Having a good portfolio shoot done, doesn’t necessarily have to be for the means of becoming a model. Many people do not have that dreams, but do wish for great photos of themselves. I will always go out on the argument that anyone can be a great model with some good lighting and great coaching. Very few people are very natural and at ease in front of the camera, and it is the photographer’s responsibility to a degree to make your subject comfortable with the fact that a lens will be in their face. It helps if one has a natural inclination to photographers taken of you, and also a good photographer that is able to guide you in a way that will enhance your features and make the best of your body type.

The trick of any good photograph lies in the lighting of it, because light form a certain angle can either spoil or add magic to a photo. The human shape is so identifiable that even in silhouette it can be recognizes and the viewer will know what it is.

Always try and add dimension to your subject’s space in the image, by either making the background blur and having them stand out, or by creating a rim light, highlighting their outline and shape. There are quite a few ways of adding depth and dimension, and at the end of the day, it can be a huge amount of fun playing around with all that is available to you, to bring that out.

Yolandi Jacobsz

Model Photography