Finding the Right Model for Test Shoot

young dutch model trying on erotic clothes
Laura Ghobrial. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2022

Photography and Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2022

.

Finding the Right Model for Test Shoot

.

Finding the right model for an assignment or even to test for a project is crucial to the success of any given shoot.  Before I make the first picture, I have a dialogue with the prospective talent to see what their goals are as a model in servicing the needs of photographers they are interested in collaborating with. The familiar term for this collaboration in the industry is called “test shoot” meaning that both photographer and model agree to make a series of pictures that will benefit both of the parties.  I outline the parameters of the test shoot in the form of a collaboration agreement that both parties must sign on the day of the shoot.  Setting the parameters of the shoot are paramount for the successful execution of the sitting.  Models do not want to work on a photographers set without knowing what the photographers intentions are.  That is particularly true in the case of erotic photography, where negotiations between photographer and subject must take place to establish the degree of nudity the model/subject wishes to explore.  No one walks on to my set without discussing those limits beforehand.

For new models that are looking for fashion and beauty work, they often need a good head shot and an excellent three quarter or full length body shot to start with.  It is of most importance for the photographer to know how to light the subject to flatter her in the best possible light.   In the instance with photographing Laura Ghobrial I used a ring flash, the perfect lighting tool to keep the light even over the models entire body elicits a distinct pristine observation of the subject.

Laura and I met through a fashion designer in Amsterdam by the name of Desiree Webers, owner of Webers Holland, a kinky fashion brand located in the heart of Amsterdam. We met at the designers atelier for a fitting.  Once the items were selected by the designer to accentuate Laura’s physique we proceeded to the location to produce some photographs that both of us could use for our perspective portfolios.  

.

Laura Ghobrial dutch model and beauty contest winner The Netherlands
Laura Ghobrial. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2022

.

To access additional articles by Tony Ward, link here: https://tonywarderotica.com/tony-ward-diary-the-early-nudes/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *