By the time you read this week’s Photography News, I’ll have left the continent of Europe to be within shouting distance of the Equator. I’m spending the next two weeks in a natural paradise populated by hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, and of course great people. Meanwhile, I have some interesting equipment to test and some new experiences to bring back. Oversight of our weekly news will pass to Spencer for the time being – I’ll see you again when I return!

Photographic models come in all sizes, genders, ages, ethnicities, education levels and personalities. Whether you’re a cute as four-week-old chipmunk or as peculiar as a blobfish, your chances of success improve immeasurably when you prepare thoroughly. The modeling game, so I am told, is very slow right now, and AI is certain to make it worse. So what? There’s no one quite like you. Go for it.

1. Avoid 4-alarm chili, undercooked squid and/or tequila shooters the night before.
Unless that’s your normal daily diet, that is. The point: avoid anything that might cause a growling tummy, bloodshot eyes or bad demeaner.

2. Be prepared to start early.
Most photographers like to start early, before the sun gets too high in the sky. Some like to work around the so-called Golden Hour much later in the day. Every photographer is different, so confirm the schedule well in advance, especially if the location requires some driving time for you or for them.

3. Don’t be alarmed if the photographer hopes for overcast weather.
Shadows are not your friend. Photographers can use reflectors, fill-flash or careful posing to sidestep high contrast lighting, but most agree that Open Shade or an overcast day is primo.

4. Makeup — DIY or pay a pro?
The flu pandemic had negative impact on the world of traveling makeup artists, at least that’s been my experience. If you must use a professional beautician, it will probably be one with a shop, and will likely be the day before the shoot. Plan accordingly.

Most amateur models do their own makeup. I state this without scientific data; this is what I have observed. If using a pro makes you feel more confident, by all means, don’t hesitate. It’s likely, however, that the face you wear every day is more than adequate. And of course, you can also do without cosmetics altogether.

Yes, photographers can use Photoshop to banish a blemish and even remove age lines if requested. But will they? Editing takes time and time is money. And there is a point at which flattering editing becomes artful deception—but that’s your business, not mine.

5. Clarify the terms, deliverables, Model Release requirements and time involved.
Don’t be shy about clarifying and confirming who pays for what and who owns the work product. The abbreviation “TFP” means “Time For Prints” or “Trade For Photos” or other phrases with a similar meaning: the photographer neither charges you nor pays you, but you get some pictures in return. Even so, find out whether you’re going to receive printed images (unlikely) or a Google link to a stash of JPEG files.

Other variables to clarify: How many images (approximately)? Edited or SFC (Straight From Camera)? File format—JPEG or Raw? Are you able to do anything with Raw images?

Model Releases are contracts that should clarify significant details and protect both the photographer and the model. If the photographer does not require a release, you can request one from them, just to safeguard your interests. If a Model Release is to be part of the deal, ask for it in advance and read it carefully. Add any language that’s important to you; for example, “Photographer agrees that the work product(s) will never be sold to stock agencies” or “The Talent’s name will not be added to the image file metadata.”

How much of your (or their) time is expected? 90 minutes is a decent starting point. Some headshot sessions can be wrapped up in a half-hour or so. Work all day if everyone wants to. The important thing is to make sure the time period to be invested is consistent with everyone’s expectations.

6. If it’s your dime, plan the shots you’re looking for and find examples.
Search the web or magazines to find examples of the “look” you’re after and share them with the photo crew as early as possible.

7. If it’s their dime, confirm exactly what the photographer is hoping to achieve.
If you are being paid for the shoot (either with image files or hard dollars) verify exactly what the photographer is expecting in terms of scenes, sets or looks, well beforehand. Needless to say, if there is anything that makes you even the least bit uncomfortable, make it known to all and (most likely) find a new photographer.

8. Wardrobe and accessories mean all the world.
No one wants five or six superb shots of themselves wearing exactly the same outfit. Even adding a hat or visor can add make a big difference. Other accessories, like a bouquet of fresh flowers, umbrella, smartphone, golf club, tennis racket or a ferocious Komodo Dragon are likewise useful. A jacket, hoodie, sweater, neck scarf or other dominant feature can help differentiate shot, even if it doesn’t match the current season.

How many wardrobe changes? It varies, and of course it depends on the time scheduled, but as a rule, no more than three. If you plan to fully change clothes, confirm the venue has a suitable facility.

9. In your long-term planning, avoid online model-search websites.
Avoid them in the short-term planning, too. I won’t name names, but there are a few out there that are total scams and some are purported to be dangerous. Instead, call a legit modeling agency. If they are not looking for new talent, ask them kindly to refer a photographer you can trust, preferably one they work with regularly. Some photographers are willing to work with new talent in exchange for usage rights to the images. (Yes, I know that technically the photographer owns the copyrights, but in the real world, everyone deserves a clear understanding and fair treatment concerning the ultimate publication of the photos.)

