Model Miracle

I have been taking photos for many years, but only started working with models in 2005.  I was taking a photography class at a local art school and needed a model for a class assignment.  I thought I¹d do something other than bother friends and family, so I put an ad on Craigslist.com.  I had a model/actor respond to the ad.  I enjoyed the shoot. He told me about the whole business of online model/photography sites.  I subscribed to a couple of sites and started getting responses.  At first I got a good number of no-shows, but I also got some extraordinary people.  Fortunately, now, the no-shows problem has resolved itself.  I have shot over 100 models and have had amazing experiences with them.  I don¹t feel that we even have a start on a good shoot until I first hear the word ³awesome² from the model.  I would often bring the results of my modeling shoots into photography class and received great feedback from my peers. I took an early retirement from a corporate job in 2005 and the photography of models has become a full-time profession.  At first I did quite a few TFCD shoots, but I no longer do them, as a rule.   Most models are quite happy to pay for the photo shoot as long as they get what they need.  It is an investment in their career.  I will do occasional weddings and special events photography.

How long have you been taking great photos?

The quality of the photos has improved gradually and steadily over the time I have been shooting.  I take a lot of photos, so I am satisfied with some of the pictures even from the early shoots, but the percentage of really good photos has increased dramatically. You develop the instinct to know who will look best in which lighting and in which setting.  I believe that much of the success of a shoot has to do with the rapport between the photographer and the models.  I genuinely like the people I work with.  Most have become friends and several are close personal friends to me and my family.

Which cameras get your stamp of approval and why?

I am a Canon fan. I started with Canon and have stuck with it.  It seems that the professionals and advanced amateurs either fall into the Canon or Nikon camps.  In my experience it seems that it is about a 50/50 split.  Most photographers stick with one brand and carry over that brand preference from film to digital cameras.  One
incentive to keep with the same brand is that the lens from a film camera works with the digital camera of the same brand.  Lenses are a big investment and it just makes economic sense to keep with the same brand.  The consumer magazines I referenced prefer the Canon.  Their customer service has been excellent.

What do you feel has to be present in order to create the perfect picture?

What has to be present for a great portfolio shoot is a trust and rapport between the model and me.  I genuinely like the people I work with and find that they really appreciate the help.  Technically a good picture has to have some interest, either in location, subject, colors, lighting or artistic sense. Composition plays a big role.  The basic guidelines for good composition are the same for photography and painting, drawing and other visual arts.

Do you ever meet with someone for a shoot and find you just can't work with him?

Some are easier than others. I have never ended a shoot because the model was not good to work with.  If the model has big walls built up and are too cautious, then it can be like pulling teeth to get a good shoot, but we always work through it.  A good model has to be like a good actor and let themselves be exposed on an emotional level.  If they do not relax and trust the photographer, you are risking that you will wind up with hundreds of pictures that you would only use on a driver¹s license.  If you are too uptight, you really cannot be a model.

How do you find your models?

Mostly the online sites like ModSheet and MySpace. Many come from references and word of mouth.  More are coming by reference of modeling agencies.  Many of the models become repeat clients.

Is the new age of photoshop a curse or a blessing?

It is both. It is one of the ³can¹t live with it; can¹t live without it² things.  Every image needs a little tweaking, but it can become overdone.  The basics of color correction, blemish removal, contrast, and cropping are essential, at this point in time. The downside is having to tweak hundreds of pics for a wedding or event.  That can become mind numbing.

What are you most proud of in your distinguished photography career?

I love to hear back from the folks I have worked with and hear about their successes. I take pride in knowing that my photographs contributed to their success.  The selection as a ³Top 100 Photographer² is very rewarding.  I get fantastic feedback from the people I have worked with.

Any regrets?

Not really. I love the creative side of the business and I'm not good with the business side.  I could be more business oriented.

Do you feel you've done your best work or that the best is yet to come?

Absolutely, I still feel that each shoot is better than the one before it. After each shoot I sit down with the model and review every picture.  I do allow the models to delete any pics in which they feel they may have gotten to risqué. I genuinely get excited when I see the shoot results and when I see the reaction of the model.

Jeffrey Rich
Orlando, Fl
Photographer
ModSheet Portfolio