Outdoor pin up shoot

I'm attempting my first outdoor model shoot tomorrow. Never tried this before. Thought I would just ask if anyone could give me any last minute tips or recommendations, From their own experiences. Also what kind of lens choice would you recommend ?

I try to use a lens in the 400 to 600 range with a TC if necessary and hope the model and photographer don't see me.

Stuart, no idea what lenses you have, but if you have any of the following they would be good.

Any of the 50mm f/1.8 lenses
DA* 50mm-135mm
DA* 55mm

Hope i am not teaching you to suck eggs? Ideally you want to separate the model from the background, so any lens in the telephoto range will help with this if you shoot below f/4.

To help blur the background, try to provide space between your model and background, at a minimum at least 8ft. You could also use back lighting if you struggle finding good backgrounds.

However, you don't have to blur the background, look for colour and textures too, these can really provide impact to portraits, especially if you colour match.

you will find loads of help and tips on the internet about improving portraits.

Regards

Fletcher8

Thanks Fletcher8, (More than I can say about the other flippant comments) Not really got the * lens quality. But I do have a 50mm f1.4 70 - 200 f2.8. I've read a lot on the internet sites. Guess I was looking for reassurance... So thanks.

A reflector can be a very useful tool for throwing light into any shadow areas on the face. It can have a more pleasant effect than using flash. Also, a more natural catchlight results, rather than the obviously flash points of light that we often see.

Reflector....packed thanks John.

So in my kit I have Cameras obviously,, Tamron 80-200 2.8 Sigma 100mm 2.8. Pentax 16-45 f4 (Probably wont use this,) 50mm 1.4. 3 flashguns stands softbox, umbrella, triggers, light meter, Book of inspirational images. And crossed fingers of course. Lets hope the model turns up and it stays dry.....

Also, watch carefully for "raccoon eyes". An "on camera flash" carefully balanced to match the light or just slightly underexposing is a great tool for outside portrait.

Thanks Yves. Not sure what "Racoon" eyes are. But think I can have a pretty good guess. Thanks for the tip. Im pretty much thinking of my flash units off camera. But then again if I leave it on I can P-ttl for ease. But that's another something maybe il explore. Im no expert. So This is going to be a great learning curve for me...

Just thought id post one of my images from my shoot. Not processed yet.

Cool model Stuart. I'd crop this one to remove the splodge at the front and the background on the right, but otherwise it's a cracking shot.

I'd crop a bit off the bottom and right, and also darken the OOF rail to make it less obtrusive but still integral to showing the shallow DOF.

Thanks John. I'l give that a try..
Nice to get another perspective..

Cheers Smeggy. Only my second shoot. and the model's first. So bit like the blind leading the blind.. But great fun..

Very good shot, not typical of model shoots, which is a positive. I agree with both John's and Smeggy's comments.

Regards
David