Shooting in a model’s—or even the photographer’s— home is convenient; since the model will have access to their own bathroom and make-up to create just the look that both she and the photographer wants. They don’t have to worry about forgetting a favorite make-up brush because it’s just a few steps away. Wardrobe decisions are simpler and they don’t have to think about what to bring. Their closet and complete wardrobe are right around the corner.
Posing is easier too because the model will have have physical objects to interact with. I try not to be fussy when posing subjects under these kinds of shooting conditions. I watch what the model does naturally and try to have her interact with the background in some way that’s physically comfortable.
How I Made this Portrait: I photographed the incredible Internet model, Maria Cedar in the doorway to (what real estate agents would call) a Butler’s Pantry that’s next to the dining room of my current home. Lighting was from a combination of daylight coming through a large large South-facing window at camera right (but on the second floor in an open foyer) along with fill from the camera’s pop-up flash. I turned on the incandescent light in the butler’s pantry to fill any shadows behind her and add some warmth. Camera used was a Panasonic Lumix GH4 with an image-stabilized Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/F3.5-5.6 lens (at 45mm) that I bought used from a camera store in Japan. The exposure was 1/15 sec at f/9 and ISO 400.
One way I increase communications is to show the model some of the images on the camera’s LCD screen during the shoot. Not every shot, just ones I like because I don’t like to break the concentration between the subject and the photographer. When this works—and that’s most of the time—seeing how great you look makes the session progress smoother. Shooting your intimate portrait in your own home is a great option when you want to have the most possible options—and it’s fun too
