrect the blog as a whole, because it seems, that would-be models, and even those with a little experience are still being misled, and being fed, sometimes intentionally, misinformation about the path to a successful modelling career, especially how young wannabe models should ‘properly’ interact with photographers whose only wish is to make them a “star”.

So, at the insistence of several people I will be resurrecting this blog as health issues allow but in a slightly different form:

I will continue to write it from the standpoint of giving industry accurate, reliable and career tested advice to wannabe, and experienced models.
I will continue to fight the insidious and downright despicable and manipulative, misleading rubbish which has been peddled for decades by “guys with cameras”:

designed to get naive and vulnerable girls with stars in their eyes “in front of their cameras”:

“guys” who have absolutely no understanding of the modelling or the photography industry:

have no contacts within the industry:

or the ability or knowledge which in any way could help a would-be model establish themselves in the industry:

providing totally wrong information:

and photographs and “portfolios” which are so inept that no legitimate industry professional would consider looking at them:

Which together usually, if not always, totally destroys a possible promising modelling career, long before it even begins.
I will not write reams of garbage just to please some kind of internet imposed “algorithm”, but each post will be well considered, relevant and hopefully useful to at least one reader.

I do feel a bit of a fraud however, writing about “model stuff” that I no longer actively practice, so although I am somewhat reluctant to do so, my model friends, and surprisingly a few other friends — both photographer and ‘civilian’ - as well have been keenly encouraging me to take up the camera as well as the word processor again.

So look forward to irregular blog posts about modelling, models, and model/photography relevant as well as model calls in the future.

Well it sure beats brain atrophy from staring in boredom at an increasingly irrelevant television, stuffing my cake-hole with potato chips.

OMG! I'm Dating a Sociopath!

2017-03-29T14:23:00.000+11:00

At last you have found the ideal guy!
Sweet, good looking, smartly dressed, attentive, loving, and he even gets along with your parents.

Your mother is swooning over 'such a sweet boy", baking him brownies, and offering him cups of the tea in the best china.

Your brothers and sisters run to the door in anticipation, and your father's usual nonchalant grunts at your previous boyfriends have been replaced with backslapping visits to the pub, and offers to take him fishing or a similar manly pursuit, reserved exclusively for the days out with the boys.

And no doubt he is impressive!

His hot car with all the cool accessories, his huge boat, his luxury townhouse, his designer clothes, his gym junkie physique, all his expensive outdoor adventure sports toys, whether actually paid for or not!

Complete with the implication that you must live up to his image, on your meagre salary.
Narcissism One:
Do you have a person in your life who says they support you in everything you do, and then does everything possible, at first in a subtle manner and later more blatantly, to delay, disrupt, discourage and belittle you in doing those things?

It usually starts off by finding other things you need to be doing instead, which of course requires you to be with them, especially those which are more fun than what you have planned, and rapidly progresses towards the neglect of all your interests in favour of theirs, and the alienation of all your friends, acquaintances and colleagues to devote your entire attention of that one person only.

Does his support reach to turning up unexpectedly as you are preparing for a shoot, with offers to accompany you, to "look after you and your interests" (of course), or wanting to know all the details of where the shoot will be, who you will be with, the client's name, and helpful suggestions of what you should and should not do for the shoot.

Worse still does he turn up the night before to take you out for dinner, and a drink, (just to celebrate) which turns into lots of drinks, and a late night culminating in an early hours argument and upset?

Are these phrases becoming familiar to you? "I dunno why you waste your time with those photographers, they are hopeless losers and not showing you at your best. I know a guy who's a mate of mine, and a lot better than these schmucks, I could arrange for you to shoot with him , exclusively! He'll make you a real star!"

You are dealing with a Sociopath.

Narcissism Two:
Are you in a relationship where the other person feels free to rifle through your phone contacts, and text messages..."ah , just having a bit of fun", and then before long it becomes "normal" for them to check all your messages, read your emails, answer your phone, deal with your personal mail, answer the door before you, and monopolise and stage manage conversations with your friends and work colleagues.

Just for moment, think what would happen if you even dared to pick up their phone.

You are giving away your personal life to a Sociopath.

Narcissism Three:
Is your relationship one of ultimate bliss and happiness one day, and a hell of confusion, emotional turmoil, doubt, anger, and upset the next: a never ending cycle of extremes, all caused by what is in reality either nothing or an insignificance blown out of all proportion.

Almost without exception all the turmoil is caused by either you not agreeing with the other person, wholeheartedly and without exception; you having the audacity to want to lead a life of your own; and not changing or bending to agree with the others idealised image of you; or most usually nothing at all, except the other playing a game of manipulation, hopefully so you come to mistrust your own intuition, the advice of your friends and family, and come to fully rely on the other person to control every aspect of your life and fibre of your being.

But rest assurred, according to them, it is your fault, and they are the innocent wronged party.

Be aware that if another person makes you angry or upset,intentionally or otherwise it is NOT your fault, it is their problem. You do NOT have "anger issues", but it IS one of the defining tactics of a sociopath to make you feel as if it is you to blame.

Sociopaths: are nothing but a toxic, life destroying scourge.

Narcissism Four:
Does the person you consider as your significant other not remember the names of your closest friends, or monopolise your time so much that your friends become a distant memory?

Ignore your little brothers and sisters, and if you have any children yourself, they quickly become nameless obstructions?

Not interact with your pets, calling them anything but their name, treating them like an unwanted nuisance, suggesting ways you could punish them, or get rid of them, or telling you they are worthless, and a useless expense?

Narcissism Five:
Expect you to listen and comfort them for every single tiny little problem they have, but dismiss your problems as nothing to worry about, or with a curt "get over it" or "deal with it".

Never mentions you by name on social media, or when talking with his mates, but brags that he has a really hot chick as a girlfriend, or "is dating a model"?

Or more likely instead of showing you off to the whole world, doesn't even let on that you exist, afraid that you and all his "side girls" that he is juggling in relationships at least equal to yours, will find out about each other

Never acknowledges your accomplishments or likes any of your social media posts about your everyday happenings except the ones he thinks refer to him.

Never posts any comments, especially praiseworthy ones, on your social media posts, but has plenty to say about everyone and everything , usually derogatory, by private message, where he expects you to fawn over him, in return for receiving an occasional cliched and forced compliment, usually about how hot you are, and how good you make him look.

You are being manipulated by a Sociopath.

Narcissism Six:
Does your significant other expect you to be there for him in every to support him through every apparent " life threatening" ordeal, to comfort and calm him, such attention craving being usually nothing more than an underhanded blackmail tactic to get sexual favours from you, and the 'ordeal' is usually totally forgotten or seen to be totally insignificant the next day.

However when you are in a real crisis, emotional, family or financial, the significant other is dismissive, busy with something important , or simply nowhere to be found.

Haven't you woken up yet: your life is being destroyed by a Sociopath.

For several reasons models seem to be a vulnerable and willing target for these parasites and far too many dont realise until it is far too late.

Industry professionals get so used of dealing with these obnoxious hanger-ons that they can usually spot them from vast distances, or even from an overheard conversation: polite clients call them "unnecessary distractions", photographers know them as 'pimps'.

You will soon find that they are not welcome on set at any time, although they will still believe their presence is a sheer bonus to everyone involved. Unfortunately as a natural consequence you will very quickly find all your work will quickly dry up for you, and you will rapidly fade into the realms of someone who 'once was a model'.

Work colleagues and friends can do nothing other than look on in horror at the number of women, young ones certainly, but also those old enough to know better, as they are beguiled by false charms into being totally controlled and ruthlessly manipulated by a narcissist?

To watch on as friends, unable to help with the complete upheaval, turmoil, and confusion of the daily cycle of upset, followed by sickly smooth schmoozing gradually drawing the poor girl in, and setting them up for the ultimate betrayal and inevitable emotional destruction.

There is absolutely never any chance of any kind of a relationship with a sociopath, simply because they have no emotion, no empathy, and are totally incapable of any kind of love except self love (narcissism), but this kind of "relationship" seems to be increasingly visible at an alarming rate.

Please wake up before it's too late. You can fool yourself for just so long, but it will always end in pain when you realise you were always destined to be nothing but a cast off conquest by an emotionless android.

Stephen Bennett is available for Guest Speaking, Seminars, and Workshops in a group or on a one to one basis for:

Models and aspiring models on all things Modelling, including Successful Portfolios and Building a Modelling Career … please visit my website to contact me.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVII

Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files down-loadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.

The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.auand www.copyright.org.au.

We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

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Three Essentials Beginner Models Must Know

2017-02-04T12:54:00.001+11:00


New model 'Katiegirl' has made herself well aware of the pitfalls associated with forging a career in the field of modeling.

The most frustrations for industry professionals and beginner models alike involve the public perception of modelling and model photography.

Like most beliefs that are essentially wrong, these fallacies develop a life of their own, and permeate through society, until even many models and photographers begin to believe them.

Presently modelling is at all time time low in the public eye, perceived as a deviant activity where naive girls are made to flaunt themselves for the entertainment and gratification of dirty old men with pony tails, a giant dose of mid life crisis, a shiny new camera and a battery of long, over sexualised lenses.

So if you are a girl who realizes that there are many aspects to modelling to which this horror image is complete nonsense, or that being a model is a very viable career choice, and you are wishing seriously to become a model, these three points should be firmly in your mind.

1. Modelling, developing and maintaining a career is seriously hard work,

NOT standing in front of a camera and 'doing your model stuff' or 'having a bit of a laugh' as many imply.

If you pose for the local camera club, or that studio down the road, for a couple of hours once a week, dressing up, costumed as a zombie, or a cupcake, or a sugarskull with fairy wings...

you are NOT a 'model', you are NOT in the industry, and you certainly are NOT, (nor will a career in modeling ever make you a 'public figure'), and NO-ONE at these types of events will ever 'make you a star'.

On the contrary, if an industry professional ever 'discovers you', or does see model potential in you, valuable time and effort will be needed for you to unlearn all the bad habits, awkward posing techniques, unphotographable makeup gaffs, and totally irrelevant modelling nonsense which you have learned. The general consensus of photographers I know is unless you have exceptional potential, that it is all too hard, and time consuming to re-teach, so basically it ain't gonna happen.

2. Hoping for useful portfolio pictures from amateurs, pretenders, and fauxpros, the majority of whom have never actually set eyes on an actual working model's portfolio is hoping beyond hope.

It seems now that every man, woman and dog who has recently bought a 'professional' camera offers 'model portfolio shoots', and it is also very true that almost all of them wouldn't know the requirements of a model's 'book'. (those who call it a 'port' instantly give away their lack of knowledge and fauxpro status).

Likewise anyone who chants the mantra of "it will be great for your folio", is equally a waste of time, money and effort, because invariably the resulting pictures, if you ever see any, will be ANYTHING BUT SUITABLE for a working portfolio.

3. Modelling does not, I repeat DOES NOT, involve getting naked...

Regrettably the requirement of nudity in modelling has become a staple of the public perception of the 'evil arts', and of course nothing could be further from the truth.

Any photographer, model or hanger-on who tells you that nudity is required for you to get anywhere as a model is at best naive, but more likely an ill informed amateur, a pretender, a charlatan, or a pervy old wanker.

