Workshops/Shootouts..instructors Qualified..Unqualified?
Today’s blog entry is geared towards learning. Sorry, there won’t be any photo posts in this one, but it will address something that’s been on my mind for a while; shootouts and workshops.
Years ago when I got serious about model photography, I had decided that I didn’t want to be on the forefront, I didn’t want to teach workshops. I wanted to be the guy that put event’s on and had people out. A friend of mine named Nus, talked me into putting on a meet and greet. It was fun and we had about 6 photographers and about 12 models. Great turn out and we got some good images. Let’s fast forward six years and discuss today’s situation; the “do it for money” guys.
In today’s economy, “photographers” are finding it hard to make money with their cameras. They all figure if they buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II or Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, that people will FLOCK to their doors. By attaching that wonderful title of “Professional” in front of Photographer, they will have to beat the clients off with a stick. They realize rather quickly that that just won’t happen! That clients are looking for the cheapest work they can find. These photographers are now turning to “teaching”
I look around at some of the meetup groups and I’m most times, ashamed to call myself a photographer, let alone educator. These “workshops” are nothing more than an unorganized, chaotic group of wild guys trying to shoot the youngest, hottest model they can get to. Now let’s be realistic, it’s human nature for guys to want to shoot hot babes, but if you’re going to do it, why not make it the BEST photos you can take? These groups are often lead by a photographer who has no right to “instruct” or just a gathering of photographers with no instruction. Who is the winner and loser in these situations? The person organizing is the winner; the photographers paying are the losers.
“How am I losing?” you might be asking. Simple, you’ve paid 50.00-100.00 (or more) to shoot a model that you could have most likely, done a tfcd with. And you’ve got 50-1k images of less than stellar work. That hurts you as the purpose of attending something like this, is to BETTER yourself, not expose you to girls that you don’t have access to normally. I want to review quickly, some of the things I see in the various meetup groups. I will not name names, but just give you an example of what you may not see when you go there:
Horror lighting: “Horror lighting” is the type of photography you get when you place the light UNDER the eyes of the model. Let’s quickly flash back to when you were a child at camp; everyone gathered around the fireplace and put the flashlight under their chin and told spooky stories. The result was horrid shadows under the eye sockets and the nose shadow no TOP of the nose. This happens when a light is placed too low.
Flat light: When there are no ACCEPTABLE shadows on the face and the image is usually all one color, or one heavily induced color. I.e. the backdrop and skin tones match. There is no shadow on the face and as a result, the photo looks unappealing.
Groups with no instructor: There are plenty of groups like this out there. No one instructing, just an organizer pulling 10-20 mid-range girls together and having 25-30 guys all fight for their spot to shoot this model. Often times, the fight for the spot ends up with photographers walking in front of other photographers.
Hot shoe flash: The recent craze in photography is the “strobist” mentality. The mentality of buying 5-10 hot shoe flash guns and putting homemade modifiers on them. What’s the problem with this? NO MODELING LIGHTS! No modeling lights, no way to tell what or where your light is, that and the serious lack of modifiers. I am not anti flash guns, but used only to compliment the scene, not to try and light one.
The “here today, gone tomorrow” guys: There are plenty of meetup groups like that! These photographers expect to make a KILLING teaching, only to find out unless you know what you’re doing, there really isn’t much to go on. These guys usually make a killing at their first group shoot, then quickly fold as everyone found out they were had. The organizers of these groups don’t understand what is going on, why they made so much money the first month, and nothing after. This is because teaching requires KNOWLEDGE, both photography and people teaching skills.
“Jay, how can I tell if a meetup group or workshop is good to attend?” Great question! Do your research! When you look at the images the leader has, do their photos represent quality you want to achieve? Has this person put on other group shoots? If yes, how do the ATTENDEES photos look? This is an important question for the simple fact that that is how you’re photos will look! Is the person TEACHING qualified to do so? Do they have any accomplishments such as NATIONAL publications? Do they exhibit a great understanding of various lighting styles? Posing? Will you get something out of it other than the chance to shoot hot chicks? This is your money and more importantly, time. Why not get the best out of it? Is it a shootout (gaggle of photographers gathered together to just shoot hot chicks with no regards to learning) or a workshop (teaching and learning the qualities of light and posing)
I am proud to say that people that come to my workshops actually LEARN! Yes, I do have hot chicks at my workshops, but I have appropriately themed models for the workshop theme. I have shootouts where I just put models and photographers together, as well as actual learning workshops. 99% of my shootouts, I’m STILL instructing because I never want to hear that someone didn’t get something out of coming to one of my workshops.
Here’s a few photos from some photogs at my past events:
This and more is what you can expect from one of my workshops and from those photographers who care about the development of the attendees.
What is a model?
I bet you thought you were immune from my blog huh? 
As it turns out, you will get just as much commentary as the photographers on my blog. Models are just as important to the photography process, so you need to be addressed summarily.
Wanting to be a model takes more than good looks and a nice body. It takes dedication and attention to detail. It takes commitment above and beyond the weekend “wannabe” claim. I want to touch on a few things that I see common in my shoots, and many other shots out there. These are tips and tricks that will help you be the best model you possibly can.
Appearance:
As stated at the opening, looks makes up a small part of being a model. To be taken seriously as a model, you have to act seriously. Part of that is taking extra special care with regards to your look. You should always be on the lookout for things such as:
Fingernails: Your fingernails should be kept to a reasonable length and manicured. There shouldn’t be any chipped or old fingernail polish on them. Avoid getting the long curled fingernails as they say the exact opposite of professional. You can visit any nail shop in town and get a full manicure done for around 12.00-15.00.
Hair: Your hair should be healthy and have a shine. It should be well kempt and full of bounce. Natural hair color works well; duotones aren’t really fashionable when it comes to photos. Unnatural dual tones such as blond streaks up front and spiked across the head, unless for a salon, are usually something to be avoided. Remember hair ties belong in your hair and NOT on your wrist.
Body: To be a model, you should have an above average body type. There are many different facets of modeling; you should know which type your body is suited for and how to maintain it for such style. Eating healthy and working out regularly are things that you have to do not only for personal health, but modeling.
Tattoos: Unless you’re specifically trying to get into the Suicide Girls or God’s Girls niche, excessive tattoos is not very industry friendly. I’m not telling you that you can’t have tattoos, but let’s be honest, how many heavily tattooed models do you see in any of the major magazines? It’s a nightmare to try and Photoshop out tattoos. If you decide to get one, small, easily hidden ones are best during the life of modeling.
Make up: Part of being a model is having the ability to do basic-simple makeup. You should be able to have a good Evening face, as well as light-casual face. In this day of TFCD shooting, most photographers don’t have an MUA on hand, so you’ll be forced to put on your own makeup. If the situation calls for it, you should be able to apply make up in a functional way. Also, there are times when a MUA is provided. It would be courteous if you provided your own foundation. Most MUA’s will have their own, but it shows everyone on the set, that you’re serious about what you’re doing. Also, things happen to MUA’s, so you should always be ready to do a simple self application if needed.
Clothing: Should always have a big assortment of clothing and accessories. Sometimes, you’ll have jobs where there is a clothing designer involved, other times, the photographer will use your own clothing. The clothes you bring to the shoot should be pressed and ready to wear. You should have accessories to match the clothes such as hats, scarves, shawls etc.
Look: The final big one is the look of a model. Not just anyone can be a model, for those that are; you should ALWAYS look the part. By looking the part of a model, you will feel like a model and everything you do, will help you when you’re actually working. You should practice posing and looks several times per week. By doing this, you’ll have a lot to bring to the table other than your looks. As a photographer who teaches others across the country, I can and will tell you that a major complaint photographers have about models is the fact that the model isn’t aware of her body and how to pose and give different looks. Some of the best models I’ve ever worked with were models that spent time in front of their mirrors working on posing. One model who was 14 at the time, spent two hours in the morning, and two hours before bed EVERY DAY working on posing and looks. She was a dream to work with because I didn’t have to tell her anything, just give her the idea of what I wanted and sit back and watched her work.
Now again, as I always state, this isn't something that should be taken to heart, this is just a guide to go by. There are MANY different types of modeling, the one I focus on mostly, is glamour. When I speak, it's mostly to glamour models.
What is a professional photographer?
One of the questions that I tend to shy away from, is the “what makes someone a professional photographer” I’ve shied away from this for the simple fact that there are many different ways to qualify a “Professional Photographer” Today, I was talking to a friend of mine and she was telling about a pro photog friend of hers, who wasn’t getting image comments that she liked, so she took all her photos down. Is this how a pro should act? IMHO, no, not at all.
The comments I’m going to make next are qualifiers that I use to determine a “Professional Photographer”. In no way, shape or form, should this list be taken as the end all, be all of what is or is not a pro, just my observation.
First and foremost, a professional ANYTHING, is one that gets paid. Yes, there are doctors who work at free clinics and give away time, but these guys are financially at a position to where they can do it. How many plumbers do you see doing a DFL? (Drain for Love of it?) You don’t see much because these guys are all guys that are working to pay bills. Long ago, there used to be an unwritten rule that “75% or more of your income should be derived from photography, to be a professional” That rule has relaxed and last I heard, it was 50%-55%. I don’t get caught up on money "makes a professional" but I do believe that a significant amount of your money earned, should be from photography. If not, imho, you’re a serious amateur, hobbyist or semi-pro.
Presentation: I see so many “professionals” that don’t have, imho, the very basics needed to secure a job; business card, website, email with a legit domain. These are things that everyone needs, in order to conduct business. It’s been my experience that I’ve gotten jobs that I wasn’t truly qualified for, but because I was professionally prepared, I was looked at over those who were better qualified. I even had a client tell me “To be honest, there were a few others that had images I liked a bit better than yours (real fashion guys shooting a fashion project) but I felt uncomfortable sending confidential emails to a @yahoo.com account.”
There are many other qualities that makes a professional a pro, too many to document here. These two issues are two of my main concerns. Majority of the people out there doing photography now feel, if you get a “pro grade” camera, a hot shoe flash or four, that you’re a professional. To me, a professional is someone that gets paid for their services. A professional imho, on top of making money from their hobby, is someone that continually challenges him/her-self as well as what they know. I know many photographers who have become static, because they’ve become complacent with the work they do.
