How to Showcase Your Model's Beauty: 5 Essential Model Photography Tips

What do you need to capture the beauty in model photography? A bit more than good equipment. Just like any other photography niche, this one has its specifics. You need to not only work professionally, but ensure that your models will feel comfortable during the photoshoot and be able to look their best.

Read further to discover how to bring out the best in your models during photography sessions, making sure that each shot is a masterpiece.

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How to prepare for a model photography session

Both beginner and professional photographers shouldn't undervalue the preparation process. Whether it's a commercial model photoshoot or a free one that both you and the model will use for your portfolios, preparation helps ensure that everything goes smoothly and results in high-quality images. To achieve this, you need to focus on pre-session planning.

Step-by-step pre-session planning for model photography

  1. Develop a concept and theme for your fashion model photos. Discuss it with a model to understand their comfort zones and preferences, and then assemble a mood board with sample images, color schemes, and poses to guide the session's aesthetic.
  2. Choose a location that fits the concept and visit it before the photoshoot to check lighting conditions and potential backdrops. Plan the session time based on what type of natural lighting you might need.
  3. Select the appropriate camera equipment and lenses. Prime lenses (50mm, 85mm) are among the most common choices for portraits. Don't forget to take backup gear with you: cameras, batteries, and memory cards.
  4. Choose the appropriate wardrobe for the photoshoot theme and coordinate it with the model. Consider bringing extra outfits for variety and adding various accessories.
  5. If you plan on working with a professional makeup artist, find and hire one in advance.

5 tips to showcase the beauty in model photography

Model fashion photography is a very popular industry. However, its popularity doesn't necessarily guarantee the workers' professionalism. Over 50% of models confirm that they've had a bad experience while working with a photographer.

It's important to be mindful of your actions and the way your photoshoots are organized. The following tips can help your models feel more comfortable and relaxed, allowing you to showcase their beauty efficiently, no matter what themes or fashion photography styles you're working with.

1.   Act professional

The first thing that can help a model feel comfortable is a clean shooting environment. Even if you shoot at home, you need to make sure that spaces like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room are spotless. You can also offer snacks and drinks (water, coffee, or tea) to make everyone feel at home.

Another thing that can help a model relax is a trusted beauty team. Hire reliable and professional hair and makeup artists. If you trust them, your model will too.

2.   Build trust

Take some time to get to know your model before and during the shoot. You can start a friendly conversation to make them feel comfortable and valued. A relaxed model will be more natural and confident, and therefore, the pictures will look better.

3.   Offer feedback

Keep in mind that the feedback has to be positive and constructive. It also has to be communicated regularly during the shoot. Offer praise for what the model does well to boost their confidence. You can also give gentle, specific suggestions to help adjust poses or expressions.

4.   Ensure clear communication

This can be one of the hardest parts of a model photographer's job. While you surely understand the technical aspects, your model may not. Therefore, simple directions like "left" or "right" can be confusing depending on whether you mean your left or theirs.

To avoid misunderstanding, demonstrate the pose you want, either by doing it yourself or showing a drawing or photo. If you have a collection of poses—for instance, in pictures from previous sessions—this can also be helpful. Furthermore, if you want specific emotions in the photo, explain them clearly at the beginning. The face moves in three dimensions: right-left, up-down, and in the tilt of the chin and forehead.

5.   Experiment

Try experimenting with various lighting techniques. For instance, you can use natural light, studio lights, or a combination of both. Test different positions and angles of light to see how they affect the mood and appearance of your model.

You can also encourage your model to try a variety of poses to capture both directed and candid shots. Try experimenting with movement and stillness to see what brings out the best in your model.

To sum up

Preparation is key for both beginner and professional photographers when it comes to model photography sessions. To ensure smooth execution and high-quality results, focus on the pre-session planning process and work to maintain a clean and comfortable environment during the photoshoot. The tips listed in this article will help you effectively showcase the beauty in model photography and create stunning images that highlight both the model's best features and your photographic talent, so try them out!