Blog

Most people don’t realize how hard it is to be a model. We imagine that it involves standing there looking pretty, doing what the photographer asks, including various facial expression, hand gestures, sitting down, standing back up and maybe an occasional wardrobe change. Ask anyone who has ever been on a still photography or film set with me and they will tell you that I hate being in front of the camera, even as an extra. I would much rather be on the other side of the camera. As an art director, that’s where I always stand, behind the camera, right next to the director. We discuss what we want in each scene and then the director makes it happen.

As the photographer in recent still photo shoots, I still love being behind the camera, this time as the art director, prop master, director of photography, gaffer, grip, makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, craft services…and anything else you can think of. It might sound like a lot of work being a one-woman show but it’s much easier than being the talent. My model did an excellent job this weekend. She was tired by the end of the first hour but hung in there for the second, still smiling. Now that she has some experience, I’m sure she will be prepared next time she is asked to do a photo shoot. It’s not as easy as it looks.

Check out more photos from this shoot in my portfolio. View Photos