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Why do some Images seem more polished and others are lacking that certain...????
What you are seeing when you look at an image I am posting, is not just "my photo". It is a team of individuals providing their talent (which in general is of the highest calibre in the industry) and expertise to the final outcome. All of these individuals from the Model, Hair and Make-Up artist, Fashion Stylist and PP Retouch (for skin generally..Never my lighting) are essential in getting the "Film Finished" so to speak. Being that I am based in Paris considered one of the three major centers in the world for my metier, I can draw on this exceptional source of talent. These people gravitate to these centers, just as Hollywood attracts actors and actresses, film directors, producers etc.
I have had this discussion with so many very talented photographers who become so frustrated with their work because they cannot produce the images they imagine for lack of the talent needed to do so. They ask, "Ben, why do my images lack something that I can't quite define?" And I brutally have to answer.."They smack of being Provincial..." Anyone who has done this God forsaken business as long as I have can smell it the minute they see the image. Everything from So So model, bad poorly done make-up, abysmal hair, no fashion styling at all or perhaps at best borrowed from a local clothing store and totally out dated by my "Snobbishly Arrogant" standards and really badly overdone or incompetent retouching.
If anyone wishes to do what I do, it is really quite simple. Gain a vocabulary. Go out and look at or buy, Italian Vogue, French Vogue, Citizen K International, Numero, Surface, Issue One, Oyster, Soon, V, etc etc etc..Not the S--Ty mainstream crap. Absorb it, look, observe, look, observe. You must attain a base for even knowing HOW TO OBSERVE and what to look for. DO NOT YET STUDY THE TECHNIQUE!!!That will come later. Look at everything that is happening. Look at the hair the make-up the clothes the model the theme the ambience. Keep doing this over and over and over until you learn how to be "Discerning". To become discerning you need the vocabulary.
Once you've done that and come to the realization that I might want to try this, you can choose a high end provincial market or "THE MARKET"...I started with Toronto, stayed one year, moved to LA to NY to Milan and eventually Paris. You can get some pretty good talent in Chicago, LA as upper echelon almost there markets and get away with it. You can get the good models in Chicago when they come in to do the shows. Chicago have some good model agencies.
Never do a test without all of the "support team" I mentioned. Hair, Make-Up and Fashion-Accessory stylist and of course the Model. "IF YOU DON'T HAVE THIS TEAM YOU WILL BE WASTING YOUR PRECIOUS TIME."
We can talk about how you can and will get a relatively good serious working model and support team for your shoots and what to say to get them. A model agency will know immediately by the questions you ask if you are a novice or advanced shooter. Ask the wrong question and BYE BYE..You'll smack of...OH, just wanna meet models, forget it buddy! Never F--K around with Model agencies. Always be as forthright as you can with them. They can screw your career when it is just starting with just two or three phone calls. When you get to my level, it is the inverse.
This and your previous threads are so interesting and insightful. They can offer so much to both the professional and amateur. It is also nice for a person to be able to share their vast experience and knowledge, especially when they are at the top of the professsion.
There is clearly an article here, and it would be good to see this and other thoughts "condensed" into a series of articles.
Mike
Quote: There is clearly an article here, and it would be good to see this and other thoughts "condensed" into a series of articles.
By condensed, do you mean "remove all of the self-promoting, chest-thumping b*ll*cks"?
Quote: chest-thumping b*ll*cks"
i used to suffer from that when I went for a run. I can recommend a good pair of snug fitting Y fronts and the problem is cured.
Look...You know something...I think ...Aw F--K it..
For those who give a S--T, glad to share...For the others...You Know
PS..I really find it very telling how certain individuals project there inadequacies so flagrantly...
I can't believe that when some bit of information is shared it is considered self promotion.
Man..I don't get angry that easily, but I'll tell you...
And "YOU" LOBSTERBOY. YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE A "MODERATOR" DO YOU KNOW THE DEFINITION OF "MODERATOR" IS?
moderator |?mäd??r?t?r| noun 1 an arbitrator or mediator : Egypt managed to assert its role as a regional moderator.
I like some of the material you post. Sadly some see it as self promotion because that's how you first used the site.
This piece would fit well in an interview style piece. Watch Jonathan Ross interviews for example and the comments above are hardly any different - a pro sharing his ways.
The thing that is wasteful is that this type of advice could be set into a series of articles, indexed as technique and not just lost in a forum thread in a week's time.
Quote: And "YOU" LOBSTERBOY. YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE A "MODERATOR" DO YOU KNOW THE DEFINITION OF "MODERATOR" IS?
moderator |?mäd??r?t?r| noun 1 an arbitrator or mediator : Egypt managed to assert its role as a regional moderator.
I see nothing there about having a sense of humour...or did I miss something?
Quote: I see nothing there about having a sense of humour...or did I miss something?
Damn! Sorry Chris I forgot to book you in for that...Tuesday afternoon's free. It's a two minute job with a Black & Decker and a sponge. Okay?
Quote: I have submitted three or four articles and am waiting for approval.
Oh? Did you send an email or put them in through the submit article form?
Ben
I found this and other topics you have given your knowledge on very interesting. I don't look at them a think this is a self promotional stunt. I have read much more blatent self promotion on here by professionals (and none of it that helpful) and no one dare say anything because if they do they would probably be bombarded by pm's !!! I look forward to reading your next topic and I sure others will to. Oh and Pete and co. your flipent remarks are not that funny.
Jackie
Quote: PS..I really find it very telling how certain individuals project there inadequacies so flagrantly...
Pot... Kettle...
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