| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/26/2006 01:08:15 PM · #1 |
Nope, not the model's shyness - the photographer's :P
Seriously, I am really interested in doing more shoots with models aside from family. I need to improve, so I want the experience, and even contacted some models that would do TFCD, and were interested in shooting with me.
Now, here's the tough part - even though I really want to do it, it makes me nervous. I'm very shy with people I don't know, and honestly am not good at directing people. Any ideas on how to control my nervousness and shyness? Tips on directing? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated...
Thanks
|
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:12:31 PM · #2 |
have a set of printouts of similar shots that you want to emulate. that way the model can SEE what you're talking about. you don't have to articulate as much...you can just grunt and point.
it's like taking a picture to the hairdresser. :)
seriously, though, once you're both on the same page it's easier. also, if the model has some things that they want to try, let them. don't fight with 'em. you can always delete it later. :) just make sure you get what YOU want too. |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:20:15 PM · #3 |
| I sympathize completely. beside the basic "customer unhappy with final product" This is my next biggest fear as far as starting portrait photography. I've tried to direct my husband before and it went horribly wrong. It's quite frustrating and i know if it were a stranger I wouldnt even want to say what i want them to do. i'd feel as if I were being annoying, controlling and bitchy. Thats something i need to get over. I was raised to be seen and not heard and sometimes not seen either. lol I don't have any tips. but I'll be watching this thread as i definaetly need some too. |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:20:32 PM · #4 |
It's worth using experienced models for a couple of shoots while you get used to the interaction.
Experienced models are really easy to work with - you just set up the lights and shoot, as you suggest ideas they know what you are talking respond well and advise accordingly.
Once you have done a couple of shoots then you will have a better knowledge of what you want from the model and directing becomes easier.
Most important thing is to be relaxed :)
A couple of my recent shoots, Vanessa (experienced) and Estelle (first time)
|
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:25:41 PM · #5 |
Actually..coming from my modeling experience, you want to start off with amatuer models. You have to realize that new models will be just as nervous as you are. They will be looking to you for direction and you both will be learning together. You and the model should come up with what type of photos you want and get a sheet together with the poses.
The best thing about new models is that they are the easiest to work with because they understand that they don't really know what they are doing. Experienced models may have more poses, but alot of times will want to do things THEIR way. And once you get an experienced model unhappy....the photos show it. |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:30:42 PM · #6 |
Get to know each other. Sit down with your model and get to know him/her before you shoot. It's a relationship just like your friends and family. Discuss what interests them in photography and modeling. You might end up with ideas for future sessions with this or other models.
As for directing, the best advice I read and use about this is be willing to demonstrate what you want. If this means lying down in the dirt to show the model what you are looking for, it'll make the model that much more open to you because you are willing to do it youself. You're willing to step into her shoes even if for just an instant.
Message edited by author 2006-07-26 13:32:43. |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:33:18 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by albc28:
Actually..coming from my modeling experience, you want to start off with amatuer models. You have to realize that new models will be just as nervous as you are. They will be looking to you for direction and you both will be learning together. You and the model should come up with what type of photos you want and get a sheet together with the poses.
The best thing about new models is that they are the easiest to work with because they understand that they don't really know what they are doing. Experienced models may have more poses, but alot of times will want to do things THEIR way. And once you get an experienced model unhappy....the photos show it. |
Just to clarify, I said 'experienced' not professional, by that I'm talking about amature models that have had a few shoots in the past and have an idea of what they want - the session that I did with Vanessa was TFCD, she had a set that she wanted to do which took about 2 hours and the rest of the set (about 5 hours total) was spent on general stuff.
The advantage of have at least one of either the photographer or the model having some experience is to avoid all the awkwardness and 'blind leading the blind' effect - this will result in bad pics.
|
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:53:42 PM · #8 |
You've gotten some good ideas here. There are things to consider when working with amatuers with no experience, some experience and professionals that you can compensate to work with you. It really depends on where you shyness rests. Do you fear them saying "No" to an idea of yours? Do you worry that you won't be able to direct them adequately? Do you worry that they'll realize you have no idea what the hell you're doing? Why are you shy in regards to these models?
Once you have an idea why you're shy its a matter of considering the reason and trying to see that part of the situation from a different perspective. If you're worried that they've obviously worked with "better" photographers before and they'll think your work is crap then you can remind yourself that they chose to work with you. If your concern is that you can't direct them or express what you want to see well then you just have to remind yourself that this is your expression and their interpretation and that it isn't going to be "right" and if you have trouble communicating with them or directing them then its not like you're going to get it "wrong" either so just have fun and enjoy the experience.
To top off some of the psych babble I suggest a more concrete method of easing those jitters when the time comes that you're gonna grab that camera and start snapping shots of Mr or Ms model: grab a chocolate candy bar and munch it just ahead of the shoot. The treat actually causes a bio-chemical reation that most people find calming or soothing and it can help you get past that initial hurdle so that you may just realize 10 minutes later that you're really comfortable and that you're shooting.
Even after shooting as much as I have I sometimes get startled during the middle of a session and kind of think "uhhh, OK, I don't really know what I'm going to do next and ohmigod this person is looking at me like I'm supposed to be telling them what to do". Its those times I just take a breath and give 'em some direction and lo and behold it tends to work out great. Sometimes those kinds of breaks are exactly what we need to get me out of a rut and get us some more energizing creativity.
gl
|
|
|
|
07/26/2006 01:59:01 PM · #9 |
| have a quiet assistant with you. Safety in numbers ;) |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 02:08:33 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Megatherian:
have a quiet assistant with you. Safety in numbers ;) |
Or you could work with another photographer and BE the quite assistant with camera in hand taking shots while learning how he/she interacts with the models. |
|
|
|
07/26/2006 02:51:23 PM · #11 |
The whole situation sounds startlingly like first-date jitters...
|
|
|
|
07/27/2006 01:18:39 PM · #12 |
Thanks, everyone! I will try to follow the tips, relax, and I really like the idea of taking some pictures of what I like to show them.
Thanks again! :)
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/06/2025 05:58:33 PM EDT.
