Opinions, advice and commentary about Photography, Modeling and Acting.
Generally speaking, lifestyle photography shows people in action, often outdoors engaging in regular activities. However, studio shots can also reflect great editorial photography, usually illustrating certain products or fashion accessories. Consider the following photos that are both indoor and outdoor shots.
Art directors use the term editorial photography to describe the type of lifestyle photos that can be used to advertise a company’s products or services. Generally speaking, the style uses images that are designed to show people in ordinary situations. The purpose might be to sell an idea or more specifically a product that shows people doing activities or in situations that tell a story. For example, a woman relaxing on a park bench might illustrate peace of mind (life insurance) or simply better quality of life (some kind of hygiene or health-related product). Retailers use this type of photography often to sell clothing because it shows the lifestyle or happiness you would enjoy when you purchase their clothing. Below are some sample lifestyle images. What does it take to sell you on a product?
You’ve come a long way baby! (To borrow a catch phrase from an old 70’s advertising slogan.) Today’s scholarship pageants, talent expositions and conventions continue to promote beauty as one of the major theme elements, but nearly all now focus on the academic side, self-described platform issues and personal development seminars. At a recent modeling convention I attended, the theme was personal development and building self-confidence. Participants spent 4 days learning from industry insiders, working actors and models while participating in a competition for runway, swimsuit, evening gown, two-person scene, cold read, monologue, singing, dancing while being judged by industry professionals and agency owners. The contestants ranged in age from 4 years-old to 50+. The standouts were the indinviduals with enthusiasm and self-confidence. On the last day, participants were invited to one-on-one meetings with agents from Hollywood to New York, including several from Europe and Asia. Talent directors, agency owners and casting agents from across the country were present to observe, counsel and sign-up the standouts. I had lunch with several agents from L.A. who provided some interesting advice. Stay tuned for more observations in my next post!
Some people sing a song in their head. Others use their mind to transport themselves to exotic locations. And a few even practice their dance moves. Whatever it takes to get you to relax in front of the camera will make the pictures turn out much better. A few other techniques to learn how to pose your body will accentuate your best features and avoid the stiff mannequin look. Your preparation begins before the shoot with the basics: get a good night sleep, eat breakfast, visit the restroom. It’s hard to stay focused when you’re tired, have to go to the loo or when you’re fasting. In addition, follow the steps I’ve outlined:
R=Roll your shoulders back. You don’t want to look like the hunchback of Notre Dame.
L=Look through the lens. Try to imagine looking through the camera into the photographer’s eyes.
A: Angle your body. Drop one shoulder, swivel your hips, put your hand behind your hip, lift that heel, bend the knee, tilt your head.
W=Weight on your toes. It straightens your back, causes you to lean forward slightly and shapes your legs.
S: Spontaneous. This could cause you to smile, laugh, be playful and take advantage of your location and props.
See how one pro does it:
In nearly 2 and 1/2 years of shooting photography for professional models, performers and students, I am constantly asked this question. The short answer is: it depends on your career goals. Some agencies specialize in child actors. Others specialize in runway modeling. Agency representation is free since they make 20 percent from the jobs that they book for you. In other words, they make money when you do, so they have to be picky to deliver what the clients want. Since I have shot comp cards and portfolios for many working models & actors represented by many agencies in the Portland area, I usually ask each person about their experience. The comments are interesting. The modeling agencies that are the most well-liked include: Q6 and Sports Unlimited. Acting agencies include Ryan Artists, Actors in Action and Art House. There are a few that specialize in runway models such as Option Model Management and Merrick Talent. There are even a few that specialize in classes (so they necessarily charge a fee) such as John Casablancas and John Robert Powers. (The last two have scaled-back or closed their offices this year because of the economy.) There are several others I haven’t named and a few on my black list I would never recommend – so I’m interested in what you think about the local talent agencies.
Photo Theatrics 