10. Bring a friend or bodyguard?
It’s up to the people involved, but don’t necessarily be alarmed if the photographer says, “no way.” If you’re nervous about your safely, don’t pursue the shoot. If you’re just a tad bit queasy, make sure the venue is a public place like a park. In fact, that’s a good rule to follow until and unless you know the photographer is bonafide. If you’re meeting the photographer for the first time, convene a Zoom conference beforehand. And remember, there’s no place like a busy Starbucks for the initial introductions. Order me a Flat White with a double shot of espresso, no sugar. Make it Venti.

That’s a wrap.
As stated in the opening paragraph, the modeling game, I am led to believe, is very slow right now. Unbridled use of AI is certain to make it worse. So what? There’s no one quite like you. Go for it.

Did You Enjoy This Article?
Click here to choose from more than 500 reviews, how-to articles, quizzes, attempts at humor and other alleged insight into the world of photography written by yours truly. Bookmark the link—I post every week.

Become a Member of the Shutterbug Community
Register for a free account. Sign up for our newsletter. Spend five minutes (or less) uploading your best shots once every week or so. Potentially become a Shutterbug Photo of the Day winner. Enjoy viewing the fantastic work being done by thousands of photographers all over the world—and add your images to the enduring collection.

—Jon Sienkiewicz

Floral photography is a fun and accessible genre this time of year because there are beautiful blooms just about everywhere you look—at a local park or nature center, and even in the comfort of your own backyard. Best yet, you don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills.

The challenge, of course, is capturing the essence of these colorful subjects with high-quality images that are far more inviting than mere snapshots. In this tutorial from the Andy H YouTube channel you’ll learn a few tricks that really deliver the goods whether you’re a beginner, an amateur, or even a pro with a different specialty.

Andy is a long-time nature photographer based in the UK with a portfolio full of compelling imagery. His goal for this episode is to help you shoot stunning flower photos that appear as though they were captured by a pro in the studio. All that’s required, apart from his expert advice, is a camera and lens, along with a couple very basic accessories.

This lesson is surprisingly comprehensive for a six-minute video, covering a variety of topics that include shooting techniques, leveraging the light, appropriate camera settings, and very helpful tips on composition. You’ll also see how simple, everyday equipment is all you really need. There’s a list of Andy’s preferred gear in the description beneath the video.

Andy employs varied techniques for different kinds of flowers, and his list of accessories is about as short and affordable as can be. He carries a couple sheets of small flexible plastic, one black and one white, to use as backgrounds, although paper cards will do just fine. He demonstrates how the position of these “backing sheets,” and their angle relative to the sun and the subject, will have a big impact on your results.

Another simple and very helpful piece of kit is the pocket-sized headlamp that Andy has in his bag in place of a more expensive and complicated flash. As you’ll see, this proves very valuable in dim conditions or when you simply want to “kiss” a flower with a bit of artificial illumination—even on bright days.

The only other “accessory” that comes into play is a water bottle that you likely already carry in the field. You may be surprised by the added impact that results from sprinkling a few water droplets on the petals of a bloom. So take a look at how Andy quickly combines these techniques and tools to create the spectacular shots that he displays as the lesson concludes.

Andy’s YouTube channel features a wide range of instructional videos on landscape photos, macro, and other outdoor subjects, so do yourself a favor and take a close look.

We also recommend watching the tutorial we posted earlier with a unique style of nature and wildlife photography from another pro who likes to keep things simple.

What if a post-processing expert revealed a single revision to your Photoshop workflow that would significantly improve every photo you edit? That should grab your attention in a hurry. And here’s the bonus (there’s another one below): This technique only takes five minutes to explain and it’s easy enough for users of all skill levels.

So what’s the second bonus? You’ll be able to download a free Photoshop plugin from instructor Steve Arnold and start using it today to simplify your edits. Arnold is a pro with this generous goal: “I want to help photographers level-up their Photoshop skills and create images to be proud of.” In today’s quick episode he does this in spades.

Arnold says his straightforward approach “changes everything by injecting every photo with more wow factor than ever before.” He begins by explaining the concept behind his strategy and then demonstrates how to put it into practice with a variety of commonly used Photoshop tools.

The prelude goes like this: One of the biggest problems this technique fixes is the use of inaccurate adjustments that lead to sloppy and amateurish results. The example he offers is an iconic painting of a Yosemite Valley scene by famed Albert Bierstadt. Arnold’s point is that “Bierstadt didn’t take a massive brush and cover the canvas with loads of paint in one giant brush stroke.” Rather he carefully and precisely painted exactly what he wanted to see exactly where he wanted to see it.”

The analogy is pretty clear: Making heavy-handed or sweeping adjustments is how many photographers edit their photos when dealing with brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, exposure, and other important variables. A better approach (and the key to Arnold’s technique) is to treat our photos like artists treat their paintings by making small, focused adjustments—often in a specific sequence.

With this subtle and targeted approach in mind, Arnold then demonstrates practical implications with several familiar Photoshop tools as he walks you through the steps he uses to enhance a few photos while avoiding overcooked results. Be subtle and be happy

We suggest taking a look at Arnold’s YouTube channel after watching the video for more important lessons like this one.

And don’t miss the tutorial we posted from another image-editing expert who explains a one-click solution for resolving a “big problem” with Photoshop’s Magic Wand tool that may result in unsightly selections.