Return of the Genius Photographer

The meeting ended quickly.

Typically, a photoshoot meeting would take a considerable amount of time.

However, perhaps out of consideration for me, most of the preparations had already been completed by the shopping mall team.

I had also been informed of this in advance, so there was no need to drag out the meeting.

But that didn’t mean everything was ready; I still had one task to accomplish.

“Have you done a lot of photoshoots for this shopping mall?” I asked the model, trying to appear as natural as possible.

She looked slightly surprised, her eyes widening a bit, but then she kindly responded.

“Yes. I’ve been working with the owner here for about two years. I’ve been a fit model for around three years.”

This fashion photoshoot, while similar to the previous cosmetics shoot, had one significant difference: the presence of a model.

To a photographer, a model is more than just a prop; they are a subject and a collaborator within the photograph.

If the photographer’s intent isn’t communicated to the model, the photo won’t turn out as desired.

Therefore, the photographer and model need to establish a close relationship, at least for the duration of the shoot, to ensure that the model can convey the photographer’s vision.

So, breaking the awkward atmosphere between us was my current challenge.

“And you? How long have you been doing photoshoots?” she asked.

“This is my second shoot here,” I replied.

My attempt at conversation had slightly eased the tension. She seemed curious about me, continuing the dialogue easily.

“I actually heard from Minjung earlier. You’re a high school student, right? When did you start shooting?”

“Well, I started seriously about a month ago?”

I answered her question about my experience.

Of course, if I included my past life, it would be much longer, but in this life, it’s my first time, so I’m not lying.

“Oh… I see. I’m looking forward to it.”

She paused slightly before responding to my answer. However, her reaction was a bit ambiguous.

As if she still didn’t fully trust me.

Is she thinking, ‘Let’s see what you’ve got?’

“Yes, you can look forward to it.”

I answered with a smile similar to hers, thinking it wouldn’t be easy to get close to her.

Well, maintaining a bit of tension is better than being too familiar.

“So-hyun, can you change into the outfit now?”

“Yes.”

Minjung called out to So-hyun, seemingly indicating that the outfit was ready. So-hyun gave me a slight nod and headed towards Minjung.

“Woojin, can you check the setup?”

Hyunwoo called me over to check the studio setup. I got up and walked towards the studio.

The preparations for the shoot were almost complete.

*****

Inside the bustling studio.

“How does it look?”

“I think this should be fine.”

Woojin nodded in response to Hyunwoo’s question.

The studio had been set up with only the essential elements like the background and lighting, but it already looked quite professional.

Although the setup wasn’t entirely finished, Woojin thought it was sufficient.

The rest could be adjusted during the shoot. It’s actually better to leave some things incomplete initially.

The process of moving from an incomplete state to a completed one is what the shoot is about.

Woojin closed his eyes.

Then he began to clear unnecessary thoughts from his mind.

Future plans, family commitments… He pushed aside any thoughts and emotions not needed in this moment.

When shooting, focus solely on the photography.

Nothing else is necessary.

He concentrated entirely on the present moment.

Soon, his mind was empty.

In that empty space, he envisioned the photos he wanted to take.

In other words, this was his personal studio and his ideal photography studio.

With that vision in mind, he opened his eyes.

“We’ll start the photoshoot now.”

*

At my signal, the model, who had changed into her outfit, stood in front of the camera.

She wore a white dress with a delicate pattern and sandals that revealed her toes.

The blue background reminiscent of Santorini in Greece matched perfectly with the outfit, exuding a refreshing atmosphere at first glance.

“We’ll start with freestyle poses. Strike a pose you’re confident with,” I instructed the model, raising my camera.

The model struck a pose, but she still seemed a bit awkward and hesitant.

“More confidently!” I shouted. Capturing the model’s attention is part of a photographer’s skill.

She flinched slightly at my call but quickly adjusted her pose. With one hand on her waist and one leg angled, she now projected a stronger image that matched her style well.

Now, this was more like it.

“Good. Hold that.”

Her previously haughty demeanor was gone. She was now focused and followed my instructions exactly.

I pressed the shutter, capturing her in a still pose.

At first, I focused on framing the shot.

-Click!

I adjusted the composition within the frame, finding the best balance for the shot. Next was the lighting.

“Turn on the main light. Tone: white, angle: oblique.”

Hyunwoo followed my instructions, positioning the light at a 45-degree angle to the model’s front-right. The light cast a shadow on the opposite side of the model.

“Turn on the fill light too. Direction: left side.”

The fill light came on at a 45-degree angle to the left. Like magic, the shadow disappeared, and the clothes were clearly illuminated.

-Click!

“Wow…”

I heard a faint gasp from behind. It was so quiet I couldn’t tell whose voice it was.

It was understandable.

Photography is a painting made with light.

The more abundant and skillfully managed the light, the more complete the photo becomes, especially in indoor shoots where precise lighting control is essential.

I readjusted my camera.

‘ISO at 200, shutter speed can be a bit slow.’

A camera functions similarly to the human eye. However, unlike our eyes, the camera requires some effort to capture the optimal light for each situation. This is achieved by adjusting the camera’s exposure, primarily controlled by ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and aperture.

ISO controls the brightness and quality of the photo, while shutter speed and aperture are akin to blinking speed and iris’ in human eyes. The photographer’s skill lies in adjusting these elements appropriately for each situation.

In my past life, this was second nature to me.

