Wedding and fashion photography abroad: a model’s perspective

Nikon D810, Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8 @ 24mm, 1/200sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200, with a beautiful bridal gown by Inbal Dror

Today’s post is all about the model’s perspective;

Having models equally excited about a shoot can make the whole thing a lot easier and definitely more enjoyable.

Whilst we acquired dresses and outfits of our own, with everyone wanting to get the most out of the time, the models themselves went out of their way to get something special. As well as going out and BUYING some wedding dresses, our models arranged with Inbal Dror (www.inbaldror.co.il/en), a leading designer of stunning bridal gowns to send us a couple of their dresses to use. I cannot thank Inbal Dror enough, their dresses were absolutely beautiful! How lucky we were to find someone so talented and willing to lend us a hand. The majority of photos on this post are with Inbal Dror’s designs and really the dresses speak for themselves!

Modelling, and modelling well, is not an easy job. Roisin (www.facebook.com/roisinmm) and Chrissie (www.facebook.com/chrissiewrightmodel) were consummate professionals and we simply could not have asked for more from them!

Without further ado, I shall step aside and let Roisin give her perspective and on the week, which should serve as a great bit of advice and tips for models looking to shoot abroad;

Nikon D810, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, 1/100sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200, Roisin – after being told by Dasha to give us the ‘jilted at the altar’ look

When Jakob first invited me to Rome, I said yes without hesitation. Then, the panic set in, how would I be able to style myself and pose with enough variety to shoot for a whole week? Rather amazingly, I did, and with looks to spare – some shoots we shot multiple outfits and styles too! But how. . .

Packing for shooting abroad.

In terms of clothes, pack light and be aware that accessories can change outfits, and that some clothes can be worn more than one way. Don’t forget that shoes and jewellery can be integral to creating a certain look or feel to an image. You’ll most likely have to change on location a few times, so I would also recommend packing something very baggy like an old maxi dress that you can change underneath!

Nikon D810, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC @ 112mm, 1/200sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100, with details from a stunning bridal gown by Inbal Dror

For make up and hair styling, remember that your hair and skin will change under different conditions. The water may be harder or softer, affecting the texture of your hair. Furthermore the humidity or lack of, may cause your skin to become oily or dry. When shooting somewhere sunny there are two products that I would highly recommend in terms of make up. First is the loreal nude magique BB cream, this provides light coverage and blends to your skin tone, eliminating the age old problem of colour matching that will inevitably cause issues as you tan. The second is some form of matte or finishing powder, in the heat you will sweat. . a lot.  . . so finishing powder really helps to avoid having too much of a healthy glow!

Nikon D810, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC @ 160mm, 1/500sec @ f/2.8, ISO 200, Chrissie with bridal gown by Inbal Dror

Overall, I think the most important thing to remember is to plan, but to be flexible!! There are so many factors that you will not be in control of when you shoot abroad, and you wont necessarily be able to take all of your usual kit with you! So choose wisely and have fun.

Nikon D810, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, 1/320sec @ f/1.8, ISO 64, Chrissie getting far too comfortable in the bridal gown by Inbal Dror

Posing on location

Rome is a beautiful city with plenty of character, as a model shooting on location, you often use your surroundings to develop a role for yourself through which you can portray a breadth of emotion.

Furthermore it is not unlikely that you will get moved on from a location or have tourists in the way, so if you aren’t an experienced model – practice in the mirror!! Some of the best shots we got in Rome were taken in the first 5 frames on a whim. Once your hair/make up/styling is sorted, you shouldn’t have an ‘off button’ until the camera has been turned off. You need to be constantly aware of your surroundings, and where the light is coming from.

Nikon D810, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, 1/200sec @ f/1.8, ISO 80, Roisin in the morning sun with bridal gown by Inbal Dror

In a place with so much history such as Rome, whilst you could go wild and do some thing fairly out there, I think it is important to stay in touch with the character of the surroundings and produce a coherent image. For example, you could shoot fetish outside the Vatican, but it would be highly disrespectful! Its very easy for models to fall into the sexy sultry poses, but don’t forget that elegance and grace can make an equally beautiful image. Yes, we all know that sex sells, but when shooting with such stunning backgrounds, the image is as much about the landscape as it is about the model.

Nikon D810, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, 1/640sec @ f/4, ISO 64, with bridal gown by Inbal Dror

Most important. . .

Finally, the things that have been at the pinnacle of my success as a model are good, clear communication and a good attitude. No one cares if you are tired or hungover on a shoot, the minute you step in front of a camera you need to learn to leave all your problems and worries in a box somewhere, just while you’re shooting, you can open the mythical box and worry and moan until your heart is content once the camera has been turned off! However we all make mistakes, some times being tired is unavoidable, so learn what works for you and be prepared! For me it’s a large mug of strong black coffee, in Rome this is something that we certainly were not short of!

Nikon D810, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC @ 98mm, 1/400sec @ f/2.8, ISO 64

Communication, be mindful that shooting in the location that you are, is highly likely to be a new situation for all involved. It will take time to get the lighting just perfect, and to get that one perfect shot. Be patient and be polite!

Nikon D810, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 VC @ 175mm, 1/500sec @ f/2.8, ISO 64

Work with those around you to create stunning images, ask for feedback and to see images on the back of the camera. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions and have an input – you as a model are just as much of a creative as the photographer and anyone else on set. Sometimes ideas work, sometimes they don’t, you only learn through trial and error. There may be a reason why someone hasn’t tried something, but if you never ask you’ll never know, be willing to learn!

Nikon D810, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, 1/100sec @ f/3.2, ISO 200

Thanks again to Roisin (www.facebook.com/roisinmm) for her comments!

See the previous post here: http://www.danishapple.com/2016/01/wedding-and-fashion-photography-abroad-shoot-planning/