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How to Photograph Girls - The Professional Way -- Part 4

by Paul Markham of PaulMarkham.com

At last we are there, the day of the shoot. Ready?

• Run a checklist
• Equipment ready
• Locations ready
• Clothing ready
• Housecoat ready
• Props ready
• Music ready
• Refreshments ready
• Model releases ready

Forgot to say, girls normally do things better to music. And do not think she
will want to listen to your Metalica or Frank Sinatra collection. Have some
choices ready and before starting to photograph her, ask what kind of music she
would like to listen to.

NEVER give a girl alcohol it leaves you open to giving her more and she will
lose it or she could accuse you of making her drunk. Have juice, coffee, tea or
sodas ready. Also get something light for a break midday. If it's an all day
shoot.

She will need to get out of her day clothes into a robe or house coat, don't
want to shoot her with pantyhose and bra lines on her. Unless that's the style.

Is the location ready? Did you remove your dirty socks from behind the sofa?
Best check. Got the right clothing, bedspreads and covers to suit her A mistake
a lot of photographers make, is shooting a very pale girl on a white sheet. It's
unflattering and will make her look and feel bad. And beware of something that
will give a colour cast, bright oranges and yellows are to be avoided.

This is like flying an airplane, check and then check again before take off.

As she arrives greet her, do not thank her for coming. Ask her if she would
like a drink. Give her the robe and tell her where she can strip off and put it
on. When she's changed and sitting with her drink. Go over what you agreed at
the casting she was doing today. Confirm that she has her IDs with her. Then if
you have make up artist it's over to her while you go check the lighting or a
cigarette because everything is ready. Now the work starts.

The first shots to every set are the ID shots. Get her to hold both IDs next
to her face and photograph it all close as possible, got be able to read the IDs
on the image. Never forget, do this at the beginning of the shoot. She may have
forget to bring them and if the work is done has to be paid. It's your fault for
not checking.

Getting a girl to remove her clothes, show her body and her sensuality is an
art but it's not about art?? Talk to her calmly but not bored, show her she is
desirable but you are used to this and can resist her. Flattery and flirting are
acceptable, but be warned if it comes over as being pushy or that after more
than pictures, most times you might as well pack up and call it a day. JUST
BECAUSE SHE'S NAKED AND SMILING DO NOT "HIT" ON HER. On the other hand do not
act to cool by yawning. The pictures needed are of her looking ready, willing
and able. Not looking for the way out. Tell her she looks beautiful in that
outfit and if it's her first time or just started, that she's a natural. Every
one likes to be flattered. What I have not mentioned in your preparations is
YOU. Did you shower and shave this morning? Clean your teeth and gargle with
mouthwash. Are you clothes fresh on? If you have a "beer belly" wear something
loose. Buy expensive aftershave. Use deodorant. Think about what you are going
to talk about.

Strange as it sounds girls are not turned on by middle age rednecks, with bad
breath, stomachs hanging over their belts and popping the buttons on their
shirts. You want her looking into the lens, with a look that will give the
viewer the thought that she was "Ready for a FUCK" Not a look that makes him
feel like a loser that could not get laid in a brothel. Every day guys who think
they can do this email us pictures. One look at the picture tells us, what the
model thinks of him.

Remember the poses and shoot them in the progression normal for the style.

When it comes to that moment when to use a vibrator hand it to her and offer
her the lube. Did remember to wash the vibrator didn't you?

Keep her involved in the shoot and try to keep her mind as open as her legs.
This is the art and it will take a few shoots before to develop a comfortable
technique the models will respond positively to. Do not expect to be good at it
from day one.

After each set let her have a drink and cigarette, assuming she smokes.
Relocate the lights for the next shoot. Never leave a model alone in a house,
have a female assistant sit with her. Two reasons, don't want her rolling up a
joint or going through the cupboards.

When the shoot is finished and another drink break sign the documents and
then pay her the money. NEVER PAY FOR A SESSION UP FRONT. It can remove her
willingness to work properly so she just goes through the motions.

If shooting film, before doing any work check out where to get it processed.
There are normally a few good places in the big cities, go for a professional
developer the last thing needed is it all to be lost in the lab.

So that's it, we do this every day of the week, casting, preparing and
shooting. And if after reading this you think you can do it go ahead and try.
Trust me its hard work.

Remember to send me some of the results of the shoot; if they are good enough
I will buy them.

Next week I will give you some insights into how to sell your work.

You can discuss this article here at Netpond

And thanks for this article to Paul Markham