“When you”re modeling, you’re actually acting for the camera and the photographer. It’s more fun, too because there are no lines to memorize.”
Cindy Margolis
Working and most importantly, guiding another human being is not an easy task. It requires good management skills, keen perception and sustained friendly attitude throughout the whole shoot. In this “ASK 4 PHOTOGRAPHERS” Youtube episode our PROs share their tips on how to prepare, communicate and guide the model on set.
The full interview is available of YOUTUBE. For your convenience, here is the transcript of it as well.
Molly Pan @mollypanphotography: The top one is probably that they’re really nervous, and so I just tell them to not be nervous because there’s really, like, there’s literally nothing to be nervous about. I have photographed so many people, and I feel pretty confident that I’ll be able to make people look good. I just tell them they can literally cannot … it up. Sorry, I don’t know if I should swear, but they can’t … it up.
Steven Pressler @stevenpresslerphotography : I think it’s critically important as a photographer to early on connect and to develop the chemistry with the model, because you’re looking for a certain mood. You’re looking for emotions. You’re looking for the artistry with the model. For me, it’s critically important to develop that chemistry, a form of relaxation, if you will, so when the model comes in, she’s relaxed, she’s prepared to work, her emotions come out, and the end result is you’ve got a great shoot.
Arturo Evaristo @artcrooks : You have to make sure that your model not only looks, I guess, attractive, but you have to make sure that you’re capturing their essence. That’s the most important part of a photograph, is capturing the model’s essence, and not just the subject.
Ace Style @ace_style : I prefer to get very close with the model, with the subject I’m working with. It has a very special connection. It is just more relaxed.
Steven Pressler @stevenpresslerphotography : I do a lot of work before. I meet with the model, I speak with the model, I get a sense of what the model is about. I give her, usually, a cue card of how to prepare for the shoot. Bring your A game, because if it’s the B game, I’m not interested, and it is going to show up in the work. Don’t go out partying to 3:00 in the morning, where you have bags under your eyes. Have your nails done. Have your makeup done in advance.
Molly Pan @mollypanphotography: I guess another thing is like people don’t know what to do. That, my friend, is your job as a photographer. You are supposed to tell them what to do. You can’t just expect someone to be on the other side of the camera and know where to put their limbs to look good. You are going to be in charge of the situation and you are going to let them know what to do. They’re going to totally relax, because they trust you.
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