Motivating models - how?

[whitemug]

i've recently experienced an opportunity to work with a model during a studio lighting class that i took. each of us in the class (of 6) were instructed to direct the models, while applying the different lighting concepts we previously learned.

given that this was was first time to be placed in such a situation, i naturally didn't know what to do when my turn came up. i was a loss for words on how to effectively direct the model (her attractiveness wasn't making the task any easier for me, either) to do, or pose, the way i wanted her to.

and so now, here's my question for those of you who've faced many similar situations (i.e. shooting a model in a studio) in the past:

- what do you say or do to get the model to pose in the way you want them to without having them feel uncomfortable or awkward in front of you?

- and on a related note, any "think of..." statements that you regularly use to get your models to have a specific expression (e.g. naughty, innocent, bossy, etc)?

as someone new to this field of photography, hope the more seasoned ones here (and maybe some model/photographers, too) can share their suggestions.:)

[Tiberius]

On my one model shoot (so far), I had some pictures ready to show her what poses I was after. And you can always give directions ("Raise your right hand a bit more", "Tilt your head down a bit").

As for lighting, a nice simple set up for three lights is to have a main light for your model, a second light from the other side to fill in the shadows a bit, and a third light shining on the background (for studio shoots only).

[smc1377]

Yeah, your situation is a little odd in that you don't get time to talk to the model first. Like Tiberius, I like to talk to the models first to give them an idea of what I'm looking for and to see what it is that they are looking for (if this is a TFCD shoot). While doing that, I also like to make small talk to put them at ease and honestly, to put myself at ease.

But as far as what to say, I guess it depends on what type of shots you're going for, but I like conversing pretty much the whole time, even if it's not about the shoot.

[whitemug]

thanks for the responses, guys.

how about your experiences with using "think about. . ." statements to get the model/s to change their facial expressions to reflect a specific emotion?

and maybe on a related (in the "opposite" direction) inquiry, what are some lines that don't necessarily help the models do their thing?;)

something like "what not to say to your models"...

[Saralonde]

Have you tried music? Lively if you want an energetic look, quiet for a more pensive one, etc. Come up with a quick joke or two to get them to smile or laugh, tell them to remember the saddest, happiest, moment of their life. Tell them to pretend they are a haughty movie star or a wilting flower. Lots of models would love to be actresses, so the acting thing might work. Give them a prop to relate to (a jumprope, blow bubbles). I got my high school age daughter to break out laughing once when I started dancing around with a big flower acting like an idiot, but I guess that wouldn't look too professional!

[mikem12188]

Have you tried music? Lively if you want an energetic look, quiet for a more pensive one, etc. Come up with a quick joke or two to get them to smile or laugh, tell them to remember the saddest, happiest, moment of their life. Tell them to pretend they are a haughty movie star or a wilting flower. Lots of models would love to be actresses, so the acting thing might work. Give them a prop to relate to (a jumprope, blow bubbles). I got my high school age daughter to break out laughing once when I started dancing around with a big flower acting like an idiot, but I guess that wouldn't look too professional!


Saralonde, any video of this you would like to share?

[whitemug]

I got my high school age daughter to break out laughing once when I started dancing around with a big flower acting like an idiot, but I guess that wouldn't look too professional!

but since she was your daughter, i guess she didn't mind, eh? :D

seriously, thanks for the suggestions, esp. about the music. i guess having an ipod around with a pretty comprehensive playlist will definitely help.

[Saralonde]

Have you tried music? Lively if you want an energetic look, quiet for a more pensive one, etc. Come up with a quick joke or two to get them to smile or laugh, tell them to remember the saddest, happiest, moment of their life. Tell them to pretend they are a haughty movie star or a wilting flower. Lots of models would love to be actresses, so the acting thing might work. Give them a prop to relate to (a jumprope, blow bubbles). I got my high school age daughter to break out laughing once when I started dancing around with a big flower acting like an idiot, but I guess that wouldn't look too professional!


Saralonde, any video of this you would like to share?

No, thank God :o:D!!