More often than not, we hear and read countless information on the what's and how's of producing a great image coming from Models, Magazine Editors, Model trainers, Agencies etc, but in general, we don't tend to pay too much fuss to the crucial and humble being behind that camera - the one whose eyes capture what we visually feast on.
I was inspired to get the view of some photographers who I have worked with in Australia and Zimbabwe so as to enlighten models - and anyone else curious enough to take a peek into the eyes and minds of these valuable and talented Creatives.
And ahem...it was after much gruesome arm-twisting by one of the photographers I interviewed, Rudo, that I agreed to use a shot she took of me...(yes Rudo I actually printed this ha!).
Now - on to the nitty gritty....
I was inspired to get the view of some photographers who I have worked with in Australia and Zimbabwe so as to enlighten models - and anyone else curious enough to take a peek into the eyes and minds of these valuable and talented Creatives.
And ahem...it was after much gruesome arm-twisting by one of the photographers I interviewed, Rudo, that I agreed to use a shot she took of me...(yes Rudo I actually printed this ha!).
Now - on to the nitty gritty....
ETHOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUDO NYANGULU/INONZI MEMORY PHOTOGRAPHER
Photographer: Rudo Nyangulu
Location: Zimbabwe
Contact: http://www.ethos-photographic.blogspot.com; www.inonzi.co.zw
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Relax and pretend its not there BUT never lose posture or make faces (pull your face) even while changing position because the camera doesn't stop capturing you.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Overthinking poses thereby becoming very mechanical;
2. Forgetting the purpose of the job/their brief - a model is always selling something (why are you at the shoot? are you selling hair? Makeup? Clothes? Jewellery?)
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. A model that listens;
2. Is willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot (in terms of climbing a tree or hanging out a window - that sort of thing);
3. Humility in her beauty and
4. Understated confidence.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Fundamental! You can't work with a model who lacks professional conduct, is disrespectful, can't listen (or doesn't ask questions when they don't understand). Attitude comes right through the lens - fear, cockiness and pride - it all shows.
For me, a professional model is on time, doesn't act shy or self conscious but is conscious, listens, makes notes of instructions and carries them out, never complains or critiques the product being marketed (e.g. saying "thats an ugly dress" during a designer shoot).
What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?
We could value it more, work at it more, train models specifically for print rather than the mixed bag training they currently get and as photographers do more shoots with models, give them that experience and develop them.
Photographer: Rudo Nyangulu
Location: Zimbabwe
Contact: http://www.ethos-photographic.blogspot.com; www.inonzi.co.zw
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Relax and pretend its not there BUT never lose posture or make faces (pull your face) even while changing position because the camera doesn't stop capturing you.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Overthinking poses thereby becoming very mechanical;
2. Forgetting the purpose of the job/their brief - a model is always selling something (why are you at the shoot? are you selling hair? Makeup? Clothes? Jewellery?)
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. A model that listens;
2. Is willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot (in terms of climbing a tree or hanging out a window - that sort of thing);
3. Humility in her beauty and
4. Understated confidence.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Fundamental! You can't work with a model who lacks professional conduct, is disrespectful, can't listen (or doesn't ask questions when they don't understand). Attitude comes right through the lens - fear, cockiness and pride - it all shows.
For me, a professional model is on time, doesn't act shy or self conscious but is conscious, listens, makes notes of instructions and carries them out, never complains or critiques the product being marketed (e.g. saying "thats an ugly dress" during a designer shoot).
What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?
We could value it more, work at it more, train models specifically for print rather than the mixed bag training they currently get and as photographers do more shoots with models, give them that experience and develop them.
TIMECAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer: Ervin Katai
Location: Australia
Contact: www.timecapturephotography.com; www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
When you step in front of the camera it's almost as though you become someone else, you become what the camera wants to see. Your eyes have to be alive, you have to engage with the camera. Models have to really become one with the camera, thats the difference between models and great models. Great models play up, flirt with the camera, they must be there, be excited and be present to the camera. Show a full range of emotions to become one of the great models.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
The modelling industry is very competitive and common mistakes include arriving at a shoot unprepared and not well rested. Other mistakes include not looking after your skin and being late - punctuality is always important on every shoot.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
A model must have a good attitude, want to be photographed, enjoy the shoot and be creative. You must be dedicated, spend time and effort to constantly improve.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
A model's attitude can make a huge difference on the quality and outcome of the shoot. With a model who demonstrates a great attitude and willingness to participate and experiment on shoots, it's quite easy to create great images since she is enjoying the shoot and feels relaxed. When this is the case, the photographer also feels relaxed and enjoys working with the model. The photographer can thus become even more creative. It can take a lot of hard work to capture the right image and it makes a big difference if we work with someone who is creative and wants to experiment to get the right shot.
On the flip side - a bad model can treat you with disrespect and have an ego bigger than Mt. Everest. Usually those models are only there to get a few photos without any preparation, commitment and this is why many of those shoots ends in disaster with terrible images, the photographer lacks enthusiasm to shoot and wants the shoot wrapped up in a hurry.
I had the great pleasure to work with some very talented and dedicated models in the industry and that includes the author of this write up, Teurai. She's an excellent model, willing to learn, improve and try new experimental shoots.
When you stop learning, developing further, constantly improving and generally think you know it all..that is the time you are lost as a model.
Photographer: Ervin Katai
Location: Australia
Contact: www.timecapturephotography.com; www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
When you step in front of the camera it's almost as though you become someone else, you become what the camera wants to see. Your eyes have to be alive, you have to engage with the camera. Models have to really become one with the camera, thats the difference between models and great models. Great models play up, flirt with the camera, they must be there, be excited and be present to the camera. Show a full range of emotions to become one of the great models.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
The modelling industry is very competitive and common mistakes include arriving at a shoot unprepared and not well rested. Other mistakes include not looking after your skin and being late - punctuality is always important on every shoot.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
A model must have a good attitude, want to be photographed, enjoy the shoot and be creative. You must be dedicated, spend time and effort to constantly improve.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
A model's attitude can make a huge difference on the quality and outcome of the shoot. With a model who demonstrates a great attitude and willingness to participate and experiment on shoots, it's quite easy to create great images since she is enjoying the shoot and feels relaxed. When this is the case, the photographer also feels relaxed and enjoys working with the model. The photographer can thus become even more creative. It can take a lot of hard work to capture the right image and it makes a big difference if we work with someone who is creative and wants to experiment to get the right shot.
On the flip side - a bad model can treat you with disrespect and have an ego bigger than Mt. Everest. Usually those models are only there to get a few photos without any preparation, commitment and this is why many of those shoots ends in disaster with terrible images, the photographer lacks enthusiasm to shoot and wants the shoot wrapped up in a hurry.
I had the great pleasure to work with some very talented and dedicated models in the industry and that includes the author of this write up, Teurai. She's an excellent model, willing to learn, improve and try new experimental shoots.
When you stop learning, developing further, constantly improving and generally think you know it all..that is the time you are lost as a model.
HERMAN CHIMUSORO
Location: Zimbabwe/USA
Contact: www.crosslinemusic.com
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Don't look at it as just a piece of equipment, it's your window to a world audience. Look at it as though you are looking into the eyes of your audience.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Being self conscious can easily be picked up by the camera.
2. Be who you are and don't try to be someone else - it's your moment, I want to see you, the person who is before me.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. Self respect and confidence.
2. Joy in what they have chosen to do.
3. Smiling while doing their job.
4. Professionalism.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Time is key - don't be late, and when you know you going to be late COMMUNICATE. Give an estimate of how long you are going to be. Respect the photographer - when he feels good, he makes you look good.
What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?
