Remote Photoshoot With a Photographer and Model:
I’ve been asked quite a lot about what a remote photoshoot is on my Instagram, and I thought I’d talk about it here. I am by no means an expert at it but I do a lot of them, and enjoy them quite a bit. So, let’s dive in and discuss remote shoots.
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Beginning of Remote Photoshoots:
A lot of you know that in addition to reviewing photo gear, I also shoot lifestyle and boudoir. I need a steady stream of content all the time for my work but when the corona virus pandemic hit, everything stopped. At that time, social distance rules/lockdown were in place making it pretty much impossible for models, and photographers to meet. Besides the fact that I wanted more content, being locked down essentially meant I wasn’t able to do what I love to do, and many others felt the same way. This is when remote photoshoots started to gain popularity because it was a way for photographers, and models to continue shooting with each other even with strict social distance rules.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Remote Photoshoot:
Remote shoots happen virtually. Often times, I am communicating with the model through video chat on my Macbook Pro using Zoom, for instance. I still retain complete control over the camera functions thanks to screen sharing, which allows me to use the camera’s app on the model’s computer. This means I control things like where to focus to even what shutter speed I want to use. It’s just like having the camera in your hand but you’re using the mouse to click on the settings :). I also have a say in lighting as well, since I can direct the model through our video chat. It’s worth noting that you can also use a smart phone, if the model does not have a traditional camera. There are apps that help you do remote photoshoots but I didn’t do any shoots in that way.
Just remember that since you, as the photographer, are not physically at the shoot, expect things to take more time. You have to remember that you are counting on the model to essentially be your hands. This means if you’re not happy with the lighting, for instance, you’ll have to instruct her as to how to fix it. Even framing can take a longer time. I am a stickler for framing, and if it’s not the angle I want or the height, etc., I have to explain this to the model, and have her correct it. Trust me, it can take time.
The actual shooting is also a slower process. Even with fast internet connections, there is still a slight delay, so don’t expect to be shooting in burst rates. You also have to make sure the model is position correctly, and make sure she’s not about to blink, for instance. Plus, you have to remember that while the model is moving, the frame isn’t. Most likely, the camera is mounted on a tripod, so you have to make sure the framing is correct. Of course, an experienced model will also help in this area, since they can see themselves on their computer. It’s worth noting that I have also shot with models that have photographer assistants that can hold the camera allowing me to have more flexibility, and speed as to how I want images framed.
The extra time it takes to do a remote photoshoot means everything takes a lot more planning, which is actually one of the main reasons why I have grown to really love remote shooting. If I remember correctly, I’ve used mood boards with all the models I’ve worked with before the shooting even started. This helps the model prepare more ahead of time. More attention is paid to framing, lighting, and the model’s positions, so I generally expect less photos from a remote photoshoot; however, I generally see a lot more keepers than my in-person shoots because of all the attention to detail given. Since the process is slower, each frame you take counts more, so both the model, and photographer put more into it. As you can probably guess, the key is having good communication between the photographer and the model.
Now, since you are using a real camera, you get high res photos/RAW files. Some of these remote models take this type of shooting very seriously, and bring along some great hardware. I’ve obtained images from a Sony A7R V to a Fuji X-T5 with pro level lenses to back it all up. Many have an entire lighting system with tons of modifiers available. The images taken here are of Angel Black, who is one of my favorite people to shoot with. For those who have visited my Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen many images of her. All these images were photographed with a Nikon D750. In its early stages, there was a lot of experimentation with remote shooting, which is normal with anything that is new. But as this type of shooting matured, there were some that took it as a serious business, and invested accordingly.
I should also say that it really helps to work with someone that acts in a more professional way. For the most part, I’ve had nothing but great experiences so far. Of course, someone who has done remote shoots a lot is nice to have but someone new is also okay. It’s just both the photographer and model need to know they have to put in maybe a little more work to being able to create great photos. Don’t forget, the model is doing a lot more work than what may be traditionally expected. They will literally be your hands, since you’re not on location with them. Patience is also key on both sides. To me, it feels a lot more collaborative, which is another reason why I love doing remote shoots.
Remote Shoot After The Pandemic:
For the most part, social distance rules are a thing of the past, and you may be questioning the legitimacy of remote shoots now. I can tell you that I still do them, and that won’t change anytime soon. I consider it part of my photography now. It’s something that I feel is essential, and that should be learned in my type of photography. There are many reasons why I won’t stop.
For one, I have the ability to shoot with models literally all over the world. I met some really cool people that I love working with that I would’ve never been able to meet, if I didn’t give remote photoshoots a chance.
The other reason is being able to shoot in cool locations. I’ve done shoots in studios in Moscow, parts of England to the Czech Republic. You don’t even have to be in studios. As long as the model you’re working with has the capability to get the gear to an area to shoot, and there’s internet connection, you can even do a remote shoot on a beach. I haven’t posted all my examples here but if you look through my Instagram, you will find a variety of photos taken in great locations.
I also love the slower pace of shooting. I love the planning that goes into a remote photoshoot, and how more time is needed to take a photo. It reminds me of the medium format film days, when I only had 12 shots in my roll, and had to be more picky. With remote shoots, I really do end up with a lot more keepers usually than my in-person shoots.
Trying a Remote Photoshoot:
I had a lot of photographers who are curious about remote shoots ask me a lot of questions. Some gave it a try but some were more hesitant. I highly suggest giving one a try because it really is something that is not only fun but worthwhile too. What’s an hour or two to see if you like something or not, right? There are great locations to shoot, and extremely professional models that really know their stuff. You can tell they respect the art of photography. I hope all of you enjoyed this article. You are welcomed to ask me any questions :).
I get a small commission from purchases made through the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
