One of the most tricky and underestimated things about photographing models isn’t setting up the photo or getting the lighting correct, but actually taking the photo itself. This is because the personality of a still photograph is essential—one of the most beautiful things about photography is that you can capture a snapshot of somebody, making them look full of personality and life through a single photo.
Many photographers will know that the real photo happens in-between shots, with one of the most essential things being to have the model continually re-focus and hold different poses. The goal of this is to eventually get a shot in-between poses that reflects the motion of the photo, giving the model a stark personality.
However, there are even more techniques you can do to make sure that the poses that the model holds and their general demeanor is relaxed, confident, and suitable to be photographed.
Keep the Energy Consistent
The way a model reacts can actually relate a lot to the photographer they are looking at, so be sure that you keep up your energy as much as the model is. This can also help in moments of fatigue or doubt, as you can encourage the model to continue going and offer positive support.
Be Friends With the Model
Part of being relaxed during a photoshoot involves a certain amount of comfort with the people behind the camera. Because of this, be sure to schedule some time before and after the shoot to get to know your models better and build a friendly dynamic. Through this, you’ll establish a connection that will ease them into the photo shoot as opposed to distracting them from it.
Ask the Model Their Opinion
Most of the time the way the photographs should go is up to the photographer, but it may also help to ask the model what they think. For example, if you’re going for a specific mood, maybe the model knows how to bring that out with their specific personality and body!
Never Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Though we’ve provided you with general tips that can help in many situations, sometimes the most efficient way to understand how to work with a specific person is to ask somebody they’ve worked with previously. From this, you can understand more about their preferred dynamic and how to begin. You can also just ask the model themselves, our point is to never feel like you can’t ask for help!