#1 – COMMUNICATE
In front of a camera, most people feel nervous and uncomfortable. It is impossible for an experienced model to read your mind and know what your intentions are. Talk through the shoot plans with the person before you begin.
Describe your idea, share your goals, sketch out the poses, and determine the mood and expression you want. Some photographers treat their models like living statues, only there to be posed and take directions, and they forget that they are actually human beings.
In providing structure, context, and understanding to the person at the beginning, you help them feel less nervous. In addition to engaging them in the process, they may even come up with ideas that could improve what you had originally planned.
#2 – COMFORT
Many model shoots often involve the model dressed in clothing that is not always suitable for the environment. When you are standing still in a cold wind wearing a bathing suit, it’s really hard to give off a relaxed summery vibe.
Be aware of the environment and temperature your person is modeling in, make sure they are as comfortable as they can be in the situation. If you have to do a nude shoot, try and do it in a warm heated room instead of outside. It’s really hard to look relaxed when you are cold and shivering.
Discuss your model’s strength and endurance with them in relation to the poses you are doing. Then schedule regular breaks and stick to the schedule. Posing can be quite physically demanding as many poses are quite unnatural to hold for extended lengths of time. Be aware of getting into the zone and shooting for too long and not allowing the model to take a break.
#3 – ENVIRONMENT
As well as the comfort of the model, consider the environment in which you are shooting. Is it inside and private? Is it outside and open to the public? Are they expected to get changed in the back of a car or are there some facilities nearby?
What can you do to make the model feel comfortable in the environment? Would they like some music playing to help get them into the right mood? Is there a private space for them to go have a break? Blankets and hot drinks and somewhere to sit down away from the camera?
#4 – EXPLAIN THE POSE
The way people naturally stand generally looks less than ideal when a shot is taken. Double chins become triple ones, elbows and knees are all awkward, hands on hips or arms crossed in front of the chest, etc., feel comfortable and natural to do, but don’t look so good.
#5 – HANDS
The details around the edges tend to get ignored when faced with something new and challenging. As a result, their arms are usually covered with uninteresting floppy things.