In Zimbabwe the perception of and planning of modelling needs attention. Corporate involvement can also be improved. There are too many sad news items on how models are treated.
Location: Zimbabwe/USA
Contact: www.crosslinemusic.com
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Don't look at it as just a piece of equipment, it's your window to a world audience. Look at it as though you are looking into the eyes of your audience.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Being self conscious can easily be picked up by the camera.
2. Be who you are and don't try to be someone else - it's your moment, I want to see you, the person who is before me.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. Self respect and confidence.
2. Joy in what they have chosen to do.
3. Smiling while doing their job.
4. Professionalism.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Time is key - don't be late, and when you know you going to be late COMMUNICATE. Give an estimate of how long you are going to be. Respect the photographer - when he feels good, he makes you look good.
What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?
In Zimbabwe the perception of and planning of modelling needs attention. Corporate involvement can also be improved. There are too many sad news items on how models are treated.
PRIMAL IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer: Mia Huddleston
Location: Australia
Contact: www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can connect with the camera?
I always tell my models to relax and be themselves. It is
up to the photographer to make them feel comfortable and safe. Once the model relaxes, they will start to feel like the camera is their
friend.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
For me, this would be when models don’t follow the photographer’s direction or are not willing to take risks in order to get unique images. Another very common mistake is when models pull faces or “grimace”. This is why it is really important for the photographer to show the models some of the images early on in the shoot and encourage them to correct mistakes.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
I really love working with models who have a passion for what they are doing. Models who have an open friendly attitude and good personality also improve the overall experience of working with them.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Professionalism in a model is everything, along with a positive attitude and plenty of self confidence, without being a “diva”. A lot of models I have attempted to shoot with have been unreliable, not showing up for the shoot, or not contacting me to cancel. Keeping appointments is imperative.
What is the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print modelling industry?
I believe that the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print industry is increasing representation of
multiculturalism. It is generally common to see the all Australian blond “beachy” types, however I would like to see a higher representation of indigenous models and other cultural groups who are now a big part of life in Australia.
...So models, it seems that amongst all these great tips, one of the biggest concerns is time-keeping. My hope is that you will take on all the advice of these professionals and use it positively. A BIG thank you to the photographers who took time out to give us their valuable insight!
*You can view some of the images in my portfolio at: www.teurai.com.
*If you are in South Africa, Nigeria, UK and USA, you can download some of my images onto your mobile phone from www.enercozim.com.
Photographer: Mia Huddleston
Location: Australia
Contact: www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can connect with the camera?
I always tell my models to relax and be themselves. It is
up to the photographer to make them feel comfortable and safe. Once the model relaxes, they will start to feel like the camera is their
friend.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
For me, this would be when models don’t follow the photographer’s direction or are not willing to take risks in order to get unique images. Another very common mistake is when models pull faces or “grimace”. This is why it is really important for the photographer to show the models some of the images early on in the shoot and encourage them to correct mistakes.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
I really love working with models who have a passion for what they are doing. Models who have an open friendly attitude and good personality also improve the overall experience of working with them.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Professionalism in a model is everything, along with a positive attitude and plenty of self confidence, without being a “diva”. A lot of models I have attempted to shoot with have been unreliable, not showing up for the shoot, or not contacting me to cancel. Keeping appointments is imperative.
What is the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print modelling industry?
I believe that the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print industry is increasing representation of
multiculturalism. It is generally common to see the all Australian blond “beachy” types, however I would like to see a higher representation of indigenous models and other cultural groups who are now a big part of life in Australia.
...So models, it seems that amongst all these great tips, one of the biggest concerns is time-keeping. My hope is that you will take on all the advice of these professionals and use it positively. A BIG thank you to the photographers who took time out to give us their valuable insight!
*You can view some of the images in my portfolio at: www.teurai.com.
*If you are in South Africa, Nigeria, UK and USA, you can download some of my images onto your mobile phone from www.enercozim.com.
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