Modeling Madness relies as much on images as it does the written word. For that reason, it is important that the images you see are well presented.

I look at a LOT of images in the course of a year and one thing I have noticed is that not everyone knows how to take photos of models. It is a somewhat specialized skill and not the same as taking photos of events, family, or landscapes.

As such, I feel it would be useful to provide some insight on how to take decent model photos. This will all be provided in small increments to allow the photographer to understand and try out the information provided.

1. The first thing is focus. Many folks either use cell phones or simply put their digital camera on automatic when taking images. The result is that I frequently get images that are completely out of focus or where only a small portion of the subject is in focus. Just look through past articles and you will see what I mean. This doesn't have to happen.

With a dedicated camera, the key is to use the highest f/stop available. In some cases it is only f8 and in other it is higher like f16 or even f32. Check your owner's manual for the proper setting for aperture priority. This may well require the use of a tripod and if so, then use one. They are inexpensive. When setting up the camera, use the timer to prevent any sort shake blurring your image as you will need to zoom in on the subject to get it full frame.

A cell phone may not have the ability to use aperture priority, so in this case, and with a regular camera, move back about a meter or so (3-4 feet) from the subject. This has the double benefit of having most, if not all, of the subject in focus and getting rid of the distortion (big wing) I see all the time when the camera is too close. With a cell phone you'll also have to zoom in on the subject from that distance.

Once the  photo has been taken, look at it to be sure it is of good quality. If they are out of focus, re-shoot the image. It isn't like you have to wait for film to be developed. It would be worthwhile to test out these ideas. I'm sure you will see an improvement in your work.