Originally posted by: virtuamike
So how would you characterize American Apparel, if we're talking about business and advertising?
Or Terry Richardson, if we're talking about photographers?
Don't start the approach with gear. Lighting is just a tool. It's not worth it to be judgmental about tools. Build up the concept first. Figure out the look you're shooting for.
Interesting points...
One of American Apparel's draws, or perhaps I should say foci, is their simplicity or
basic-ness. They produce quality,
basic clothing (t-shirts, underwear, etc.) in solid colors. An elaborate setting might detract from that element (then again, it might set it off nicely. They do what they do, and it works). I'm not suggesting that he has to do an elaborate shoot. I'm just pointing out different paths of thought he might want to travel with his friend.
The OP pointing out that he feels in over his head indicates that he has little to no experience with professional or portrait photography. 99 times out of 100, if someone with minimal photographic experience sets out to create photos like Terry's, the end result will look like a pile of snapshots, and not anything close to snapshot-inspired art.
I'm in no way trying to be a gear-queer or to foist such a state upon the OP. I completely and resoundingly agree that one must firmly define the concept for the shoot; however, I'm passing along some advice that I wish had been told me before I undertook my first (or second, or third) portrait session(s). It would be disastrous if they decided upon a high-art concept (as one might very well do with couture fashion of any kind, much less lingerie, advertisements of which could easily stray into trashy territory), and attempted to implement said concept with a simple flash. Moreover, if they wish to experiment with concept through a series of test-shots (expensive, if you're paying the model and/or renting the equipment), they might find their conceptual palette unnecessarily limited by their gear (or lack thereof).
Great photos can be taken with nothing more than a pinhole camera and a stopwatch. Skill and talent, not experience or gear, is what's required to take a great photo. However, lacking those, experience and gear can make up for quite a bit. Once again, since the OP stated he feels in over his head, I'm justifiably assuming he lacks experience and skill. He's made known the state of his gear. Now, a certain amount of talent could definitely make up for what the OP lacks in the other three areas; and moreover, I might be vastly underestimating the amount of talent the OP possesses (and if I am, then I apologize) BUT statistically speaking, I'm not. I doubt very seriously that the OP possesses the raw talent of Annie Leibowitz or Robert Maplethorpe
and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! Do the best you can with what you have! But, don't unduly limit yourself, and for heaven's sake don't deliver less than your best work to a client, paying or otherwise.
LordSegan, you really need to talk to your friend and define, even in broad strokes, a vision for what these shots should look like. Examine comparable ads. Do you want this to look like American Apparel? Victoria's Secret? Adam and Eve? A Target flyer? A couple things to keep in mind, though. When doing advertising shots (for clothing, anyways), the model exists to serve the product. The destination of every thought-path taken when looking at the picture should lead to the product. Whether it's "Wow, that models really beautiful, it must be because she's wearing *bra*" or "Riding a motorcycle shirtless looks fun! I might have that much fun if I wear *bra*" if it doesn't draw attention to the product, it's not a good advertisement. How to implement this in a photograph is your responsibility as the photographer.
Regarding having the model lying on the floor, unless she has breast implants, her breasts will fall to either side of her sternum and flatten. This is oftentimes not a flattering pose. However, if the bra is highly supportive, she is particularly small-chested, or she has implants, it could be an interesting effect.
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