There are three major things to consider here, even if you strongly desire becoming a nude model...

A. Posing in the buff for amateurs or pretenders will never get you anywhere, except a reputation as the girl who gets her gear off for anyone with a camera.

B. The actual market for photographs of the nude is so small, and already overfilled that ONLY work from a very small, well established, highly respected, AND HIGHLY SELECT group of photographers and models is ever accepted, with most opportunities being well and truly sown up, and well beyond the dreams and abilities of any neighbourhood snap-shooter.

C. Contrary to the bleatings of socially challenged amateur snappers, not every girl looks good with her clothes off. Unless your body is equal to or better, than the girls already doing nude modelling, even the girls appearing in those cheap rag-mags, i.e. close to PERFECT without relying on 'fix it in Photoshop', well you simply won't be good enough.

And very important to remember also: everything you do in front of a camera, including nudity, IS YOUR CHOICE!

For more detailed information have a read of my blogs specifically on unreasonable demands for nudity:

https://thedefinitearticlephotographyandvideo.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/nudity-naked-truth-part-one-of-three.html

https://thedefinitearticlephotographyandvideo.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/nudity-naked-truth-part-two.html

https://thedefinitearticlephotographyandvideo.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/nudity-naked-truth-part-three.html

Stephen Bennett is available for Guest Speaking, Seminars, and Workshops in a group or on a one to one basis for:

Models and aspiring models on all things Modelling, including Successful Portfolios and Building a Modelling Career … please visit my website to contact me.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVI

We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:

Visit my website

Visit my facebook photography page

2017 AUSTRALIAN BIRDLIFE CALENDARS RELEASED

2016-09-29T16:12:00.001+10:00

http://www.zazzle.com/stephenscalendars*

STEPHEN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

has released the 2017 range of Australian Birdlife Calendars, each featuring twelve quality, images in stunning colour of iconic Australian birds photographed in the wild in various locations, plus an equally impressive cover portrait.

Three very different Calendars in a choice of Three sizes:

AUSTRALIAN BIRDS

BIRDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUSH

AUSTRALIAN WATER BIRDS

Large = 11 X 14.25in (or 28 x 36cms)

Medium = 8.5 x 11in (or 22 x 28 cms)

Small= 5.5 x 7 in (or 14 x 18cms)

(Back covers featuring full calendar contents)

AVAILABLE NOW FROM:

http://www.zazzle.com/stephenscalendars*

My Pink Parosol clothing range at Zazzle

2016-09-26T16:06:00.001+10:00

http://www.zazzle.com.au/the_pink_parasol_t_shirt-235500634768932619?CMPN=emc_ProductCreationForStore_Html_blogger&rf=238982757379128520&lang=en

NUDITY: The Naked Truth, Part Three

2016-07-09T11:56:00.000+10:00

(Nudity in this blog refers to all degrees of partial and full nudity, including Lingerie and other sheer or see through apparel, topless, full nudity; whether nipples and genitals are shown or not, and that genre, beloved universally and made ludicrously meaningless by amateurs: the genre rejoicing under the misnomer "Implied" nudity.)

Part One of this series explained the role of portfolios and self promotion in the career of the nude model, while Part Two explained some of the possible channels available for publication of nude photographs which a model should be aware of.

No doubt now the model has made herself available for nude work, and her willingness to collaborate with photographers of her own skill level or better, and the offers have no doubt been rolling in:

Which now begs the question: should all nude work be paid work only?

Many maintain that models should be paid for getting their gear off for photography, no questions asked: but the answer really is: it is entirely up to the individual.

The ubiquitous “tfp” shoot has been rendered almost meaningless by misunderstanding and misuse of the concept by the legions of fauxpros and wannabes, and close to useless for any but the raw beginner.

However used properly in the hands of the minuscule numbers of legitimate photographers who still use it, ‘tfp’ in its original form can be a very useful learning tool for models with genuine aspirations, and productive for the photographer with a model who is intent on developing professional level skills.

Much productive and successful work has also been produced over the years on a share the eventual profits basis, and many successful partnerships between model and photographer have existed where no payment has been made.

Personally I feel that if a photographer is being paid for a job requiring a model, then the model should be rightfully compensated, and certainly publications should pay both the photographer and the model, and up until a few years ago there was no doubt about this happening, not withstanding a little argy-bargy and untimely delays.

If a photograph of a model is used commercially, that is used to represent or imply endorsement of a certain company or product, the model is foolish if she doesn't negotiate a reasonable payment for her services.

As you progress and develop your modeling career you will find that there are many exceptionally good photographers, many genuine opportunities, and well paying markets for lingerie, semi nude and nude images, and there is no reason, if you have the right attitude, and the inclination, that a portion of those images should not be of you.

But a career isn’t built on wasting time and effort with fools, time wasters, pretenders, and exploiters...in fact the opposite is true, your career will either languish or indeed go backwards...at the very least the resulting images from these time wasting sessions will possibly be detrimental to a serious career.

But worst of all for a model who is dedicated, and determined to succeed, she doesn’t need to be labeled as "that chick who’ll strip for any guy with a camera" before her career has even begun.

What if you as a model want to specialise in Glamour, Nude, or similar work.

After all it is a completely legitimate form of modelling and most of the most lucrative if done for legitimate publications with skilled and experienced photographers.

This question brings us down to the hardest truth of all.

Do you really have the aesthetically perfect, desirable, defect and blemish free body that is necessary even before the photo manipulation makes it even more-so?

Face it, because very few internet photographers, desperate for flesh in front of their lenses, will ever tell you:

Not every girl can, or should be a model.

This is one of the great and foolish myths of internet modelling, just as many 'photographers' would contribute more to the photography industry if they took up stamp collecting or train spotting instead. The ego far too often refuses to recognise the vast chasm between “living the dream” and “just dreamin'”.

But this fact is never more true than for those who envisage modelling nude.

Anything less than a superb, elegant, universally desirable, and well proportioned body which matches or exceeds those already being published, is a waste of exposures (in all senses of the word) and time.

So you think you have the body, or would at least like to find out by giving it a go anyway?

Do you have or are you able to develop the required psychological make up, the comfort in nudity, and the relaxation and trust in working with your chosen photographer?

I personally would never photograph a model nude until complete relaxation, modelling competence and mutual trust has been established, and this would certainly never be during any of the early photo sessions together.

The startled “deer in the headlights” look, or the abject fear on the face is not a good look for either model or photographer, but is oh so common.

Do you, and more importantly your family, friends and loved ones have the open mindedness, and the willingness to support you in what can be an often openly hostile conservative society?

Remember nobody can make you a star, except you, yourself, and only after a lot of hard work and much diligently accumulated knowledge.

To listen to many of the new breed of 'photographers' and 'models', you can so easily become an overnight success with little effort, but it true that in reality it takes many years of paying your dues to become that ‘overnight sensation’, not to forget of course that the majority never achieve anything, or drop out because it's all too hard.

Above all, don't allow yourself to buy into that stereotypical myth, which has long been held to ridicule as the 'ideal model', and due to the sheer numbers of fauxpros and wannabes, and the immense volume of internet misinformation seems to be threatening to become more of a reality now than ever before: “the ditz with the tits”, the submissive perfect body who does what she is told, believes what she is told, and blinded by the stars in her eyes, doesn’t think for herself...who in striving for the ‘ideal’ of a completely empty mind, shuts down her entire brain.

Maybe the first things to avoid:

- the endless round of tfp shoots which are of course “great for your folio', which are entirely inappropriate, a complete dud of a learning experience, and at best 'a bit of fun' (they always seem to be billed as a bit of fun) and at worst a dead end waste of time.

- the seemingly never ending cycle of unpaid shoots, which aim at learning the ropes for a month or two, and before you know, years have gone by and despite the heartfelt promises you have never seen a single published photograph of yourself, and never earned a penny to reward your efforts. Even an occasional twenty dollars or so, does not make you a successful or indeed a ‘professional’ model.

And what things might be useful to learn to achieve success?

Learn to recognise a good photograph, and a good photographer, and to sort the wheat from the ever increasing heaps of chaff, and work with the people who are beneficial to your modelling...those who walk the walk, and don’t just shovel the jive talk.

Learn how to avoid problems, by not working for the wrong people in the first place, but when things begin to go wrong on a shoot, or inappropriate things begin to happen, learn how to control it, stop it completely, and when to walk out and leave.

Every model will quickly establish a comfort level with individual photographers and will also sense photographers she particularly favours, and others she would not allow within shouting distance, and rightly so.

Photo shoots, especially nude shoots, are by their very nature intimate to a degree, and a model is always placing herself in a vulnerable position. But that is no excuse for attempted seduction, 'copping a feel', photography as an excuse for simply perving, or any other inappropriate behaviour from either side of the camera.

Many models who are keen to establish a career, and accomplish some good photographic work, are surprised to learn of the number of desperadoes who buy a camera simply as an excuse to interact with 'models'.

Many others have mentioned the overwhelming amount of subtle, and not so subtle, coercion and out and out bullying that they are subjected to during photo shoots. Needless to say, that many models complain of behaviour ranging from a general feeling of being made to feel uncomfortable, through excessive 'ogling', to outright sexual abuse and molestation.

I have not only had it reported to me on several occasions, but also witnessed first hand, that some “models” are regarding photo shoots as potential date finding opportunities, and more surprisingly are offering to ‘git nekid’ in order to get free portrait sessions, and a supply of free pretty pics, with no intention of ever seriously modelling.

All of this of course is totally unacceptable, but behaviour which is increasingly becoming tolerated as 'normal', and indeed actually encouraged by both photographers and some 'models', but which a wise model quickly learns to deflect, control, or to avoid by recognising the potential problems long before they occur.

However it should be noted that these kinds of problems rarely occur in the purely professional environment, but also naive to think they don't occur at all.

When they do occur in any environment though it is better to be prepared to deal with them, rather than to give in early to fear, and scaremongering, and end your career before it has begun.

Personal experience has also shown that the very people who are the most vocal about ensuring a safe environment, naming and shaming real or imagined violators, and administrators of secret facebook groups to “protect” models, are usually the same people that serious models, and professional photographers for that matter, should be most wary of.

Feedback from numbers of models over the years has reported that the most unusable and unreliable information, and the most insidious misinformation comes from these very self proclaimed 'professionals'…

If I had a dollar for every pretender who labelled themselves “professional” as some kind of touchy-feely, ego inflating weasel word justification of their quasi- ethical behaviour, I would no longer need to be scratching out a living as a photographer and writer, myself.

So what every model needs to develop: every model, not just prospective nude models...is a

well tuned B.S. meter,
more than an ounce of good old common sense,
the ability to use her brain and thought processes,
knowledge of what good photography is,
and who the good photographers are
where your photographs are really being used (if anywhere)…

BUT most importantly,

the willingness and intelligence to JUST SAY NO when you will be receiving no benefit.
And the ability to simply WALK AWAY when necessary.

