Okay so you probably know that my name is Kirsty Legg. You might even know that I’m a 23-year old photographer based in Dundee. What you probably want to know is why I’m offering free photos…

I have been doing photography for the past few years both as a hobby, and as a career. As with any creative line of work, a stunning portfolio with a broad spectrum of ideas helps a potential client get an idea of your abilities.

I am always looking for ways to further my experience and portfolio in different ways. I am also always happy to meet new models, as when I have a commission to work on, its helpful being able to chose the right models who will suit the look we are going for. So as well as doing portfolio work now, I’m also building up a catalogue of models to work with in the future for commissioned projects.

Some questions you might have -

- To be honest, no. I appreciate all offers from willing subjects, and it may not seem as though there is a big difference, but working with aspiring models allows for more experimentation with high-fashion styles etc. There is more to being photographed than standing looking pretty, and working with models who are trying to get into the industry prepares them for that. I also need someone who can act out different expressions and emotions. Models also have to go along with a directive, and can end up in uncomfortable situations, such as being in lingerie in freezing temperatures just to get the right shot. They also have to be very patient, as shoots can range from 2-10 hours at a time - a long time to be trying to hold poses and look like you are having fun doing it! For me, I’m not expecting models to do anything crazy, and it’s not just about my ideas, however I do prefer a certain level of professionalism.

In the real world, a models time costs money, and a photographers time costs money. I’m just offering to cancel them out for the sake of experience and portfolio.

If you want to try a photo shoot to see if you would like to take it further, but at the moment you are not sure about pursuing modelling, that’s fine too.

- Not at the moment, no. I still do these types of photography fairly cheaply however, but I have enough of this work in my portfolio at the moment.

I will also photograph local bands for free, for the simple reason that I have no band work in my portfolio. Please get in touch!

I shoot men too, and it doesn’t have to be in a catalogue fashion like you might expect! Give me an e-mail and we can discuss themes, such as music etc.

Not at all. I’m happy to photograph people of all sizes as long as they have the confidence to be in front of the camera, and the ability to act a little!

I’m going to be very blunt here - if you are completely paranoid about how you look, then you probably don’t have what it takes to be a model. Ironic isn’t it? I know we all worry from time to time, but please don’t send me photos then say “omg I think I’m ugly but some friends say I should model, what do you think?” because if you are not confident in yourself that you can look good on camera, there’s no point in me trying to convince you. I’ve had several emails from girls sending me a photo with a singular sentence - “do you think I have what it takes to be a model?” and in all honesty, a snapshot of yourself isn’t going to show me anything other than your face. As I said before, there’s more to modelling than looking pretty! Basically, you have to be up for it already. I’m not spending time pleading you to model for me!

I would like you to send me a snapshot of yourself - not just for me to see what you look like, but it helps me put faces to the names. I’ve had a huge response so far, and it’s hard to keep track of everyone. I would also like you to tell me a little about yourself, where you are from, your age, and why you have contacted me for portfolio shots (applying to agencies, etc). Again this doesn’t really affect any decision I make, it’s just because I like learning a little about people.

I will respond (might take a day or two, so give me some time) suggesting that we meet up for a general chat (I’m very chatty so be prepared!) and go over any thoughts and ideas that you would like to include in your portfolio. I usually try to work around a theme of some kind, and it would be amazingly helpful if you could look up some photos you like the style and look of as we can try something similar, and it tells me about your tastes. I often suggest a casual shoot first before trying anything crazy so that we can see how each other works, and build up a rapport with each other.

No way! If I arrange to meet you, then I’ve already pretty much decided that I would like to work with you, so there’s no need to be nervous or anything, I’m not here to judge you. I also don’t like meeting a potential model and finding that it’s a one-way conversation and I’m dragging answers out of you. I’m a friendly and talkative person naturally, and as cheesy as it sounds I want to know you as a friend as well as a model. Having a friendly relationship makes it much easier to work together, and a model won’t get far if she isn’t able to communicate her own thoughts and ideas.

Being the eager photographer that I am, probably within a week. It obviously depends on my schedule and of course your own, but it’s usually as soon as we are both available. It also can depend upon ideas (waiting on the right weather if we are shooting outside etc) but generally as soon as you would like to start.

Ok, again this is fairly dependant on what we are going for, but let’s start with the casual shoot we agreed to do first. We will meet at an arranged place for the shoot, be it my home studio or on location. If it’s at my home, I try to have everything set up before you arrive. If it’s on location, it will take me a little time to set up my equipment. We can look up magazines and books for ideas on posing etc, but as this is a casual shoot we don’t need anything too fancy. I’ll start by asking you to do a few simple poses (don’t worry, I’ll show you and direct you!) to make us both feel comfortable and confident with the shoot. During the shoot you can change outfits, suggest your own ideas, and generally talk away as much as you like. I will constantly be adjusting different lights and settings to get the most flattering shot, and to experiment. It’s very casual and very informal., and unless you have brought a friend, it will just be you and myself. I quite often put music on just for some background noise.

