what to expect from a typical shoot with me

I am always looking for people to photograph. If you are interested in doing a shoot, please get in touch. (blacksheepphotog@gmail.com) Here is a bunch of information about what you can expect. 

My typical shoot lasts between one and two hours. I have also done shorter and longer shoots. It just depends on the model and how the shoot goes. I mostly shoot at my apartment, where I have an very basic set-up. I've done shoots elsewhere, someone else's home or occasionally at a park or some other location, and I'm happy to do that if it's reasonably close. 

I do nudes. I also do clothed photos. If we're doing a clothed shoot, please ask if you have questions about what to wear. I like doing nudes (or implied nudes, partial nudes, anonymous nudes – if you're not sure the difference, please ask). I would describe them as “artistic nudes” or “tasteful nudes”. I have done a few explicit, erotic shoots. I'm open to most anything as long as it's not tacky. For me, tacky generally has more to do with the attitude of the model and photographer than with a particular type of pose. 

I typically do not go into a shoot with a “concept” except to try to take pictures that seem real, honest, human. I don't like the blank-eyed, vacant model photo, no matter how beautiful, or photogenic. I try to find people who have emotions and can show them (in their face, but also emotions connecting to their body and the shapes they are making). Before a shoot, we generally exchange a series of emails &/or texts, during which I try to answer any questions you may have (I love questions), and we establish what kind of shoot we're doing (clothed, nude, headshots... whatever). I always try to be open to ideas from models. If you have a concept in mind, feel free to mention it, and if it's something I think I can do, we'll try it. 

Some people bring a friend with them to a shoot. That's fine with me, as long as that other person knows what to expect and is comfortable with it. They are there for your comfort or support, or maybe they are your ride. A significant other is alright, as long as they are not jealous and do not try to control the shoot, etc. An occasional suggestion is fine, but that person is not there to be part of the process (though I am very open to couple shoots). I do not do shoots with minors (under 18). 

At the shoot, first we will chat just a little, to verify what we are or are not doing. It's important that we be on the same page. I have a basic, one-page release form that we will sign. It identifies the model and photographer; briefly describes the shoot; states whether it is a paid shoot or not; and it says that I, the photographer, am the creator and owner of the photos, that I have the right to “publish” the photos, etc., and that I grant limited permission for you to post on social &/or model portfolios. I will make a photocopy of your I.D. Mostly that's for legal reasons with nude shoots, but I tend to do it for clothed shoots as well. 

Then we take pictures. As I’ve said I’m open to whatever ideas you may have. But I also give direction about poses, make suggestions, and adjustments. These might be physical directions (turn slightly toward the left, move your arm forward, etc.) or more conceptual things (character-related or some emotional context). Often I take many photos of variations of the same pose. If we’re doing a nude shoot, or shooting more than one outfit, you can undress in another room if you wish. If there is a pose or anything that is (physically or emotionally) uncomfortable, then it is my hope that you'll say so. Feeling nervous is one thing – that tends to fade once you start doing the thing you're nervous about – but if you're truly uncomfortable then I don't want you to do that thing. I want a shoot with me to be fun, enjoyable, interesting, whatever. And I would never want you to regret having worked with me. 

Typically, I'll take anywhere from 100-300 photos total during a shoot, depending on various factors. Sometime in the following few days to two weeks (depending on my schedule) I will edit the photos. During the editing, that number of photos will be cut down to 20-80 photos. (The number greatly depends on the model and the shoot.) The editing I do is mostly color, brightness, contrast and shadows. I may do some retouching; I've occasionally retouched away blemishes, sometimes tattoos. But I don't change the shape and proportions of people's bodies. Once the photos are finished, I will send you a copy of all the finished photos. Later that day, or within the next few days, I will post some that I like the most on my blog. If there are a few that you especially like (or dislike) I try to take that into consideration when deciding what to post. Eventually, I post elsewhere (Instagram, etc.). If I end up with photos that do not adhere to whatever our agreement was (for example a photo from an anonymous nude shoot that wasn’t quite anonymous) then please point that out to me and I will either re-edit that photo (if possible) or simply not use it. Whatever we agree to before the shoot, that is what I try to shoot (or edit). That's the whole point of talking before the shoot and having it spelled out in the release form.

I know this was a lot to read, but I hope if you've gotten this far, then you are serious about doing a shoot. So, contact me and ask any questions I haven't answered here. And let's schedule a shoot.