Is there a correct way to communicate with photography subjects e.g. models?

Question

It may seem like this question has an obvious answer, but it’s something I do find quite difficult - I am very out spoken and confident but sometimes struggle with the following.

Should I just tell them what to do and they respond? Or should I change how I am with each subject?

I guess what I am asking is, what is the best way to communicate with photo subjects?

Is there a correct way to achieve the best shots / poses or is that down to style?

Asked by Rob

Answer

Everyone's style is different but this is what I do (and other pros in my area do similarly):

• Always be respectful of the model.
• Never touch the model, but if you need to rearrange something that you can't get them to do then ask for permission to touch them first.
• Be careful of your wording. If a shot isn't working make sure that you don't make it sound like it's their fault.
• Be direct with your directions. Using hand gestures that show them the tilt and direction to be at is very effective.
• Never go into silent mode. That is very awkward for a model.
• Be professional in your language. Never tell a model they're hot or attractive or something else.
• If the model is doing something good, be sure to mention it. It tells them what's working and gives them a little boost.
• Never blame your equipment or skills for missing a shot. If something isn't working, just change what you're doing but don't make them lose confidence in you by what you are saying.

These are just a few rules of thumb I've learned from pros like Andy Armstrong and incorporated into my people pictures. If I was to boil it all down to what I consider to be the best way of communicating it would be this:

Be respectful at all times and provide good feedback throughout the shoot.

Answered by nwcs

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Figure photography - where to share photos?

Question

Our photography group recently held a figure photography session, with a nude model. We want to share our photos, but don't want to fall foul of strict site rules regarding nudity. Normally I'd use Picasa, but after trawling through their FAQ I found that they explicitly forbid nudity. Where's the best place to share (tasteful) nude shots?

Asked by fredley

Answer

photo.net allows them in public galleries. There are a lot of good pros there that show excellent work in all categories, including nudes.

There paying and free memberships. The free membership limits the gallery size and number of uploads.

Answered by Itai

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How to find models for portraiture?

Question

So far, portraiture has not been my main area of interest, but I do find many portraits fascinating and would like to develop myself further. Across time, I've gathered various theoretical knowledge on portraiture, have got my gear together and done a few self-portraits and shot friends and family.

The next logical step, it seems, is to start taking portraits of strangers - but how (and where) to find those? I've seen the older question concerning taking photos of strangers, but I'd like the shots to be a bit more prepared than plain street photography (I'd like to select or set up a background and lighting).

I don't intend to use the photos commercially, so I have no strict requirements regarding model releases or professional level of the models. On the other hand, this limits my willingness to invest heavily.

Answer

Model Mayhem is used well known website to find models. You can find not-so-well established models who will model for free in exchange for head shots. It is a good way to start out.

Another option would be to join a local portraiture meetup group in your area. They normally share the cost of the studio and the model when doing a shoot.

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How can I get people to take an expression which fits the scene?

Question

I have heard that there are specific indirect questions that can be used to get people to be more natural in front of a camera. Many people, who have many expressions to offer, when put in front of a camera seems to produce one or two standard "camera expressions" which they are accustomed to.

Are there any guidelines for helping models get into the feeling of the scene?

Direct transmission seems to bring anxiety. I find that the classic "hold that position" or "don't move a muscle" to be the most counterproductive statements invented. What should I say or do instead?

Answer

One trick I picked up from Zack Arias is to get the person to "move in" to the expression; you time your snap right to get the expression at the right moment.

For instance, he'll have the model close her eyes, and then have her open them. Between the time she's in the resting state of eyes-closed and the posed-looking state when she's conscious of the camera, there's a brief moment of natural expression. Get good enough with your own timing and you can capture that.

It's the motion that's the key. "Freeze" leads to conscious stiffness and anxiety, as you mention. Our brains are not used to holding body parts in still position; we're always moving.

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How much pay to a model in a session of photos for stock?

Question

I want make a photo project to send to a stock photography agency, but I don't know what I should pay to a model for signing the model release.

Pay by photo, by hour, or in some other way?

Answer

It sounds like you haven't worked much with models. If not, it'll be an interesting journey. It's convenient to make a broad categorization of models into two groups: 1) Professional models, represented by an agency; and 2) People who model but are unrepresented, part-time, etc. If you want to be reasonably sure your model will be on location when he or she is supposed to and that you are getting what you pay for, agency models are for you. If you are working on spec, as with stock photography, you may be willing to trade the reliability of a model with a pedigree for a less expensive one.

To start with, you need a clear description of what you plan to do, where, for how long, whether the model is providing wardrobe, makeup, styling or if you will have hair, stylist, etc. on set. Be sure to mention up front whether there will be any unusual requests of the model because if your model is uncomfortable or feels you sprung something on him or her, the shoot will not go as well as if they are prepared.

In the first case, you will negotiate rates with the agency and it will be quite cut and dried. The latter case (and this is where modelmayhem.com comes in) gives you quite a range of talent and professionalism. The models range from, to be blunt, flaky to very responsible. They can be extremely talented or totally clueless. With these models, it's obviously important to have your description, but you'll want to meet them first and take a few test shots, even with your cell phone, just to see if you can communicate and work with them. If you decide the answer is yes, then you determine a rate.

There is no standard rate and stock photography is very speculative. So is modeling. Many of the Model Mayhem models are professional and serious about making a living modeling. Others, not so much. The pros will have either hourly or day rates and won't be afraid to quote them (they should be able to do this based on your description). Novices may be happy to let you set their rate. Many will work in exchange for some of the outtake images.

When you evaluate this, please bear in mind the total projected value of the shoot to you and measure your modeling fee against how much you expect to earn. If modeling and other expenses (equipment, transportation, meals, etc.) exceed what you expect to make from the shoot, just don't do it.

I know I've strayed quite a ways from the original question. I hope this is useful.

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What are the best posing props and furniture for a new/hobbyist photographer?

Question

I'm going to be doing some studio-style portrait shots soon. What objects (props, furniture, etc) should I be looking to get to assist in posing?

I'm looking for things that are:

• Useful: they'll make a positive difference when posing my model.
• Widely applicable to many different models & types of shoots.
• Easy to acquire / readily available.
• Not terribly expensive. (This is my hobby; I don't expect much return on investment).
• Easy to use, especially for a new photographer and inexperienced model.

Answer

First up, I suppose, would be the de rigeur posing stool and posing table. Neither is particularly expensive when purchased as such, but you can get 'em cheaper.

A "posing stool" is sort of a cross between a bar stool and an adjustable office chair. Well, you really don't need the round "that's what makes it a stool" seat -- the cheapest Ikea adjustable office chair that you can forget to install the backrest on is an adequate substitute. You can also go fishing for the same sort of thing at the local thrift shop. Don't worry about the casters -- you don't want them to work anyway. You can replace them with "official" feet, or you can simply muck up the works with a dab of epoxy. As long as the height adjustment works, you're golden.

That gets your subject of his/her feet, but what do they do with their hands? That's what the table is for. It doesn't need to be anything spectacular -- as long as it will bear a little bit of weight and can be adjusted to a comfortable height, it'll do. It won't normally appear in the shot; it's just a way to help the subject find a relaxed pose.

A set of boxes for your subject to put their feet up on is also a good idea -- you can often get a more natural-looking pose, even in a simple head-and-shoulders shot, if your subject has one foot up. Don't ask me why it works, it just does. It helps if the boxes can be stacked into a sort of staircase or be placed side-by-side to form a riser, that way you can also use them for full-body shots or to lift the little ones up to a comfortable working height for you. You can buy the boxes ready-made, but if you're handy with a table saw, a drill (for the interlock dowel pins) and a router or a jigsaw (for the hand holes), you can build them yourself for the price of a sheet or two of plywood.

Beyond the basics, the thrift store is your friend. A little bit of paint and some cheap throws can cover a multitude of sins. Remember, you don't need furniture that looks nice, you need furniture that looks nice in a photograph. You may have what you need already, but if you're dedicating a studio space, then there's no need to spend a lot unless you're trying to develop a luxury niche clientele. Like a Hollywood Old West town, it only needs to look good from one angle (and, of course, it needs to be safe to sit, stand, or lean on, as applicable).

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