As for equipment, I use Nikon Digital SLRs, flash lighting, cloth backgrounds and a whole host of accessories. Nothing frighteningly extravagant, I assure you!

For more elaborate shoots, more time is generally needed for make-up and hair, and setting up the shot. If I’m using you as a model for a commission, or a larger portfolio project such as bridal wear, there may be a hair stylist and make-up artist, as well as an assistant for myself, and other models. I try to keep a casual and informal air in most of my shoots, but if everyone is starting to lose focus then I’ll pull it in a little. I will also never involve you in a big shoot without letting you know all the information first and making sure you are comfortable with it.

I generally discuss this with you at the first meeting, however it’s really up to yourself. I have some props, but I ask models to bring their own clothes, shoes and accessories. I’d love to have a whole house dedicated to clothes and props, but it’s just not cost or space effective. I can’t go out and buy you a new outfit just for the sake of a photo shoot, so my advice is if you want it in the shoot, then bring it with you. Remember this shoot is for your portfolio, so you can bring as many different outfits and styles as you can carry!

Certainly not. If you want to do a creative nude session, then we can discuss that, however I will not ask models to go nude during a shoot.

Alright, so the shoot went well, and you are all excited, and can’t wait to see the photos. But it’s been 3 days and you haven’t heard from me…

First of all, I think it’s a good idea for me to let you know what to expect from a shoot. Many people think that because they heard my camera click over 100 times, then they will have 100 photos. Unfortunately, that’s not how it really works. For starters, I like to experiment a lot, so will usually take a photo of the same pose from a variety of different angles and use different settings, meaning I have a set of images with the same pose, but with subtle differences. Then you have the ones that just don’t work out - lighting wasn’t right, caught the model while blinking etc. There shouldn’t be too many of these, but they do occur during most sessions. Then there are the times when we tried a pose, but it didn’t really work out… you see what I mean? Generally, photographers will pick the best one from a set, then put that into processing. They will then pick another photo that’s the best of the next pose, put that one aside and so on. The rest are usually discarded, and the ones that have made it will be edited.

The timeframe in which you get your photos back will heavily depend on how much editing is required. Please understand that editing is not necessarily airbrushing - most photos need to spend a little time in Photoshop just to correct lighting, tones and colour. I do use airbrushing, but I try to keep it natural unless we are going for a particularly over-the-top look.

So the timeframe depends upon the editing, which depends on me sitting at my computer working on the photos. This usually isn’t a problem, and most photo shoot results are dealt with within a week, however it does depend on how busy I am. I do let you know roughly how long it will be, I’m just trying to explain the factors that are involved when I make this estimate.

I often get people saying that they want the photos regardless of how silly or unedited they are, and while I can understand they just want to look, I usually don’t do this. The main reason for that is the files would be too huge to put on a CD for you, but I also regard any unedited photos as an unfinished work. I did a photo shoot once and took over 200 photos, of which 30 made the final edits. I was happy with these, however the model requested all photos on CD, just so she could see them. I obliged and asked her not to show them to anyone else, as some of the photos were incorrectly exposed, had objects or creases in the background etc. These problems are easily remedied in the editing process, but I did not want others to get a bad impression, and believe that this batch was the final edited set. I was fairly new to photography at this time, and did not have the experience and knowledge that I do now. She assured me that nobody else would see the photos, however within hours, they ended up all over her website!

Here comes the tricky part, and I will try to put this as best as I can. Although you appear in the photos, the actual images are legally the property of the photographer, unless we have agreed upon a contract. Generally I am quite relaxed as to what you do with the images as long as I‘m made aware of it, but you must understand that the CD I give you is a copy of images that belong to me. I have no problems with you printing photos out, sending them to agencies etc, but you have to respect my rights as owner. If I ask for credit to be given on websites etc, then please do it. All I usually ask is that if you are going to put your photos on Bebo, Facebook etc or on your own website, please include a simple caption saying “by Kirsty Legg”.

In return, it is not legal for me to sell your photos without paying you a cut. I will never use them for anything without the models permission, and a credit to yourself. If I’m going to put you on my website, flyers etc I will ask you about it first. If you spot your photos lurking in a place where you didn’t agree upon, let me know about it.

I know this all sounds a little extreme, but all too often a photographer’s work is unaccredited and undermined. The best way to deal with this is we both agree upon the uses of the photos before the session starts. If something else comes up after the session (anything from use on a new website to the local papers, to me using your images on flyers etc) we can informally mail each other clarifying permission. Nothing needs to be signed, I just think it’s polite to let each other know about it.

That’s about all I can think of for now, hopefully I haven’t put you off too much!

If you are interested in modelling for me, please e-mail:mail@kirstylegg.com