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The Figureshooter.com team of webmaster, photographer and all the models wish each viewer a personal Happy Holidays and a super 2007.

Carbon Copy

A search online for a fine art nude photographer yields web sites of various styles and content. Each making the claim that they are original and will provide high quality unique imagery. Most use the "I have been shooting for X amount of years" credo as their main (and sometimes only) selling point. Another widely used selling point is the "I'm an internationally exhibited photographer" which means nothing to the average consumer unless your work is consistently exhibited nationally. If your studio is not written up in your local press on a regular basis chances are no one much knows about your studio.

Developing originality and uniqueness in your photography takes time and patience. You as a photographer have to recognize what is different and would stand out in the minds of the consumer. This is sometimes revealed to you by someone close to you but in most cases by someone that admires your work. Otherwise, you will have to sit down and analyzed the viewers perception of you and your work. This will determine how to best create how you would like your work to be perceived.

Use of the Internet has been a blessing for most figure photographers but also has severely tarnished the reputations of others that refused to change with the times.

Why is this?

Consumers can easily measure the quality (or lack of) your work on a local level then view the work of many others nationally and internationally. They can view what's being shown in top museums and galleries to see which local photographers measure up.

Those that just mimic their local competition or copy the style of past masters stand to be branded as photographers who simply duplicate instead of create. Just stating you are different is not enough. That difference must show up in the photographs that are viewed by the public. The saying of let your work speak for itself is more valid today than ever. So how are you perceived as a fine art photographer? What does your photography, studio and web site say about you to potential clients? Will they view you as professional, friendly and unique or as interchangeable with the other local shooters? Since first contact with a client may happen through a web site, what does your site say about you to the public? Does it show that you are open and approachable or evasive (not enough information/images available to make a decision)? Does it show that you seek perfection or that you you only give 60 to 75% of your energy to pleasing a client (seldom updates the web site and/or site is still under construction)? Do your galleries or portfolios show a mastery of lighting techniques or that you only use two or three lighting setups (no interest in improving and growing)? Will viewing your images produce praise from some viewers or will they just read your rants and raves about how wonderful and hot the model was (you were lucky to get her to pose for you, right)? The future of your business will be decided whenever a potential client sees your name or the advertising about your business. If after viewing your site, they feel the only difference between you and the other fine art photographers is the session cost, they will usually book the cheapest photographer. When the consumer finally decides to commission a private figure portrait, the session cost usually ranks third or fourth on their list. Originality and professionalism (being trustworthy) is considered above everything else.

So again, is the public's perception of you and your work the same as your own perception of yourself?

© 04/2003 W. Mackie, FigureShooter.com . All Rights Reserved. Any republication, redistribution or copying of these articles and tips by any method whatsoever is prohibited without prior written permission.

First Contact

Figure Modeling: First Contact

A freelance figure model seeking paying artistic nude assignments should use the same techniques as models in the fashion world, especially promotion techniques, in order to make first contact with photographers.
Any model seeking new assignments will be expected to promote and market herself just as a professional agencies' models are marketed. This includes sending out a composite card, a follow up phone call and sending a portfolio of images that will help book the assignment.
A good solid reference book on modeling is The Professional Model's Handbook by Linda A. Balhorn. Applying the ideas and concepts will not guarantee work but will place you heads above the rest in most photographer's minds.

When an assignment is accepted by a photographer, he will begin gathering the items needed to create the image. Part of his task involves model selection for the assignment. Factors that go into this decision may include type of model needed (fashion or glamour type?), physical characteristics such as hair color or height, and ethnicity can play a part as well.
A commercial assignment can also involve someone else making the final decision on model selection. A model's composite card and portfolio are crucial at this step in securing the assignment. Additional assignments can come from working with photographers on their personal projects. For those types of assignments, you will be expected to first e-mail the photographer before expending time and money mailing cards or phoning.

If you have never worked with the photographer before then making a good first impression is crucial. Your first e-mail should state why you are emailing, what type of assignment you are seeking, where you are located, who you are and when you are free to shoot. Each photographer may have many projects in progress so explaining what you are interested in helps greatly. Two other important items are an e-composite card and a working e-mail address. The next step is to wait for a reply. Don't expect an immediate reply as there may not be a rush to shoot or other things may have to be set in motion. If no reply is received in two weeks do a follow-up e-mail with the same information but with a different e-composite card. If still no reply after seven days, place the photographer on your mailing list for possible future bookings then move on to the next thing on your to-do list. When you are hired to pose for a project, get as much information as you possibly can before the day of the shoot. Try to view previous images that the photographer has created to gain a better insight of the project and to prepare yourself. You should get enough information to physically and mentally prepare yourself for the shoot. With additional information you will be able to plan your day and week efficiently. If you have a shoot the day before and the day after, you know you will need extra rest and you will be able to collect the items needed to go in your totebag for each shoot. If it is a nonpaying photo assignment, it should be taken just as seriously as if it were for a major ad campaign. If you are working hard during the shoot, as well as enjoying being in front of the camera, the photographer will pick up on that mood. He will know that your actions and posing is strictly for the camera and to help him achieve the needed results on film. By giving 100% during the shoot, you will forced the photographer to work harder to capture all of the wonderful looks you are providing. You both will have gained more respect for the hard days work provided. You also will have a positive opinion of each other should a recommendation be needed for a future paying assignment.

Remember that professionalism, hard work and a great attitude will make you stand out from hundreds of other models which will result in additional paid assignments and can generate referrals for new work.

Part II - "Creating a Figure Composite Card" - (Members Only)

© 04/2003 W. Mackie, FigureShooter.com. All Rights Reserved. Any republication, redistribution or copying of these articles and tips by any method whatsoever is prohibited without prior written permission.