This is probably because most waipai photo shoots rarely allow for direct model-photographer interaction. For example, i-photo has developed a good reputation because it enforces a clear separation between photographer and model.
“Where the models stand, their pose … it’s mostly decided by us, not the photographers,” said Alex Chou (周以立), a photography instructor and volunteer chaperone with i-photo. “And they rarely talk to the model,” he said.
Volunteer chaperones instead of photographers positioning the models is the only exception to an activity that otherwise imitates the fashion industry — where Taiwan’s scenic areas replace the runway, an amateur model pretends to be the real thing, and photographers pose as professionals. With waipai, the photographer becomes both creator and consumer of the images they are manufacturing.
But for Firevo and the eight other photographers, it’s simply a way to get out and meet people and take a few pictures of beautiful women.
“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else on the weekend,” he said.
Next week: Amateur models talk about waipai photo shoots
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