Why I Love to Shoot Models

Let’s get this out of the way: besides hanging around hot chicks, why do I love shooting models? Well, i read this on /r/photography the other day. And lilgreenrosetta (check out his tumblr. He’s a talented fashion photographer) wrote this:

I would say that fashion photography is the most creative genre of photography, save for some forms autonomous art photography. Because apart from the location that’s used as a backdrop, fashion photography doesn’t start with any existing reality. Just like making a movie, everything in fashion photography has to becreated. The ideas and concepts, the fashion designs, the art direction, the model’s performance, the hair & make-up, the choice of light and photographic technique; everything is a creative decision. And as the photographer you are at the head of all of these decisions, which is creatively very rewarding and also the reason that good fashion photographers get paid so much.

I agree with him. He is specifying fashion photography though. And that’s the type of photography I’m leaning towards. 

When I was starting out, the scariest thing I did was studio shoots. Everything was a blank canvas. You have to set the light the way you want it. You have to find the right backdrop. You have to get the “look” for the models.  You need to get the right pose. You need your technical stuff figured out. And so on. Like what the quote above said, everything was a creative decision. 

Even when you’re not in a studio, you still have to scout the location and figure out a “storyline” for your shoots. 

I used to draw a lot when I was young. I think this style of photography helps me to draw out my creative energy again. 

Photographers Shooting Model and Creepiness

I posted on a Facebook group how all male photographers who shoot models are creepy (me included). And a bunch of photographers got their panties in a bunch. Then again, they probably would’ve loved to have the panties of the models they shoot. I kid, I kid. 

I was joking when I made the comment. But I was amused that a lot of people got offended by my remark. Yes, I do know that not every male photographer is a creep. There are guys who genuinely want to not appear like a horny, creepy dude with a camera. And there are guys who do this for the love of the art of shooting half-naked hot chicks.

However, when I saw how many people got upset over my comment, I realized that they are an insecure bunch. Maybe they are actually creepy. Maybe the truth hurts them.

I accept that I may look dumb, creepy, desperate, or weird to the models I shoot. I don’t care. I have more things to worry about than what some 19 year old chick thinks of me. I’m more concerned about them liking my images more than how I portray myself to them. And no, I don’t act like a creep, or try not to. I try to be as professional as I can. But if I give off that vibe, oh well. It certainly doesn’t hurt Terry Richardson, who is the ultimate scumbag, creepy photographer who shoots models. 

Also, guys have to realize that if you’re an old, geeky dude shooting chicks half their age, that’s going to look creepy no matter what. It’s something that’s not going to go away. Sure not everyone is going to think that, but there will be a lot of people that will. 

For instance, I had a chat with a co-worker who was talking about his friend who shot high school senior girls. And he told me how creepy that was. I looked at his pictures, and the pics looked innocent. I told him he was probably practicing. But my co-worker was adamant that it made the photographer look creepy. 

Anyway, don’t worry about what some Asian, amateur photographer thinks. Own that you photograph chicks. Who cares?

So go ahead and take close up pictures of nipples. Go ahead and make your facebook profile picture you groping 2 models in bikinis who are half your age. Go ahead and take a pic of a model with their legs spread wide, make it black and white, and call it, “art.” Go ahead and demand all models you shoot to be nudes, lingerie, or swim suit because that’s your “style.”  But accept it that maybe somebody will think that’s a bit creepy. 

Here’s a creepy pic of me. 

Fuji X100s JPEGS

Sucks. I need to shoot RAW more often with my Fuji X100s. I’m so disappointed. The original Fuji X100 had awesome JPEGs. But X100s smears and softens the picture too much it seems. I need to shoot FINE+RAW and bit more and see if I’m not imagining things.