First time working with a male model

[IeraseU]

I had decided some time ago that I wanted to add a few males to my portfolio for the sake of variety, so here is my first effort. When I shot this session what I had in mind was sort of a modernized James Dean look. Firm and honest critique is always appreciated.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Sample 4

Sample 5

 

[jpeyton]

I like them. The pose and expression in #4 seems a bit forced, but the others look good.

 

[IeraseU]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I like them. The pose and expression in #4 seems a bit forced, but the others look good.

Thank you for that critique. One of the great things about this shoot and working with a male was that I didn't need to go out and look for a make-up artist, and also I didn't retouch the skin at all which made post-processing a breeze.

With a similar shoot involving a female model, post-processing takes me three times as long just because of having to go over the skin with a fine tooth comb to correct any imperfections.

 

[virtuamike]

Even with male models, I still work with makeup artist and hair stylist and process skin. You need to maintain consistency with your production standards.

What are these shots for?

 

[IeraseU]

I did use a hair stylist since I was going for that distinctive 'James Dean style hair'.

I read an article where Sly Stallone was quoted as saying that he has been looking for the next Steve McQueen for 20 years. In other words a 'man's man' tough guy style leading man. He said those guys just do not exist anymore, and that the tough guys we have today all get facials and manicures at spas and beauty salons.

So with that in mind I decided that I was not going to 'glamour up' this shoot. No make-up, no skin touch-ups, no softening.........that was how I decided that I would approach shooting a male model.

My primary motivation for doing this shoot was to accrue some material that would appeal to prospective male clients who are in need of photos. They will be used for portfolio or self promotion purposes.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: IeraseU
I did use a hair stylist since I was going for that distinctive 'James Dean style hair'.

I read an article where Sly Stallone was quoted as saying that he has been looking for the next Steve McQueen for 20 years. In other words a 'man's man' tough guy style leading man. He said those guys just do not exist anymore, and that the tough guys we have today all get facials and manicures at spas and beauty salons.

So with that in mind I decided that I was not going to 'glamour up' this shoot. No make-up, no skin touch-ups, no softening.........that was how I decided that I would approach shooting a male model.

My primary motivation for doing this shoot was to accrue some material that would appeal to prospective male clients who are in need of photos. They will be used for portfolio or self promotion purposes.

You can either go with what Sly says or you can go with how the industry works. Given your goal of attaining clients, I suggest the latter. Besides, if you're trying to portray a tough guy, it'll involve more than just lack of makeup and retouching.

I also suggest looking and seeing what type of material modeling and advertising agencies are using.

Was your hair stylist on location with you? If yes, then they need to keep a closer eye on details when shooting. If no, then bring them with you.