What is a Bondage Photo Shoot Like?
While it might be great to think that a photo shoot done for the Game Room is a simple process of finding a lady, tying her up and snapping pictures, it is a far more complicated process. The Game Room Galleries that you see contain only the finished product that hopefully is something that is appealing, exciting, and, of course, entertaining.
The process of a shoot is actually a lengthy process, one that starts with planning, forethought, so that when the actual shoot begins, everyone involved (models and photographer) have an idea of what we want to create. In this regard, and in fact, in most regards, the shoots for the Game Room are like any other photo shoot. For the photographer and for the model, it is work, but it can be rewarding, and it is usually fun.
Before the Shoot
The first stage is finding a model. There are any number of ways to go about this, but the best way I have seen, by far, is to search modeling websites. Not all modeling websites will allow adult models to advertise, but the best ones usually do. Not all models are willing to do adult work, but most adult models will do non-adult work along with adult work. Good modeling websites will allow models to indicate their preferences (such as a check box as to whether they will do adult work or not). While there is nothing in most of the photos in the Game Room that would be censored from network television, it is still easier recruiting new ladies to the site if they indicate they are willing to do adult work.
Once a model agrees to a shoot, the next item is to schedule the shoot. This is usually done 1-2 weeks in advance. It is rare that a shoot would be scheduled in the same week it takes place. Normally, the dates are known in advance, as are the times. Of course, this leaves the opportunity for things to change between the time a shoot is scheduled, and the time the shoot takes place. Of course, if something comes up, I try to contact the model as soon as possible. Most models will extend the same courtesy. Occasionally something comes up at the last minutes. Real life is more important than any photo shoot. It is also best to discuss compensation at this time. Will this be a paid shoot, or Time-For-Pictures (TFP). If it is a paid shoot, what will the rate be? If it is TFP, then what will be the usage restrictions on the photos?
Alright, so now it is the day before the shoot. I usually check and make sure I have everything ready in the studio here if the shoot is going to be at home, or I pack up what I need to do a shoot on the road. It is about a 60-40 split, with more of the shoots being done in the home studio. I make sure I have what I need: the camera, film (in the case of my camera, diskettes and/or a flash card), charged batteries, tripod, and a few pennies for the tripod mount (my tripod's mounting screw has a slot width that is the same thickness as a penny!) And yes, I make sure I have enough rope, duct tape in various colors, white hankies, bandanas, and whatever props I may need.
After I check that everything is set, I try to figure out what sort of photos I want to get. Knowing what sets/scenes you want to do in advance will enable there to be more photos in a shoot. Planning is the key to a successful shoot, always.
The Shoot
Most models are punctual, and I make it a habit to be punctual when doing a shoot at a remote site. It makes it easier. Of course, the most valuable thing a model can have, and that I have in this case, is a cell phone. If I am going to be late, I will call ahead and let the model know. Most models will do the same.
Ok, I've met up with the model, and it's time to begin taking pictures. I usually begin by taking a few (1-2 dozen) non-bondage shots. These help in checking the lighting, making sure the camera is working, and I do use some of the non-bondage pictures for the site. In the QA section, as well as at Bondage Tokens, on the model's profile. While taking these photos, I will discuss with the model what types of photos I'm looking for, so that way she can begin to think how she can help create that image. It is a joint process, the lady needs to know the look, attitude, and emotion for a particular set, and she can't know it if I don't tell her. I also make sure and ask the model if they have any ideas for the set as well, as they are part of the creative process and know their limits/abilities better than I do.
At this point, the shoot becomes what everyone envisions: tie up the model, take pictures, untie the model, take a break, repeat. Of course, it's not that simple. While the mdoel is tied up, I need to be the director, and also be attentive to her. If she starts to lose circulation or has a problem, I need to stop the shoot and attend to that. In this regard it is much like any other type of photoshoot, except the model cannot help herself. It is also up to me to be the camera boom, in that I have to move around to get the photos, as her range is rather limited. Again, communication is the key, in that before we started the set, I have explained the concept behind the photos, and what I am looking for. Ideally, the model will have "bought in" to the idea and will play the part to the best of her ability.
After the Shoot
There is still one important photo to get after the shoot is over, and that is the ID photo. I usually use the camera and take a photograph of the model's photo ID. I also like to get a photograph of the model holding the ID, indicating that she is indeed the lady on the ID. Then the model and I sign the model release, which indicates what the rules are for the pictures, such as who owns them, who can distribute them, etc. If this is a TFP shoot, then the model will usually wait for the time it takes for me to burn a CD with the photos. If not, then we say goodbye and go our separate ways. Hopefully, in the future, the lady will want to work with me again. I have only had one lady not want to work for me a second time, not because of me. It was her first, and will probably be her only bondage shoot, as she really didn't like doing it. This type of work is not for everyone, after all.
I hope this answers some of the questions about what a shoot is like...
Click here if you want to see some behind the scenes photos as well!