The Concept Photo Shoot

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today we are going to talk about the "Concept Photo Shoot". The concept photo shoot is simply taking an idea and bringing together all of the things needed to make the photo shoot happen from beginning to end. Today I invited models Tia Richardson and Aisha Curtiss to participate in my on going photo shoot of a concept that I’m currently working on.

I have been working on a series of trading cards using swords, martial arts weapons and various costumes. The cards are being used to create writing opportunities for my middle school students. In order to make this work, there are several ingredients that you need to get your images right the first time. First we have to make sure that we have the concept. next, the models. After we secure the models, we want to make sure that we have the martial arts equipment. Finally, the costumes. I often get asked; “How do the images look so lifelike?” It’s not just one thing, but several things. When we are taking the actual photographs, the backdrop is very important. I tend to use black, white and green backgrounds. I also use Impact Studio lights (Available at B&H Photo in Manhattan) to photograph my models. These lights are very good and I am very happy with the final product.

Good lighting is without question the single most important element of a well lit photograph. You won’t find too many people disputing this fact. However, what a lot of people fail to ask is; “What is the second most important element?” This is extremely important. The second most important element is the pose? Why? If you take a photograph of someone and it lacks a good pose, story, or substance, the photo will be overlooked, or ignored completely.

My Professor, Robert Meyer of the International Center of Photography (ICP) taught us about lighting, and posing simultaneously. “You can’t have just good lighting without having good posing. The photograph just won’t look right.” he would say. When you look at the images above, it is easy to look at each model and see the expressions on their faces. Their expressions make you wonder what they're thinking about. What are their next moves and why? Why do they have these weapons? What are their intentions? Once you start to care about the people, places and things in the photograph, then the photograph works.

Usually you have a story line, or vision in your head before you push the shutter button. In this case, I want my students to use their vision to tell the stories. If my students can ask and answer all of the questions that I have listed above, then I feel confident in the images that I have taken. If you are taking time to really see the characteristics of the photograph, it has caught your attention. Once you have the viewers interest, you can create a good story. To sum everything up, your photographs must have several elements including, but not limited to, good lighting, and good posing. After these two main elements are established, then the backgrounds and models (Substance) are important. If you are trying to create a scene, the location (Or background) is very important. If you want to shoot a scene involving martial arts, the background should blend in with the overall situation to make the story complete. (I used very plain, generic backgrounds so that I would have the option of placing the models in a different setting relatively quickly) The models involved in the photo shoot should also be willing participants in the photo shoot and their attitudes should reflect it. (Expressions on their faces)

When it's all said and done, don't be afraid to try different things. I would suggest carrying a small note pad so that you can jot down any questions, comments, or concerns. Remember, one of the good things about digital photography is is that if you try something and it doesn't work out the first time, you can always "delete" it and start all over again. Just remember to have fun while your shooting! Next time we are going to look at green screen photography, and some of the special things that we can do with it. Until then, keep coming up with new ideas!