Remote model shoots

Remote model shoots

Models have had a thin time of it this year, with restrictions that prevent most of them shooting with most photographers. I contacted Vampire Princess, who I’ve worked with a few times over several years, and asked her about her experience of remote shoots.

What does remote shooting involve?

Remote shooting is literally being able to shoot with anyone anywhere. From the model’s end it requires a DSLR, laptop or PC, tethering cable, tethering software (personally I use Digicam control), Wi-Fi and Zoom. It works by tethering the camera to the laptop and using the software to remotely control the camera settings, then I'm able to share my software screen via zoom so the photographer can then control my camera.

From the photographers end it requires zoom (free to use) and a good Wi-Fi connection.

I know that you take pictures yourself – does this make remote shooting easier?

My experience as a photographer helps when setting up lighting for a specific look, or helping new photographers with camera settings.

Are there any special problems for you as a model with remote shooting?

I’ve not really had many problems other than the tethering cable breaking mid shoot and my Rotolight batteries dying.

How have photographers responded to remote shooting?

It has been a mixed response. Some photographers don't understand the concept and don't want to understand it, for others it's a chance to work with models anywhere in the world, models they would likely never get the chance to work with in person.

What sort of lighting equipment do you use?

I use a Rotolight and a speedlight with honeycomb, snoot or dome attachment depending on desired effect.

What would you say to a model who wants to try remote shooting, but hasn’t got any experience behind the camera?

Personally I’d say a model needs at least some experience behind the camera.

What’s the best image you’ve had from a remote shoot?

There’s a few. If I had to choose it would be between a fine art nude shoot with John Patton from a long distance tethered shoot (West Midlands, UK to Wyoming USA) or there's 2 horror themed portraits taken by Rikki Singh.

How do the costs compare with an ordinary shoot?

Cost wise I shoot at a discounted rate purely for the fact I don't leave my home so there's no travel costs involved.