Without a doubt, the most common question I get asked when setting up a session is “So, what do you want to shoot?” My mind immediately turns blank for a split second.
I’m more of a collaborator rather than a director. Let’s plan a concept, pick out some outfits, meet at the appropriate time and place, and see what happens. So many things can change between now and then so there’s no sense to get super in-depth with the details because they will change anyways. I can certainly change directions without hesitation if something better comes along.
That’s not to say don’t I have plans and back-up plans in my pocket.
So, when Tershia and I were talking recently about teaming up for a session and she asked me “The Question”, I pulled out a solid idea that works with every model. I replied to her question with a question back to her – “What are your weak spots in your portfolio?”
A model/photographer, in my opinion, is only as good as their weakest images. It’s a constant effort throughout our career to produce the strongest portfolio that shows off the range of our skills. We are always culling our images, taking out images that don’t reflect our current style, aren’t as strong as the others, are similar to others in the mix, et cetera.
Tershia thought for a second and came back that she thought her urban and country fashion areas could get a boost. So, that became our plan for our latest session. She picked out the outfits, I picked the locations, and we were off.
Now, are these the best urban and country/farm fashion images out there? No. But it’s a strong start. She can add them to her repertoire and build off them.
Photography by Mark K 