Studio Shoot with 3 models for 4 hours=€60

Morlar

I ocassionally do portrait shoots in a studio up in Antrim and I am currently looking at hiring the studio for a saturday and also hiring 3 or 4 models to do a shoot with say 5 or 6 photographers.

This would be a good cheap option for anyone who has not worked in a studio and would like to try their hand at portrait photography using professional models. Its also a cheap option if you already have but still want to broaden the portfolio.

If you are used to working in small cramped studios this might sound like a bad idea - but imagery studios is massive, there are several different sets and the ratio would be two photographers to one model for the most part.

There are sets there where 2 photographers could shoot one model in each of 3 different sets without getting under each others feet quite easily. (Check out the floorplan in the link below.)

The cost for this is €350

3 models for 4 hours = 3x15=45, x4= 180
1 studio 4 hours = 4x15= 60
£240 or €350

which makes it €60 per person if we get 6 or more if we get less photographers.

It goes without saying that getting to work with professional models in a comparatively large studio for 4 hours for €60 is very very cheap. Price hiring a model or booking say mc calls studio and you will get an idea of how much cheaper this is.

This will not be a tutorial type session and people would need to know their way around their camera before hand - also bear in mind that the lighting gear that they have is not quite state of the art so be prepared to improvise if anything breaks down.

If people are interested and dont have wheels I can give a lift to 2 people from tallaght/city centre there and back. Its about a 2.5-3 hr drive

If on the day the photographers would like to work singly with the 4 models for a brief period - we could work that out too. There would be scope for people extending the booking if they want to.


Here is a link to the studio site if anyone wants to check out the sets etc

http://www.imagerystudio.t83.net/

If anyone is interested let me know and if 5 photographers confirm I will go ahead and finalise the date and make the booking.

Ps forgot to say I plan on getting each of the models in wedding dresses /bridesmaids dresses for a wedding portfolio so this could be a selling point for some people here.

rymus

im interested anyway

Morlar

Cool thats 2 - need another 4.

Paulw

I'm interested, since I've never done studio work.

But, it would really depend on the date you schedule it for.

Morlar

Ok looking at the weekends around Saturday July 7th or Sunday 8th or,
Saturday July 21st & Sunday 22nd. Probably 12 -4pm.

Paulw

The first weekend in July is definitely out for me ... heading away for the weekend.

The latter would certainly suit.

Morlar

Ok assuming Rymus is ok with those dates - Saturday July 21st or Sunday 22nd. 12 -4pm. Thats 3 people - so just another 3 needed.

rymus

that should suit, pending some major disaster. Was thinking also that I might bring up my own elinchrom lights if that'd be acceptable to the management of the studio. Had a look at their kit on the website and I thought another set of lights might not be a bad idea.

Morlar

rymus wrote:

that should suit, pending some major disaster. Was thinking also that I might bring up my own elinchrom lights if that'd be acceptable to the management of the studio.

Absolutely - I usually just bring a reflector and 580ex but extra lighting kit will definitely be useful. There is also a windowed area so natural light is available at one of the sets. In addition to the lighting gear listed they have these rotating bar heaters that can be angled to give a soft glowey light too.

Morlar

Just to clarify these are female models - the models are being hired at fashion level (if anyone wants the models to work at different modeling levels, ie nude or implied nude etc let me know, if so they may need to extend the booking on their own).

The wedding dresses part should only take about 10/15 mins or so per model the rest of the 4 hours they would be regular fashion/general portraiture.

Cameraman

I'd been meaning to give that place a try - this sounds like a good opportunity. 21/22 July are OK for me.

Can you put me down for it if there's still a place.

Paulw

While I'd be very curious about trying nude shots (skin tones/shape etc), I'd be more than happy just trying studio work. But, if others were interested, I'd certainly be interested in trying to take some nude/artistic picts.

Morlar

Cool - I think fully clothed will be easier for this one.

If yourself and anyone else really wants to line up an art nude photo session at the end of the regular one we can arrange that at the time of booking. Then on the day when the 12-4pm slot is up everyone except those who have made the additional art-nude level booking can leave you to the studio.

Cheers cameraman too I will add your name - that makes 4 of us so there are 2 slots left if anyone else wants to join in.

Oriel

It's just down the road from me, so I'm in

mikeanywhere

Gerard, any chance of changing it to the week before or after (pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!)?????

That weekend I am at the European Paintball Championships nr London

Morlar

Oriel wrote:

It's just down the road from me, so I'm in

And then there were 5. . . Cool. Just need one more.

Morlar

The week after is pushing it out a bit too far for me - i have a wedding soon after and would rather get this done no later than the 21st /22nd if poss. There is going to be a seperate one that I emailed you bout - which is way more flexible. Plus if this goes well I can try for better negotiated rates for next time.

mikeanywhere

Ok Mate,

what a sh*tter, as I would have loved to have done that also especially with the wedding gear as part of the portfolio. What about the earlier date then?

rymus

Paulw wrote:

While I'd be very curious about trying nude shots (skin tones/shape etc)

Any excuse, eh paul?

