Today I’m heading over to Studio 3E to show some fellow photographers how I interact with a model (or client). Having modeled for several years as a teenager, and as an adult, I have valuable experience in front of and behind the lens. If every people photographer were to have modeling experience, I think there would be a lot more communication and connection between models and photographers. And, there IS room for improvement!

While modeling, most of the photographers I worked with had no idea how to interact with me in a way that would build my confidence. Either 1) the photographer said nothing throughout the shoot, 2) The photographer criticized my posing 3) The photographer micromanaged me so that I never found my own rhythm 4) the photographer was trying to get my clothes off or, rarely, 5) the photographer was attempting to make me comfortable with chit-chat and compliments.

Now, as the model, you are “on stage”, often in skimpy or confining wardrobe, and you need some confidence building (in most cased).

What do I do to improve the outcome of my photoshoots with models? I bond with them through clear communication, non-judgement, active listening, respect, assistance with posing and by having a sense of humor. I direct the model… after all, ultimately, I am in charge. I think of a photo shoot as something similar to creating a movie. I’m the director and cinematographer. So, it’s my job to set the scene and to communicate what is in my mind’s eye to the model. I need to set the stage and fully describe the mood and character interactions.

Want to learn more about how I interact with models? Check back here for part II!