CAMERAS and EQUIPMENT; I've said it before and I will repeat myself, the bast camera for a location Photo Shoot, for example on a beach, is without-a-doubt a Pro Digital SLR camera. Of course you can use a Film Camera, but try to use film speed 100 asa. to give you the finest grain.
Preferences on cameras; I personally like the Pro Canon EOS range of cameras and if you happen to already have a camera kit and your thinking of moving to digital, choose the same camera makers, as your existing camera lenses may be compatible with your new digital camera
Another great camera is the Nikon camera range, they have been around a long time and both cameras mentioned here, are arguably the best around and you will notice that most Pros use them.
These two camera makers have built up a reputation and a colt following among professional and non pro photographers alike and the advance and sophisticating in their manufacturer has placed just about all other cameras a close second.
But to be honest, most of today's modern cameras are built to a high specification, with a lens quality unheard of two or three decades ago and are more than adequate to handle a beach photo shoot. Lets not forget the good old FILM camera and if you happen to own one that is no more than 5 years old and you know it produces good results, don't be in a hurry to trade in.
A little known fact; If you still use a SLR Film camera and you have a good Digital Photo lab to process your films and have your negatives scanned to CD, keeping in mind what you'll need your Images for, you can most times achieve good enough quality results and you'll just don't need that extra definition that Digital might give you in the first place.
So don't be in such a hurry to throw away your Film Camera, as many professional photographers still use Film cameras from time to time and that includes me. Believe me, most times you wont see any difference in the quality in the final 'Pixel' Image, either in the negs to CD or direct with a digital camera.
CHECK LIST: Things to write down on you check list before you leave for your location Teen Model Beach Shoot.
But first here is a Question; How do you tell if a photographer is professional?
Answer; Because he uses a tripod... Have you got your tripod with you?
Always carry your tripod with you, especially if you live in a less sunny climate, like the UK, North America or parts of Europe.
When I'm shooting on Location, say on my favourite Beach for example, I like to explore different angles which is more easily achieved without the use of a tripod. But only when I'm using a shutter speed of 125/sec or higher and NEVER in a low light situation.
You should use a tripod under the following conditions, a) Your shutter speed is down to 60/sec or less. This is a low light situation and you must use a tripod. b) You've got the shakes through too much 'vino' the night before. c) A static pose, where the model and camera position is not changed much.
You will often see a tripod being used on a Pro Photo Shoot with an experienced full time model and where the photographer is trying to get the right expression or reaction from the model.
About the second Image: "If a picture paints a thousand words, why cant I paint you" - you can in Adobe PhotoShop
In any case ALWAYS HAVE YOUR TRIPOD with you and if your car is in a parking lot near by, keep it in the trunk ready for use.
Have SPARE MEMORY CARDS for your digital camera or a storage device or laptop. And plenty of FILM for your film camera.
Have SPARE BATTERIES for you Hammer Head Flash gun. (I use rechargeable batteries), after making sure that they are fully charged, including a spare set as back up.
If you propose working on a hot summers day, carry a cold box with you with soft drinks and water and if the box is cold enough an ice cream or two has never been known not to revive a young teen model on a beach location shoot.
On a cold day in the winter, flasks of hot chocolate and coffee will work wonders with your model and all that are present.
REFLCTOR, you can obtain a folding reflector from your camera store.
Another tip, always visit your location a day or two before at the same time you propose to shoot your photographs, checking out the exact spot you want to begin your photo-shoot and by checking out your location at the same time of day as your proposed Photo Shoot, you are able to observe the lighting conditions.
This simply means that you have got a firm idea in you mind of EXACTLY where you want to go, but more importantly the lighting conditions you will encounter at that time of day.
This not only prepares you for the photo-shoot ahead, but by having an exact spot to go to and getting your first shot out of the way, it will encourage you to think creatively and you will be free to come up with other ideas as you proceed.
I always work this way and if you have a client with you, he will surely be impressed by your professionalism. When you know that you have the shot he wants, you can get creative and often give him a better selection of Images to choose from. This is an important comment to keep in mind as it will insure success of your photo shoot.
Remember what I said before about the best time of day to shoot on location, 2 - 3 hours after sunrise or 2 - 3 hours before sunset. If you are photographing a Young Teen Model, it's pretty certain that she will be at school in the morning and you will be shooting in the afternoon and evening. Also don't forget to use a flash-fill with a ratio of 2-1, or use a dedicated speed flash, compatible to the cameras manufacture, as described on the previous page.
