Your First Model Photo Shoot | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Your first-ever photo session with a model can be a nerve-wracking experience. But if you think setting up lights or getting the perfect pose is the hard part, think again! Photographer Gavin Hoey has some super useful advice for getting the most out of your first portrait session. His tips work every bit as well for photographers new to working with models as they do for experienced portrait photographers working with a model for the first time.
As Gavin explains, a good photo session needs forward planning. So he takes you back in time and explains how he found a new local model and shares some of his top tips that will help get your shoot off to a smooth start.
Moving on to the shoot itself, Gavin’s suggestion is to keep your first shoot nice and simple. Throughout the shoot, he uses a single Flashpoint Xplor300 Pro flash and a 16x48” strip box. And when the inevitable happens and you get stuck for ideas (usually halfway through the shoot) Gavin has some top tips to get you back on track.
From hidden notes to trying random ideas, this video will help get your first model shoot of to a flying start.
0:00 Intro
1:35 How to find a model
3:22 Preparing the studio
4:00 Remember the essentials
5:35 Start with simple lighting
7:03 Why good communication matters
8:26 What to do when you get stuck
10:18 Help your model read your mind
11:20 Ask your model for advice
12:18 Trying something random
13:45 Summery and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html
Glow EZ Lock 16x48” StripBox
www.adorama.com/glsbez1648.html
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
www.adorama.com/iomem1m3.html
Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro
www.adorama.com/iom1240b.html
Tether Tools Pro 16' USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html
Tether Tools AeroTab
www.adorama.com/ttatl4.html
#firstphotoshoot #beginnerphotography #adorama
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Follow Gavin on Instagram
/ thegavinhoey
Model: Cherry
/ cherrythebakewellfairy
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@brad_in_yyc]

That hack about the ideas on the back of your flip screen is brilliant!!

[@GavinHoey]

The simplest ideas are often the most useful Brad 👍

[@VolodymyrBohomolov]

Hell, this guy is undervalued

[@photoquent]

Is it just me or are Gavin’s videos just getting better and better?

[@tupaz007]

Gavin Hoey is the best teacher for me...

[@Jonathan-wm5ju]

That last piece of advice is golden. I made the mistake once of starting out the shoot with the pose and props that I wanted to get out of it, and then we moved into more improvised stuff. The improv shots were a lot better because by then we were really comfortable with each other, laughing, etc. and the main shots i wanted to get, looked a lot more rigid and dull.

[@zacharyf.9936]

Another great video! Thank you for the useful tips Gavin, always so entertaining and educational and fun to watch every one of your videos!

[@BTcycle]

Sam again delivering that extra touch with the photos. All super useful tips, Gavin. Thank you!

[@dalkapur]

Really enjoyable, Gavin. The evolution of the shoot was great to watch.

[@kenzito101]

Oh man... Gavin always finds a way to inspire me with the most simple shoots that yield some fantastic results. Thank you so much Adorama, Gavin and Cherry for another amazing demonstration of what is possible with a minimalist setup.

[@jorgeromo9550]

Love your videos, i find myself watching them over and over

[@AlPhotolv]

Amazing! thanks so much Gavin for sharing these tips and knowledge!

[@88randomperson]

I'm always blown away by the creativity and skill that goes into these video's. Cracking work Gavin as always! It looks like you and the model really enjoyed the shoot!

[@TheGazzadj]

Really helpful video Gavin and a lovely model too! Well done to all - Gavin, Cherry and of course Sam!!

[@ifilmdoctor]

Gavin, another brilliant video. You can always gage the expertise by the ease of execution.

[@dunnymonster]

Fabulous tutorial for photographers and models alike. Great work as always Gavin 👍

[@shawnvine4918]

Very nice. Helpful step by step for those who have not ventured into working with a model. Thanks. Always enjoyable.

[@sutashiku]

Thank you for your videos, Gavin. You're wonderful!

[@garymullen4056]

Cracking video, very well presented. Cherry was excellent, really brought something special to your shoot. As ever your photos were outstanding. Thank You.

[@Muhammadfathi1]

No wonder that most if not all photography fans love you for your simplicity and outstanding work. God bless you.

[@Bob-Horse]

Excellent as always, thank you Gavin, Cherry and Sam.

[@andrewchisholm3665]

Thanks for this refresher for me as I haven't done a studio shoot since last October and that was all setup by the studio to save us touching the lights etc due to covid etc. I have however done over 60 shoots between 2017 and 2019, good way to spend my disability benfits and hone my craft. I have been so frotunate to work with a lot of awesome models and each one has taught me so much about photography

[@toptophe]

It's always a pleasure to learn with you Gavin

[@AdrianGozali]

Gavin is always so entertaining to watch!

