Lesson 1 - Notes

Casting models.

1. Choose the right model for the shoot, have an idea of what model's features would go with certain lightening, harsh features - hard lightening, soft features - soft lightening.                              
2. Always ask to see un retouched photos from potential models (you never know what type of skin model has if all her blemishes and imperfections are retouched).                                                      
3. Choose models depending on desired look(bone structure and features are vital for creating the perfect image).                                                                                                                                   
4. Choose a model with a appropriate attitude or style (for example creating high fashion images you would need a model who follows fashion trends and has that certain look.                               
5. In portfolios always look for a variety of poses because it shows experience and versatility.                
6. Communicate in a friendly manner, make model feel comfortable and welcome, provide water and pay for model's expenses.                                                                                                                               
7. Use a cool room to avoid sweat as this will ruin photos (heat will open up the pores making the make up sink into those pores this way skin doesn't look as flawless or fresh).

Directing.

1. Don't be afraid to explain the poses to the model if needed show model pose yourself                         
2. Take tear sheets.                                                                                                                                          
3. Keep the model moving otherwise the body will become more stiff and poses wont look as desired.                                                                                                                                                        
4. Relax and be in a good mood because your own body language can set the atmosphere of the shoot and make the model feel more relax or stressed.                                                                                
5. Be honest with a model but not rude, never tell what you think quietly to someone else this way model will feel that the images do not look good.                                                                                    
6. Photo any quiet or unplanned moments as these may produce the best images because sometimes requiring relaxed images wont look as good when its forced.                                                  
7. Don't put pressure on yourself always run test-shoots, have plenty of time to set up lighting before model's arrival, this will prevent any additional stress to me or the model.                                  
8. Don't work in the dark because this can cause red-eyes or enlarged pupils (best to use hard light to compliment the eyes as this will reduce the size of the pupil making the color of the eye pop)

Lighting.

Soft lighting (using soft box), underexposed image will create more of a darker, natural, shadowy images.

Hard lighting (using dish light), overexposed image will create much of a lighter, brighter appearance to the image