ThOnda

Nude?!?!? Now we are talking!!! :-)
I can feel the smell of many rolls of film. Let me think but keep me informed. If I go, I would have one place in my car and lots of place in the back of my van.

Borderfox

Put me in if its on Saturday 21st, working on the Sunday. Sounds great and another bit of experience.

Borderfox

I would have room for 3 on my plush spacious car too

Morlar

Ok that looks like thats sorted we have the 6, me, Rymus, Paulw, Cameraman, Oriel and Borderfox.

Mikeanywhere sorry but cant move the date. Th0nda - if anyone drops out you will have first refusal.

If anyone of the 6 confirmed people wants to book a model for a nude session after the 12-4pm one pm me by tomorrow lunchtime.

Otherwise I will confirm the booking and the models selected may not be ones who work up to art nude level, so let me know by lunchtime as it would be a special request.

Paulw

I'd certainly like a lift, if someone has room. No point in everyone driving.

Looking forward to it now.

Oriel

Is Carrie J available for this date?

Morlar

Oriel wrote:

Is Carrie J available for this date?

I believe so - also Helen who is another outstanding model. I will know later today and let you know.

Borderfox

I am in Dunshaughlin but can pick people up in the city if you like, sounds great are you all on first name terms with the models?

Paulw

I'm near Finglas, so can meet in town or en-route.

Morlar

Borderfox wrote:

I am in Dunshaughlin but can pick people up in the city if you like, sounds great are you all on first name terms with the models?

I have worked with Carrie a few times before ( http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/41523725/ ) and she is very professional and reliable etc. Havent worked with Helen though I have spoken to her on other forums and she seems sound too. Carrie works up to Art Nude level and Helen does not. I will probably drive myself as I am going to be lugging a tripod and big bag of stuff, plus tallaght to town is a hike. I have a space in my car though if anyone else wants a lift.

Morlar

Ok just to update - I have heard that both Helen and Carrie are not available at the agreed rates - so either we can pay more or go with newer models. If anyone has thoughts on that please pm me. I am on the side of going with newer models.

There is also a free slot as someone pulled out due to work commitments - so if anyone else fancies getting involved let me know.

To recap its on Saturday 21st, imagery studios in randalstown (http://www.imagerystudio.t83.net/) and the cost is €60 per photographer for 4 hours in a studio along with 6 photographers and 3 models.

Borderfox

If you think these models are worth the extra money, I would be happy to pay extra to secure their services. Personally I would be willing to go to €100.

Morlar

€100 is way too much imo. I think the prob here will be getting everyone to agree to pay more - if one person doesnt want to go above what was originally specified then the idea is nixed.

If everyone else is ok with paying more well then I will too. Otherwise its probably easier to go with the newer models.

Borderfox

Paul I can pick you up

Cameraman

I'm happy to fit in with the rest of the group - so will pay more if necessary.

I think one of the things to consider is what sort of experience you want on the day. The more experienced models will tend to do some of the work for you (in posing well etc.) and will make it seem easier. For the less-experinced ones, this will be closer to taking pictures in real life, where most people won't have modelling experience. Therefore, you'll need to put in more efforts on the posing etc.

Both options are useful, IMO.

Morlar

Thats true - however the basic rate models are also experienced - jut not to the same degree. I generally don't like having rates/prices go all celtic tiger-ey and change upwards - it doesn't sit well with me but 2 people so far are ok with paying a bit more - so if the other 2 (I will go with the flow on this) also are ok with it then thats the plan.

Paulw

Being the total newbie, I'm open to options. I've never done any studio work before, so this will be a big learning experience for me. Yeah, I've a few things in my head I'd like to try etc, but it will clearly require the co-operation of the model.

If it's thought that the more experience model is well worth the extra, then fine. But, I think the newer model might just be as interesting to photograph.

Out of curiousity - do you have links to the models or some sample picts online of them?

On a side note - what equipment should I bring? My plan was - 50mm f/1.4 lens, 100mm f/2.8 lens, 20-70 f/2.8 lens. I'll have my 580ex flash, but assume the studio lights will be the main source of light. Anything else needed??

Morlar

Paulw wrote:

On a side note - what equipment should I bring? My plan was - 50mm f/1.4 lens, 100mm f/2.8 lens, 20-70 f/2.8 lens. I'll have my 580ex flash, but assume the studio lights will be the main source of light. Anything else needed??

You have more than enough lenses there in my opinion. I usually use a 50mm 1.4 sometimes the 17-40L, ocassionally a borrowed 24-70L.

This time I plan on using a manual 2nd hand 135 2.8 I picked up recently ( http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/exakta/_img/x/lens-long-01-x.jpg) .

I usually use the 580ex and a reflector and whatever light source is available. The lighting gear up there is not state of the art so I wouldnt rely on it too much. If it were dublin studios I would drop the 580 and stick to their lighting setup - in imagery I usually stick to the 580ex, & reflector. With non flash studio lights to fill in the gaps.

*Ok I think thats 3 (4 inc me) who are ok with paying a bit more - Oriel over to you on that one.