[@loihpatli]

So much positive anergy from your videos! I won't stop thanking you, Gavin! Many many thanks!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Mati 👍

[@carlgray6764]

a good build up of how a 'good' picture/model session ... suddenly with the model/photographer working together produces results worlds apart. the new studio is giving really nice results !

[@RalphHason]

Gavin, you’re a legend! Thanks for all these great videos and education.

[@icecoldcash1983]

Always fun to watch gavin 😍

[@tonywelch534]

Really Loving & appreciate your content so much and totally agree with all the positive comments

[@pianoman6639]

Brilliant thanks as always Gavin after all these years and still learning things from you

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Always a pleasure to watch you (and Sam) work, Gavin. As you said, the results improve as the shoot went on. Very nice, Cherry!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@brucebanner3600]

Brillant ! You're just brillant ! Thank you Gavin !

[@njrivetelite]

I loved the leaf blower shots best.. so nicely done.. I rarely use my strip boxes but Been wanting to bust them out again

[@dustypowers9174]

Good stuff! Very nice! Great energy! Thank you!

[@pianoman6639]

As always learning from you after all these years , brilliant many thanks Gavin

[@ernie28ernie]

Hi Gavin! It's always fun to watch Your videos full of infos and advices! Now and then there is a lucky shot at the beginning of a model shoot ;) Cheers, Martin

[@TheSunnySuttons]

Another great video Gavin, well done and thank you! 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@cameracameras]

Just fantastic Gavin. I have learnt so much from your videos.

[@kobiorama]

Gavin, amazing video. The last bit is so right - I usually scrap most of the first photos because towards the end they are much better.

[@linedancer111]

Thank you for some really great advice, I’m off to my first model shoot tomorrow, thank you again.

[@christophkrull5660]

So creative! I love you man.

[@SeanBogue]

Dude. You always kill it! Thanks. 😎👍

[@MazzoccoPhotography]

Brilliant. Again! TYVM. I’ve done just enough shoots to recognize the process. But MOSTLY to recognize the “no film for first 15 minutes” comment. It’s true, shoots get better as you both (model and photographer) warm up. I used to feel bad about how bland the first images are compared to the later ones. Knowing that experienced shooters go through the same down-then-up results is reassuring.

[@baardegil]

This video really stand out when it comes to keep it simple and get great results. Gavin, really inspiring!

[@jamesg1974a]

When I got back into photography I was told, and many videos suggest, to start with low key lighting and simple poses.

[@RonEMarks]

I am by far not a professional but when I have a session with someone, I shoot a bunch of digital first to get through the relaxing and sorting everything out stage. I only bring in film after the digital shots start getting interesting. Thanks again for an enthusiastic, helpful video!

[@jbliborio]

You gave a lot of good ideas and advice. Thank you!

[@marcclerfe3913]

As Always. You nailed it.

[@paulstreeter1655]

As expected fantastic information and gained a hugh amount of info here.. Cheers Gavin

[@BoothKatesPhotography]

Gavin and Sam with a Cherry on top.....perfect combination of talent, creativity, and educational value. Thank you all for the inspiration!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Booth 👍

[@paulhills1967]

Superb advice. Fantastic model too.

[@stuarttatlock8217]

Awesome video, with excellent advice. You make it look so easy. 👍

[@daveleblanc1729]

Fantastic as always and Cherry was brilliant!

[@Davion474]

brilliant, just pure class and lots of tips i picked up on.

[@stevenmccarron-talesfromli4831]

Fantastic as always Gavin...Inspirational!!!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Steven 👍

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Amazing! Loved the ideas

[@colinmorris2604]

Very enjoyable as always, loved the idea of the leaf blower must clean it out first as mine sucks up leaves am just thinking about mouldy leaves through the house lol.

[@alanroderick7153]

Excellent advice and tips for both new photogs and for those of us who might think we know it all. If only I had known this back in Sept 2007 when I started doing studio portraiture !

[@GavinHoey]

You and me both Alan, although I was more 1987 than 2007!

[@davemaginnis9934]

Amazing work! Thank you for all your help!

[@janbuddingfotografie455]

As usual very nice video with excellent instructions

Wonderful VLOG and photos: those last with wind in model's hair are just stunning. Portrait (outdoor or in studio) can be tought and takes some time to master. Sometimes, less-experienced models can give you pretty fine modeling, but with more experienced it's easier to learn.

[@jlopez7596]

Good video as always. You mentioned this is the begining of the portrait process. Hoping you will continue with a series on working with models. I would like to see your interaction on how to explain and get different expressions from the subject.

[@franckdenis2386]

So much good advices ! Thanks a lot. I'm gonna use most of them, even i'm a newbee.

[@Christographer_UK]

Excellent as always Gavin.

[@lonesniper8684]

Excellent! This was useful and enjoyable.

[@gentlegnt]

Priceless!!

[@AJHowarth]

Super informative. Thanks!