Stephen Bennett is available for Guest Speaking, Seminars, and Workshops in a group or on a one to one basis for:

Models and aspiring models on all things Modelling, including Successful Portfolios and Building a Modelling Career … please visit my website to contact me.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVI

We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:

Visit my website

Visit my facebook photography page

NUDITY: The Naked Truth, Part Two

2016-07-08T13:14:00.001+10:00

This part of the article explores what a potential nude model needs to know about the possible types of shoots and potential markets for nude photography, and how to decide if the photographer actually is prepared to deliver any of his promises of “publication”.

Let's just for a moment think about the possible markets for the photos of yourself as model which are most often promised (but alas rarely realised) by the majority of self styled internet photographers.

The most ridiculous first perhaps: boudoir shoots.

Well in language simple enough for even 'creative artists' to understand...Boudoir is a style of intimate portraiture offered to ladies of a certain age to give themselves an ego boost, to revitalise their marriage, to inspire their husband, boyfriend, or as a gift to a groom on the wedding night, or simply to make themselves feel sexy and pampered in the moment, and as a photographic memory for the future. It involves a photographer and a female client: the genre, by its very nature does NOT involve models, despite what modern day “creatives” are trying to make out.

The boudoir providers have basically died out and closed down now, as it was regarded by many women as a trifle indelicate and far too daring for gentile ladies, and has been largely replaced by the 'glamour makeover' shoot, which inherently has a much larger potential market, and a more conservative profile.

And as the word "boudoir" comes from the French meaning a bedroom or small intimate room for ladies, boudoir style photographs involve lingerie, and intimate apparel usually in a bedroom or intimate indoor setting.

It certainly does not involve groups of naked nymphette models romping around romantic forest glades, or parading their assets in derelict and abandoned factory buildings, while being stalked by legions of long lenses as organisers of several 'boudoir' workshops have emphatically insisted recently.

These types of shoots simply fit into the time honoured glamour genre.

Next where do the vast majority of photographs by internet photographers actually get "published"?

It shouldn't be surprising that the answer is nowhere, except maybe on facebook, or flickr, or some other social media ego gratifying page.

You should also be aware that appearances on these pages are not regarded officially, as “being published”.

Is "flipping the fried eggs" for the sake of appearing on nowhere except Chunky Chucky's Cheeky Chicky Pickies facebook page or website really worth while?

That's not to mention the distortion which will occur to the photos anyway because Facebook and most other social media, and even photo 'sharing' sites have their restrictions to what can appear, so get ready to suffer cartoon cat faces plastered over your carefully posed and meticulously photographed "female parts".

But then again you could also appear on the photographer's website, which, being one of merely 190,000,000,000 or more other sites, very few people will ever see, except for the picture thieves who will make sure it appears on as many porn sites as possible before they are caught and punished for copyright infringement...as if that will ever happen?

So yes, that honey dripper fauxpro was right when he told you you would get great “exposure”.

Vanity magazines.

While it is very true that news agency shelves are emptier of magazines by the month, with some magazines moving online, with new online publications appearing on a daily basis, it is also true, that while a very small number of online magazines are respectable, and have large readerships, the vast majority are the long time scourge of the publishing industry: vanity publications.

These vanity mags accept virtually anything, regardless of quality, and often subject matter, under the readership alienating arrogance of “We're independent, so we can do whatever we like”. They also would never even consider the imposition of paying for the use of photographs, and almost always disappear into the ether when the topic is raised.

Instead they rely on a captive audience, consisting of the photographer, the model, and the model's boyfriend or mum, and unsurprisingly very few other readers, as they are formulated to pay for their costs as well as make a profit from just one sale at grossly inflated prices for a download.

These quick, cheap, and nasty magazines disguised in back alley glitz, patronise and massage the ego of the wannabe photographer with feint praise, and sugar candy coated promises, by planting and carefully nurturing the fast track, nay the bullet train to fame, fortune, and great exposure (there's that word again).

The easiest prey of course, are the legions of snap-shooters, and fauxpros who know or suspect they haven’t got what it takes to cut it in the open market or even the desire to succeed on their own merit, and more about the image of being an "internationally published photographer", than anything which smacks of actual work.

As a result, the legions of fauxpros and wannabes however seem to regard these equivalents of yesterdays fish and chip wrappers, as the holy grail of publishing.

The irony is, that no-one in the legitimate industry regard these exploiters in anyway but with the derision they so aptly deserve, and the inclusion of any of them in a photographer's or model's portfolio or C.V. elicits nothing but a barely disguised smirk.

Print Magazine submissions

The heyday of print magazines was in the 1980's, when there were thousands of publications clamoring for content, most of which were not only open to, but actively encouraged freelance submissions.

But even then, submissions had to be extremely good, and finely tuned to the particular style of an individual magazine to be even considered for publication.

Even with the market as open as it was the "girlie" mags were still very particular to who's name was on a photography submission, before they even bothered to open the envelope...in effect the majority simply went straight to the round file, or were returned unopened.

Now when there are less than a tenth of the magazines in existence as there were then, there is much less chance of having an "over the transom" freelance package accepted, as the majority are produced entirely in house, and completely closed to outsiders.

But for submissions to those few still willing to review freelance work, the whole package must be exactly tailored to what the editor wants.

If your photographer promises "possible submission to magazines" ask him, which particular magazine?

If he doesn’t tell you, or mentions a vague term, or a wide group of publications, he either doesn’t know, is going to try the always unsuccessful scatter gun approach, or the word “collaborating” to him means everyone on set does as he tells them, while he bluffs, hoping for the best.

First thing for a wise model to do is to go and buy a copy of the particular mag mentioned, or check out several backcopies in a library: these will help you with what to expect with posing, makeup, etc, and basically get you “in the zone”.

Then carefully read the editorial or front pages, and find if they do in fact, accept freelance contributions. If it not clearly stated anywhere, the shoot is a waste of time.

Then check out then the photographer's work, with a discerning eye. Does it reflect the same general quality of that mag, the same lighting styles, the same general look and composition?

So far so good?

Next check out the general style of pictures the magazine usually features. If they all show virginal looking maidens with milk white skin, in country manor styled sets, lit by studio flash, and you happen to be a tanned, aussie girl, with tattoos and piercings, and you will be posing in front of a graffiti covered wall, to be lit by afternoon sun and a reflector, don’t waste your time.

Don't laugh, this very fundamental mistake of providing what the photographer considers the client needs, rather than what the client actually wants, is a lot more common than you think:-remember all those abominable and totally unsuitable "folio shoots " that you once did, that the model agencies labeled “garbage”?

This attitude which really amounts to arrogance, is the main reason why the majority of fauxpros will never get any further than posting snapshots on facebook. and as facebook does not allow nudes, anyway, why are you, as a serious model, considering getting naked for this loser?

Magazines simply do not want 'different', they don’t want 'art', 'experiments', 'better'...they want more of exactly the same, variations on the same style, same lighting, poses, settings, types of girls, and equal quality that they have been running for the last few years.

And if you happen to be dealing with one of those photographers who never reads the magazines he is pretending to photograph for (in their dreams) you might like to gently let him know that Playboy Magazine is no longer publishing photographs of nude women...the reason the publishers gave: there was already far too much really bad amateur crap on the internet it wasn't worth trying to compete with it anymore.

Art Nude?

Art nude photography is the epitome of technique, skill, and knowledge coupled with creativity, and is the field where real collaboration takes place for great rewards for both model and photographer.

As a result art nude photographers are the exception, and no where near as prevalent as would appear from glancing at facebook profiles, where travesty and artless mediocrity are the norm.

Nevertheless art nude work is a great opportunity for models to learn and advance their skills, when working with a good photographer of equal or preferably higher skill levels.

However even the most successful art nude photographer would quickly tell you that opportunity to make good money is severely limited: art photography books do not enjoy large sales, and traditionally have lost money due to production costs, exhibitions of art prints are few and far between, and still not widely accepted by art galleries, the general run of art connoisseurs, or even the general art viewing public, and print sales are often low or even non existent.

But for models with the right skills, physical attributes, and temperament, including coping with the often misinformed opinions of friends and family, and the barbs and arrows of an increasingly conservative society, it can still be a productive, and occasionally lucrative field to work in.

But of course, remember “horses for courses”, and common sense should reign supreme, so posing for the fat guy down the street with the greying comb-over pony tail, the "trust me I'm a Photographer" T shirt, and drool encrusted camera might be a clue as to whether or not to accept his really outstanding offer to "collaborate".

This part of the article should be regarded as a primer for what models can expect from photographers, an insight into how and where photographers supposedly make their money from photographs of hopefully you, and typical outlets for excellent photography.

Part three will explore some ways in which models can work in a truly collaborative way with photographers, and how they can cope with any problems which may arise, or any situations which they find themselves in, which may not be beneficial to them.

Stephen Bennett is available for Guest Speaking, Seminars, and Workshops in a group or on a one to one basis for:

Models and aspiring models on all things Modelling, including Successful Portfolios and Building a Modelling Career … please visit my website to contact me.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVI

We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:

Visit my website

Visit my facebook photography page

NUDITY: The Naked Truth (Part One of a Three Part Series)

2016-07-07T13:46:00.000+10:00

The point of this blog has always been to expose, and to indeed ridicule the misinformation, weasel words, half truths, misunderstandings, debate, rumours, seduction and beguiling sweet-talk, nonsense and downright evil manipulations which models are exposed to in the present state of the photographic/modelling industry in a tongue in cheek and hopefully humorous way.

And at times provocative as well, as the one thing which seems to be lacking amongst models when bedazzled by the prospect of being made a star, by an outstandingly average snap-shooter, is thought. When hurriedly scanning the ridiculous and delusional snake oil of the tfp adverts, the BS detector apparently never kicks in.

Model Portfolios and Nudity:

And nowhere is this seduction of the aspiring and rather naive model more insidious than in the apparent "necessity" of posing nude.

Most aspiring models, never seem to get through even their first shoot without being told (never asked): “Just open your blouse for this shot, it 'll make it really great, and it will be great for your folio”...or “wow what this scene really needs is a nude girl, stretched across this rock. How about it? Give it a go?”

Next, nearly every model is told, that they will never get anywhere without posing nude, and many are threatened with the “fact” that they will never work with any other photographer if “you don't take your clothes off for my shoot'.

(This is usually uttered by the advocates of: “I am a professional, but every one else is just a dirty old man”)

Photographer's blacklists, facebook secret hate groups, and the fabled industry 'grapevines', seemingly exist solely to defame and vilify models and photographers who don't toe the imaginary line of the 'men of influence'.

However far from being the necessity it is touted by many photographers to be, any form or degree of nudity is always the model's choice.

Also rather than being "great for your folio" as so many insist, it is actually detrimental to the folios of aspiring models wanting to enter the legitimate or mainstream world of modelling.

It may indeed be "great for the folio" of male "photographers" of a certain age, replete with beer gut, greying ponytail, and a healthy dose of mid life crisis, but nudity should NEVER appear in any form in the folio of a beginner, or even experienced mainstream model, with only one exception, to be mentioned later.

One complaint voiced loudly and often on model website forums, emails to potential models and even made in comments on their profiles, is that models state that they do topless and nude work, and yet they have no example shots included in their folios.