Oriel

Morlar wrote:

*Ok I think thats 3 (4 inc me) who are ok with paying a bit more - Oriel over to you on that one.

Sorry, didn't see that till now.
Aye, I'm grand paying a bit more, though I'd like to see the newer models first.
We are trying something new - why shouldn't they?
I'm not sure that paying more money for models will end up with better shots.

Paulw

Oriel wrote:

I'd like to see the newer models first.

I'm not sure that paying more money for models will end up with better shots.

I totally agree. In some ways, maybe we should be charging them for our time and our photography??

Free model = free portfolio photos

It would be nice to see who the models are.

Oriel

Put it to Carrie Jay - "I'm exposing you (literally! ) to 5 new photographers in one day - surely that's worth something?"

Morlar

Oriel wrote:

Sorry, didn't see that till now.
Aye, I'm grand paying a bit more, though I'd like to see the newer models first.
We are trying something new - why shouldn't they?
I'm not sure that paying more money for models will end up with better shots.

No worries - ok the option here is . . .
a) 3 of the newer models - these are still paid professional models and its not a TFP/TFCD arrangement

b) 3 models - including 2 of the more in demand and pricier ones (Carrie Jay and Helen). Neither Carrie or Helen are going to do this on a TFP/TFCD basis nor would the newer ones.

Might be worth mentioning that I havent actually been given the new improved rates for CJ and Helen - so I cant say how much more it would be at this stage. I will get onto the studio and try find out now.

Also - I dont yet know which of the 3 newer models it would be if we went that route but it would be one of the ones from here :

http://www.imagerymodels.t83.net/

Go to Models - then Female Models1 or 2

So for now I will get the shiney new improved and higher rates and then get back to each of you to confirm its ok.

PS there is still a place for this if anyone wants to join in let me know.

Paulw

It never hurts getting the price and then deciding.

After looking through those models, there are three I'd certainly be keen on photographing -

Models 1 page
Rachel - stunning eyes
Kiera - stunning eyes also

Models 2 page
Laura P - Red hair

But, I'll certainly just go with the flow, no matter who the models are.

I certainly don't have a problem with paying the extra, if people think it's worth it.

digitalage

I might be interested, is it possible I could bring my own studio lights?

Morlar

digitalage wrote:

I might be interested, is it possible I could bring my own studio lights?

Talk about timing - digitalage yep you can bring your own lights, so long as we all dont step on each others toes when working I cant see an issue with that. Out of curiosity what lighting gear are you talking about ? Let me know if you want to confirm the slot - at the moment the price is €60 but could rise by about a bit (pls see the rest of the thread).

Paul I am kind of easy either way tbh - the concensus seems to be to pricing Carrie and Helen and deciding when we get their prices so that looks the plan. I will reply by email when I hear back from the studio to keep from bumping this al the time.

digitalage

I have an elinchrom style 400bx kit + a d ilte 400w, plus rotalux 100cm x 100cm softbox ,plus refelctors and grids, gels, sekonic L 358 meter and plenty of other stuff that I rarely use. Is there a make up artists there or the models do it themselves? It would be good if we meet up before hand and hammer out some shots we want to take, as time is money and don't want to waisting it on the day.

Morlar

digitalage wrote:

I have an elinchrom style 400bx kit + a d ilte 400w, plus rotalux 100cm x 100cm softbox ,plus refelctors and grids, gels, sekonic L 358 meter and plenty of other stuff that I rarely use. Is there a make up artists there or the models do it themselves? It would be good if we meet up before hand and hammer out some shots we want to take, as time is money and don't want to waisting it on the day.

There is no make up artist involved in this and the models are doing their own make up (which is not unusual at this level). There was a possibility of bringing a make up artist along but - for a high quality well proven one then that is an additional cost. For one who is not established and starting out then there is no cost but there is the chance that if they are no good it would be a waste of the time and money of 6 photographers involved. There is a question here of why we (the photographers) should pay money and time so that a mua can boost their portfolio.

I think for this session its safer to have the models do their own makeup. Perhaps if we do this again and there is a proven mua around then we could use them if everyone agrees.

I would be free to meetup before hand but organising to get everyone else free & available in dublin will probably be tricky.

The plan for the day is to get the three models in wedding dresses/bridesmaids dresses for anyone who is putting together a wedding portfolio (shoudl take no more than 15-20 mins). The rest of the time is general fashion type/general portrait shots. This will probably consist of 3 teams of 2 photographers working with a single model on one of the different sets. This could also be changed around to have 2 models /4 photographers etc. Each person should get to work on whichever set they want to and with whichever model they want to.

So long as everyone is well behaved and considerate we shouldnt need any more rigid of a plan than that. Each person would be responsible for planning their own shots and working in a team with whoever else is shooting that model at that time. I want to get away from having this too rigid - it should be a relaxed type of deal really with no pressure on anyone, specially considering most of the photographers will be their first time working with models or working in a studio.

Borderfox

I would pay extra similar to PaulW, if you think its worth it then no probs I will pay more.