Easing Camera-Shyness? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/10/2007 01:40:57 AM · #1

Does anyone have any tricks for getting rid of, or at least easing, the camera shyness and tension?

So far, each of the little practice shoots I've done, I get the same thing over and over - "tell me what you want me to do; you're the photographer"

I've done alright in trying to catch people when they think I'm not shooting, but besides trying to master the candid-capture, is there anything else that can be done that's worked for you?

karmat

Apple iPhone 7

01/10/2007 01:46:43 AM · #2

I'm not any good either, but I've read here that playing music can help. Of course, make sure it fits the mood. Heavy metal with toddlers might do more damage than good.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/10/2007 01:53:47 AM · #3

Talk to them. Keep talking. And talk some more. (there are some people for which this comes naturally - I am not one of them - so I really have to work on this myself) I think that by keeping your subjects engaged, it really helps them out. When I'm working with couples, I'm asking them questions like ... how they met, what he likes about her, what drives her wild about him, how did they know he/she was the one. Humor goes a long way. I like to use a little bit of music in studio, soft music for family portraits, more engaging music for individuals (especially senior portraits).

For kids... have some flashy and noisy toys handy. It helps get their attention. Sometimes works on adults too! :-)

Anyway, those are some ideas...

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

01/10/2007 02:05:56 AM · #4

So you're saying whips and authoritative commands aren't involved???

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/10/2007 02:25:37 AM · #5

Ok, I'm a natural "socialite"... but I have trouble talking and shooting at the same time. I tend to start ignoring the camera - I'm very much an eye contact, full attention on the person you're talking to - kind of person -- I've just been trained for so long

Does it get better/easier with practice?

also, I like the music idea... and I very much like your specific conversation questions - they seem like really good mood setters for the type of expressions you'd want in the photos

What sort of things would you talk about with a single model, like for senior portraits?

skylercall

Canon EOS-7D

01/10/2007 02:33:42 AM · #6

Looking at it from the other side of the lens:

I like to know that the photographer is friendly and cares about me so I like it when they ask questions as we are getting ready to shoot. Once the shooting begins I don't like a lot of conversation because I feel like I am taking too much time providing answers therefore keeping my mouth open for way too long. I feel like I am then hindering the photographer from taking pictures. This can turn into a waste of time for both of us.

Message edited by author 2007-01-10 02:34:36.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/10/2007 01:31:57 PM · #7

Yeah, that's something I've thought about... I have gotten quite a few open-mouth shots... maybe talking and then shooting and then talking?

any more suggestions? specific things to say maybe?

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

01/10/2007 02:47:32 PM · #8

Originally posted by amandalore:

I'd try to be prepared, i.e. come to it it with a sense of what kind of shot you're hungry for that would suit the model (his/her ways, airs and personality in the setting you provide) or, at least,

come with an open/observant mind that will stay open to some possibilities. If you do (come prepared like this), it would allow you (the two of you) to interact without having to superimpose any preconceived ideas, which

frees a little creativity, although

tension may remain, even increase. My suggestion is not to fear tension but to use it. If what you hear over and over is "tell me what you want me to do; you're the photographer", I'd do exactly that. I'd direct.

Message edited by author 2007-01-10 14:48:24.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/10/2007 02:54:23 PM · #9

Get the camera technicals down cold. Have the camera set up, ready to go, settings correct for what you are shooting, cards formated, everything done, so that you are paying as little attention to the camera as you can possibly. Even to the point that you aren't zooming in or out, you want to be focusing on the subject as much as you can and as little as possible on the camera.

Then as said, talk. If you want to be able to make eye contact, a tripod can help get you out from behind the camera. Some people don't like how a tripod makes them feel static, but it depends a lot on what you are shooting.

Same way if you have any additional lighting - get it all set up and dialed in before the person arrives.

With all that out of the way, all you have to do is compose well and press the button at the right time, to capture the expressions you generate with what you are talking about.

The alternative is the subject sits and stares at you fiddling with a box, has no communication and looks nervous or bored :)

If you see something you like, don't be afraid to say it. If you see an action or a gesture that you like, don't be afraid to get them to repeat it. People are often very uncomfortable in front of a camera, so a lot of feedback from you to them will help and the talking can distract them. Try to listen more than you talk - get them talking about something they are passionate about and you'll get good expressions and they'll forget about the camera.

Message edited by author 2007-01-10 14:56:23.