Well these rather ignorant photographers should be made aware that the models are presenting their information and folios correctly in the sense that folios should never include nudity or partial nudity. if a model states that she is open to nude work, she can always supply examples to any legitimate enquiry from a photographer, although on these types of sites legitimate enquiries, and indeed legitimate photographers are few and far between, and all models should be aware of this.

To be fair legitimate and reliable models are also fairly scarce on these sites as well. And if a model is willing to do nude work, and has not yet done any, she should consider carefully whether unknown entities from these sites are the best choice to start.

Experienced nude models often have a separate folio of their nude work to show serious enquirers, only to be presented after normal folio has been shown, and more has been asked for...if not asked don't volunteer.

But then again experienced nude models know the photographers worth working with, and are not often tempted to work with unknown amateurs and fauxpros, or even to list themselves on such sites which are basically for amateurs, wannabes, and neverwillbes, from both sides of the camera.

A portfolio containing endless and usually poorly executed pictures of sugar skull make-up, zombies in front of graffiti covered walls, and fantasy warrior queens in amongst potted plastic plants instantly brand you as an amateur playing at being a model, but a folio containing nudity shows any wannabe model as a naive time waster, who knows nothing of the industry she wishes to be part of, or of how to present and market herself to industry professionals, without insulting their intelligence and professionalism. In other words: a would be high flyer who hasn't bothered to learn the standards and protocols or required behaviour.

The one exception as promised a few paragraphs back< is if a tear sheet from a photo session which has been paid for and appearing subsequently in a respected and reputable publication is included in the folio. Of course there are "horses for courses": a spread published in Playboy magazine is much more valuable in a folio than a gritty pic entered in a girl next door competition in an under the counter lad's mag: just as a page from a Victoria Secret catalogue holds more value than being featured in the set of girly pics handed around at stag nights by the GWC (guy with a camera) from down the road.

Don't get me wrong: there is absolutely nothing wrong with photography of the nude: and nothing untoward, naughty, dirty, cheap or tarty about posing nude.

In the right circumstances.

But every model who contemplates nude modelling should be aware of the different standards of respectability and acceptance by the photography viewing public, and the various publications which serve them.

So you have been asked, enticed, seduced, or bullied to pose nude: before you accept it is time to think!

I realise that the very photographers we are talking about here are usually the same ones who prefer models to NOT think, but to stand there and look good and nothing else: to "collaborate" as long as that means keeping your mouth shut, do as you are told, and keep your opinions and your "creativity" to yourself.

Part two of this article will cover what a model needs to know about the publications and markets for nude photography

Stephen Bennett is available for Guest Speaking, Seminars, and Workshops in a group or on a one to one basis for:

Models and aspiring models on all things Modelling, including Successful Portfolios and Building a Modelling Career … please visit my website to contact me

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVI

We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:

Visit my website

Visit my facebook photography page

Picture of a tattooed cat from:

http://crazy-picsblog.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/wonderfultattooed-sphynx-cats.html

9 Ways to Become a Better Model

2016-06-30T14:49:00.002+10:00

1: Learn what a good photograph looks like, who the good photographers are, (especially who will be actually useful to your career) and how a good photographer works with and relates to models, and organise your career around appearing only in good photographs made by good photographers.

2: Curb your ego

You are not, never will be and would never want to be a “public figure”, unless you go into politics, or play a leading role in several successful Hollywood movies

You are not “in the industry” unless you are making enough money to be supporting a part time career, making the tax man smile, or getting more than enough call outs from successful photographers.

And you will not be welcomed by photographers is you act like a spoiled brat or demanding diva.

3: Know your capabilities, and always work with photographers, make-up techs, stylists, or fellow models who at least equal your ability, and aspire to reach higher; working with inferior talent, fauxpros, pretenders or amateurs will brand you down at their level.

4: Learn as much as you can, and continue learning, about modelling in general, your particular field, and about each job, the people working on it, and how the resulting photographs are to be used.

5: Realise that you are in competition with only yourself and no-one else.

Accept rejection professionally not personally, it simply means you didn’t fit the criteria or needs for a particular job on a particular day.

6: Stay away from the cattiness, bitchiness, gossip, slander, scaremongering, foolishness and unprofessional behaviour which plaques the lower rungs and bottom feeders of the modelling and photography world.

7: Tune your B.S. meter, and rely your own common sense, knowledge, and gut instincts to detect and avoid the false promises, the honey drippers, the wannabes, the pretenders, the users and fauxpros, not to mention the sleazies, exploiters, wankers, creeps and perverts.

8: Keep in touch: answer all emails, phone calls, adverts, call-outs, and other communications in a timely and professional manner, and be upfront about problems, delays, changes in hairstyles, tattoos, cold sores, insistent and problem “boyfriends”, etc: don't give anyone any reason to be label you as a “flake”, as labels like this are difficult to remove once in place.

9: Always be on call, that early morning phone call might just be your “big break”… with special emphasis on looking after your hair, skin, tan lines, and nails (your natural ones). And No! Don't think it can be disguised with make-up, or worse still “fixed in photoshop”...this is your “money maker” we're talking about.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXVI
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
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Model Portfolio Checklist:

2015-12-04T16:15:00.000+11:00


A Clear, unmanipulated head shot is at the heart	of a good portfolio

A model’s portfolio is her most important asset, and should be compiled and constantly updated to present the owner as a competent, wholly professional and very employable commodity - a totally respected member of the model photography community.

Model Portfolios have constantly evolved over the years into a very streamlined and universally accepted formula, and every model, whether female or male, should do their utmost to comply with the well accepted conventions of the standard “book”.

Portfolios today can also exist as files on CD’s or DVD, or as pages on a website, but the traditional printed portfolio contained within a presentation folder is still the most valuable and useful possession a model of any experience level can possess.

It might be useful to note carefully, because seemingly many models, and far too many photographers who claim to provide model portfolio photoshoots, seem to misunderstand this important point: the collections of pictures appearing on Model Facebook pages, or on profiles on model social media sites, such as Modelmayhem, and Starnow, are NOT portfolios in the true sense which Industry Professionals expect. They are in fact simply collections of disparate pictures.

A good portfolio should be highly focused, presenting the best of the best.
It should consist of a minimum of eight images, and a maximum of twenty.
It is not unknown for people in the industry to refuse to look at portfolios of more than 20 pictures.
It should also provide the viewer with a strong idea of what the model is good at, and the direction she wishes to take in the future.
It is not a collection of pics to illustrate her past history as a model.

What a Model’s Portfolio Should contain:

Not good photography, but Excellent photography, with excellent lighting, showing superb makeup skills, perfectly exposed and properly processed images, with accurate attention to detail.

Preferably colour images, however if black and white images are included, they should show an excellent tonal range and proper post processing. B and W should not be artsy farstsy crap, which might make the photographer look “creative”, but should first and foremost be about the model.

Colour and B and W versions of the same images should NOT be included.

Having stressed the importance of excellent photographs the whole portfolio is about the model, not the photographer.

Images to include without fail:

A good figure shot is essential

One professionally shot image of the model’s face without makeup.
At least one if not several headshots, the full head showing hair and with nothing lopped off by careless cropping out of frame.
A bust shot, from between the bust and the waist upwards to the top of the head
A three quarter figure shot, from thigh upwards to the top of the head
These pics should be frequently updated, as the model, changes or grows older, changes hairstyles, gets teeth straightened, or other evident tweaks.
Several pictures showing a variety of poses and clothing styles ...from casual to formal, and including beachwear. Bikinis, one piece swimsuits, shorts and blouses, jeans, slacks, dresses, skirts for girls and the equivalent styles for men.

Makeup for all portfolio shoots should be light and designed to enhance rather than disguise, and either professionally or skilfully applied specifically for photography: social or formal evening makeup does not photograph well.

Further pictures should show the type or genre of modeling you wish to concentrate on: for example a fashion model would have images of fashionable clothes complete with suitable accessories, a catalogue or advertising model would be shown presenting or demonstrating products, an aspiring television host would be photographed in a suitable set with broadcast legal clothing colours, etc

As Career Develops:

A model who has been successful enough to get paid work , should where possible include tear sheets from paid jobs she has completed and which have been published. Tear sheets should no longer be torn from magazines or wherever they appear, but high quality photographic copies of the pages should be made for inclusion in your portfolio, and any photographer who provided you with great folio pics, also has the expertise to do these quality copies for you.

If you are lucky, you may also be able to obtain outtake pictures from the campaign shoot to use in your folio, but do not ever expect to be able to use, or even get copies of the actual images used in the campaign, especially before the campaign is entirely completed.

Be aware though that amateur publications, photographs entered or taken as part of competitions
( such as swimsuit, or wet tee shirt comps and similar) are not suitable for use in your portfolio.

Neither are photographs which appear in vanity or exploitation online magazines, due to the very low level of acceptance, the non existent payments to models or any contributors, and the extremely poor overall quality of these “magazines”, they are not recognised by industry professionals as published work.

Remember if it is not PAID work, and it has not been published through normal channels, it is not really worth including in your portfolio. Be guided by photographers and artists when compiling their own portfolios: if it has to be explained it doesn't work.

Should NOT Contain:

Nudity: Topless, full, or even “implied”
Lingerie or sheer: although becoming acceptable in some quarters, the majority of industry professionals still frown on this kind of work in a normal working portfolio
Zombies, sugar skulls, disaster victims or any similar “theme shoot” material where your identity is disguised or obliterated by makeup...your portfolio face should be a “blank canvas” to be considered for its suitability for a job, not a "work of art" advertisement for some “creative” makeup girl.
Theme shoots may or may not be fun, but they are strictly amateur...consider just how many times in a publication or an advertisement you see a girl dressed as an ice-cream sundae pushing washing powder, or a horribly disfigured zombie as a featured cover girl?
Any picture which isn’t quite up to the mark, but was included to make up the numbers.( Go out , do another shoot, and get a better picture)
Bad photography, either or both technically or creatively, and posing which looks posed or forced.
Photo-shopped images: no images should use photoshop tricks, screens, filters, over-saturation, HDR, or any of the multitude of “artistic”plugins. Photoshop correction should be limited to correcting tonal range, colour, and sharpness, and eliminating distracting background elements: skin blemishes, moles, freckles, operation scars should not be removed and figure altering manipulation is especially taboo.

If your photographer/s isist that any of these are "necessary" or "great for your folio". it is time for you to walk out and find a professioonal photographer who actually knows what s/he is doing, and has actually not only seen , but also photographed model portfolios in the past.

You would be surprised just how many have not!

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXV
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
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10 Sure fire Ways for a model to end her career

2015-11-30T17:07:00.002+11:00

One successful model who succeeded by making sure she follows the etiquette of modeling as well as she knows the techniques

It seems with the rise of the amateur and fauxpro world of 'tfp' photography, that just about any kind of behaviour is acceptable, and even condoned by the "modeling is fun and a few laughs” brigade, but once you aspire to professional modeling you will very quickly find that the “industry” you are so fond of telling all your mates you are part of, will definitely not accommodate or pander to the nonsense to which you may have become accustomed.

Photographers, Modeling agents, and other “Real” Industry Professionals, all seem to list surprisingly similar pet peeves about relative newcomers to the ranks of professional modeling.

