When I lived in Medellin, Colombia back in 2010 I started making adventure photography videos that often involved me shooting models. One video I made called "How to Find a Model in 5 words of Less" became a hit in the photography community. I decided to make a video on how to shoot a model, but I couldn't find any models; so I walked the popular neighborhood of Poblado, Medellin and asked beautiful girls on the street if I could photograph them. The title of the video was the joke because at the time I only knew about 5 words in Spanish. A total success, I shot a bunch of models for the video...viral! "Hola, foto por favor" as I waved my big ass Nikon.
(search YouTube if you really want to see that video...it's a hoot!)
So! Let me return to June 2017 on approaching models in Chicago and what happened and...How to Find a Model.
Girl I spotted in Lincoln Park sitting by the General Grant statue
I was in Chicago this weekend to shoot a commercial shoot and a teach a photography workshop. My workshop, the Lightenupandshoot Workshop, consists of off camera flash lighting techniques and how to approach people (what I refer to as a models) for a portrait session. The video of 'How to Find a Model in 5 Words of Less' is where it all started. I couldn't find any models so I walked around Poblado asking pretty girls for a photo. I got so many emails from that I video I decided to incorporate that into a workshop. For some photographers (and most people) it's uncomfortable to approach people for a photo, but for me it's natural to talk to complete strangers. I never understood why it's so frightening for the greater majority; I can talk to a sign post. LOL. But after breaking down what I personally do when I approach people I have been able to teach thousands of people this technique (people who are quite frankly afraid to talk to strangers (and terrified to talk to the opposite sex)). The fear of rejection; it plagues the best of us. I some how wasn't born with the "afraid" of people gene. But you can easily overcome this fear by doing these easy actions/tips:
Let me break down a few pointers in case you want to try this yourself; I guarantee you that if you follow my tips you'll have success and won't get rejected. AND...it's not bad for your PERSONAL life too...
Hahhahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahah....I fucking love life. "No balls, no blue chips" is what my grandfather used to say.
HERE'S YOUR LICENSE TO ACCESS TO ALMOST ANYTHING***
**Two college girls that had just graduated that were hanging out drinking bottles of champagne - yesterday in Chicago
Note: Yesterday I taught a workshop on lighting for photography and how to approach models for a shoot. We approached 12 models throughout the day and a 100% success rate of "Yes, I will pose for you." We approached interesting people/girls hanging out in Lincoln Park during my Lightenupandshoot Chicago Workshop. It has been a few years since I've taught this workshop, it was nice to share the knowledge and shoot a few interesting people. We had minimal lighting equipment and we were armed with your typical DSLR cameras. Here's a list of what we shot with:
Canon 5D Mkii, Mkiii and Mkiv. I shot with the old Mkii because it's cheap and takes amazing images.
50 1.2 lens - my secret weapon
12-24 Sigma Art
Speedlights - light weight
5 in 1 Scrim - great for natural and speed lights
Westcott Orb - light weight and easy to open octabox
Iphone 6 - it's a legit camera
Hipstamatic for post tweaks - no need for photoshop with this app
OKAY!!!! DETAILS ON THE APPROACH
Explain why you want to take a photo of the subject. Have camera in hand. Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard. Be honest as to why you want the photo. In my case: I explain that I'm a photographer and working on creative lighting techniques. I further go on to say that I'm shooting interesting people in the area and then ask if they would like to have their portrait taken.
No need to state your name. Who cares, it's not important.
No matter what, don't just walk up and say, "Can I take you picture?" That will get an automatic NO! I will further explain...
Again, state why you want the photo. Be honest, think about this. Be creative with your story.
You state how long the photo will take. This is very important. If you leave this out they may think this photo will take hours. State if will take 1-2 minutes at the most. 99% of the time the photo will take longer but they will be having so much fun it won't matter.
Most people will reject you. It's normal for people to just say NO when you approach them. It's a defense mechanism, just repeat the above if you get a bewildered look or a no. Repeat the above with a smile and make sure you speak loudly. Maybe they didn't hear you because your voice was low because you were fucking nervous.
**Girl I approached last summer who I dated for a few months
Repeat why you want the photo, how long it will take, and then your idea for what you are going to shoot. Did she say yes? At this point you may have had a NO, but you repeated everything and you then got a YES. Remain cool, now it's time to shine.
You got a YES. Be super cool. Don't flatter her/him too much. Just be smiley and polite. Speak with confidence. Ask her the normal questions: What's your name? Where are you from? What are you doing today? **you have a don't care attitude but be polite and smile. REPEAT their name! People love to hear their name. Say it often.
Here's where you better have it together. DIRECT!!!!!!!!!
***This concludes this How to Approach a Beautiful Girl for a Portrait****
Even if you don't read (part 2) you will be a successful with these techniques. It works. It's easy if you do it right. Part 2 is how to get them to pose for you and having them eating out of your hand. It's all about giving direction.
I hope this helps you change your life in personal and business.
cute girl from yesterday who didn't want to stop shooting. She loved it
Gangster looking dude who loved being shot (with camera). He loved it. Why the hell not...I shoot everyone. I dig people.