Acting or modeling...
/Yeah, that's a trick title. They should be one in the same.
We see a lot of actors that would not make for interesting models because it's their presentation, their passion, their character presented 'in motion' that makes them stellar in their art.
Models have a slight advantage...or disadvantage depending on how you look at it. One frame. One walk down the runway. Just a moment to express that emotion, that glare, that slight smile, the tiny tilt of the head. As small a time frame that emotion or look has to be, it's still very important that it happens.
I'm not saying that every shot has to look like a Shakespeare tragedy.
It can be as simple as taking a lot of deep breaths, shaking your body like a wet dog to relax, run around the block once if it's fitness, something other than the OMG the camera is pointed at me look.
Models I love to work with know their jobs. And yes, we all have jobs in a shoot. Mine is easy...light it, compose it, and know what I want. If I tell them what I'm looking for I can go back to my job and they just flat out make it happen!
Tips for modeling...
- When asked to move something like your head or hand, do it ever so slightly. Then the photographer can say a little more, a little more, until it's where they want it. If you make sweeping changes it's VERY hard to get together on where we want you.
- While you are posed you have two things to be working on. Think about everything from the expression on your face, the tilt of you head to were your hands are to how your toes are poised. And, you have to think about what you plan to do after the flash. The next pose should be just slightly different. Again, no Kung Fu sweeps.
- Always know where the light is coming from. It's not always obvious and don't be afraid to ask. There is nothing wrong with asking to see a test shot so you can do your job better.
Have fun!! Make art!