Most of the studio hire here, is amateur photographers enjoying glamour photography... no surprise there!

However, from many observations I can state that there is definitely a misconception with glamour photography i.e. that if you hire a professional studio; a professional model; and you are technically competent and own a good camera; that good photographs will be easy to achieve... well sadly the truth is no, it's just not that easy!

Why?

Because despite all good intentions, both the professional model and the amateur photographer are human beings, and with that there are certain character traits in us that need to be understood and catered for.

Usually, the photographer will be concentrating on the taking of the photograph; lighting, camera angles and functions, etc. (technical), and the model wants to know what the photographer wants from her - physical (poses) and emotional (mood). Unfortunately, these things often clash, as the photographer cannot concentrate on the models needs whilst taking pictures, and of course the model is not a mind reader.

The usual outcome is that the model without direction just gets on and does her best, and the photographer just shoots hundreds of images (the thought process being that if you take lots of images, some will be fantastic).

The reality is usually this: -

The model does not get inspired in any way and therefore cannot wait to get her money and go home (which under the circumstances is fair - she is a human being and got bored).

The photographer thinks that he must have taken some fantastic images, but later under close scrutiny, they are at best mediocre (or more likely, pretty damn rubbish).

How do we remedy this?

During the all day course the group will be given sound practical advise on how to manage the glamour shoot situation... how to: -

• Prepare for his shoot - pre-visualization / style choice etc.
• Prepare the technical aspects of photography - camera light - props etc.
• Prepare the model - clothing, image concept and mood setting.
• You will be given some simple techniques to help you take control of what you are doing, and actually see in real time that you are achieving it!

Being a small group, everybody will get plenty of time to practise - cock-up - remedy the cock-ups - and then drastically improve.

How can you be assured that you will improve?

The things that you need to understand are actually very simple... it's just that you don't know them yet!

Therefore they click into place quickly... the only reason that the course is all day, is to ensure that each person has time to have plenty of practise and success... as this underpins the knowledge gained. Also, by being in a group you can sit back and watch others making the same mistakes you make. There is a lot to be learnt from this.

Lastly, but of utmost importance... we will all have fun, which is what this type of photography is all about!

Notes: normally it is up to you to find a group (photography clubs etc.) however, if you do not belong to a club, please email me to register your interest and once I have a group of people I will run a course.