PORTFOLIO In-A-Day
What is the PURPOSE and GOAL of PORTFOLIO In-A-Day?
PORTFOLIO In-A-Day is for photographers who either want to refresh their existing Fashion and Head Shot portfolio, or start entirely from scratch. Anyone who has, or is trying, to build a portfolio of superior fashion images knows that it can take months or even years to obtain. Most photographers waste time trying to shoot their little sister, the twins down the street, the neighbor’s daughter, or girls from the last high school graduating class. Or, they may hook up with girls from amateur modeling sites with often disastrous results.
PORTFOLIO In-A-Day brings together all the elements you need for superior Fashion images: The perfect set, the perfect models, the perfect hair, wardrobe, and make-up stylists, and a professional technical team to make the day run smoothly. You will experience all the components of a superior fashion shoot, you will be able to duplicate it yourself later, and you will have a full understanding of all the components of a professional fashion shoot. All the work, set-up, planning, and creative team are provided for you - all you have to do is SHOOT. It is expected that you will have a full portfolio out of the images you will shoot. With recent improvements to the program, you will capture hundreds of images.
What is the typical agenda of the day?
Everyone arrives at 8:30-9:00 am, photographers, models, stylists, tech team, and your instructors. The first 1.5-2 hours are jam-packed lecture and some observation of the stylists at work. We discuss the Fashion industry today and what a good portfolio needs to satisfy industry demands, and the importance of a good creative team for your future shoots. Information is given on how to break into the industry, how to present your book, and critical do’s and don’t to help you get taken seriously. A demonstration of the set is given, and finally, a shooting demo of the first model. Then we take a ten minute break, followed by a full day of shooting. There is a 30 minute on-your-own lunch break, and a second ten-minute break in the afternoon. We will provide water and snacks at the breaks.
What level of experience do I need? Is this for newbies or established fashion photographers?
You need to have a good digital SLR camera and know how to operate it. As for experience, we always have a rather mixed bag of attendees, from pro photographers who have specialized in some other form of photography and want to explore/pursue fashion, to experienced fashion photographers who want to add to their existing portfolio, to a few ‘newbies’ looking to learn about the industry and get a jump-start on their portfolio. PORTFOLIO-In-A-Day is a first-class environmental set-up - all you have to do is SHOOT. It is *not* a photography class - it is assumed that you already know how to shoot. Rather, we bring the entire Fashion environment and set to your fingertips.
*On-hand technical assistants will be available to assist you, check your camera settings, troubleshoot any glitches, and review your images on our Mac monitors.*
What do I need to bring?
Your camera, a few flashcards (4 to 8 Gig cards are recommended, since we will urge you to shoot in “raw” mode for easier and better post-editing), and yourself. That is the beauty of this shoot - everything is done and ready for you to simply take pictures of the gorgeous models provided. We *do* ask that anyone who has a pocket wizard PLEASE BRING IT!
Where do the models and stylists come from?
The models and stylists are experienced professionals. When we go to a city outside of our own DC/Baltimore area, we engage professional agency models and stylists from the city that we will be in. Months in advance, we are viewing portfolios, scrutinizing resumes and tear sheets, and contacting references. All models and stylists are under contract, thus ensuring that they will arrive in the condition and with the preparations that are outlined in the contract. Everyone is crystal-clear on what they will be doing, and that is why these shoots go so smoothly. We run a tight ship!
Will we be shooting be paparazzi-style or in turns?
Good question! Depending on where we are conducting the workshops, we have either a single or a double set. At Calumet, we have the benefit of TWO entirely separate sets so you can move from one model to the next without lag time. Photographers shoot one or two at a time at each set, and have the opportunity to direct the model, have her directed for you by us, or just let her do her thing. (Remember, these models are professionals and can ‘work it’ for the camera with or without direction.) Whether single or double set, the space is generous and you can get as high or low or to the sides as you like. There is no chaotic shooting unless the excited photographers start going wild, in which case we quickly bring everything back to order. It is a fun, energetic, and exciting day. The models are so good that it’s often hard to hold back! :) In any case, please rest assured you will have ample opportunity to shoot each model in every outfit in dozens of poses, at angles limited only by your flexibility. We will be on hand to remind you to get full-body images, head shots, beauty shots, and to be creative in your composition and in shooting.
Are we shooting single models? Any themed shots?
Every session is different. We have had themed, lifestyle-type slots for high-end magazine look, and multiple-model shots as well. Your portfolio will be diverse, industry-specific, high-end, and sizzling hot. And no two portfolios are ever the same. The models are in constant motion, angles and composition are different, the clothing and hair change throughout the day, and you have the chance to pose and 'freeze' them when you are shooting. If you are new to directing models, we will direct them for you.
Will the clothing be casual or haute couture?
The wardrobes are a diverse variety of styles, colors, regular-wear and outerwear, casual and dressy, trendy and classic, and we include designer pieces in all shoots.
What's the cost to the participants?
The PORTFOLIO In-A-Day workshop with fashion photo shoot is $999 if we are at a Studio with two sets, and $599 if we have only one set. (Two sets running simultaneously allows us to have double the models!) The price INCLUDES some post-editing assistance. We will edit up to 10 images at no charge to portfolio-quality perfection. We used to offer 2-day shoots,
Are you affiliated with Claudio Basso, or is this similar to his Reality Training workshops?
No. Claudio is a fashion photography Master whom we respect and admire - and urge you to train with if at all possible, as we have. We provide the full environment and all the components for photographers to come in and simply shoot. Claudio on the other hand presents his unique Reality Training sessions focusing on such things as the endless (and critical!) subject of light, an in-depth study of Fashion Photography, and many other subjects. We have been to the usual workshops and seminars, most of them real wastes of time; but we always recommend Claudio's events whole-heartedly.
What do you require to lock in my space?
A completed registration form with full payment. First come, first serve - and these sessions fill up fast. We accept check, MC and VISA. Please use the CONTACT FORM, and we will then send you the registration materials.
LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS PER DAY. Book early!
TO REGISTER or IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS,
please call 301.631.5458 or 240.446.6085
Start with our convenient form on the “CONTACT US” page.