The top ten sure fire ways to make a name for yourself as unreliable, unprofessional, or just a plain waste of space are as follows:

Show how eager you are to be involved until all arrangements have been made, costumes have been measured, made and altered, props have been located and bought, and all other expenses have been paid, then cease all communication, and disappear never to be heard of until you picture appears somewhere taken by someone else on the same day.
Write in your model profile: “I am signed with ‘such and such’ agency, but they allow me to find my own work”...although it appears everywhere these days, a professional will know just how ridiculous this statement actually is.
Turn up to a shoot with a beefy, slimy bloke who claims to be your manager or agent...a professional will always welcome a chaperon especially for a first shoot with an unknown quantity, but narcissistic pimps will never be welcome anywhere.
Turn up with mum, who continually runs on set to primp and preen your hair and makeup, and then wants to pose in the photo with you just for "fun"..."I used to be a model too y'know"
Turn up to a shoot armed with your own contract and/or model release and not only expect, but demand that people sign it...do you know so little about the industry that you believe internet forum “experts”?
Declare loud and long that you won’t wear certain clothes provided, you won't work with so and so on the set, you will only pose standing, sitting or a certain way which you decide, you demand the lighting is rearranged to show your “best side”...Sorry Little Miss Nobody, but the Hollywood diva never even existed in Hollywood,
You wont allow your tattoos to be covered with makeup, or you refuse to remove your piercings because they are “the real you”...even the rawest amateur model knows that modeling “aint about you”
Turn up to a shoot with short green and purple hair when your folio shows you as a long haired blonde...there are penalties for false advertising, the least of which is being told to sling your hook.
Turn up to a shoot, with a sun blotched fake tan, fake fingernails, greasy hair, and a hangover...Really? Stop kidding yourself!
Not turn up to a shoot

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXV
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.
Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page

Tfp

2015-09-08T12:57:00.001+10:00

- tfp means simply time for prints.

- a photographer and a model each give of their time on a photo session, the model receiving prints as “valuable consideration”

Even that venerable website dedicated to the “disambiguation” (yes that’s actually how they describe themselves?) destruction and oversimplification of man’s knowledge defines tfp almost correctly as :…”a term many online photography communities use to describe an arrangement between a model and a photographer whereby the photographer agrees to provide the model with an agreed number of pictures of the best photographs from the session, and a limited license to use those pictures in return for the model's time.”

But of course just like any other internet website worth its disambiguous salt it also provides other “definitions” coined by the less intelligent and less informed as well.

And I have heard so many really great ones lately.

The most common misuse of the word is “trade for prints”..probably coined by those photographers, models, or model’s fathers even, who think “modelling” at it’s best always involves a bit of “rough trade”.

One of the silliest I've heard from a self proclaimed photographer recently who should have known better was “Tog for Port”. Equal with “Ten Finished Photos” or even “Test Foto Protocol” (how did he manage such a big word I wonder?)

My current favourite, and most applicable to the majority of facebook efforts recently is “Totally F**ked Photos”

When the term tfp was actually being formulated and in the process of reaching its pinnacle around the late 1960’s/70’s (I was there as it was happening, so you can take the following with a grain of salt because anybody who has had actual experience of the way things were in the past is fashionably derided and dismissed as a “hater” expressing his “opinion”)…tfp was used by a professional and experienced photographer as a means of promotion by offering to a carefully evaluated and expertly selected girl who had genuine model potential, but little money or opportunity to get together a working portfolio.

What? If it's hard to believe that models once actually paid for portfolio shoots, here is a real bombshell: real beginning models still do!

NB: it was the prerogative of the photographer to offer, and certainly not a right of the model ( or even Make up artist, stylist, hanger on, assorted dogs body) to demand

The photographer donated his expertise and time for a shoot or two, in the secure knowledge that his work with the protégé model would return his investment and more with the sale of the first pictures of her…those were the days however when photographs had value: in the tens and hundreds of dollars, rather than miniscule fractions of a dollar a “capture” is worth today.

The girl on the other hand could be assured in the knowledge that she would be earning a decent and reasonably secure salary within a month or two of having a respected and reputable photographer take her ”under his wing” from what up until then she could only dare to dream of ever happening.

More than two or three tfp shoots and it would dawn on the girl that she just was not cut out to be a model. Contrast this with the three to four years of nothing but tfp shoots common today.

But things have definitely changed in other ways as well since then:

It has been many years now since the vast majority of reputable professional photographers worldwide, ( not just in Australia) offered tfp to anybody, and those rare few who still do on occasion, think long and hard before they do so.

However tfp, or at least a highly modified, corrupted, misinterpreted, and generally manipulative and exploitive form of tfp ,not only exists but thrives as a caricatured travesty of itself in the euphemistic world of “internet modelling”

Those who remember the Punk ethos of the 1970’s in which the belief was that “anyone who can do, or become anything they want” coupled with the pervasive idea that talent was not necessary to succeed and indeed inability and incompetence were admirable qualities to be nurtured

This Punk attitude of course died its natural death very quickly except in two very obvious and far too influential places:

the New South Wales education system which espouses the theory that everyone can be creative : it doesn't need specific training, knowledge, or practice…it just needs imagination and the willingness to give it a go!
the internet modelling craze, witnessed by the daily outpouring of thousands of images of graceless and vacant faces looking out of inept and uninspired copies of derivative copies of unimaginative inspirations of photos from fifty years ago and beyond: mawkishly posed, badly lit, poorly composed, hopelessly photo shopped and manipulated all.

Don't get me wrong : I, like most professional photographers ( meaning those who earn their income from photography, not those who call themselves “professional” because it inflates their ego) have nothing against photographers, models and their entire entourage who want to play at being glamorous, have a fun social occasion with a few laughs (known in the business as a “shoot”or even a “workshop”) and get a lot of ‘Likes” from their facebook friends and stalkers.

Let them play to their hearts content, as long as they don’t interfere with legitimate modelling photography.

Unfortunately though their influence on the real world is already manifesting itself in far too many ways, most importantly:

the public, audience for photography and potential customers are becoming conditioned and indoctrinated by the sheer volume of “garbage in , garbage out”images flooding the internet, that this is the standard to aspire to , and there isn't any better.
photography, especially the results , has no value, and is there for the taking and certainly doesn't ever need to paid for.
girls with potential, who aspire to being real world models are drawn in to the internet modelling world because :

they don't know any different,
they are either promised , cajoled or plain bullied with outlandish fame and stardom,
great portfolio pics ( usually by a photographer who has never even set eyes on an actual working portfolio, and who believes that the amorphous conglomeration of usually dreadful images on facebook pages and in “model/photographer connection” websites are actually portfolios.)
that years and years of tfp shoots are normal procedure to “making it big”

Before long their dreams are dashed with reality, especially if they get too good, or become more knowledgeable about modelling than the photographers they 'work” with, but by the time the realise the jargon is nothing but BS they find that they are trapped, and their modelling aspirations are long over.

In reality, experience, research and fact shows (ahh! sorry “opinion”) that they would have more chance of success by entering those despised cattle call “modelling competitions”
and / or beauty pageants. And although it is hard to believe, occasionally participants of those dreadful and far divorced from reality “reality modelling” TV shows manage to land a little more exposure to legitimate modelling than the Internet modelling crowd.

And then there is the effect on potential models and wannabees: I was lucky enough to take part in this real, and ever increasingly typical exchange with a potential model within the last few days:

GIRL:
are you still looking for a model, I am looking for a photographer to take some pictures of me for my husband - I am open to ideas and types - some sexy would be great, thanks,

ME:
Thankyou for your interest in my advertisement for beginner models,
It seems from your message though that you are more interested in a portrait session than in starting a career in modelling.
I would be pleased to do a portrait session with you around the guidelines you mention
You can use the form on my website to book either a portrait session or a beginner model session
Portrait packages start at $xxx plus prints

GIRL: I was wanting the TFP picture - I will do nudes if that is what is required to get the deal

ME: NO comment necessary.

But lets just get this straight: an agreeable and satisfying (and indeed legal) transaction needs to be mutually beneficial to each side, with items of roughly equal value going to each participant.

Lets table it all out then:

What I would be supplying as my part of the bargain:

Three hours of professional shooting time…unpaid
Three hours of my assistant’s time…unpaid, or paid out of my pocket
Three hour booking of make up artist…Unpaid, or paid out of my pocket
The use of $20, 000+ worth of equipment, cameras, lighting, lenses etc.
40 years of knowledge and experience to translate “girl next door” to “expert and accomplished model” via digital photo files….not relevant so not paid for.
At least 6 hours, (of course more), of computer time to translate digital “expert model” files into “divine goddess” via Photoshop…not seen as necessary by customer, so not paid for
Unknown number of finished prints…unpaid for, including outsourced printer and print shop (paid for out of pocket)
No doubt numerous digital files, to upload to facebook, which she will also fiddle around with to “creatively edit” herself against the usage license…unpaid for , and also print out for her relies and friends…also unpaid for.
Control of the almost uncontrollable amounts of desperation and dirty old man frustration, which are apparently part of the makeup of all photographers of a certain age. …always paid for in the long run I s’pose

What ‘model ‘will be supplying as her part of the bargain:

The right to not only be in the presence of, but to also photograph such a natural beauty
A glimpse of her heavenly body adorned by nothing (if recent facebook posts are to be believed) but numerous tattoos; body piercings; fake tan; chipped, broken, chewed, or false nails, bleached and/or greasy hair; and vacant expression.

A real photographers dream, and all made possible by the wonder of tfp!

{ THINKS TO SELF: This “girl” sums up the entire fauxpro tfp internet modelling ethic and raison d'etre in one comment better than I ever could in pages of blogging}

POSTSCRIPT: The disturbing trend of using tfp shoots for commercial purposes: a simple contradiction in terms.

Assignments such as advertising for a company, calendar shoots, becoming “ the face of…such and such”. possible publication, representing a brand name, etc. are becoming increasingly common in the facebook modelling page ads…

“Yep there are always the seemingly plausible excuses:
“we are only a small start-up company, we cant afford to pay…
“there is no pay now but you will be considered favourably for more work in the future…
“just think of the exposure an association with us can give you…
“it will be great for your folio…

Well come and sit astride my unicorn with me, and watch the majestic spectacle of the flight of the pink elephants south for the winter.

If however you choose to work under these false tfp conditions realise that you will be associating yourself with the lowest of the low, the cheapest of the cheap, and as it is your face which is promised to be on show, it will be your reputation which is at stake.

COMMERCIAL USES OF PHOTOGRAPHS SHOULD ALWAYS BE PAID FOR; BOTH MODEL AND PHOTOGRAPHER

But there is really little concern: Because of the usual extremely low quality, lack of thought, planning, and knowledge advertising and commercial printing needs, which these shoots are usually based on, very few of shots ever see the light of day outside a vanity gloat pic or two on facebook.

Professionalism, other Redundancies, and the New Meaning of Life…

2015-08-19T13:58:00.001+10:00

We are told by those who study such things, that the meanings of words, and interpretations of concepts drift and change over time, and our language becomes richer for it.

The realm of photography is no exception becoming richer as it evolves and adapts.

Calm down dirty old men! According to the New world order this IS NOT a photograph containing Implied Nudity! Why?

