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stockxchng-tractor-stock-photo-by-newart_picThere are numerous situations where you may need to hire a model.  When you are hiring a model for your own projects or for a client it’s very important to test.  A photography test shoot means that you call the model in to see if they are able to give you the shots you need. Sometimes a model may not deliver what you need or maybe their look is not suitable.  It can be hard to evaluate this without a test shoot.

If you have quite a big job for a client or a very specific image you want for a portfolio image then you must test your models.

One of the best ways to see if you model has a natural flare for modeling is to call them in and choose a simple background or location. Make them wear something simple, like jeans and a white t-shirt and ask them to give you as many different looks as possible.
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stockxchng-woman-1-stock-photo-by-cherubciwiChoosing a hair stylist for a photo shoot is similar to choosing a make up artist.  The most important thing is to look for something you can work with, usually for long hours and someone who has a strong portfolio.

Many hairdressers have aspirations to become stylist for shoots – these people are called Session Stylists.  You can always find a talented hairdresser with a creative streak to help out, but if you need a professional you should always look for a Session stylist as they are used to dealing with pressurized conditions.

Session stylists are also fantastic at creating new and exciting looks. Sometimes this may not be what you or the client needs – you may just need a very simple clean look but even this can be hard to achieve when you don’t have the skill!

Session stylists tend to take their own assistants too.  This is because dealing with hair can be fiddly especially if there is more than one model so expect an apprentice to be there too. Stylists tend to take their own apprentices or they may request on in which case, it’s not too difficult finding a hairdressing trainee who is willing to help.
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stockxchng-fantasy-make-up-stock-photo-by-claulMake-up Artists will prepare your subject or model so that they look the best they can on camera.  There are many people around that call themselves make up artists but truly well trained artists are harder to find in you don’t live in a big city.  A combination of training and experience will tell you if a make up artists is any good as well as a strong portfolio.

When sourcing a Make-up Artist you can do this a few ways.  You will need to find someone who lives near you or is close enough to travel – you can try the phone business directory but you can also look online to find local photographers.  Then get in touch with them and see how much their services cost, or if they can work on a free of charge basis in return for prints.

Many make up artists would like the chance to do their work and get some images for free.

If you are choosing a make-up artist for a client then there’s no need to ask the artist to work for free as the fee would be charged to the client.  Here are some things to look for:
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stockxchng-love-stock-photo-by-newart_picIf you decide to pursue fashion photography or work on model portfolios, it’s important to work with a stylist.  Stylists have a good knowledge of fashion and trends.  They with clothes, choosing outfits that flatter their models and look good on the camera.  They will also have an idea of what’s on trend, and the best way to use things like accessories.

If you have never worked with a stylist before it may seem like an unnecessary expense but something it’s worth making the investment for the sake of a great set of shots.

Even if you think you are good with clothes, you have to remember that you will be geared towards things of you own taste.  The same applies if you let the model choose their own clothes.  They will have a personal style and look which isn’t right for the shoot.

If you are shooting something like, a models portfolio, then they can decide what they want to wear.  If you are shooting for a client, then you shouldn’t let the model choose the clothes unless the client says this is ok.
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stockxchng-model-and-photographer-stock-photo-by-thedAs a professional Photographer, you must be able to build strong relationships with people – your clients, your colleges and your team.  If you are working freelance, which is quite often the case for Photographers, then you need to think about how you will build a contact list.  A good contacts list is essential because it means that you can enlist the help and services of others whenever it’s necessary.

This means that you should keep an address book which has the numbers of people you trust and a few people within each skillset – such as a few assistants so that you have someone to fall back on if your first choice is busy.  It also helps to keep a few notes about the person in question, so that if it’s been a while since you called, you can jog your memory and not appear rude!
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stockxchng-lion-dance-stock-photo-by-tomshumChinese New Year is a great time to capture some bright, fun and interesting images for your portfolio or even to use as stock library images.  The key is knowing where the best place to be is, when to be there and being able to deal with a very busy scenario without losing your cool.  Families tend to take their children out for Chinese New Year so make sure you are able to concentrate amongst the many people.

Here are some more tips on how to get a great set of shots.

1.    Exploit color

Chinese New Year celebrations are often very colorful affairs –the emphasis on red and gold.  So make sure you capture this – use a polarizing filter if you need to and under expose a little if you have a very bright day to capture the detail.  You can make adjustments later in Photoshop to boost the color but make sure you get a decent shot to work with!
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stockxchng-red-chinese-lantern-stock-photo-by-dcubillasEvery year in late January to the end of February there is Chinese New Year.  No matter where you are in the world, if you have a Chinese community you will be able to see the celebrations that are happening.  Usually, the celebrations will happen on the weekend and will be full of music, color and dance

Here are some tips on how to plan your photography session.

1.    Plan ahead

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stockxchng-sneakers-love-stock-photo-by-biziorFebruary is the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a photogenic month!  As a month of spring, the weather can be frosty and you may not see much wildlife or plant life about but you can still work with themes.  What is a major occasion in the month of February?  Valentines Day!

Love it or hate it Valentines day is a major occasion all around the world for couples.  Of course – when it comes to the actual day there isn’t anything in particular going on that is so specific that you couldn’t shoot it another day of the year.
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stockxchng-asian-theme-fashion-shoot-5-stock-photo-by-agastechegToday we will look at three more highly influential and important fashion and portrait photographers.  Their work is so well known and often crosses the lines of art and fashion, old and new and challenges viewer expectations. Here are three fashion photographers who are still alive and their work continues to inspire.

1.    Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is an American born photographer who has produced some of the most well known celebrity and fashion images.  Her collaborative work with Vanity Fair magazine goes on to this day producing some controversial images.  Her forte is focusing on the subject, creating a strong bong and creating elegant, high quality images.

Noted photographs include a heavily pregnant Demi Moore in the nude, a Rolling Stone cover featuring John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono taken on the day of his murder, a picture of Whoopi Goldberg in a bath full of milk, and most recently, a picture of country pop stat, Miley Cyrus on the Vanity Fair cover draped in a sheet.  Controversy was around as Miley was 15 at the time leading to Annie commenting that the photograph had been “misinterpreted”.
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stockxchng-meet-jill-stock-photo-by-pushbeyondFashion Photography is always changing and although there are new photographers making a name for themselves all the time, there are also the seasoned experienced photographers that regularly feature in the most high end magazines like Vogue and Tatler because of their consistently striking images.

Let’s take a look at three living Fashion photographers whose work you will find in many magazines that are currently on the shelves, but that also have a high quality feel and edge to their work.

1.    Steven Meisel

Steven Miesel is an American photographer who has worked with some of the most famous supermodels and actors in the world.  He is even credited for discovering some of the worlds most famous Supermodels though his beautiful photographs, like Christ Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell.
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