If you've ever done any recording, you know the phrase, 'Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3' is used to test the audio and sound quality of a microphone before starting to record. Many photographers, especially those shooting the nude form, also utilize a testing system within their work.
I 'm not talking about test shots, most photographer begin a shoot by taking a few test shots, allowing time for the model to warm up and to ensure the lighting and technical equipment is all ready to go. I'm talking about a test shoot, where a complete newcomer to modeling is tested to see how comfortable they are in front of the camera, and how well their features photograph.
For photographer Jack Saul, test shoots have often led to finding great models to shoot. They've also helped weed out certain subjects, therefore saving him both valuable time and money. For Jack, these test shoots don't usually involve models he's connected with on-line, but complete newcomers to modeling, mostly who he's encountered in his everyday life.
'My test shoot usually involve just taking a few unplanned shots in a very short space of time. (literally 10-15 minutes), The reason, is to see how the subject takes to modelling and whether it might be something we'd explore in more depth another time. In most cases, it's purely experimental, in most cases.'
Sometimes the 'test' subject is someone Jack knows well, a friend or co-worker who wants to give modeling a try, other times, it's a complete stranger as was the case with Oscar. The last time Jack was in London, he had book a day with shoots back to back, and had no openings or time to shoot another model. Then.. he had a chance encounter at a supermarket check out.
Jack had stopped to purchase some snacks and water to have on hand for the scheduled models when the adorable Oscar said hello, and gave him a big smile as he rung through his grocery order. Jack was impressed with Oscar's energy, outgoing personality and adorable smile. Although he doesn't do it often, Jack took the opportunity to ask the 19 year old if he'd ever considered modeling.
Oscar was initially surprised, but also a little flattered, and began asking Jack about his work. Jack answered his questions, and suggested Oscar check out his Instagram page. Since it was early in the morning, it was quiet in the store, and Oscar pulled out his phone to check out Jack's page. Jack wasn't sure if Oscar was shocked when he came upon a page of male nudes, but he smiled as he scrolled through Jack's portfolio.
Oscar was obviously interested, and asked Jack a few more questions, including when they could get together. Jack said he was only in London shooting for the day. Oscar seemed a little disappointed, and said he was working, and wasn't off until 3pm. Jack replied that if he was really serious, he could drop by the hotel he was shooting in after work. Jack was sure to let Oscar know he didn't have time for a full shoot, but coadd probably grab 5 or 10 minutes to take a few test shots.
Although Jack wasn't sure Oscar was going to show up, as you can see, he made it. Jack asked the other model he was shooting if he was cool with a 10 minute break, and he was more than happy to take a break, and check out Oscar's test shoot. Jack barely had time to tell Oscar it was go, before Oscar had stripped down and was standing there completely naked, ready to go with a big smile on his face.
As you can see, Oscar seemed to have a lot of fun during his test shoot, even thought was only about 10 minutes long. Before Oscar left, Jack had just enough time to ask if it was ok to post his shots, and have him sign a release. He also encouraged Oscar to shoot him a message on Instagram, and possibly discuss a future shoot. Here's hoping we get to see more of Oscar, and his great energy and smile, in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment