Headshots, Model Releases, and a 90-Minute Shoot

I like to shoot headshots. Being in Virginia, it isn't exactly an actor hotspot. It certainly isn't NYC or LA. But there are actors and actresses in this area performing locally and/or looking to break into the field on a larger scale. I get contacted to do headshots on a fairly regular basis.

However, I have found that many are reluctant to sign a model release. Photographers in the business of photographing people rely on model releases a great deal. A model release allows the photographer to use images made during a session in future advertising, marketing materials, portfolios, etc. Without the release, a photographer cannot legally use an image. State laws vary, but in Virginia a written release is required. A verbal "ok" release does not fly in Virginia. I have adopted a rule, if you don't sign a release, I won't shoot the session. I know some photographers just charge an additioinal amount (usually alot more) if someone opts out of signing a release. I choose not to go that route. My desire to grow my business outweighs everything else. The only way I can really do that is to have more images to show. I hope that covers the model release issue.

I challenged myself to do a 90-minute session to see what I could walk away with in terms of different looks, etc. The model I used has very little experience in front of the camera. I say this because I believe we really maximized our time and got several different looks; all with a model that is not that familiar with being in front of a camera. He aspires to do print work, so if you are an agent or other rep looking for new faces, please contact me and I will put you in touch with the model.

And, More Autumn Abstracts

I guess it would be hard to really associate this image with fall since it doesn't have the tell-tale colors of fall. But, it was captured this fall and to me it does represent the season. This is a birch tree trunk in my yard. It sheds its "skin" quite a bit during the fall. This image was made using a slow shutter speed with a nice, even upward movement of the camera during the exposure. This technique is sometimes referred to as a "swipe" although I see that term used mostly when the camera has been moved from side to side rather than in a vertical motion (as in the case here).

More Autumn Abstracts

I spent some time at Pohick Bay, VA looking for some fall reflection images. Fall colors in general were better this year than in the recent past. I follow some other photographers' blogs/websites and found that they were all reporting this to be true from New Hampshire down through North Carolina.

I didn't really find the reflections I was looking for but there was some activity on the water that I tried to work with. Several kayakers made their way by from time to time. While they don't move as fast as a powerboat (obviously) I thought I would try some panning (slow shutter speed moving from side to side). This is similar to the "swipe" technique that I mentioned in a previous post but it involves a moving subject. I would consider these of limited success as far as pans go. But, I liked the abstract feel and the obvious fall color influence from the trees on the far shoreline.

The "twirl" image below was made from a set of trees I found elsewhere in the park.

Autumn Abstract

I spent some time this fall focusing on abstracts using the great fall colors this year. This one is a 10-image multiple exposure with a twirl. I did not have to travel far for this one. This location is about 10 minutes from my home. The hues in this image are different than what I usually get (reds and oranges). I cropped it to a square format. It looks great framed and mounted.