Knowing your model is an important part of your photo-shoot!
Making great images that have that WOW factor can really only be achieved if you have a great rapport with your Model, and an understanding of how he, or she works best. This genre of photography is a collaborative process, and building a relationship with your Model fosters a positive working environment. Collaboration can lead to better ideas, improved creativity, and a more enjoyable experience for both the photographer and the model.
By establishing trust you will build the rapport needed to create a sense of trust and comfort. This is crucial for capturing natural and authentic expressions, as a relaxed and comfortable model is more likely to open up in front of the camera.
At Welshot, we do the hard work for you – We get to know our Models first, before we introduce them to you, the photographer. We make sure the Models we bring to Welshot are going to be the right fit – for them, for us, for you!
This is a new blog series where we introduce you to the Models we will be bringing to our new range of photographic events for those photographers who are wanting to take photos for camera club competitions, serious about their own personal continued professional development and building a photographic portfolio.
Introducing Simone Stocks
Simone is a model, photographer and social media manager with years of experience working in the UK and internationally, all while having a base in London. She is also a horse rider of 20 years with Diplomas in Horse Care & Management and Animal Care.
Simone’s passion for being on both sides of the lens and understanding of light brings notable energy to any photoshoot.
We asked Simone:
How did you get started in your modelling career?
I was doing a photography course in college in 2012 and someone local needed a sitter for a paid workshop. I went along and kept getting hired through word of mouth.
I found I really enjoyed it as a part time gig alongside my full time job for 9yrs.
Your career so far – How long have you been modelling full-time, professionally? Any other jobs within the industry?
10yrs total as a professional model, 1.5yrs full time.
It’s much less exhausting now I’m not working for an employer 40hrs a week, potential overtime and then weekends spent travelling around to work modelling jobs.
I now have so much more flexibility with availability too which makes things so much easier for clients.
Tying time in with my own photography is amazing too.
What do you think your greatest achievement has been so far?
Leaving my 9-5 to work as a full time freelancer in the creative industry!
Also realising I won’t have the energy that I do right now forever, so I’m experiencing as much as possible while I’m in good health.
If you could say just one thing to a photographer, what would you say?
What’s your go-to lens?
On location (outside) or studio?
Location, just because I love having a ‘set’ to work in. Modelling is essentially acting to me.
Favourite snack?
‘Itsu’ soy crispy seaweed thins 😂
What would your dream shoot look like?
Almost any horse (that has a good temperament) photo shoot.
If you could give one bit of advice to a dancer/model just starting out what would it be?
Read ‘The Model Manifesto’ by Leanne Maskell before anything.
Sweet or savoury?
Both 👀
Six people you’d love to have around the dinner table (past, present or future) and if possible, why?
My grandparents and parents because they aren’t all here anymore.
Annie Leibovitz or Mario Testino?
Annie for sure 👌🏻
Back of the camera images, Yes or No? (Do you like to be shown them?)
Yes please!
Then I can adjust my pose if I know I can make it better for you
Video or Still’s?
I’m a big fan of both and can switch easily between them!
Links for Simone:
Model Portfolio: http://www.simonestocks.co.uk/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/simonestocksmodel
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/simonestocksmodel
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