I quickly set the ISO and shutter speed and lifted the camera. Through the viewfinder, I gradually adjusted the aperture.

As the camera took in the maximum light, the photo became clearer than ever.

-Click!

The photos were getting closer to what I envisioned.

“Wow…”

The gasp came again, louder this time. It was Hyunwoo.

‘Is this real?’

Hyunwoo thought, covering his mouth after the involuntary gasp.

‘This is unbelievable.’

When Minjung first told him about Woojin, Hyunwoo thought she might be exaggerating. Minjung wasn’t one to lie, but maybe Woojin seemed more impressive because the other competitors’ photos were so underwhelming.

But seeing it firsthand, Hyunwoo realized Minjung’s description was actually modest. Goosebumps rose as he looked at Woojin’s photos on the monitor connected to the camera.

It was as if Woojin was uncovering a sparkling gem from a lump of coal.

With each click, the photos transformed from nothing into something brilliant and beautiful.

What on earth were these vivid, striking colors?

The clothes looked even better in the photos than they did in real life.

Hyunwoo glanced around to confirm what he saw, but apart from the two people shooting, no one else was in the studio.

Even Minjung had left, entrusting the place to him.

Hyunwoo swallowed nervously. What would happen once these photos were posted on the website?

That was all he could think about.

“Let’s take a quick look at the photos,” Woojin said, breaking the silence.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Woojin sat down.

The temperature in the studio, filled with heat-emitting lights and numerous electronic devices, was high.

Maintaining focus in such a place, even while sweating, wasn’t easy for either the photographer or the model.

And, of course, you also had to check if the photos turned out well.

“I’ll check the photos now. Were there any good ones?” Woojin asked as he sat down next to Hyunwoo, who was guarding the monitor.

“Yes! Woojin, you’re amazing! Except for the first few, all of them are good enough to upload to the site as they are!” Hyunwoo responded enthusiastically, nodding vigorously in admiration.

However, after checking the photos, Woojin’s expression turned serious, and he spoke firmly, “No. These can’t be used.”

“What?” Hyunwoo couldn’t understand what Woojin was saying.

“Are the photos bad?”

“No.”

“Then why can’t they be used?”

“It’s the opposite.”

“What?”

“The photos are too good.”

* * *

Susan Sontag, a renowned American photography critic, defined photography like this: “Photography is a language.”

I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

Even though no text is embedded in a photograph, there is always a clear message within it.

Whether it’s a particularly beautiful sky on a sunny day or a harmonious family scene, no matter how mundane the subject, the photo always conveys the photographer’s intended message.

So, what message should the photos posted on a shopping mall convey?

Naturally, they should make viewers want to buy the product in the photo.

Shopping malls must persuade consumers with just a few photos and brief descriptions of the products.

However, the photos in front of me were too beautiful for that purpose. Especially the model.

Her appearance, which had a strangely captivating first impression, absorbed the camera angle as if drawing it in.

This wasn’t good.

The model’s beauty was distracting from the clothes, focusing attention on her rather than the outfit. It would be excellent as a portrait but not suitable for shopping mall photos.

“I wouldn’t mind using them as they are,” Hyunwoo said, looking disappointed as if he had already grown attached to the photos.

“Then think about it. Will people want to buy the clothes after seeing these photos?” I asked, countering Hyunwoo’s plea.

“Of course, the photos turned out well. But people will think the photos are beautiful, not the clothes.”

I explained further to Hyunwoo, who was struggling to respond.

“These photos highlight the model’s beauty, not the clothes.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?” Hyunwoo retorted.

Sure, to an average person, it might seem trivial. But even a seemingly minor difference can lead to significant results.

Since a photo carries a message, it also has a “theme.” Depending on how people perceive that theme, their impression of the photo can change significantly.

Of course, I didn’t expect the model to be so photogenic beyond my imagination.

“But still… we’ve always done it this way,” Hyunwoo seemed to be wavering.

I understood his hesitation. At this stage, most shopping malls simply dressed up pretty or handsome fitting models in neat clothes, took photos, and uploaded them to the site.

While this might create a desire to emulate the fitting model, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not the best approach.

I understood why Hyunwoo was hesitant to change the existing method.

As I pondered how to persuade the hesitant client, the model, So-hyun, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.

“I agree with the photographer.”

“So-hyun, too?”

“Yes. Hyunwoo, you saw how the photographer took the photos. If you’re still unsure, we can retake and compare them.”

“Ah… okay, let’s do that. I don’t really know, so I’ll ask the boss when she comes back,” Hyunwoo finally nodded, conceding to So-hyun’s and my suggestion.

With Hyunwoo’s approval, So-hyun smiled at me and said, “Photographer, I apologize for earlier. Honestly, I was doubtful.”

Earlier? She must be referring to our initial conversation. The subtle reaction I sensed was indeed due to her doubts.

Speaking in a much softer tone than during our first conversation, So-hyun continued, “I couldn’t say it before. Please take care of me.”

“Yes, you can count on me.”

I gave her the same answer I had before, slightly bowing my head in acknowledgment.

I felt that we could become quite friendly now.

“But how are you planning to shoot? Is there a way to make the clothes look good?”

Even though she had sided with me, So-hyun seemed unsure about how the photos would be taken. Her tone suggested she thought it might be difficult.

“Yes.”

I answered her question without hesitation, even as she tilted her head in confusion.

If the beautiful model is the problem…

“Just cut off her face.”

We should boldly crop it out.