Q & A #2: Comfort Zones & Conceptual Shoots

And here we go with #2 in my Q & A series ^_^ This time I'm just going to copy and paste the question:

"How about stepping out of your comfort zone or being ready to try new things. Sometimes models are presented with a concept that may seem unfamiliar but the end result is great. Could mean trying new unusual poses."

This question is really interesting and because I know the person who asked, I'm hoping I can answer it even better than I might have just as a standard question. I'm not going to say any more about the person because I generally keep people anonymous in these sorts of things unless asked to do otherwise. ^_~

I think as I've became more and more experienced in my modeling in the past, I ran into the issue that I was starting to get a little frustrated with doing the same thing over and over. I'm not even sure I realized that was why I was frustrated, but I now know it was. I still enjoyed modeling, I just needed more from it sometimes. This is where conceptual work really comes in nicely. It allows me to take a break from my art nudes and to focus more on becoming a character. For me becoming a character is a bit of a challenge because I am a horrible actress. I'm also horrible at lying. Seriously. So what I have to do is reach inside myself and pull out parts of myself that fit that character and work from there. Here an example where I am the Evil Queen from Snow White:

"The Solution," a collaboration with DVS

I really enjoyed this image because I love the Evil Queen and I love getting all dressed up. It was a lot of work and putting the outfit together with DVS was a real challenge. The fact that he shoots everything in studio and that nothing is "photoshopped" in makes it even more challenging in a fun way. 

Other times conceptual work might just mean working with a specific mood or props or in a certain location, etc, rather than bringing together a whole separate character. I used to be horrible with props. I didn't want to do the same things I'd seen over and over, unless the photographer requested it or it was the only option, and then I didn't know what else to do. It took some time to learn to step outside of my comfort zone of just posing myself and learning to pose with an object. Usually, I start by interacting in a way that seems normal (reading a book, for example), then I might try adjusting the position of the book, then I might start moving away from using the book in any practical way and focus on moving around it. I may lay it on the ground next to my feet or hold it in front of my face. I just keep going until I run out of ideas with it, no matter how odd they may seem. Plus, when I'm doing this, it gives the photographer a chance to just shoot and see what comes of it, or maybe they get an idea too. Here an example with a couple really cool pieces of wardrobe, both shot within the same session:

Photographer: Clever9Design

Photographer: Clever9Design

And there have been times when I was approached with a concept that I was unsure of. It wasn't against my limits, just something I wasn't really familiar with or something I wasn't sure about. I hope that makes sense. I don't believe in pushing any hard limits (for example, I don't shoot porn, or spreads), but I think doing something different can be really beneficial (maybe getting a little dirty, or posing with an odd prop). Or, as the question mentioned, trying some different poses. Some times I get so caught up in creating certain lines, I totally forget others. For example, I'm always arching my back, but now sometimes I try curving it up and out (like a cat). It doesn't look as sexy or whatnot, but it can look really interesting. And I'll even admit that there have been concepts that I thought I'd look a little off in and it ended up that the photographer saw a vision and I actually fit in quite well, I just didn't realize I would. Here is one example of that inspired by Frida Kahlo:

Photographer: Eric Toth

I'm not saying that every time a photographer has approached me with a concept I wasn't sure about that I accepted. That's definitely not true. But I always look at their other work and what ever information they have given me. If someone looks like they have pulled off some concepts before, then I'm much more likely to give it a go. Sometimes I just take a chance anyway, and honestly, I wish I had the time to do that more often.