CANOPYROADSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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!

SPRING OF LOVE

My partner and I fell in love on spring
We cannot imagine together not loving or laughing
That thought, we’ll be happy forever, what a feeling
To me Falling in love is like spring

It is a magical moment
Spring time, a lavender-scent

We kiss and all just click
Everything seems perfect

Love seems full and eternally
We work together effortlessly

We dance together in harmony
Our good fortune in matrimony

SUMMER OF LOVE

Throughout the summer of our love I realize
My partner is not as perfect I should not criticize

Not only is my love different from my thought,
Or he is flawed in some way herein I draught

But he also, the man who makes mistakes
So I must work on our relationship as it takes

It is easier to give love and get the love I need
But now I do not always feel the love grass seed

It is not my image of love that I thought should be
Because I discover that we are not always happy

The frustration and disappointment arise
Weeds must be uprooted at this time with guides

My plants need extra watering under the hot sun
Then my fear of losing hope will soon be gone

’cause it’s not spring all the time, I must understand
It sure would take a hard work under a hot sun

I must realize that love is not always easy
So I don’t blame him, and I won’t gave up easily

Instead…

I need to feed his needs in the summer of love
I would ask him sweetly I too need his care and love

AUTUMN OF LOVE

The result of my gardening during summer is heaven
I get to reap the fruits of my precious hard work given

Surely fall is here…yes I see it is coming
A glorious golden age- rich and truly fulfilling

I experience a more mature love with my partner
After working hard during those times in summer

I accept now and understand both of our shortcomings
And now… it is time for thanksgiving and sharing

Me and my love can now relax, have fun and get excited
We will both enjoy the great love we have just created.

WINTER OF LOVE

Some parents may be concerned as to when their little dancer should start wearing pointe shoes. There is no specific age that restricts your child from wearing pointe ballet shoes. Around age twelve, most students are prepared to dance in pointe shoes but it’s important to evaluate the strength of the student. It is possible to start Pointe work at an earlier age with the consent of an orthopedic doctor. The development of the ankles and strength of the muscles play a key role in whether or not the student is ready for pointe shoes. It is important to develop the muscles in the back, legs, and feet in order to be ready to work on Pointe work. It is also important, especially in young dancers, to protect bones that are still growing.

Putting too much pressure on growth plates and brittle bones can cause problems later down the line. It can also cause deformities of the bones in the feet. It is important to focus on technique and strength before trying Pointe work. Technique classes are essential in developing muscles and bone strength, another reason why it’s near impossible to put a specific age on pointe shoes. If you or your student has just recently started ballet lessons, I do not recommend starting Pointe work. In order to gauge whether or not you are ready for Pointe work, one should be able to do double pirouettes on both sides and a strong penche in the middle, at the very least. The student must also have the ability to maintain proper ballet position, as well as balance properly in releve.

Another thing that is important is talking to your instructor. An instructor can give important insight on what needs improvement, how to achieve certain goals, and whether or not they believe you or your student are ready for pointe ballet shoes. They can also provide additional techniques that can be used to strengthen muscles and bones in the ankles, legs, back, and abdomen in preparation for Pointe work. Once you or your student have put in the required work and you have decided that its time to start working on Pointe work, your ballet will take on a whole new level of grace and beauty. Dancing en pointe is an important goal in every ballerina’s life and through hard work, dedication and proper education, it’s a goal that you or your little dancer can achieve in due time.