Another issue is to make sure you're operating with in the legal limits of your city, state or township. I held a shoot a few weeks back where I put all the photographers on notice; I asked who all had a business registered? Out of 14 guys, three hands went up! If you're not operating at a "legal" level...well, we all know what the opposite of legal is! State and Federal tax ID's, business registered, these are other important factors.
One final note: Shoot for yourself and yourself alone! I get into debates about this philosophy because some feel we should be shooting for the clients. I digress and say the client books me because of the work they've seen of me. The last thing I want to do is end up shooting something that I hate, because there's a pay check at the end of the day. That's work. When I pick up my camera, "work" is the last thing on my mind!
Keep growing!
Joelle Modeling
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- Head shot of Joelle
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- Joelle Stuffing
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- Tight crop of Joelle’s face
Joelle is a blast to be around. She has the energy of a small child and always brings different looks and attitudes to the shoot. She has the potential to do well here in the Colorado market!
Specs:
EOS Canon 5D
Photogenic PLR1250DR 500ws strobe
Photogenic 24inch beauty dish
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- Head shot of Joelle
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- Joelle Stuffing
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- Tight crop of Joelle’s face
Models: It’s that time of year again!
Attention Models:
The first part of the year brings tons of fun and shooting your way! If you've wanted to take a shot at getting into Maxim, this is your chance. Hooters? this is your chance!
Maxim: Many models and wannabe models always say they want to get into Maxim. Sadly, Maxim is one of the most difficult magazines to get into. Why? cause the demand is so high! There ARE ways to get in, and Maxim's Home town hotties is the easiest way! "Neighborhood Knockouts" is another, but figure, according to their stats, there's over 100,000 submissions per year to get that 1/4 photo op.
Maxim (Just as Playboy) always says "You don't need professional photos for a shot" But let's be honest, you do. They want the best you they can see and sorry, but the mirror photos you had on Facebook just won't cut it. In fact, I had a model submit images to the hometown hotties and they rejected her. A month later, she submitted photos we took and was successfully entered into the competition.
Hooters: Every year, Hooters bar and grille has their calendar girl search. They take employee submissions only. The hard part is over for you, getting a job there. The next part is getting the photos. You can see the requirements here
The cool thing? This is my slow time of year, so I'm open and free to shoot! I've been published in FHM and Maxim online, so I know I have the quality. Let's be honest, magazine submission is 60% of what I do with model photography. Why? cause no one in the state of Colorado has more than me. Meaning? no one is as experienced as I at getting models published.
For those of you that are interested, I'm running a special 99.00 4 look mini shoot (2 head 2 body is what they usually ask) I am expecting to book up pretty quick, so contact me to get your session booked.
Start the booking session now by making your payment. After your payment is received, I will contact you to set up a date for your shoot.
Brandy Q doing what she does best, looking hot!
New studio is almost ready!
After 8 months of not having a studio, my new studio is almost done. This studio isn't going to be set up as a regular studio, it's going to be setup as a room. This will be easier for clients to relax and get in the mood to get great photos.
The building owner had a convention and dropped all his stuff off in the room. Of course it's going to be gone by the time I move in.
Another quickie
Got a quickie post here. Working on a ton of things, most of which I'll share here.
Until then, here's a few photos taken last week.
Meeting of the Masters
Hello friends,
I just wanted to take a moment and formally introduce you all to my newest venture, A Meeting of the Masters
This event has been something I've been working on, literally all my photography life. Over the years, I've made contact with some of the top model photographers on the planet. These guys work you have no doubt seen in everything from Time magazine, to Cosmos to Playboy to billboards in and around Chicago. These guys, I am proud to say not only are they my mentors, but they are my friends.
I've chosen a week to get each of them to come out and speak about how they became who they are. Their lighting, marketing and even photoshop skills! At the end of each day, there's an optional shoot with each of the Masters!
The chosen Masters are:
Beauty and Agency photographer:
Joe Edelman:
Fashionable High School Seniors:
Kirk Voclain:
Developing your photographic eye:
Art Ketchum:
Commercial Glamour, getting the big bucks:
David Hickey:
Getting the big contracts, shooting famous people:
Michael Grecco:
Fashion Photography, Playboy Photography:
Ivan Otis:
This is going to be a GREAT event and all who comes, will learn a lot!
This event is sponsored by Photogenic Strobes and Photographers Warehouse Both companies will be providing Photogenic PL1250DR's and PL2500DR Strobes and soft boxes. And is brought to you by Jay Kilgore Photography Workshops and Club SuperShoot
Fun video
Here's a video that starts with the girls getting their faces put on, and ends with my discussing some of the comments I get on my photos. The focus of the discussion is how people can hate a photo that I take, yet describe it in great detail!
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Reece and her “big smile”
Here's a quick video of Reece at a semi private "Boudoir" shoot. She talks about and shows us her "big smile" Lets hope she doesn't come to the blog or she'd KILL ME lol.
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