The model was in fact fully clothed
It is not a full figure nude picture digitally manipulated to eliminate the clothing, or even to create and enhance the girl’s “naughty bits” by retouching.

Remember for example when that otherwise indefinable term coined and used almost exclusively by the amateur fraternity “implied nudity” meant an ambiguously clever camera technique where a photograph of a fully and discretely clothed woman left the viewer wondering wether she was nude or not?

( Camera technique? Wow..ya can do that in the camera? Lot easier after in Photoshop!)

Now though, as I was emphatically told recently by a “widely respected professional” – well he did have a small but efficiently tamed gang of facebook likers to back him up – that he worked to the “accurate and only definition” (?) that implied nude means full figure nudity achieved by removing nipple covers and g string from a model by digital retouching…

It seems therefore that the model does not need to be payed at the nude rate, because she is not nude in the original photo…just g string and falsies (???)

Woops forgot: Pay a model !!! Who is stupid enough to pay a model??? tfp rules right!

Well obviously “accurate definition” wins out over subtlety and art every time in the vast, murky depths that is creative internet photography!

…

But there are three words used on a daily basis which have drifted in meaning so far from their original concept to warrant a review of the “accurate” (?) dictionary definition

NB: If the New World Meaning of Life has not reached your particular neck of the woods, it soon will…it is certainly firmly established in my region.

and more importantly New Meaning of Life definitions do not in any way apply to legitimate, or real world photography.

Definition:

Professionalism:- this is the divine right of those with a modicum of ability, a lack of talent, a tenuous control of their gang of disciples, but a thorough mastery of schoolboy bullying techniques to denigrate, discredit and vilify anyone outside of his immediate gang, who disagrees with his beliefs, or threatens in even the smallest way to expose the fraudulence of his self proclaimed importance , or the pathetic and derivative quality of his “work”

Those with “opinions”( see below) are the obvious natural targets of the “professional”

Definition:

Opinion:- A belief or knowledge of traditional techniques, concepts, ideas and ideals, well proven theories; real knowledge especially when gained from long experience, education, and the ability and willingness to advance learning and skills through reading and research ( as opposed to knowledge gleaned from your mates, and religious worship of “internet experts” on forums and YouTube.); reliance on actual proven facts and the immutable science of light and photography

Definition:

Hater:- anyone who adheres to, holds, believes in or makes the mistake of publically expressing opinion (see above)

anyone who has deliberately opened a camera instruction manual, and …god forbid!…gone to the extreme of actually reading a photography book, irredeemably brands you as a latent hater.

Additional Notes:

Legitimate or “real world” Photography: a phenomenon which it seems is merely an out-dated figment of the imagination and, if it ever really existed, is an historical insignificance when compared with “where true art and creativity is really happening” Nevertheless it’s influence was long ago and long forgotten, having occurred in the real “old days”, of …well…wow…five years or more ago.

Professionalism: has absolutely nothing to do with earning a living from your creativity ,or that “dirty” word used by those who have sold out; money. True professionals not only exude a fuzzy good guy feeling about their “ethical treatment of others and their approach to life in general”, but also far too much “artistic integrity” to have ever earned a cent, or the likelihood of ever doing so: that would not only sully their ”work” drastically reducing their natural to bully, intimidate, exploit and be fully exploited by their “collaborators”

Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Conversations and Collaborations…or How to Win Friends and Influence People

2015-04-08T12:38:00.001+10:00

Charlotte Rose.

Technorati Tags: MUA,creative,collaboration modle,photography,makeup artist,excellence,learn,humility,humble

Received a message from a make up artist…

MUA: HI! I just finished my makeup course, and I am keen to collaborate with fellow creatives.

That was enough to put an end to it there, but as her Facebook profile had half a dozen , very poor and grainy selfie pics, obviously taken with a phone, of her work , I persevered.

Have you had much experience yet?

MUA: Just a started up my business: done a friend’s wedding and do all my girlfriends nails. What experience have you had?

Agghhh!

Over forty years in freelance photography, specialising in model work, and internationally published.

MUA: Oh wow…cool

So you want to do photographic makeup. Did your course cover it? And have you worked with any photographers yet?

MUA: Yeah my course was three months, and covered everything, but wanna work with photographers and video, and get some experience. Cause that’s where it’s at!

Teeth beginning to grind

Well take a look at the pics on my website, and see if that’s the kind of thing you’d like to do. (URL forwarded)

Thirty second silence from other end.

MUA: Who does your makeup? Those photos are dreadful!. Makeup is all wrong! The models look ugly!…

And wait for it…

MUA: I look forward to working with you in the future, so that I can lift the bar on your photography, and elevate your work to a much needed high standard of quality.

Then followed a pre-prepared advertising screed (no doubt a handout from the makeup Course) about the benefits to photographers and videographers about using a makeup artist “skilled” in the use of fake tans, artificial nails, and a well known very cheap and nasty brand of thick oily foundation.

Needless to say I and most other “creatives”” are being bombarded with this kind of nonsense on almost a daily basis. The conversations with anyone of the legions of so called “models” , proliferating on Facebook and modelling sites are even better.

Whatever happened to humility, humbleness, respect and a willingness to learn…to actually walk before you try to run?

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXIV
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I’m A Natural!

2015-02-05T15:39:00.001+11:00

A phrase when spoken by a wannabe model drives fear into the heart of any photographer.

However this post was inspired by a reasonably new model complaining to a photographer friend of mine, that although she had posed naturally for her photo session, because she disliked “posed” photographs, the results just did not look very natural at all, and nothing like the natural photographs she has seen of other models…she also went on to produce photos of several very well known and successful models posing naturally in jeans or swimsuits, seemingly strutting around the pool, champagne in hand, or leisurely reclining and sitting enjoying the sunshine and atmosphere.

Well the good news is, that these natural photographs are anything but: they are in fact the highly stylised, highly produced results of many years study, experience and practice on the part of both the photographer and model, and the expert professional work of whoever else was on the production team.

To be a good model requires years of dedication, and practice, and the art of looking natural and relaxed is a highly polished skill and craft

As with most endeavours artistic: it requires many years be to become an overnight success.

This is one of the many reasons why, despite what internet models claim, and fauxpros advocate, many hear the call, but few ever make the grade.

The sad fact is that most girls, not just wannabee models, when posing naturally look gauche, crass, uncomfortable, awkward, and downright ugly.

Even models, who supposedly have good figures, “ideal” proportions of arms, legs, head and other parts, and have been modelling long enough to know how to present their “best side” to a camera, can with a slight misplacement of a hand, a leg, or a twist of the neck, especially when posing for an unpractised, inexperienced or arrogantly motivated “photographer”, change an attractive photograph into a gormless “selfie” styled snapshot.

Facebook, which supplies much of the impetus of “I wanna be a model”, “I could do as good as that no problem”…through thousands of pages of poor to very ordinary shots of lifeless girls peering at you through the lenses of oafish, talentless photographers (yes you are right to suppose that you will see very little good work here, and certainly no excellent artwork, and really nothing worth emulating, or to use the current vernacular of internet wannabees: no “inspirations” to “collaborate” on)

Over the years I have come across many aspiring models who really didn’t have a hope of ever succeeding, and a spattering of those who could have made it, but unfortunately were lacking in the one necessary thing: the single minded commitment to make their dream a reality.

To become a success therefore an aspiring, or even accomplished model needs at minimum four things:

Dedication and a true willingness to listen, observe and learn, and humility to take direction and instruction, coupled with a good eye, and a knowledge of what makes a good photograph.
A sense of self, which sublimates arrogance for the more important self knowledge: someone who takes pride in the appearance, and who keeps their work tools ( their body, nails, hair, skin, figure, muscle tone, makeup and clothing) in best condition, ready to work at any time.
A large mirror, with which to practice and pose before, and to subjectively and objectively observe what poses actually look good, and even flatter, or achieve some kind of beauty of form, and to amplify the mistakes which the imagination, and overindulgence in friends admiration has previously told the model she looks great.
A photographer is experienced in photography of models ( portraiture, and self indulgent dreams of the big-time are not enough), and who not only knows how to compose a good photograph, make a model look great, but can give expert direction and a certain amount of coddling mixed with determination to make that particular girl look at her best.

10 ways to stay in business

2014-12-05T16:36:00.001+11:00

Don’t Put a Target on Your Back!

2014-11-29T13:18:00.000+11:00

Technorati Tags: disclaimer,professional,postings,comments,photographs,rights,copyrights,social media,information,ramblings,legal standing,nonsense,photographer,model

It appears that we are entering another apparently annual round of people worrying about their copyrights, and rights to their profiles, postings and comments they post on the internet, especially on various social media sites they may belong to.

In response, they seem to rely on one or both of the following stock “Legal Notices” they find on the internet, to try and guarantee protection against photo, and or profile theft:

Today, (Month, Day, Year) in response to the Facebook (or other social media site) guidelines and under articles L.111, 112 and 113 of the code of intellectual property, I declare that my rights are attached to all my personal data, drawings, paintings, photos, texts etc... published on my profile. For commercial use of the foregoing my written consent is required at all times.
Those reading this text can copy it and paste it on their Facebook (or other social media site) wall. This will allow them to place themselves under the protection of copyright. By this release, I tell Facebook (or other social media site) that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, broadcast, or to take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents.
The actions mentioned above apply equally to employees, students, agents and/or other staff under the direction of Facebook (or other social media site). The contents of my profile includes private information.

Facebook is now an open capital entity.

All members are invited to post a notice of this kind, or if you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you have not published this statement at least once, you will tacitly allow the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile

I declare that I own full rights to my profile, as well as all information and pictures appearing in conjunction with my site ID and Profile. I will fully prosecute my rights, in relation to anybody misusing those rights, especially students of (particular) University to use any of that information or pictures in their studies or coursework.

…or words similar to these.

Like the vast majority of disclaimers, these and similar legal sounding ramblings are useless with no legal standing, or added protection to your rights.

Note that there are several things which should raise questions about the indiscriminate use of these notices.

It seems that the only country to have a “code of intellectual property” is France, so how would that be relevant to Australia, or America, (where most of the social media sites seem to be located)
What is an ”open capital entity”?
Why are you expressly instructed to not “share” the notice, but specifically “copy and paste it”?
Why do you need to specifically post a dodgy sounding, pseudo legalistic notice to place you under copyright protection, when you are already fully protected under Facebook’s, or any other site’s terms and agreements, and more importantly Australia's ( or any other nation’s) Copyright Law.

It seems to me …and I am not a lawyer, but I do have a decent working knowledge of Copyright…that at best this is just some useless nonsense, made up at some stage by some paranoid “bush lawyer”

Most likely though it seems to scream

“IAM A COMPLETE PRATT!”

“I do not understand copyright, and I have not read or understood the Terms and Conditions of the site I am a member of.”

“So feel free to steal my pictures, my postings, or my complete profile”

But above all, if the poster claims to be a professional photographer, model or in any other arts related field, I would regard their professionalism with the contempt it deserves.

A Modern Chronicle of the Knights of the Creatively Challenged

2014-08-27T14:55:00.001+10:00

10 Ways to Improve your Photography

2014-08-03T14:32:00.002+10:00


A wink is as good as a nod.

