Directing Models?

[Gina9942]

Any tips and tricks to directing the people you are photographing? I am so bad at it, I am getting better, using the old adage, fake it til you make it., but I was wondering if there are any tips or tricks or techniques that can be used.

I've heard for couple shoots to tell the man he is telling her a secret, have him lick her face, silly things like that...any others? I am doing a maternity shoot, and I am making some posing cards to bring with me for reference, but I was just wondering what other photographers do.


TIA!!!

[CheaperKings]

Simple; you just grab them and say "LOOK HERE! If you don't stand right where I TOLD you to I'm gonna BASH YOU FACE IN!"

Wut?

[zona5101]

i think a little bit will depend on what you're trying to capture. For example, when you are going for a "candid" look the 'tell her a secret', or ask them to recall a special moment all work well. When you are going for something a little more posed, just tell them, "arm here", "chin out chin down", "eyes here".
Your posing cards are good. Also gather a notebook of shots you have cut out from magazines or printed from websites, add your notes as you shoot those for future reference. You don't show the client the pose /image book, it's just for you as a memory jogger.
Also make up a shot list of stuff you want to try...stuff you think might work but you don't know. After you get the basic shots done, go for some of your new ideas. Some will work and some won't.

After a while you'll rely less and less on your book.

[11A Fotografie]

It has been 3 years since I photographed my first portrait session and I still think it's nice to keep examples with me during a session.
They have changed over time and I have all different kind, like for girls, boys, children, groups, brother/sisters, couples, wedding. And I know most of those shots out of my head, but it's easy when you get a bit stuck, to get them and show them to the people you are photographing to see which style they like and to show them the photo you wanna make. If people have an example, they know better what you mean as when you tell them something. I also show what I mean many times. I just show them how I want them to sit and point where they should sit and all.
It's good to direct people. Just think how you would like a photographer to direct you and use that for your clients!

[Ms Byron Bay Photography]

I too find it difficult to direct. But with practice, it does get easier. Your motto "fake it until you make it" is a great one to go by. Remember these people will probably even notice your nerves as they are nervous themselves! Good luck!

[Japaslavian]

A fairly simple technique for getting more natural expressions is to have subjects look away from the camera for a few seconds with a neutral expression, than look back and smile, or whatever it is they want to do. Just as they turn their heads back into place, you snap the picture. This won't allow them to become conscious of what expression their making, so it looks less forced.
Obviously don't tell them why you're having them turn their heads, as the less they know, the less chance they will try to make a certain expression.

[BigVinnie]

All good advice.

Something I used to do was cut out images from magazines, usually full page stuff for size. Spread them out on the floor in front of the model. Tell them to pick one and try to achieve the look. That is usually enough to get them to loosen up and go.

Generally only needed to do that with first timers.