how to talk to models

[ana.gr]

Hi
I really didn't know how to call this thread, and I don't know if there has been a previous thread on this ( I searched but couldn't find)
My problem is when I want to take portraits, I never know how to express the idea that I want. If the person is waiting for you to tell him/her what to do. For me it's an embarrasing situation, I am a very shy person,, I only say look here, look there, up your chin... without any grace.
Can anyone give me any tips or hints or ideas for a portrait session, so as to get expression, feeling, the things that you want a face to show...
I know it may sound stupid, but I need help: How do you start talking to your model?
Thanks in advance.
Saludos

[kbradley88]

I think you say, "vogue!"

Use the words, "like" and "as if!" in a really snotty LA accent.

Just kidding.

But seriously.

Just be bold and say it, if the model isn't doing what you want them to, tell them. If they are professional they will just do it no questions asked.

Only you can see what's in the viewfinder, so it's your job to tell them what to do. They shouldn't and most likely won't take any offense to it. It's their damn job to sit there and look good. It's your job to make them look good. Posing them is half their job half yours.

~Eric

[Palladius]

I know what you mean... I struggled a bit with this.


This might sound horrible, but towards the end of the shoot I wasn't looking at my model as I person, I was looking at her as an object that could miraculously pose itself. Not in a nasty way (she's one of my best friends) but I suppose it was objectification.

Also, I found it helped to sort out all the technical stuff in your head... think of the shot you want and then pose her. So, look at the scene and work out all your settings and where the light's coming from and stuff and then think of the shape you want her to make (remembering all the rules you're not deliberately breaking this time!). Then take a deep breath and give all your instructions in one go. Sort of: "Right, turn three quarters to me, shoulders back, left hand down a bit, point your chin over here, now look back at me and smile a bit... lovely, very nice..."

I don't know if this is good for everyone, or just crazy people like me, but it's really just like setting your aperture, or fiddling with your flash setting, or altering your white balance.


Does that make me sound completely mental?

[candleman]

i also struggle with it. i hate telling people what to do.. and am generally shy.
i still am working through this.. i guess this is just to let you know that you're not the nly one.

[stoccata]

Always include a hefty dose of positive feedback. Not every shot, expression, position is a winner but keep the compliments going. Some people love to be photographed, others need the photo but hate the process. Everyone loves to hear that things are going well, that you are getting great shots. You're shooting digital so there is no such thing as a wasted frame. You delete the unacceptable frames later; now it's all about working with a happy model who is sure to show her/his best side when they feel really good about themselves. Let your own natural enthusiasm show through. If you're getting good stuff, let the model know that.

[ana.gr]

You can't imagine how much you've helped me with your answers. I think I still have a lot to do and a lot to learn, but sure I'm on the way.
It is kind of relieving to see that I'm not the only one! thanks so much ,really. I appreciated so much your telling me.

I don't usually shoot professional models, so they are probably waiting for me to tell them how to act, and if the thing is to tell them to act as you would in the same situation... well, this makes things worse, being portraited gets me absolutely nervous and clumsy.

Anyway, I'll take your advice and will keep on trying and improving.
Again, a big THANK YOU, because you've been really helpful.
Saludos.
Ana

[wannabehorsephotographer]

Great tips already...Here's my two cents

I had a very hard time with this at first too - and I started out shooting horses A couple of things that really helped me:
1. Bite the bullet. You are respected as the photographer and your model will 9 times out of ten do what you ask. They are expecting you to tell them what to do. (Exceptions: pets, three-year-olds, & 8th grade boys - lol).
2. Don't pose them Let them pose themselves and tweak it if it looks awkward. This is the best way to get a photo that really depicts the person.
3. Carry around an inspiration file. If you get stuck looking for poses or don't know how to explain something then show them a pic.
4. Do it yourself. Often times I pose myself where they should pose similar to how I want them to start.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great!

[trelaflip]

Best advise I can offer:

1. No matter what always tell the model they look awesome! Sure the pictures may suck and they look terrible but no matter what, tell them there doing a good job. If you tell the model there doing a bad job they will get discouraged and the shoot will goto hell quite fast. Work around the model. Learn her angles.

2. The model is always going to ask for your input when posing. Be ready to help them and have magazines or sample photos to look at. The only way around this is to shoot pro models. Be willing to demonstrate the pose your self. Who cares if you look like an idiot.

3. Touch the model. Some photographers will say, never touch the model but I totaly disagree with them. Ask the model permission to touch her, they will usually always say yes. Adjust their hair, brush a peice of dust off their shoulder. Even if there is nothing to adjust just make it look like you are. It lets the model know you are their to make them look good and it opens up the models comfort zone. I learned this from Joe McNally.

4. Let the model see the pictures on the back of the camera. Even though you told them they look awesome let the model be their own critic and she/he will quickly adjust. See how they adjust and work with them and add in your own adjustments to make better.

5. Talk, talk, talk, talk. The second a photoshoot besomes quiet the awkwardness falls in and your done.

Thats all I can think of now. All I do is shoot random good looking girls so I always need to be on my game and get that comfortable level set right at the start of the shoot else I'm done.

Some instances I have had to meet the model before a shoot. If all else fails bring a bottle of wine. It makes everything better.

[Kenneth]

I'm not a professional photographer, neither have I shoot with any professional models. I've only had about 10 photo shoot, but I learn something new every time. One of my main goals for all photo shoots now is to get comfortable around the model (that goes both ways, of course).

First of all, I converse a lot with the model before the shoot. This is especially good if I’ve never meet the model in real life before. Don’t speak to formal with her, that won’t show the real you. If you’re a shy person it’s easier to plan the shoot up front. Do so and put it all in writing, including pictures as samples. Go over your rambling a couple of times and send it over to the model and have her read through it. That makes it easier for her to prepare as well. I always do this and I’ve been told every time that it’s a good think since they know what to expect from the shoot!

Before the shoot, ask if she would like you to bring anything – like drinks, food etc. They are most likely to say no anyways. Bring it anyways! Specially water and food depending on how long the shoot will be. If it’s sunny, bring sunscreen as well. If it’s windy or cold, bring something for the model (a rug or something) to keep warm in between shoots if you’re shooting in bikini or something.

When you meet up with the model, try your best to get over yourself and don’t be a shy guy. Be funny, give her compliments (“I would hit that” is not a compliment in most shoots). Unless your good with poses, print out some samples and bring to the shoot. It makes it easier for both of you.

• Be a funny person
• Smile a lot, but don’t look retarded
• Don’t be a weirdo, unless the model is
• Keep talking. A silent photo shoot is just awkward
• Don’t make the model pose in a position she is uncomfortable in. Let her do the posing and just give her tips/directions.
• Touch her. Don’t slap her on the ass, but adjust her hair, move her feet and arms etc.
• Give lots of input.