Increase your Credibility

Appear More Professional

and become trooley awesome!

To be taken with a grain of salt, and a dash of vitriol.

NUMBER 1: stop pilfering other people's works for “inspiration”, because they are so awesome, then announcing to all and sundry that you wish to conspire with other equally imaginative creatives to blatantly copy them, or at least make an awesome derivative work from them, while of course clearing yourself of all the blame by adding the useless disclaimer: “No copyright violation intended.”
Far from using these as inspiration to learn from you will simply be compounding the poor technique and mistakes of the 20 or 30 generations of the awesome brain dead copyright violators since the original image was made, to reach the depth of awesomeness that you have found in the bowels of the Internet.

NUMBER 2: look at some good photography and study good photographers. There are hundreds both from the past and present, and even if all you do is look at the work of Ansel Adams you will still be streets ahead of all the armchair experts who drop the only name they know all over Internet forms.

NUMBER 3: learn about lighting techniques and when and why they are used. A good starting point for portrait photographers are Beauty, Rembrandt, Butterfly, and Loop lighting, although there is a technique coming to prominence called “cheap skank ” lighting which in any of its many variations is guaranteed to affect even the most flawlessly attractive model.

NUMBER 4: study just some of the many more useful elements of composition and open your mind far enough to realise that you will not make your image instantly awesome by superimposing an imaginary tick tack toe gird across it.

NUMBER 5: refrain from trying to make that hugely oversized, ugly, designed-it-yourself logo an essential design element of your image. Better still throw it away completely and use the tried and tested, conventional copyright cut line as a watermark.

NUMBER 6: limit the application of the “Reduce to Mud” Photoshop plug-in to a maximum of three times per image. No don’t Google for it: just learn how to process properly!

NUMBER 7: search out one or two models whose beauty, personality, charisma, self respect and pride in their appearance actually make it worth taking your lens cap off for, rather than any person you come across in your desperation. If a model herself is deluded about her ability or her prospects surely it is the photographer’s professional responsibility to tell her she has not presented acceptably or is possibly not even model material.
Be aware that “Snog, Marry, Avoid” is a satire, not a training film about what to look for in a potential model.

NUMBER 8: pay attention to details: garish, inappropriate makeup; ugly,broken or bitten nails; worn or chipped nail polish; badly fitting clothes; unclean hair; awkward posing; unrelated, badly framed or poorly chosen background; skewed horizons; bony feet in “Minnie Mouse” shoes, etc.

NUMBER 9: show it little professionalism, and a serious approach to your work rather than hoping for the best from a Neanderthal Facebook grunt: “Wanna shoot…make woman look awesome”

NUMBER 10: have some kind of useful concept which some imagination can be applied to, and/or a viable useful purpose for the resulting images in your mind before the shoot. If the best you can come up with is

a ) my Facebook friends will tell me it is awesome and I could be a professional.
b) it will be awesome for your folio.
c) it will be awesome exposure.
Then the iconic phrase from the movie “The Castle” springs to mind: “Tell’im he’s dreamin”
d) “possible magazine submission – no pay” is also a notorious laughter maker these days too.

BONUS NUMBER 10: and possibly the best solution for so many: sell all your photo gear and take up stamp collecting, at least you will then be exposed to some well designed, and maybe even some truly awesome images.

What Does your Portfolio Say about You?

2014-07-23T11:35:00.000+10:00

All creative artists either have or need a portfolio of some sort, so this post does not only apply to models or photographers.

Do you have a printed portfolio?
Do you have a business card, postcards, mailers, brochures, comp card, example portfolio, folio or show reel on CD or DVD, to anything to leave behind for reference?
Do you have a website which showcases your work?
Or does your portfolio only exist on Modelling/photographer sites such as Starnow, or ModelMayhem or any of those similar sites.
Or, better than nothing (almost), are you one of those Facebook only models, photographers, artists?

It seems that portfolios broadly fall into one of four categories:

Full Steam Ahead: those which show of a definite individual style, creative, tightly edited, technically excellent, and highly focused on the artist and future development. The product for sale or hire is you.
Steady as She Goes: those which are varied, and confident, but still showing creativity and untapped potential, professional and competent in tackling all assignments made available.
At Moorings, in Ballast: the general majority which show a limited range , low to average quality, and exhibit a sameness with so many other portfolios: no challenges attitude, just give me more of the same thankyou.
Under Tow to the Breaker’s Yard: those who spring about in all directions, chase trends, follow every piece of poor advice and bad information, worship false gurus, jump at every casting call which promises that “this will be great for your portfolio”

Amongst these broad categories only Category number One shows any understanding of the proper purpose of a portfolio to an artist:
Portfolios are not meant to document the past: they are to represent what you want to achieve in the future.
Family and friends look at a portfolio to feel proud of what has been accomplished: an industry professional looks at a portfolio to ascertain just how well your individuality, personality, creativity,knowledge, ability technique, professionalism and flair will be able to make his future project the best it can be, and to single you out from all the other portfolios he will be looking at in relation to enhancing his own image and reputation.
So take a second look at your portfolio, or when you are assembling your first portfolio, (as the case may be) look objectively at every image you wish to include, not as an artist, not as a photographer, and not as a model but as a prospective client, a future employer of your skills, as a prospective buyer of your services.

Does your portfolio tell prospects what you do – the subjects you cover well and how you do it with effective creativity, technique and individual style?
Do your visuals have marketability? Are they saleable?
Are the images geared to specific markets? Specific clients? Or able to fill an existing or niche need?
Is your book well edited and do the images have a relationship to one another?
Do the images flow well as the viewer progresses through your portfolio?
Does your folio “sell” you, your abilities, your creativity and your individual style?

Working with Under Age Models

2014-07-18T11:35:00.000+10:00


Working with underage models is easy	if all the rules and regulations are observed before and during the shoot.

Maybe it's the school holiday season, or maybe even the onset of spring “when the dirty old man's fancy turns to photographing nubile chicky babes”, but the Internet forums have had more than their usual share of questions along the lines of: “What do I do when an underage girl approaches me wanting to be photographed?”

The stories of recent years involving illegally obtained mobile phones with ensuing exorbitant bills, and illegally obtained tattoos should be a pretty good indication.

However it seems that rather than the photographer going to the trouble of finding out the law as it stands in his region, state, or country, the question is thrown open to Internet forums and Facebook friends in the hope that if a good enough number of “Internet experts” vaguely agree with what he wants to do anyway, then it somehow makes it the right thing to do.

The responses are always strangely predictable, and fall into the usual distinct groupings:

total ignorance of the law.

total contempt for the law.

an interpretation of the law based on what an individual would like it to be, rather than what it actually is.

an egotistical interpretation where the law applies to everyone else, except ‘me’

the mantra of the latent criminal: it is not illegal unless you are caught.

an occasional lone voice who recommends checking with the appropriate authorities.

As it is also technically illegal to give legal advice when you are not qualified to do so, and I am not: therefore it is sufficient to indicate that the law which applies (in most countries – CHECK for yourself!) revolves around the age of majority and/or consent (it does not only have to do with sex, y’know) and the inability of a minor to ‘contract’.

Therefore if you are a photographer, rather than a guy with a camera (GWC), it is advisable to first check the law as it stands: most laws and regulations are very specific and unambiguous: laws are generally only complicated and onerous to those who do not wish to understand.

My personal rule of thumb when approached for photographs by teens who appear to be under the age of majority:

Ignore most of them: most are not serious, and few have anything of interest to a professional or serious photographer anyway. (Just as not everyone can or should be a photographer, not every girl with stars in her eyes has what it takes to be a model – rule of thumb: an amateur photographer uses his friends and acquaintances to learn and practice; a fauxpro is desperate to get anybody in front of his camera, and it shows in his photos; a professional picks, chooses and rejects everyone except those with real ability or potential, and goes with the one model who is most suitable for his current project or vision.)

If there is genuine potential, as well as signs of genuine interest and dedication, the parents should be referred to at the earliest opportunity. It is the parents or guardian who you will be dealing with for all contracts, transactions, model releases, and required legalities, including the most important: their Parental Permission (preferably in writing) for the photography to actually take place.

(It goes without saying that the girls who say they don't want their parents to know about it, or want to see if they are any good before they tell their parents, or they want to surprise their boyfriend with a professional pic, and even the seemingly innocuous “go on take a picture of me” that happens at public events: are all potential trouble with a capital T.)
I would still not go ahead unless I could ascertain in person that the parents were fully supportive, involved and, fully cooperative: those who seemed to be uninvolved, uncaring, or worst of all, meekly controlled by the kid’s whims would be an instant deal breaker. At the opposite extreme so would be the obsessive stage mum.

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXIV
Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Modelling Agencies: The Good and the Bad

2014-07-11T13:50:00.002+10:00

A recurring question I have been asked hundreds of times over the years...one of the first to ask it was the first model I ever worked with, Bronwen way back in 1981…: “When should I join a modelling agency?”

Firstly agents and agencies of all persuasions (not just modelling) exist, and are required to be licensed by the government, (in most states of Australia at least) for ONE REASON ONLY....to find work for their client and to keep their client in regular and reputable work!

The model employs the agent/agency (yes YOU EMPLOY them, not the other way round as many agents like to think) to find suitable work, and pays them their 17% commission for (only) the work they secure for you. (take note of the percentage – this may vary in other states and countries, but if any agent wants more than 20% commission be very wary indeed!)

I tell anyone who asks that by the time you are earning enough money to be a viable commodity for an agency to be interested in representing you, you already have enough experience to

know who the legitimate agents are
have enough skills to realise (unless you are really busy) that you don´t really need an agent.

The general run of ¨agencies¨ is different though: and lots of beginning models want to sign with an agency simply because they are told that one

is needed ¨if you want to get anywhere¨,
peer pressure of seeing others ¨represented¨
maybe they are looking for modelling courses rather than representation.

Fair enough if you must: my advice is to give them a try, and if they are not finding you paying work within three to six months, or their courses are mickey mouse nonsense ( and most do seem to be that way), they are not worth worrying about.

As a photographer, if I had the budget, the clientele, and the market which warranted an agency model...I would go to one of the few legitimate and highly regarded agencies and book a model through them, and not even think about booking “a girl who just happens to be with an agency”.

To find out who the industry professional agencies are, simply inquire amongst commercial or fashion photographers who use agency models on a daily basis, rather than hoping for the best, or asking Facebook acquaintances who have “done a little bit of (internet) modelling”

However for the type of work I do, I have never needed an agency model, and I simply REFUSE POINT BLANK to work with a model who is ¨represented by¨ the parasitic end of the agency spectrum!

