Category Archives: modeling

Fun Model Emma

Emma is new to modeling field and she wanted some photographs to start her new portfolio.  With all of my portfolio shoots I always work to create a variety of looks in the time we have together.  Emma was fun and full of energy.  These are a just few of my favorite shots from the shoot.

Orcatek Photography, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Arizona


The Joy of Casting

What a very busy weekend.  Casting for several magazine spreads and a magazine cover is in progress.  As usual the models seemed to show up in random groups.   Busy for a while, then sit around and wait a bit.  The models that did show up were pretty good in general.   It is going to be tough for us to make the final selections.

There were a few standouts who will get the key features in the magazine, but some of the other shoots will depend on what the concept is for the current shooting issue.

And we are having one more casting to make sure we can fill in any gaps, or hopefully even find another standout or two.

Plans are to begin shooting the spreads in December and early January if possible.  We already have the next year’s concepts ready to go, so it just finding the right models and making the magic happen.

Orcatek Photography, Phoenix, AZ


Fun with Photoshop

Falling Down

I shot the background shot from the Zeppelin and thought it would be fun to have someone falling out.   Maxym, a local model, was willing to give it a try.   I used the background image shadows as a reference for setting up my lights to create the proper shadows on my victim.

It took a while to get the fall look to work, as hair had to blow forward as she fell.    Maxym worked hard to get her arms and legs to look like she was flailing for her life.

In the end I am happy with the end result.  Pretty close to what I had in mind.   As with most photoshop projects, I am sure I will play with the more over time to refine the final result.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix, Arizona


Model Portfolios

So you want a modeling portfolio.   A model’s portfolio is her resume.  It shows what she has done or is capable of doing.  Before going out and getting a portfolio done, contact the agency you want to work with and see what they prefer to see.  Some don’t want anything more than basic photos showing what you look like. 

A portfolio should include at least a casual head shot, a fully styled head shot (hair and make-up professional done), body shot (swimsuit is ideal, or lingerie), a fashion shot, action/lifestyle shot and even an editorial or catalogue shot.   Key is not to put styles you don’t want to work from in your portfolio, ie don’t have several lingerie shots if you don’t want that type of work.  Include at least one B&W shot.Fashioin-Photography-Phoenix-9-14

Over time you replace old photos with new ones.  Best of all is to add tear sheets from work you have done.  Tear sheets get their name from pages being torn out of magazines showing a model’s work.

Your best two pictures show be the first and last.  If the first shot doesn’t catch their eye, they may not go much further thru your book.  And you want the last shot to be remembered so you close on a high.  Very often the first shot is the made-up headshot.

It is better to have fewer great pictures than a lot of average pictures.   Standard book prints are 9×12 and contain a max of 20 photographs.   It is better to have only 10 great photographs, as quality is key.   Yes, I’m repeating myself, but it is an important point.

You need a mix of environments.  This means some location work and some studio work.  Don’t use two shots of the same outfit.  Pick the best one.

You need two good headshots.  One should be the made-up shot mentioned before and the other with minimal make-up and retouching.  Ideally your hair will be back on the second shot as they really want to get a good look at your face as you are naturally.

Beware of agencies that want you to pay them or their photographer to get your portfolio made.  If they won’t let you use your own photographer, run, run away fast.  It is fine for them to have suggested photographers.

Modeling can be a fun and rewarding career.   Photographs are a major expense that you will be paying.  Be sure to get what you need, when you need it.

Orcatek Photography – Phoenix, Arizona