Michelle Aboud

Michelle's talk was probably the best of all the talks I attended for Contemporary Photographic Practices.

She spoke more of establishing a style and mentally preparing for a shoot. This was good as after many years studying the technical side of photography we didn't really need to know the how's but rather the why's.

the biggest thing I got from the talk was Planning and pre-visualise.

Prep prep prep. (think of all the gear you'll need)

But it's important not to over think things, just to get ready and plan, but don't do the shoot in your head otherwise you'll lose the drive to do the real shoot on the day.

Michelle directs every part of a shoot, she makes sure the model is exactly how she needs them to be.

She seeks authenticity, If a shoot calls for a model to be running in the shot, she makes them run.

She made it clear not to waste time with an idea that isn't working. (move on to anther idea)

Be yourself
Be flexible

Be true to yourself but don't embrace disregard (i.e. work with people and listen to their ideas but never lose your own style / integrity)

CHECK:
Location
Equipment
Talent (models etc.)
Ideas

and Step back, breath and relax.
Take into account all the elements of the shoot.