As I believe that it is unethical and unprofessional to comment on any specific company either publically or privately, the following is how I recognise the parasites in a general, cursory way:

the exist only on Facebook, and nowhere else
they are listed on one of the modelling sites such as Starnow or Model Mayhem, and exist nowhere else
they promise to be looking out for the “welfare¨ of their models, and provide them with agency quality portfolios, and yet only have low quality, badly lit ¨theme shoot¨ photos to show.
they will send you to an ¨awesome ¨ photographer
they are invariably owned by a ¨former international model, and an award winning photographer"...neither of which I have heard of. (May legitimate and very successful agencies were established this way, but it is also a very worn out cliché attempt at gaining legitimacy.
they charge fees for signing with them, and then a fee every other “service” and everything else including some things I would never dream necessary.
they talk about "managing" a career, rather than offering to find work
they make their money from flogging ¨modelling and deportment¨ courses, which progressively get more advanced, and of course more “necessary”...not to mention more expensive
other girls say ¨I signed with them over twelve months go, and haven´t heard a thing since¨
or the real doosey which still elicits a chuckle ¨I'm represented by so and so, but they ALLOW (?) me to find my own work
their website has acres of photos of models; None of whom I recognise
they have a long list of companies they EXPECT a model to go-see, consisting of just about every high profile name in the world, but their list of clients they have actually secured work with, has two or three names on it such as ´Betty´s Flowershop´, and ´Joe´s Garage´

And just like photographers the more crap they shovel (sorry...wax lyrical) about ¨their artistic vision¨, their ´impeccable integrity´ their ´caring collaboration´, and their ´award winning accomplishments´, the more useless and suspect they are.

I stress that most of the above is my opinion only! I am happy to hear comments from models more experienced with agents and agencies and photographers who have worked with agency represented models

©Copyright: Stephen Bennett, MMXIV

Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Rights of Various Participants in a Photo-shoot...Part Two:

2014-07-02T12:59:00.001+10:00

The Photographer´s Rights

In most cases, (including when a shoot is commissioned by a client), the photographer retains copyright in any and all photographs taken at the shoot.

He then licenses (limited and lawful) usage of those photographs to the client, or to other users, and potential markets, and usually, but not always, licenses a limited usage to the model to allow him/her to promote themself on the internet and within a printed portfolio.

Model with Assistant/MUA/All in One

Photographer´s Assistant

Many models, actors, and photographers are keen at times to act as a photographer´s assistant, and it is a great experience to see a shoot, and learn from both sides of the camera. I regularly ask models, especially those interested in photography to assist me on shoots with beginner models.

Several models have asked what does an assistant do? (apparently very little!)

Apart form the stock answer ¨there is always a reflector to hold¨ they are actually very valuable:

they do wonders for putting an inexperienced model at ease,
they liaise easily between a male photographer and a female model where a new working relationship may be a little tense at first...(believe me it is on both sides)
they also keep inquisitive onlookers at bay,
they keep valuable photographic equipment secure while the photographer is concentrating elsewhere,
they attend to makeup, hair and clothing, and any problems which arise.

But of most value to them: they learn, and learn quickly by observing, helping and doing.

Assistant’s rights: besides respect and value for a job well done, they are also encouraged (by me, as well as many other professionals) to take some of their own photographs during a shoot, when time permits...to which they do own the copyright, although if the shoot is for a client they are under the same limitations of usage as the photographer.

However it is advised that they get the photographer´s permission to sell or license any of the photos they do take, before they do so.

Second Shooter

A second shooter is often required on big shoots such as a large wedding, or an event where the main photographer simply cannot be in two or more places at once.

I have been told of photographers being asked to be second shooter on model shoots and similar, but I can not fathom why one would ever be needed.
( I do however have a suspicion as to why, namely the photographer thinks the second shooter will have ideas better than his own, or will take better shots than he himself is capable of...the reason for this will be become obvious in the next paragraph)

The second shooter has no rights to ownership of any of the pictures he/she takes on a shoot...they are actually contracted to the #1 photographer (unless working under other previously agreed arrangements) who owns copyright of all the shots taken whether or not he pressed the shutter button, or owns the camera equipment used.

And because most shoots which are big enough to require a second shooter are usually commissioned by a client, there will be little or no credit or portfolio use offered as well.

However more agreeable second shooter terms can be negotiated with certain photographers on certain projects...one possible scenario is when one shoots stills while the other shoots video, an arrangement I often work under.

Makeup Artist

Very few rights: they own no rights to the photograph at all as expected, and just as a model allows usage of their likeness, a makeup artist allows usage of their makeup design, which in most cases is fairly standard and therefore not original or copyrightable.

They may or may not be offered photos for their portfolio and self - promotion.

The Make up artist’s more elaborate original designs: often seen in photographs these days (but incidentally these photos which have little saleability), is technically subject to copyright, but in practice they have given permission for their design to be used.

Similarly an original design of a tattoo may be copyright (in some cases) to the tattoo artist, but they cannot stop people from looking at it, or photographing it once it is on someone´s body, or in the public domain.

The Stylist

This category is only included for the sake of completeness as the vast majority of us will never come across a stylist in our day to day photography.

As an important member of high end commercial photography teams, the stylist is responsible for strict adherence, and even improvement upon the shooting brief, and for making certain that the client’s product is seen in the “best light”, and therefore have the right of input into all aspects of the shoot to ensure that happens.

At the opposite end of the photographic spectrum it is apparently the rising trend to have at least one “stylist”, and sometimes several: hair stylist, set stylist, furniture stylist, clothing stylist, shoe stylist…well the more the merrier.

As to their actual function? Well who really cares as long as everyone is having “fun”?

Model´s companion

(includes stage mum, chaperone, boyfriend, minder)
No rights whatsoever, except to keep their charge safe, and out of harm´s way.

Can be ejected if distracting the model or the photographer or interfering in any way with the shoot

However it is usually a very good idea to have a mum around when:

the model is young and inexperienced
is under 18
it is the first meeting between an unknown model and photographer
the shoot is being run by an amateur

Young, same age as the model girlfriends are not a good idea
...boyfriends, however, are never much more than a distraction to everybody involved.

NB: Professional shoots

In some cases, including on my shoots, especially when a model is young and/or inexperienced, a mother of family member is welcomed on set, (as long as they are not tempted to interfere with what is essentially a job of work - and there is always a reflector to hold) but in the majority of professional shoots with most professional photographers a minder of any sort is completely banned, and totally unnecessary. (let´s face it: do young people take their mum or boyfriend to their job behind the McDonalds counter?)

The last remaining question:

What if, as so often happens in the internet modelling arena, a model, a makeup artist, or even a stylist, organises or facilitates (commissions?) the shoot and merely enlists the photographer to press the shutter button?

Is the model, the makeup artist, or the stylist entitled to copyrights of any kind over the resulting photographs?

Afraid not! This is technically a commissioned shoot, and as with all normal client commissioned shoots the photographer owns the copyright to the photographs, unless the photographer has signed a contract with the client, or is willing to sign over his copyrights to the client in writing.

This is one of the reasons so many internet modelling arrangements instigated by models or makeup artists attract only amateurs or very inexperienced, non-savvy photographers, as no professional photographer would ever agree to signing over copyrights without receiving a very large payment.

This last entry pertains strictly to Australian Copyright Laws and may differ in other countries.

None of the above is not meant and should not be taken as legal advice … it is information gleaned from many years experience as a practicing photographer.

For further information refer to: Australian Copyright Council website: www.copyright.org.au

P.S.: you will appreciate that I refrained from saying “I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV “ which no doubt would have sent you all in to hysterical fits of uncontrollable laughter…or so it would seem from the number of times I have seen this phrase posted ad nausea over the past fifteen years, by legions of “internet experts” who do not want to assume any responsibility for anything they say on innumerable forums.

Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including any photographs and files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner.
The Australian Copyright Act allows certain uses of content on the internet without the copyright owner's permission. This includes uses by educational institutions for educational purposes, and by Commonwealth and State government departments for government purposes, provided fair payment is made. For more information, see www.copyright.com.au and www.copyright.org.au.
We may change these terms of use from time to time. Check before re-using any content from this website.

Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me

Rights of Various Participants in a Photo-shoot...

2014-06-25T15:34:00.001+10:00

Part One: The Model´s Rights

Traditionally a photo-shoot involves two people: the model and the photographer.

Other people are sometimes involved to complete various work necessary to making the shoot a success, the tendency being the more commercial the shoot, the more people involved.

Therefore what rights do these various people on a photo-shoot have, both during the actual shoot, and in the results of that particular shoot.

Also as many models, actors and photographers, makeup artists and really just about anyone, are often keen to get involved in many different roles within their industry, and therefore learn by actually doing, I offer the following summary of their ¨rights¨:

The Model/Actor

The model only has one right available to him/her to exercise; the right to the use of their ¨likeness¨.
They give the photographer permission to use their likeness for any lawful purpose, by merely standing in front of the camera, and allowing photographs to be taken, or by applying/attending to a photo call.

If it is a commercial shoot, or it is envisaged that the resulting pictures may be used for commercial purposes in the future, the model is asked to formalise this permission by signing a written ¨model release¨.

Shoots are often explained to a model verbally prior to a shoot, or at an audition, or in written form in a casting call. These conditions should be understood completely, considered carefully , and the requirements followed. Always ask if anything is in doubt or has not been explained adequately to your satisfaction.

Some shoot conditions often require nudity: and the model should always retain the right to the degree of nudity she is willing to allow.

It is always a good idea to state somewhere in writing, what you are prepared to do, and I (and most other professional photographers) have a question in my model information form which asks if a model is prepared to pose in swimwear, lingerie, topless or nude,
When these questions are asked, make sure that you answer definitely with ¨yes¨ or ¨no¨: if you wish to consider based on your future interaction with the photographer, state clearly that you will decide later, and make certain that you ask to amend the form at a later date.

If later, or during a shoot a photographer tries to ¨convince¨ a model to go past what she has stated is her limit, he is actually violating your right to your likeness.

If however you take part in a shoot which has stipulated beforehand that a degree of nudity is required, you have no right to decline when it is asked for.

Technically also, and this applies to most professional photographers, and most shoots, models do not have the right to review, or veto the use of any of the shots taken during the shoot.
Most photographers will allow or license a selection of the shots to the model for use in his/her portfolio, and for self promotion, although technically this is not required.
If the photographer is shooting for a specific client, that client may not allow the model any photographs at all.

Disturbingly to both professional photographers and models two trends have emerged recently:

Photographers, mainly amateurs, but also those who should know better, have been offering, or promising ¨rights¨ to models that they are not in a position to offer, and that models are not entitled to. This is almost always under the guise of ¨considering the model´s welfare¨, but in reality is confusing to new models, as they go on to demand these ¨rights¨ when dealing with professionals, and as a result are quickly shown the door.

Some models have landed themselves in very expensive trouble by selling prints of themselves which are copyright to others, or leasing their photographs to magazines, and thus breaching the copyright (and damaging the potential income, livelihood, and reputation) of the photographer who generally owns the copyright to all the photos taken during a shoot...one well known stable of magazines actually encourages this practice thus adding confusion to what is a clear cut case of copyright ownership.

Models do not own any copyright in photographs they appear in: and although there has been a great deal of waffle (especially on internet forums) about joint copyright, a professional photographer would rarely if ever consider such a logistical nightmare.

Remember, that all photographs accompanying this blog are Copyright (All Rights Reserved) and may not be used for any purpose whatsoever without written permission from the photographer.

Interesting Links:
My Photography Webpage
Facebook page for Professional Photographers and Models
The Definite Article Photography and Video on Facebook
My Pond 5 Page
The Definite Article at Publicise Me