SHOOTING MALE MODELS: Tristan Cole

Okay!!

Male models, they're a whole other world of photography in my opinion. And to be honest, a huge challenge for me because your voice in directing changes completely. For me, working with female models is much easier for the most part because posing can go a long way! And lately male models are just about able to do the same.

It really depends on what kind of vibe you're trying to portray during the shoot, what's the mood and theme? These particular images we're taken to really experiment with Tristan whose from Elmer Olsen Model Management, and I happen to also know him personally for the last two years! So we both wanted to 1. Hangout and 2. Build his portfolio as well as my own male model book.

We walked around Toronto to find some places that may work with lighting, his outfit and look. Location is super important. You really just can't shoot anywhere and everyone with someone, it takes a specific area that really ties the whole look together. And trust me, you'll know when that location is perfect! The one we found here was close to the water front and was just a little alley way (which happened to be pretty clean actually now that I think about it). Also, NO GRAFFITI!

I like graffiti! The thing is, it's not for every shoot. I understand that it can play an amazing role in photographs but again, that's only if thats going with the theme and vibe of the shoot. For this particular one I wasn't looking for graffiti to take place in the images. Instead these clean industrial walls were perfect with all the shapes and shades of cool tones that you can see here.

It's really important that you make your model feel as comfortable as possible- I mean obviously this goes both ways for males and females but for me personally working with females is easier as I know how to pose them, the only way to really get the best shots is if the person in front of the camera gets to know you and your style of shooting well enough and reciprocates good skills.

Another thing I always make sure of it really figuring out poses, what angles look best etc. So I pretty much try and pose models in ways that may not be flattering but that only too narrows down what not to do during the shoot, we all have a good side and a not so good side, lets be real!

Don't get me wrong- I still have a long way to go with male models, because it isn't an easy task for me. it's more of a challenge that I'm okay with! I always encourage a diverse portfolio which is my next step. That and the fact that diversity in skin is very important to me. Trying to find and work with coloured models is hard to find to be honest or hard to book.

I'm always interested in knowing what you guys do when it comes to shooting male models, do you use specific lighting styles? Do you shoot specific looking male models? Are you afraid to challenge yourself with working with the opposite sex?

All these things come into play when I shoot with male models, it's pretty much a 50/50 where effort and idea's need to be played on both sides of the camera in order to get that money shot. The next step for me is working with someone I don't know personally and seeing what can come from that, so basically working with new face male models and directing them from bottom up!

We shall see, keep an eye out for any new shoots!

Shivani