ying.chen is fearless

i remember this set very well – the “loads of 1st time” photoshoot.

it was for a boutique and our model for the shoot did not turn up (i never encountered a situation like this before, my 1st). it was also my 1st time working with ying chen, our make up artist and sun, our hairstylist.

if you shoot women for a certain amount of time, your experience will more or less guide you to decide on the spot (with or without makeup) whether a woman you see would suit a specific look ( i based it on the face shape, body type and height). thats another reason i believe pre visualisation of what you plan to shoot is important. pre planning for a photoshoot to me is like putting pieces of a puzzle together. the more you know what is in hand, the more control you will have to make informed on the spot decisions.

so i suggested vodka, whom is my studio partner, let’s ask ying chen to be our model for this set. the only reason i anticipated if ying chen would say no – it most probably be the “stage fright”. i guessed it would be her 1st time to be shot. good news was, i told vodka i doubt she knows who i am (im a nobody), and is not familiar with my work. which is great, because there will be no expectations. all i need to do is to convince her that to produce images that we want, all she needs to do is to work together with me. 1st timer and not a model? no problem, all she needs to do is to follow as best as she could when i direct her. dont know how to pose? its ok, i will guide you because that part of my responsibilities.

when we asked ying chen to be our stand in model – in less than 30secs, without hesitation, she said yes. ha ha, thats how i remember ying chen from that day we met – she is fearless.

since i am on this topic, i might as well take this opportunity to bring the message across to any potential ladies who wants or thinking to have a portrait session with me in the near future – i shoot all types of women of shapes and sizes (not just models) and whatever challenges / worries you foresee in your set, chances are  i have encountered and overcome it before. besides, the premium of what you are paying me is for my experience. looking forward to hear from you.