Behind the scenes of a photo shoot requires collaboration between multiple individuals. The photographer works with an assistant to carry equipment and set up lighting. They also work with a model to create a comfortable atmosphere and direct poses. An art director further guides the model's poses and outfits to help the photographer capture the desired shots. After shooting, the photographer and art director work together to select and edit the best photos that reflect their vision for the shoot.

1. Behind The Scenes of a
Photo shoot
Jancarlo Cortez
Anthropology 102
Dr. Leanna Wolfe
November 1, 2010

2. Generally, one assumes that a photo consists of one
individual’s work but they seem to neglect that it’s a
collective effort to produce an image. Here a
photographer and an art director are collaborating to
produce an image that will be advertised on a clothing
website.

4. A photographer needs an assistant at all times when
shooting in daylight. The photographer’s assistant is
useful because he may carry useful objects that are of
use to the photographer such as a sunlight diffuser and a
hand held flash, if necessary. Here, the photographer
asks the model if the image reflects her personality and
if it’s acceptable to her standards of beauty.

5. The Photographer and the
model need to create a social
atmosphere in order for them
to be at ease when taking
pictures. Here, the
photographer and the model
are joking around before
taking serious images.

6. There is a lot of work when setting up a photo shoot. The
photographer and the photo assistant set up the back
drop, the lights, and the stands. This creates a dramatic
effect once everything is in place.

7. While at times the photographer may have an idea on how
the model should there are times when the art director
may guide his idea in order to produce the image the
photographer has in mind. Here, the art director guides
the model on how to pose, what to wear and how to wear
the outfit. This allows the photographer to take images
while she is setting up, in hopes of capturing something
magnificent.

9. When the images are finally captured on the camera,
both the art director and photographer share their
ideas in order to produce a finished product. Here, they
are adjusting the color and contrast of the images
that will best reflect their philosophy on advertising.
They also choose which images are of better quality
that will be used in their portfolios.

10. As one can see, the lighting is important in order to
create a dramatic effect. Make-up is an essential tool
when taking pictures of a model. Without the assistance
of a model, photo assistant and make-up artist, a
photographer may not have the opportunity to create
these type of images. The images above show the work of
all three individuals but it shows the work created by
the photographer.