Diva Calendar Shoots

Each year over the past three years I have designed a full sized calendar called the Pagemaker Diva’s Pinup Calendar. I did this to help new models gain experience modelling and to help them with some print work. Each model was given a calendar for their print work.

The first year went great and models were eager to join in and take part of this calendar. Although it was hard to get models to actually show up, I discovered how many flakes are out there. Two out of three models who had confirmed that they wanted to be in the calendar never showed up for their shoots and after rebooking them a few time I learned that it was better just to find another model.

I had thought that this would be an easy task and only take a month to get all the models, do the shoots, edit the photos and get the calendar off to the printer. I soon learned that it took almost a year to get all the models photo shoots done, edited and off to the printers. So the first calendar we had done, did not get to the printers until mid January of that year.

The second calendar I started early and booked several models for the shoots but found again several models did not show up for their shoots and again had to replace almost half of them. I did however get the calendar done on time and each model that wanted one got them before Christmas. The calendars looked Awesome and went over great with all the models.

Well here we are again for another new year and another calendar. This year we have decided to make two calendars one is called the Pagemaker Diva’s 2014 Pinup Calendar and the other is the Pagemaker Diva’s 2014 Plus Calendar. The second calendar will be designed for plus sized models because after all real beauty has no size. We are just getting started with the photo shoots for the two calendars and we again hope that it will go well and that we will not have to replace too many models who do not show up for their shoots. Each model for the calendars will receive a free calendar that Pagemaker Studios pays for. I just don’t get it some times why models don’t show up for shoots. I know that paid shoots take top priority to TF shoots but come on most of the models are not pros and do not get paid shoots very often if ever unless they are truly committed to their modelling carrier. What we have found here is most models do it just for fun and the ones who are had at making a carrier out of modelling are the ones who rarely miss a shoot even a TF shoot. Go figure.

TF Photo Shoots

Basically, in TF shoots both the photographer and the model are working for free, to benefit both of their portfolios/books... Neither is paying the other, both are contributing their time for images.

The model and photographer share rights to the photos- both can freely use the images for self-promotion, in their books or online portfolios but neither may sell them unless both parties come to a separate agreement for that. So, no posting them to members-only areas of paid websites, etc.

If there are additional fees like studio rental or having a hair/makeup artist (who isn't also working on a TF basis) then the model covers those costs unless the photographer brings one in for a specific shoot. Or the Photographer and Model agree to split the cost for hair and makeup artists.

In TFP, the photographer provides a previously agreed-upon number of finished 8x10 or 9x11 prints from the shoot- usually whichever shots were the best.

In TFCD the model receives a CD of images from the shoot, usually all images taken, un-retouched. These are called the proofs. This is normally provided at the conclusion of the shoot or within a day- however long it takes for the photographer to upload the shots to his computer and make a CD. Some photographers use these images as proofs for the model to view for selecting images for Re-touching.

Since retouching/photoshop work is time-consuming, if the model prefers a smaller number of edited images instead of all the unedited ones, a reasonable amount of time is allowed for the photographer to complete a CD like that- usually a week or so.

The world is full of prospective models still waiting for prints a month after their TFP shoots. So I recommend getting your images on CD asap, and deal with retouching later.

I myself use the photos from the shoot as proofs and post them to my server where only the models can view and make their selections for Re-touching. I do this quickly after each shoot. The model then selects the ones she likes and I do the re-touches for them and put them on the CD with the Proofs and webready photos.

Models Boot Camp

Put on by: Pagemaker Studios
in Edmonton Alberta
For Models ages 16+

Our Mission:
To ensure that the New and Aspiring Model’s, attain the knowledge they need to succeed in this industry. This is a 3 day in-depth program.

Registration Fee: $160.00 for the 3 day Program. Please check the Events link for more info.

Register here: Redister Now

PROGRAM OUTLINE
SELF IMAGE
Developing Self Esteem
Walking, Posture & Poise
Projecting Self Confidence
Positive Body Language
Personality & Communication Skills

WARDROBE
Individual Style
Developing your Personal Style
Wardrobe & Accessories
The Model’s Tote Bag

BEAUTY
Grooming
Skin & Body Care
Hand & Nail Care
Hair Care & Styling
Health, Nutrition & Fitness
Make-Up Techniques & Trends
Day / Natural Make-Up
Fashion Show / Make-up

RUNWAY
Markets in Runway
Walking, Poise, Posture
Turns & Technique & Style
Developing Individual Style
Interaction & Choreography

PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO MOVEMENT
The Models Photo shoot / Testing
The Camera & You
Live Mannequin / Freeze Modeling

PORTFOLIO
Building your portfolio
On-line Portfolios
Comp Cards

During this program Models will be able to book two Photos Shoots and will receive one 8 x 12 photo from each shoot for their Portfolio compliments of Pagemaker Studios.

Five Outdoor Portrait Photo Tips

Portraits still make up the biggest share of all photography done on this planet. Taking a picture of a person is as time-honoured as the meat and bread sandwich. Making portraits outside can offer some unique  challenges and opportunities. Here are five tips aimed at beginners that will improve your outdoor portraiture.

1. Try to make outdoor portraits on a cloudy day. While I know it’s counterintuitive to some of you, a high, thin, light overcast creates some of the very best portrait lighting you’ll ever see. Harsh, direct sun is rarely flattering. Overcast skies act like a giant softbox and diffuse the light. They also make it possible to photograph any time of day without fear of dark circles under the eyes, etc.

2. Select the right lens. For decades, the advice from the pros has been, select a lens in the 85 to 100mm category for portraits. In truth, there’s no perfect portrait lens, but lenses with longer focal lengths tend to be more flattering. I like to work with either 135mm or 200mm lenses for most of my portraits. If I’m photographing a heavy person, I might even go with 300 or 400mm. The longer focal lengths compress the picture and make it easier to blur the background, putting the viewer’s attention on the subject. A longer lens also has a narrower angle of view making it easier to focus on the subject. Longer lenses also have the advantage of separating the subject from the background.

3. It’s okay to pose your subject. The difference between an amateur portrait and a professional portrait is often the pose. One tip I learned from Bambi is to pose by example. Saying “Turn your body to the right,” is often confusing to the subject. Which right? Your right or my right? Pose by example and it’s easier for the subject to give you what you want.

4. When shooting group portraits outdoors, find a location that will let you shoot down on your subject. I often bring a 10-foot tall ladder with me when I’m shooting outdoor group shots. This is a fun way of getting a very different look than the traditional “dead solider” line up of people who look uncomfortable and awkward. Put everyone in a circle instead of a straight line. Then get up on the ladder and shoot down on them. All the double chins will go away and as long as you’re using enough depth-of-field, everyone will be in focus where it counts. It’s more flattering and more fun.

5. Focus on the eyes. In fact, in most traditional portraiture, the ONLY thing that needs to be in focus is the eyes. Shooting with a really fast lens; f/2.8 or faster, will help put attention on the eyes and not the wrinkles and cracks in the subject’s skin. Put your camera’s focusing point directly on the eye and fire away for best results. This is just a starting point. You could add dozens of tips to any post about portraiture, but I wanted to concentrate here on five things that I know would have really helped me when I was starting out. I hope they help you too.