Liz 810

I had a chance to work with this model (Elizabeth, whom I actually find to be amazingly beautiful) and turned it down as I don't feel ready for it yet.... I just don't want to look silly! However, I am in fact a little gutted about it. Great shot, great model, well done. I'd love some tips on shooting LF nudes!

what kind of cost per hour are you talking to have a model of this quality. It has to be better to get one that knows what she is doing than fight with one to get in to positions you are looking for naturally. great shot

My first suggestion would be to work with Liz if you get a chance. She is an excellent model. She requires little or no direction, is friendly, and professional, and is probably one of the most beautiful young women I've had the opportunity to work with.

As far as shooting nudes with LF, Heres what I can tell you:
1. Have the set or location pre tested. I do this for every format, but the one thing to realize is working with LF is that the whole operation is slower. You can save a lot of time and be more fluid if you work things out in advance.
2. Have a few shots (poses), planned out ahead. I always have a shot list to work from.
3. Shoot polaroid. I know this is kind of a pain, but polaroid really helps me. Especially if I need to tweak lighting. It also helps with providing direction. You have something to show the model and discuss. Liz is good with working with you and your direction will benefit if you can show her something
4. Shoot rolls as well. This is optional, but I usually shoot 120 whith LF. I will usually shoot with a Pentax 67. Shooting 120 is a lot more fluid and gives you both time to get more comfortable. Liz is very good at running with an idea. Just let her go and guide her with minimal direction. While your shooting, you will be able to judge which are the strongest images. When you get through the roll, wheel in the LF, frame the shot, and have her go through the same thing again, or direct her towards the pose you saw in the 120. This approach is always a lot smoother, and saves on LF film.

Hope this helps

Regards,

Don

Michael:

Your right, this is a quality model. I usually use www.onemodelplace.com to find people to work with. The level of experience varies from 'never done this", to highly experienced, and professional people. Once in awhile you find someone like Liz, who is very professional, and experienced, (amazingly so for being just 20-nothing).

The rates vary, but the rate for nudes will average about $100/hr. Some people will be twice that, and a few will be less. You will ususally have to cover travel. I will pay gas money for anyone coming from outside a 25 mile radius. I live in Durham, NC, so most of the people I work with come from Charlotte, about 150 miles away. There is ususally a 2-3 hr minimum as well. Finally, I supply most people with 3-4 web quality jpgs for their own promotional purposes. That about does it for the costs.

Sanders:

Thanks for the input. I posted this image in a gallery open to critcism, and your is as welcome as anyone elses. If you find that you can work with LF the way you defined, I think thats fine. I just work differently than you. I have been shooting nudes in all formats for about 20 years, so I don't expect my approach to change at this point. I don't think my approach is related to learning my way around a view camera Its simply how I approach photography in general. Probably more a reflection of my personality than anything else.

I also almost never start out with a preconceived notion of what I am going to shoot
I do have an Idea of what I am after but not to the extend of staging it.
i much rather waitt and see what happens !

Gustavo:

Maybe its my background as a commercial shooter, but most likely just my particular nature. I spend about a week working out a shot list as well as all the technical aspects of the shoot. I will almost always do a lighting test as well. I use this as an outline for the actual shoot. I have heard many people talk about an approach similar to yours. Mine is more like that of some painters: I think its important to work out the sketches before making the final piece. This does not mean I am not open to some free interpretation when I start working with a model. Many of the people I work with can take an idea and run with it. The least amount of direction I need to apply, the better. But, I need to approach figure work with a preconceived idea. I find my work will generally benefit from this approach.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate your point of view.

Regards,

Don - thanks, much appreciated.

Sanders - as ever, great to hear your thoughts.

G