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A common situation that a photographer is confronted with quite often is the proper way a model should be directed, in order to follow your directions. There is a fine line between guiding the model politely and being too intrusive to get your message through. As a general rule you should never touch a model without asking permission to do so.

Working with a number of different models, I have found various effective ways in order to get the models follow my directions with ease. Below I have outlined three different ways, that I am sure you will find them beneficial.

Guide 1

I cannot stress enough the fact, that for a successful photo shoot planning should be done well in advance. Upon discussing with your model issues such as clothing and location, you should advice your model to do some homework. Tell your model to buy some fashion magazines and pick any poses that she likes. Before meeting for the actual photo shoot, inform her to bring along some of the picture cuttings, in order for you to understand what style and type of poses she is eager to do.

Guide 2

Another way that has proven to be very effective is to ask the model to bring along a female friend. This can turn out to be very helpful when you simply cannot get the right pose from your model. You can politely ask her friend to move your model around in the way you want. This way, through her friend, you would have a pair of ‘virtual’ manipulative hands. You can have a female assistant to support you instead of a friend, but needless to say, this would incur more costs for the model. Also, there is no guarantee that the model would feel comfortable with this set up.

Guide 3

When the spoken word has no effect, resolve in using your body language. This is very effective. Through your body, you can direct the model by showing her how much to tilt forward, turn, bend or move. Due to various reasons, this is not always practical. This is due to the size and flexibility of the photographer and the complexity of the pose. In such circumstances some pre set hand signs can work wonders. Agree on what signs mean what before you start the session. You will be amazed on how much work can be done without uttering a single word at times!

Ensuring your digital camera remains clean and in good condition is an integral part of successful photography. However, it is important to remember the old adage ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’. Take measures to avoid the lenses and screens becoming dirty in the first place. The best form of protection for your lens is achieved by attaching a UV filter to it at all times. This will prevent it becoming dusty or even worse, getting scratched. It is far easier and cheaper to clean or replace a damaged filter than a ruined lens. Filters are available in various price ranges and if your only wish is to protect the lens then a cheap version will do. Individual lenses stored apart from the camera body should always be kept with caps on both ends to avoid them becoming damaged or dirty.

One mistake people often make is to attempt to clean their lens with a cloth or tissue without first checking the lens for larger pieces of grit. These are then picked up by the cloth and dragged over the surface of the lens causing major damage that could have been easily avoided. Any visible grit should be removed using a soft brush or simply by blowing on the lens prior to using a cloth or tissue.

Lens Cleaning Fluids are usually alcohol based and should be used carefully. They are worth using as they will remove difficult smudges and fingerprints when they are used properly. Just add a couple of drops to your cleaning cloth and wipe the lens or screen gently in a circular motion. Always apply the fluid to the cloth, not directly to the item you are cleaning.

Disposable cleaning tissues are also available for cleaning lenses, filters etc. These are impregnated with cleaning fluids and it is important to use them only once and discard them after use. They are usually made from a very thin paper material which is much thinner than the domestic varieties available. Don’t be tempted to use any that are not specifically designed for photography equipment as they are likely to be coarse and may damage your equipment.

If you are concerned about the environment and do not like the idea of throwing away used tissues, there are re-usable micro-fibre cleaning cloths available. It is important to keep these cloths in good condition and they should be regularly washed and stored correctly.

The day we get married is often the most important point in our lives. It’s a time to celebrate a new union with our family and friends present. We’ve worked long and hard to prepare for this event, wanting it to be perfect in every possible way. It should be captured as such.

One of the most important preparations for wedding planning is to select the right photographer. The pictures and videos from this day need to reflect what the ceremony and reception were all about. You will look back on these with fond memories, with each image invoking a different emotion.

Choosing the professional responsible for taking pictures can be a process that is sometimes challenging or nerve wracking. This person is going to follow you and your soon-to-be spouse, like a shadow with a camera. You need to know they’re going to get the job done. Here are four steps to select the right wedding photographer:

1. Prepare a budget
You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, and photographers can be expensive. Figure how much you can or want to spend on wedding pictures. Weddings are costly enough, even without a photographer.

2. Talk to several
Call around to locals in your area and see how much they will charge for the day. Many charge by the hour, so ask about their hourly rates. See if they’re available that day, inquiring plenty of months ahead. The more you call, the better you can narrow down the list to the final choice.

3. Prune your possibilities to three or four and meet with them
Ask to schedule a consultation to see what can be done with your special day. During this meeting, inquire about their portfolio and ask for references so you can see what they’ve done with other weddings. See what kind of wedding packages they offer, and whether any fit within your budget.

4. Make sure to have all the details in writing
You should know what you want and what to expect from your camera person. If they give you an estimate, ask for it in writing, with it a list of everything encompassed by the cost.

The last thing any of us needs on our wedding day is an incapable or unprofessional photographer. You need to be sure that whoever is your final choice will be there on time and will do everything they promised. The day is stressful enough without having to worry about these details.