Your First Model Photo Shoot | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Your first-ever photo session with a model can be a nerve-wracking experience. But if you think setting up lights or getting the perfect pose is the hard part, think again! Photographer Gavin Hoey has some super useful advice for getting the most out of your first portrait session. His tips work every bit as well for photographers new to working with models as they do for experienced portrait photographers working with a model for the first time.

As Gavin explains, a good photo session needs forward planning. So he takes you back in time and explains how he found a new local model and shares some of his top tips that will help get your shoot off to a smooth start.

Moving on to the shoot itself, Gavin’s suggestion is to keep your first shoot nice and simple. Throughout the shoot, he uses a single Flashpoint Xplor300 Pro flash and a 16x48” strip box. And when the inevitable happens and you get stuck for ideas (usually halfway through the shoot) Gavin has some top tips to get you back on track.

From hidden notes to trying random ideas, this video will help get your first model shoot of to a flying start.

0:00 Intro
1:35 How to find a model
3:22 Preparing the studio
4:00 Remember the essentials
5:35 Start with simple lighting
7:03 Why good communication matters
8:26 What to do when you get stuck
10:18 Help your model read your mind
11:20 Ask your model for advice
12:18 Trying something random
13:45 Summery and Subscribe

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✘ PRODUCTS USED:

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro

Glow EZ Lock 16x48” StripBox

Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable

Tether Tools AeroTab

#firstphotoshoot #beginnerphotography #adorama

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Model: Cherry

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[brad_in_yyc]

That hack about the ideas on the back of your flip screen is brilliant!!

[Jonathan-wmju]

That last piece of advice is golden. I made the mistake once of starting out the shoot with the pose and props that I wanted to get out of it, and then we moved into more improvised stuff. The improv shots were a lot better because by then we were really comfortable with each other, laughing, etc. and the main shots i wanted to get, looked a lot more rigid and dull.

[dalkapur]

Really enjoyable, Gavin. The evolution of the shoot was great to watch.

[kenzito]

Oh man... Gavin always finds a way to inspire me with the most simple shoots that yield some fantastic results. Thank you so much Adorama, Gavin and Cherry for another amazing demonstration of what is possible with a minimalist setup.

[randomperson]

I'm always blown away by the creativity and skill that goes into these video's. Cracking work Gavin as always! It looks like you and the model really enjoyed the shoot!

[tupaz]

Gavin Hoey is the best teacher for me...

[baardegil]

This video really stand out when it comes to keep it simple and get great results. Gavin, really inspiring!

[photoquent]

Is it just me or are Gavin’s videos just getting better and better?

[BTcycle]

Sam again delivering that extra touch with the photos. All super useful tips, Gavin. Thank you!

[Muhammadfathi]

No wonder that most if not all photography fans love you for your simplicity and outstanding work. God bless you.

[jorgeromo]

Love your videos, i find myself watching them over and over

[alanroderick]

Excellent advice and tips for both new photogs and for those of us who might think we know it all. If only I had known this back in Sept 2007 when I started doing studio portraiture !

[MikeJamesMedia]

Always a pleasure to watch you (and Sam) work, Gavin. As you said, the results improve as the shoot went on. Very nice, Cherry!

[MazzoccoPhotography]

Brilliant. Again! TYVM. I’ve done just enough shoots to recognize the process. But MOSTLY to recognize the “no film for first 15 minutes” comment. It’s true, shoots get better as you both (model and photographer) warm up. I used to feel bad about how bland the first images are compared to the later ones. Knowing that experienced shooters go through the same down-then-up results is reassuring.

[BoothKatesPhotography]

Gavin and Sam with a Cherry on combination of talent, creativity, and educational value. Thank you all for the inspiration!

[daveleblanc]

Fantastic as always and Cherry was brilliant!

[dustypowers]

Good stuff! Very nice! Great energy!
Thank you!

[loihpatli]

So much positive anergy from your videos! I won't stop thanking you, Gavin! Many many thanks!

[AreaCode]

Leaf blower portraits! What a great idea!

[shawnvine]

Very nice. Helpful step by step for those who have not ventured into working with a model. Thanks. Always enjoyable.