Photographers should limit their setup times to a few minutes at most, since other photographers will be waiting to photograph the model. All photographers should assist the lead photographer in setting up. Complicated props, & clothing, which require excessive setup or dressing times must be avoided.

LIGHTING:
Previously, we shot inside mostly with tungsten balanced hot lights; currently we are mostly using six daylight balanced Kobold Lights. You may use your on camera flash if you like. Basic exposure will be something like 1/50 sec at f2 at ISO 100. No more than something like 1/100sec at f5.6 @ ISO 100. (These values are approximations from prior shoots at various location. They are NOT guarantees.) Tripods are recommended. (Infrequently, we shoot with studio flash, see below.) When using on-camera flash, you should yell out "FLASH" before firing your flash. This will allow other photographers to not have their shutters open while your flash fires.

PROTOCOL FOR WORKING WITH STUDIO FLASH:

1) Each photographer, in turn, directs the model, and lighting for two 20 minutes periods (based on a two hour session and three photographers). The shooting order will be determined by drawing lots.

2) The other photographers should assist with setting the lights, so the primary photographer can concentrate on his shots, not on moving the lights. This also includes taking light readings.

3) If you are not the primary shooter, you may photograph the model, provided that you do NOT: a) trigger the flashes, b) give instructions to the model, or c) block the primary photographer.

Photographers should limit their setup times to a few minutes at most, since other photographers will be waiting to photograph the model. Complicated props, & clothing, which require excessive setup or dressing times must be avoided.

We are trying to ensure that every photographer has an equal opportunity to explore their ideas fully. The above procedure may seem overly strict, but it has been found to be the best and fairest method of keeping the chaos to a minimum, and keeping the models comfortable. Bring a tripod if camera shake is a concern.

With studio flash exposure is probably something around f5.6 at ISO 100, or a couple of stops either way

MODELING STYLE & MODELING LIMITS
Each model determines their own modeling style and posing limits in advance of the workshop. Unless otherwise stated, models will model and pose in the style, and to the limits, of the images in their linked or referenced web sites, and modeling pages.

COLD WEATHER OUTDOOR FIGURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Models, like most warm blooded animals, are adversely affected by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. To prevent model discomfort & preserve our models for future use, the following, long established, technique will be used for cold weather outdoor figure photography.

1) The model, while bundled up in appropriate protective garments, will assume a pose in a location designated by the lead photographer or workshop coordinator.

2) The photographers will set up their cameras in appropriate locations of their choosing (usually on tripods). Photographers may set up more than one camera. When the individual photographers are ready they will each yell out, "READY!"

3) The coordinator will poll the photographers to ascertain that they are all prepared to shoot.

4) The coordinator will check with the model, if the model is ready, the coordinator will yell out "GO!"

5) The model will remove her or his protective garments. If the ground is wet, the coordinator will hold the model's protective garments.

6) The model will re-assume & hold the previous pose for at least 5 seconds.

7) If climatologic conditions permit the model will assume additional poses in the same location until:


a) the model feels adversely affected by the weather conditions; or

b) the coordinator or lead photographer chooses a new location; whichever comes first.

Continuation beyond the 5 second window of opportunity is at the model's sole discression. However, the model should give the photographers an estimate of how long she or he will be able to pose for. Near the end of the posing cycle the model will yell out "5 SECONDS", indicating that she or he will end the pose in 5 seconds.

If climatologic conditions do not permit, the model will immediately proceed to step 8.

8) The model will darn appropriate protective garments and start a model warming cycle. In extreme cases it may be necessary to perform the model warming cycle in a building, vehicle, cave, or other enclosed area. Photographers may photograph the model during the model warming cycle. The model warming cycle counts as workshop time.

9) Repeat

TELEPHONE CALLS. In all cases, the use of phones during a session will be considered a breach of etiquette. If a model feels the need to telephone or message, the timer will be stopped, until the model is back to modeling. Telephone time is NOT part of workshop time. Photographers wishing to use their cell phones must leave the room or distance themselves from the group. The shoot will continue in the absence of the "cell phone photographer." There will be NO allowance for missed time.

The following should be obvious, but just in case:
Photographers, if you are late to a session, & miss the start, or leave early, you will NOT receive a refund. (Same as theatre or ball game tickets.) If the model is late, the session will start when the model is ready. Models that are late will receive a "black mark." If the model fails to show up you will get your money back. That model will go to the bottom of a very long list. If the model shows up & does not feel like modeling, the model will NOT be paid & photographers will get their money back. Model absence will be excused in the event of the model's own death, provided model presents an official death certificate.

NOT A PARTY:
We are here to make pictures. This is NOT a party. There will be absolutly NO alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs, on the location. All participants must be at least eighteen years old. Official photographic proof of age will be required (usually a driver's license, military I.D., or passport). Guests are NOT welcome, if you MUST bring a friend they should register and pay. Models may bring a chaperone. Models must have official photographic proof of age, usually a driver's license, military I.D., or passport. Background music may be played only at the option of the model. Photographers are requested to NOT, sing, dance, shout, or act in a boisterous manner. Summersaults and backflips are strictly forbidden, for photographers. Models may sing, dance, flip & sault as required.

RELIABILITY OF MODELS:
I usually try to work with experienced models with good reputations. However, on occasion I work with new models. When that is known to be the case, I point out that the model is new to the field, and has limited or no past experience to judge from. In my experience, young, new, models are less reliable that older or more experienced models. When I've had past favorable experience working with a model that will also be pointed out. When I've had past unfavorable experience working with a model I will NOT book her for a workshop, in the extremely unlikely event that I do, I will carefully spell out past problems. I will frequently link to, or reference, information on the models' web sites. I have no more knowledge of the accuracy of that information than you do. Probably the best indicator of a model's reliability & performance is our experience with her at a previous workshop. When that information is available it will be made known.

PHYSICAL INTERACTION WITH THE MODELS:
This should be obvious, but just in case. The models are here to be photographed, not: groped, grabbed, fondled, fingered, touched or teased. My policy is that during the photography sessions photographers will remain more than arms length from the model. (If you can extend your arm and touch the model you are too close.) This is the default policy; individual models may have their own policies which are more or less restrictive. The model's policy will prevail.

MODEL RELEASES:
Model releases are available at the photographers' option. The price of model releases is set in advance (usually between $10.00 and $20.00) & the release is purchased directly from the model. See a copy of our standard release here. Rare exceptions may occur. Models appreciate being paid in cash.

THURSDAY WALK IN SHOOTS:
The mid-week sessions are much less structured, loosely organized, and much more casual. However most of the above apply to at least some extent.

DISCLAIMER: Everything contained herein is: approximate, variable, uncertain, or theorized; frequently the result of wishful thinking, grandiose planning, unreasonable assumptions, wild guesses, or reliance on government information, and subject to: revision, interpretation, change, lackadaisical implementation, and outright disregard. Business relationship: as workshop coordinator, I function as an employee or contractor of the model. My job is to: facilitate the model's finding & renting studio space, collect and process payment, pay the studio, advertise the event on the model's behalf, and provide business guidance based on my past experience as a workshop coordinator. I will generally support the model's position in disputes with photographers, in all but the most obvious cases of model error. REFUND POLICY: If you change your mind and request a refund at least ten days before the event, you will get your money back. After that there will be no refunds. However, you may be able to sell your "ticket" to someone that signed up too late or missed the deadline. In doing so please remember that all participants must be at least 18 years old.