Model Photography Workshops by Mary DuPrie
I’ve been dabbling with a few actions as of late. The before (below) and after image of Allison above was shot with my 5ft octabank with just the baffle. I happen to like the look of one light… no hair light, separation light or background light. I simply have her standing so the light “falls” on her. It’s broad daylight with my windows open. I found this set of free actions and used #5. You need to have the image set to 8bit to enable the lighting effect. 6.3 200 iso100 85 1.2.
I don’t make resolutions because I know I won’t keep them. I just made one… work on using my video camera more and embrace PremierePro.
The one funny thing I’ve taken up lately is Ballet… yep ballet. I’ve often shown models how to work their hands and been reminded of ballet. I just did an instant download from the net and wha-la I’m balleting! It’s hysterically funny and I’m horrible at it but don’t care. I even called about adult beginner ballet classes. Talk about out of my comfort zone. I haven’t been in tight clothing in years and think it’s time. I have to say I’m really enjoying it and my legs are nice and sore. I know it’s going to help my posture and flexibility and my inner thighs are going to be able to crush!
It seems others have made resolutions too. Calls are coming in from non-models that always wanted to experience a model shoot. How do I handle that? I had to think about it a bit. They were asking for all kinds of things not really knowing what to ask for. I tended to probe a little too deep and ask too many questions. I’ve decided to ask fewer questions and just send a package for a simple two look shoot. If they don’t have sample images that they’re looking for I can’t read their minds. The shoots are photographer driven as opposed to client driven just like I run my model shoots.
I’m charging more than I would for a model shoot because lets face it an average client is harder to shoot and retouch. It’s nice that I can just go into InDesign and tweak an existing two look shoot package.
My goal this year is to embrace the two videos cameras I own and start shooting tons more behind the scenes videos. I have to say that I don’t like seeing BTS videos that are just of a hot model modeling. Well that’s all well and good but I really want to see all the lights, hear some insight and see the final image. Don’t you? I especially hate watching a video and they don’t show you the final outcome/product/image… what good is that people, now really!?
I have put white tape with writing on (and over) every possible button, control ect that I possibly can to help me learn my video camera. I bought a regular video camera and it’s been quite a learning curve. I just need to use it on a regular basis so it becomes second nature.
I notice that when I need info I go to the web. I find myself totally ignoring anything written and just search for videos. My own market research. I’ve been looking for Premiere Pro info as of late. My first thought is to go to Scott Kelby but he doesn’t have Premiere pro for some reason. Second thought… YouTube. I found several and especially liked the videos from video101. Video seems to be all the rage. Our society is becoming all visual… show me, don’t make me read it.
I’ve had several discussions over the last several months about video with others just getting into it. The consensus is they’re great if produced properly, and produced properly means great sound. People will forgive you on camera blur, movement, bad panning, jitters ect. but people will not forgive bad sound.
So you’re going to be seeing a lot more BTS video shot by little ole me. Nothing great, just basic info.
Premiere Pro is quite the beast. I only really need to know the basics of the program but need/want to know more. I don’t know any tricks and do everything painfully slow. I will watch videos on things I don’t really think I’ll need in hopes of picking up a speed tip or two. Searching for nuggets.
We’re all just searching for nuggets…
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Mary – First, I am very happy to learn that one of your goals this year is to do “tons more” BTS videos. I agree with your assessment of what makes a good BTS video. Your practical approach and communication skills already keep me coming back to your existing videos. Also, ditto on seeing a final image (SOOC and post-processed). Can’t wait!
Curious as to why you chose Premier and not Final Cut Pro – was it because Premier was part of your Adobe suite?
frank t recently posted..Maternity and Family Portraits
Hey Frank
I already had the Adobe package… no other reason
for my purposes it’s just fine… actually easier and faster than final cut
Looking forward to your BTS as well!! And I share your same frustrations with BTS videos. I go to fstoppers.com a lot for BTS videos but most of what I’m seeing is for entertainment, promotion, sales and bragging purposes rather than actually sharing the “How to” aspect of it all. I like to see the beginning, middle and end and not just a teaser. Probably the most frustrating is when no information is given or shared on the post processing part to get the image results. These videos can give more usable information and still be edited short and quick to the point.
Lynda.com has good training on Adobe Premier. http://www.lynda.com/tutorial/59974
More BTS video! Gotta love 2011! Go Mary!