54 defining styles & approacheschoosing a model
While i wouldn’t encourage anyone ever to think of models
as objects, when choosing a model you can apply the
same criteria as you would when choosing a car: go for the
best you can to suit your purposes and your means. for
many people a partner is initially their only option—in most
cases a wonderful option. But as you begin to progress youmay wish to look farther afield. if you have the opportunity to
choose, go for a model that inspires you, that you consider
to be perfect for the shot you have in mind. and always
remember that your motivation for choosing a particular
model should be entirely photographic—never let personal
feelings influence you in any way.Juxtaposition
you might choose a model to create contrast in your images. here, Johan
is sporting a woman’s brooch. the contrast creates a puzzle, a story. is this
his own jewelry or a gift for you, the viewer? it would have been a very different
image if i had chosen a female model, or if Johan had been holding, say, a gun.Athleticism
annelies is a dancer who really knows
how to perform—in fact, she is such
a performer that if i’m not careful she
will take over a session and have me
running to every corner of the studio.
her strength and suppleness allow her
to hold poses that many models would
find impossible. i always ask models
if they dance or play sports since it can
really open up a lot of possibilities.