WORKFLOW - HOW TO GET WHAT YOU NEED

So the tech shit is really just extraneous information that isn't much connected with the final result at all. The final image can only be a result of the interaction and understanding between model and photographer.

If I'm working with someone new I always find it tricky to explain to them what I'm looking for in the shoot. This is important. I choose carefully and do as much research as I can about the person - looking at their work of course, and reading anything I can about them as a person. I try and get some kind of insight into their personality. The main thing is that they connect with whatever it is you are wanting to capture. For me, this usually evolves dynamically at shoot time anyway, but still, they need to be right for the job.

As an example, next weekend I'm working with Lisia Dama so I sent her this message. I should say, that I can already tell she'll be good for the pics, but you never know someone until you meet them, doesn't matter how they look.

Hi Lisia,

I’m just messaging about our photo session. 

Essentially I’m a portrait photographer - interested in people, faces and lives.

Silent moments, subtle, mystery, thoughtful, angry, sad, concerned, happy - most of all natural. Whatever is natural for you. 

I don’t usually have any plan for my photos - I prefer to let them happen naturally and allow the model freedom to express him/her self. I don’t care about makeup or clothes, or fancy concepts. I only care about seeing a person the way they are. Naturally. 

Nudity? It is useful as a way of making a person look more natural and I think the way you model nude works perfectly - but mostly when I see nude images these days I think “so what”.  

For reference: 

mikestacey.com/recent

mikestacey.com/true-colours

mikestacey.com/about 

Others:

Roeg Cohen - roegcohen.com

So please let me know what you would like to do also.

If you need anything translated just ask and I will get Aurora to translate what I’ve said. I don’t speak Polish.

- Mike