This weekend I was in London, for meetings with clients and I took the opportunity to capture some guerrilla photography of my favorite model and other half Sasha, CANDID and FUN I love these shots!
Over the next few weeks I will be in and out of London on shoots and making a trip to Paris. I’m hoping to fit in a few tests in both cities so please email me if you are interested in collaborating. I have some very interesting ideas!
Kate Waldron Shoot Nita Malata Makeup Artist, Mark Power Hair Stylist
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Rory Lewis Fashion Photographer
Since purchasing the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S, I haven’t found the need to take it off my Nikon D700 with its super fast-aperture, high performance wide-angle zoom it’s a good all round lens.
I hate being constrained by equipment; owning other Nikon lenses in this range I felt they did not focus as fast or as sharp. I read almost all reviews of the lens I could find, spoke to a few photographers; no one had anything bad to say about this lens other than it was heavy piece of kit.
Indeed it’s a heavy lens, but you get used to it, the weight no longer becomes an issue once you feel the sheer joy of using this lens. It focuses fast “real fast” the photography this lens can produce is amazing. I own the Nikon 18-70 lens and this lens does not even compare to the sharpness and ease of use the 24-70mm provides.
With a price tag of £1299,00 it’s an expensive lens, but I do not regret the purchase. BUY THIS LENS. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Here is Part Two of my recent Male Fashion test; all shot with the 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S. You can see for yourself how versatile this lens is, with great depth of field, focus and ultra sharpness.
Part Two of the shoot was inspired by my love of Expressionism and its Theatricality. Using heavy makeup and lighting to create harsh scenes. Let me know what you think and if you are using the Nikon 24-70mm I would love to see what your doing with it. You can also check out Part One of my Male Fashion Test Here.
Throughout the Spring I have been shooting a series of portfolio updates to bring more diversity to my book. This week I turned my attention to Male Fashion, working with Fashion Stylist Rikki Finley, Oxygen Models Daniel and Jay and makeup artist Nita Malata. we created two looks a Modern Fresh look and a Theatrical Expressionist look.
We shot on location at Hallam Mill Photography Studios in Stockport which created a great backdrop for the industrial scenes we wanted to create. I’ve been taught that Fashion photography is all about the clothes and a photographer needs to pull all the elements of the scene and model together in order to reflect it. I hope this is the case with the below and feedback would be appreciated, part two of the shoot will be posted in a few days.
Taught by internationally published, Fashion & Beauty Photographer, Rory Paul Lewis, this intense three evening workshop explores the essentials of fashion & beauty photography in the studio through a series of seminars, presentations, discussion, hands on training, and shooting.
There is an agenda covering 3 weeks each evening, the workshop will take a form of its own to accommodate the needs of all its delegates.
Topics will include: creating a concept, casting for models to create the look you’re trying to achieve, selecting the team for your concept, communicating with your team, creating a story, post production, and submitting your work to magazines.
Through practical photoshoots with agency models, attendees will explore the basic ideas, concepts, and components of fashion photography. The basics of one-light, high-key, and experimental lighting setups will be demonstrated and explored and attendees will walk away with at least three separate fashion shoots to use in their portfolios.
Each week, the group will discuss what they learned during the photo-shot sessions and have critiques of their work. The course will leave you with invaluable knowledge of the workings of a fashion shoot. Most importantly you will have the opportunity to build up a portfolio under the guidance of Rory Lewis Photographer.
**All Course attendees will be presented with a certificate of training**
Here is Part Two of Charles McDonald, Fashion Guru’s, helpful guide to your first Model Portfolio.
So, now you have read the first part of my guide, you will be well aware of the type of model you wish to represent, within the Industry.
The next step is to compile a portfolio ‘Or book’ of images from your first ‘Test Shot’. This will enable you and the photographer to work on your specific area, and to provide images to send to a potential agency for representation.These are my top tips for your first session;
Be comfortable: Good pictures will require a certain comfort level from you, the subject. If you are scared of losing your balance in high heels or sweating under that polyester shirt then good pictures are going to be harder to come by. Stick to clothes you like, that build your confidence and are functional and comfortable.
Clothes are a statement: Outfit changes are the norm in a portrait shoot so mix it up with some clothing options that will make for more fun, sassy portraits. Bring along other outift options that are more formal to ensure a more broad choice of pictures showcasing the various parts of your personalities.
Keep it simple: Dark, plain fabrics usually work best. Avoid crazy patterns, designs and logos too. Clothing with distinct lines, dots and bright patterns can be distracting in a photo. Same goes for shiny fabrics. Keep your jewelry choices simple and minimal.
Avoid short sleeves and shorts: Long sleeves and pants are the superior choice. Skin tones can vary a bunch on various legs and arms not to mention the lighter complexion will distract the eye when viewing the pictures.
Rory Lewis Photographer Sam Pacey Model
Not too many choices and changes: You should feel welcome to have a few clothing changes but don’t overwhelm yourself and your photographer with choices. It takes a little time for your photographer to get the creative ball rolling. Stopping for an outfit change halts and can disrupt that process.
Ask before wearing whites: Yes, dark solid print clothes are generally better, but rules are made to be broken. Talk with your photographer before the shoot if you are considering a white shirt. It can look awesome in certain kinds of backgrounds and contexts so let your photographer know and they will be better prepared to make excellent photos.
Suitability to locations, or not: If you are hiking about on nature trails to get to your locations, you will want to consider clothing that is practical and appropriate for that surrounding. Or, for a little extra contrast, maybe really dress it up with a suit and tie and wonderful dress to strike a visual contrast with the rustic surroundings. Again, talk with your photographer beforehand about such ideas and get their input. A little planning always helps.
Classic, timeless styles: Great pictures last a long, long time so be sure your clothing choices will age gracefully. What is the fashionable trend today can easily be tomorrow’s parachute pants. So stow away the Ed Hardy shirts.
What to avoid
Avoid bright yellows, reds and oranges (they battle the subjects face for attention) and the camera will readily pick up the reflected light and render skin tone with a colour cast.
Avoid clothing containing logos, slogans, or other distractions.
Bold stripes, large designs and polka dots stand out and tend to draw attention from the portrait’s subject.
Avoid short sleeved tops or shorts. When arms and legs are exposed and there’s lots of skin visible, it can be a distraction from the main focal point of the photo – the face.
What to wear
I like white long sleeved tops and blue jeans. This combination works very well with the white background.
Black tops can also work well with a white background but this is a high contrast and leads to photographs with a very different style.
Also consider wearing a top that has an interesting collar and/or sleeves.
A top that has interesting textures (e.g. a sweater) can also add depth and richness to an image. If you will have more than one change of clothing for your session then consider bringing a variety of necklines, textures, colors, and undergarments to achieve a wide variety of looks.
Stick to solids and subtle patterns.
Accessories
Simple and elegant is the advice when selecting jewellery for a portrait. The same applies for any other accessories that you wish to have included in your portrait.
Wear something that makes you feel like you look awesome! If you feel uncomfortable with how you’re dressed, you will not exude the confidence you want in front of the camera.