 BetterPhoto Member |
How To Ask Someone To Model For You I’ve only been exploring photography as a hobby for about a year now and up until now my only interests in subjects have been nature (macro flowers, landscapes, etc). Recently I’ve noticed how amazing photos of people can be and I’d love to try it out but I‘m not very comfortable with how to ask someone to model for me. It may sound weird but all people do not inspire me; certain people will hit me a certain way and I want to shoot them, so hiring a professional model isn’t really an option. I have two main questions really.... First, how do I handle taking photos of someone on the street? Should I introduce myself? Do I need a model release form if the photo was taken in a public place? How should I handle/approach the situation? The second question is a little trickier. How do I approach a friend and/or stranger to pose semi-nude or nude for me? For an example, I have a friend that was the first person to inspire me to want to shoot people, and some of the shots I would like to take would be semi-nude. How should I approach her (and her husband) to model for me?
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Stephanie Adams |
Hi. Here are my opinions on your questions. First, I find it fitting to say something like, "Hello, I am studying photography and I was wondering if you could help me. I am shooting people right now and you fit the type of person I was looking for. Would you mind letting me take a few pictures and I will give you a print when I get the results back in exchange?". It is also best to talk and make friends with strangers before you ask this question! You will need a model release just of the person, not the location, unless you use a noticeable amount of the background and it is private property. You will only need the model release if you plan on selling or using the image with the person in it, not for your own personal use. However, some might disagree and get a release regardless, just in case. It is also a good idea to give the person you are asking a few days notice and not plan on shooting them that same day. About the nude part... that's a good question! lol I would use this lady for casual portraits first, see how they turn out, and get comfortable with each other in front of and behind the camera first. THEN, I would bring up the idea of being partial nude and offer to allow her husband to be on hand if that makes them more comfortable with the whole idea. Again, offer to give them a portrait in exchange. Good luck!!
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Silviu Maiorescu |
Regardin the second question, I like taking photos of someone on the street without notice me that I'm taking the photo. If they see me, they wont be natural as I want. In this case, do I still need the model release? Supposing that I don't intend to use the photo for commercial purpose BUT if the photo is realy good and I want to sell it, may I sell it? Or, after taking the picture should I approach the model?
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Mark Feldstein |
Greetings Keith: Photographing people is easy IF you take a few moments to introduce yourself, ask them for permission to photograph them, explain why and perhaps get to know them a bit. Letting them know what you're doing before you do it is more likely to curry favor with people, and put them more at ease as opposed to the sniper's approach that some use. Besides, the sniper approach may not get you the release you likely need to publish the photo, electronically or in print. Remember, in the situation you described, you need a release for the people. Stephanie's approach is, in my experience, exactly right. It's worked well for me in large cities, especially NY, San Francisco and Chicago, photographing homeless. Now, as to the second part of your question, it's kind of a long leap from getting comfortable doing people photography out on the street to saying "Hi, I'm a photographer. Will you to take your clothes off for me and sign this release so I can publish them." And Stephanie also has an accurate handle on the property release portion of the release laws. My advice is don't get too creative too fast. Work with people for awhile who are fully clothed. Then when you feel comfortable with the entire concept, move your repertoire to the next level. Seewhatimean? Take it light.
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BetterPhoto Member |
Awesome answer, Mark. Have fun and keep shooting, Mark H.
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Mark Feldstein |
Thanks Mark, kinda a fun question I thought. How ya doon btw? Ok or even gr8 I hope. Take care. M.
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BetterPhoto Member |
I ain't been too bad. Been down for a while cuz my compuker crashed. I'm back on line now, though.
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