Models: How to model in a Bikini for photo shoot

I have shot several bikini photo shoots and there are a few things that I see several models fail to do. Below are a few tips to follow.
 1. wear loose fitted clothing before the shoot (tight fitted clothes leave impression on body that take a while to disappear)
 2. bring the sex appeal or sexiness to the shoot
 3. make sure all exposed body parts are clean shaved, yes even the arm pits
 4. make sure your skin is moisturized (i.e. lotion or baby oil)
 5. bring heeled shoes although the shoes will not be in the photo the shoes help bring out the sex appeal
 6. have some poses. search the internet for models posing in bikini's

Watch this video
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Model-a-Bikini-in-a-Photo-Shoot-146784338

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4160660/brooklyn_decker_sports_illustrated_swimsuit_2010/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4619D8J3qk

Sample photos

- D. Reid

The Great Meetup

If you have not heard about meetup.com then you probably have been on facebook way too long.  Meetup.com is a social site; however, meetup.com is all about groups. If you have a hobby or interest then there is probably a group on meetup.com for you.  Your probably wondering why I am blogging about a social site?  I have a very good reason why, and the reason is that I am the organizer for the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group.

What is the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group all about?  Again, another great question, this meetup group is group of photographers, make-up artist, stylist and designers.  My objective for the group is to offer an environment where everyone can get together and craft their skills. Usually there is a small fee require to participate and the reason a fee is required is to cover expenses (i.e. studio space).  A few benefits of attending our meetup events are easy to identify network with others in field, craft your skills and mentor others.  Our next event is scheduled for Dec 12, 2010 @ 11am -2pm.  We currently have a waiting list for models; however, we still have a few open spots for photographers.  So, you might be wondering how to I get involved or join.  Wonder no more, you can find the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group by visiting http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography.  The meetup group is free to join (click Join Us).   

Summary of the Naughty Santa Theme: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography/calendar/15517542/

-      D. Reid

Models: What's on your social media site (Part 2)?

In part 1 I left you with hanging a bit (intentional).  Before I continue I just need to let you that I did take some time and reviewed a few models pages ( some random and a few that I know).  Well, obviously models are not reading this blog or maybe they are reading the blog and saying oh well.  Needless to say I still see those crappie looking pictures on your pages.  Now, you are probably saying so what it's a social site.  My point exactly, it is a social site and just about anyone can stumble across your crappie pictures. 

 I digress,  if you  consider yourself to be a model or you are taking modeling seriously then you really need to take a serious look at your social media site (i.e. facebook, etc...).  Clean up your photos page and put high quality photos on your social media site or create a totally new account and use that account as your official modeling site.  Oh, yeah, don't forget to put a link on your old page to your new social media site with the high quality photos.

Ok, now, for the question you may have been wondering about or waiting for me to answer.  How do I get high quality photos?  Your camera phone takes good pictures, right...wrong.  You have a friend that takes good pictures, right...wrong.  Almost forgot you know someone that likes you and always takes pictures of you; again wrong answer.  Whew, a lot of wrong options.  Well, truth being told and I am sure you have heard it before, find you a professional photographer and pay for high quality photos.

Lastly, modeling is a tough and highly competitive industry and you need every advantage you can make for yourself.