5 tips for dealing with your model

Monday 29 April 2019, 20:02 by Elja Trum | 7,711 views | 2 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When you start with portrait photography, you will obviously also be dealing with other people. Specifically, the people you are going to photograph. If your model is tense or uncomfortable, you will see this in the result. You want to avoid that.

Some people are already incredibly good at dealing with others and will have less difficulty with this, but there are also plenty of photographers who do not naturally find it easy to connect with other people.

That is why this article contains some practical tips that can help you turn it into an enjoyable shoot with beautiful photos as the result.

1. Get to know your model

You can take the best photos when both you and your model feel at ease. The way to ensure that everyone feels comfortable is to talk to each other. Try to get to know your subject and be friendly towards them.

So do not hide behind your camera the whole time, but talk to each other. Especially at the start of a photo session. Do not start taking photos straight away, but take the time to get to know each other first. Discuss your plans for the photoshoot beforehand and what result you want to achieve.

If you are introverted, it may be a good idea to think of a few questions beforehand. For example, about work or school, someone's hobbies, experiences with other photoshoots and so on.

2. Give compliments

It is difficult to stand in front of the camera. The person in front of your camera can quickly start to feel insecure. You will see this in the photos, so you want to prevent it.

A good way to keep someone feeling confident is to give them compliments. You should not overdo it, of course, but it helps a lot if you regularly let them know that things are going well and that they look good in the photos.

When you look at the display on your camera to decide whether your photo has worked, do not make negative comments. Not even if this is because you are not yet happy with your lighting.

Preferably, say something positive, such as 'nice' or 'very good'. Then simply adjust your lighting and take a new photo. Especially with the first photos, it is reassuring for the model to know that they are doing well. Really happy with a photo? Be sure to show it to the model as well.

3. Create a pleasant atmosphere

Make sure your model feels at ease. Put on some music and, if necessary, ask the model which music they like. Offer your model something to drink and eat.

Do not lock your studio, as this can come across as threatening. If it is necessary after all, leave the key in the door and let your model know. Provide a space where your model can get changed out of sight and give them a brief tour beforehand so that they also know where, for example, the toilets are.

Remember and use your model's name during the photo session. Addressing someone by their name immediately makes things feel much more personal and familiar.

4. Show what you want

It is very difficult to explain in words how you would like someone to move. What is easy, however, is simply to demonstrate it. If you want to see a particular pose or expression, show it yourself so that the person you are photographing can copy you. It is immediately clear what you want.

It also often works well to use your hand to gesture what you want. For example, to have your model take a step to one side. This works very well with models who already have some experience, but it usually works automatically with beginners too.

Do you want the model to tilt their head slightly? Hold one hand up and tilt your hand slightly to one side. The model can then copy the angle and direction with their head. This also prevents a lot of confusion with 'Tilt your head a little to the right... No, the other right'.

5. Do what you agree

Before a shoot, you agree with your model what they will receive in return for the shoot. In many cases, this will at least be the photos.

It is obviously not very kind to disappear for weeks after the shoot without saying anything. I always try to send two or three photos from the shoot that same evening (I also enjoy quickly picking out the best photos) and the rest of the promised photos within two weeks.

I usually tell the model beforehand that they will receive around 10 photos from the shoot. I often take a few hundred photos during a session, but I prefer to select the best few myself.

If you have a similar approach, make sure your model knows this beforehand too. Some models would prefer to receive all the photos so that they can choose their own favourites, but personally I do not prefer that.

Whatever you choose, make sure you agree everything clearly beforehand and keep to your agreements.

You might also like

• 

  Flash photography tip: Communicate wirelessly

  by Elja Trum

• 

  Spring in pictures - photos from our Photofacts Academy community

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  How do you deal with photos on a photography trip

  by Nando Harmsen

• 

  Dealing with deadlines: a simple step-by-step plan

  by Elvira Smit

• 

  Becoming an Even Better Photographer

  by Huub Keulers

• 

  Getting started with nude photography

  by Michelle Peeters

2 comments

Have your say

Please note: Articles older than a week can only be commented on by signed-in visitors.
Would you still like to comment? sign in or create a free account.