My very first photoshoot . .

[mike the bike]

Donald .

Just looked at your pictures . .this . .is what i aspire to stunning . . im actually looking forward to Winter now i wanna take loads of shots like those ive just bought "The Four Seasons" (Europa Gallanti)and i intend to marry the music with pictures and video to document the coming year . watch this space !!

[Donald]

ive just bought "The Four Seasons" (Europa Gallanti)and i intend to marry the music with pictures

That is a wonderful idea. Go for it.

And as for asking for lots and lots of advice - That's why CiC exists. So don't feel in the least cheeky or guilty. And, anyway, we've got to find something useful for Colin to do!

[mike the bike]

Thanks Donald

Im just making a final check of all ive got to do on sat and making sure ive got everything im gonna need for the shoot im actually quite excited at the prospect of doing this and im looking forward to reviewing my images im fairly confident and once we start and ive done a few test shots and she;s settled and relaxed then i feel it will become creative . . one question do you think i should show her the shots . . i did read that this can have a negative effect where she would begin to focus on all the percieved imperfections that we all have . .or do you think it might be encouraging and have a positive effect to let her see some of them and therefore make the shoot go more smoothly ?

[Donald]

one question do you think i should show her the shots . . i did read that this can have a negative effect where she would begin to focus on all the percieved imperfections that we all have . .or do you think it might be encouraging and have a positive effect to let her see some of them and therefore make the shoot go more smoothly ?

We need to have Colin (or another portrait shooter) come in with an opinion on that one. I wouldn't know what the answer is. I'd have thought not, but .....!?

[Dave Humphries]

Im just making a final check of all ive got to do on sat and making sure ive got everything im gonna need for the shoot im actually quite excited at the prospect of doing this

Don't forget to charge camera (and flash?) batteries Mike - and I mean on Friday night!

Good luck,

[Colin Southern]

one question do you think i should show her the

Hi Mike,

I think it depends on how good you can get them looking in-camera. The camera screen is so small that she won't see inperfections anyway, but if you're meaning "do I show her the final shots" then I would think that she'd expect to see them.

As photographers develop their skills they transition through various phases ... one of the first phases is capturing an image that represents an accurate depiction of what was actually there ... but a more advanced phase is knowing how to manipulate the controls of the camera (and associated equipment) to produce a given effect (one that may appear quite different to how it appears to the naked eye) -- and it's these kinds of shots that I like to show the customer (so they don't think I'm start raving mad!).

Case-in-point ... would be a shot like this ...



The customer is thinking "he's shooting right into the glare of the sun on the water -- he's finally lost his marbles!" and I'm thinking "if I minimise the exposure in every way possible the specular highlights will still blow, but it'll leave me with a cracker silhouette"

Another example would be where I deliberately under-expose a sky by 2 stops - they're thinking "this is all washed out and looks yuck" ... "I'm thinking - if I under-expose this by 2 stops it'll look highly saturated" -- so it's good to be able to show the customer that you know what you're doing and that you're actually getting good shots (assuming that you are!). Plus it's nice to be able to ask "are these the kinds of shots you wanted".

[shreds]

Mike,

If you are using camcorder lights that will make your life easier, as 'what you see you will get'. But bear in mind that they are hot to work under and your model might melt(!), do have plenty of breaks and drinks to hand. Even with the weather here turning cooler of late.

I would be tempted to show her some of the shots to keep her interested but not all, as it can be time consuming, and not all will be worth showing. Just play that by ear, but certainly dont show her every shot!

[mike the bike]

Thanks Guys . .

Im grateful once again for all the advice and support . as i write this all my gear is layed out on the floor batteries are being charged ive got loads of memory cards a spare camera battery a large reflector all my magazines and book (for reference & pose ideas ) a written set up list with notes . . jeeeez feels like im goin on holiday !! . . of course i fully intend to show her the final results i was just worried that showing her during the shoot might be counter productive . but yeah i will just be selective and let her see the good ones . . im taking my flash (430ex mk2) and leaving the video lights at home instead im gonna opt for some low light pics with a candle when we get indoors . . all that rermains now is to hope its fairly overcast warm (ish) and no major wind issues . . im feeling tentative and strangely excited and i really want this to work but above all im gonna enjoy exploring new ground and hopefully im gonna achieve some good results that we both can be proud of . .

[Colin Southern]

im feeling tentative and strangely excited

Heck, we're all on the edge of out seats too now!

Just remember - stay calm - stick to the game plan - don't forget the basics. Several hours will rush by before you know it.

[ddp4me]

Mike,

Please, have a great time and I'm sure you'll come back with great shots to share.

Remember to have fun!!!

[mike the bike]

Ha Ha . i could see how this was shaping up all week . . its gotta be the best soap around aint it ?? . .i can just imagine you all rushing home (or gettin up . .) just to get your daily fix . . of the latest instalment of "Mikes London Photoshoot" a gritty tale of high expectation woven on a tapestry of desire and desperation . . will our hero pull of his daring feat of self expression . .will the model get cold feet and pull out . . will the shoddy london weather ruin the day . . will the months of training and the copious amount of free advice spur our hero on to photo heaven . .??? tune in on Sunday for the cliffhanger finale . . and all will be revealed . . ( Ha no bloody pressure then Eh ? )

[Kiwi Ric]

Hands on the seat kinda stuff mate looking foward to the results

[Dave Humphries]

Might not get overcast - blue skies are forecast

Good luck,

[Hero]

Good luck Mike

[shreds]

Mike, Mike, get up, we are all waiting!!!

[Colin Southern]

Mike, Mike, get up, we are all waiting!!!

This is more exciting than the rugby!

[stg]

Can't stand the waiting either. It's killing me!

[mike the bike]

Ha

I was tempted to leave it a little longer ya know just to build up the suspense . . got home after battling my way through heavy traffic with my camera gear plus my guitar gig bag over my shoulder . ( not funny . .) and backed everything up onto an external HDD and had my first look on a big screen at the shoot . . the day went absolutely brilliant she was soooo helpful the weather was just magic . lovely hot sunshine blue skies and no wind . so we headed into the park and into the shade . she bought along some different tops and her boyfriend bought his remote helicopter he joined in and was extremely helpful . . we all had a good laugh and its my pleasure to report we took some amazing shots even shooting into the sun thank god i bought that reflector what an amazing bit of kit that is !! we had a lot of fun trying different poses and on the occasion when i did get something wrong in camera it didnt pose any problems the rapport between us was faultless she enjoyed her role and positively relished playing to the camera and didnt have any qualms about trying new things !! what a day . . im gonna run some through Elements 9 to tweak and hope to be posting midweek ( im having trouble posting to this site so i might put them onto my flickr site and link in . .) i have to say thanks to all who helped and i look forward to hearing your comments . . but as far as a first time "professional " shoot goes it couldnt have turned out better !!

[jjbacoomba]

Right On Mike! Looking forward to seeing your work.

[Colin Southern]

Hi Mike,

Great to hear. Posting pictures here is pretty easy when you get the hang of it - so sing out if it's still a problem.