[@IainHC1]

Ive missed you Gavin!! Had to look for you again. Loved this shoot :-) Thanks :-)

[@GavinHoey]

I'm right here every other Thursday 👍

[@cmeluzzi]

Thank you for sharing this information. I did a shoot with a professional model the other day and your advice was really helpful.

[@aceentertainmnt9249]

Amazes me sometimes how awesome he is.

[@davel831]

Excellent as ever!!

[@milanhugh]

Love your work and approach to it!

[@hetsleb]

Excellent video and advice. Party On, Gavin!

[@GavinHoey]

Party on, Brian 😉

[@rolosaenz]

Master Jedi Gavin !!! you rock man !!

[@kennypringle4580]

Great stuff as always👍

[@Goldmangun]

Great tutorial, thank you. Beauty lighting shots were fabulous!

[@GavinHoey]

That was a good call for Cherry 🙂

[@LucasRafaelDesenhista]

Amazing tips! The one of tape behind the LCD make laugh hehehe. My favorite photographer of Adorama TV 😇

[@earlglass6328]

Gavin, you are one of my favorite content creators. Your videos are always very entertaining and educational. This video had a unique twist Whereas viewers like myself had to remain focused on what the video is about, “Your first model photo shoot” I was about to switch away because the images were not very impressive early on and then I thought it’s educational . So I decided to crack on. Your words I think :-) I’m glad I did not click away. Because the final images were absolutely extraordinary and I learned a lot. Great video. Thanks!

[@jamesg1974a]

He’s talented but as importantly or more so is he is entertaining. So many on here have talent but are impossible to watch. He makes you want to watch.

[@rudjard]

i love the ryobi props! i was hesitant to grab one of this smaller type leaf blower since it doesn't do much blowing leaves but here great on hair. compact and more easy to maneuver than hair blower as it has cords. thanks for this tip Gavin!

[@RaulSuecia]

Great video! Great tips! And funny story about the “no film” tip for the first 15 min of a session 😊📷

[@wjgraham63]

I will be doing this for the first time in my next photography class in February. I hope the models our instructor will have, will be like cherry. Having some experience with the poses. Thank you for video. I will remember "not to do" the "don't do that". It would be like me to do that, I know me. I loved your tips and how to do the photoshoot, especially how to interact with the models. Thank you. Also you mentioned the mood board. I heard of it, but you showing how the mood board will look like. Perfect.

[@tb8025]

Hi Gavin, I hope Adorama will pay you enought for your excellent work! You and your team are the success factor!

[@iainblacklockphotography]

Great stuff as usual Gavin. Sound advice as well. I don't know about the first 15 minutes, more over it's keep the last 15 minutes if I am lucky!

[@jacek65]

every time I watch this movie again I feel like giving another thumbs up :)

[@butterfly12350]

Thank you very much - very helpful!

[@hrtlsbstrd]

Great video! Love the presenter’s attitude

[@SDA0271]

Gavin is so awesome!

[@roadrunner156]

Gavin you are a force of nature, I love your tutorials and even if I am an Italian living in the US and you have a strong British accent I understand 110% of what you say. Man, you're good. Ok, I know, I know, in the US they have an accent, but you know what I mean. By the way Cherry is also fun to watch. Love it

[@AreaCode000]

Leaf blower portraits! What a great idea!

[@GavinHoey]

Just go easy with the "in your face" blower, it can really take the models breath away! Top tip... you be the model (when no one is looking) so you can appreciate the right and wrong power.

[@ianlewer2328]

This was fantastic !!!

[@5120518]

The flowing hair, super!

[@Neopulse00]

This video will definitely be referenced a whole lot. Well done Gavin.

[@GavinHoey]

I'm glad it helped 👍

[@ccbphoto]

Thanks for the great video!

[@Alex_science]

Amazing photos!

[@Billkwando]

I HIGHLY recommend working with a friend first, if only for you to help working _your own_ nerves out. Doesn't have to be anything formal, just a casual portrait shoot. I did it that way, and actually got some shots I like, and I feel far more comfortable having done one that way than I would have shooting someone off the street.

[@ajayindunegi]

Really great stuff sir.

[@eccod]

13:56 I've found this to be true most of the time, but there have been hidden gems in my test shots on multiple occasions! When I was learning about recording music, one tip I got was to record the time when you're setting levels and getting everything ready, because every now and then it'll be the best take of the day.

[@heyokaikaggen6288]

Absolutely agree; sometimes, very occasionally, first take is gold.

[@iKeto_gal]

That last bit of advice about the first minutes as comparison to later on in the shoot really is good and also applies sometimes to other genres of photography. Thank you Gavin for such a wonderful tutorial

[@photonsonpixels]

Specially good Gavin. Thank you!

[@paulmullin3202]

Brilliant Gavin .

[@tomaspland889]

Fantastic real world advice Thankyou

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Tom 👍

[@richardsears6005]

very cool and informative, thank you sir