Local photog Chris Maddox asked me earlier in the week about my venture into the world of photography. Applying my design skills to the lens is the fun part. Directing my models… not so much. Keep in mind, by “models” I’m referring to my lovely friends who have stepped in to pose for me. They don’t have any professional experience in front of a camera, just great personalities and loads of patience as I work with the light and move them around.
For those readers who know me, you know I love to ask questions. And that’s one of my primary goals when working behind the camera. But sometimes they get to it before I do. People ask me during shoots “What should I do with my hands? Is this where you want my feet? What look should I have?” It makes me chuckle and get anxious at the same time. I don’t know exactly what I want to see in the frame, but I know that I want something natural, real, and telling of who they are. I don’t have a quota to fill or a specific story to tell right now. I don’t have to sell an image to a client. I just want to learn about making great photos.
Sometimes I ask to move a leg here or to look off there, but I like to direct by asking my models questions. What’s your favorite childhood memory? What are you excited for this week? What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid? Describe your best friend and your worst enemy. I get so many more emotive and natural shots than I would if I asked for a certain look. I’m trying to employ this method at my shoots to break down walls between the person and the lens, but I’m finding that some people are really just uncomfortable — not with the lens, but with themselves.
I worked with a friend who was extremely uncomfortable with her body during the shoot. I found myself having the take on the role of a doting mother to get her through it. And to be honest, I was really shocked. She’s a beautiful girl, thin and pretty, with a great personality, but something about the lens made her insecurities rise to the surface. I’m sure this happens to all photographers with nearly all models… heck, even I get uncomfortable in front of the camera. So I’m just throwing my experience out there. What do you do to break down a wall between your model and the lens to get a great portrait?
matt
For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a great job. You clearly have an eye, and I think your design skills play to that.
I think that directing for me is a lot more fun than it used to be, because I stopped caring so much about getting what I want, and started caring more about creating a collaborative piece. A photo shoot is a blend of personalities. I tend to start my shoots by saying something like, “sometimes I’ll tell you exactly what to do, other times, I won’t say much at all.” Always set expectations.
I think the times where I really direct specific things like hands, feet, etc., is when I know that it will be unflattering to leave them be. Otherwise, I let people be who they are. One trick you can use is to tell someone to do what they think they need to do with their hands, feet, etc., and then change from there if it’s not right. People are pretty good at guessing. It’s way easier because I don’t think many of us know exactly what will look best until we see it. Also, you can just try many different poses, but again, it looks like you have the eye. These photos are great.
Annie Leibovitz doesn’t say much during her shoots. Russell James doesn’t give much direction except by saying “different hand” or “softer look”. So the pros take an open-ended approach, too. It’s easier and more realistic.
Hope that helps! Just be confident!
Dec 03, 2009 @ 11:05 AM
Jon Ashcroft
I can’t give much advice on breaking down the barriers when shooting clients rather than telling you that people like direction. It often feels awkward to do but it makes them feel more at ease because they know you have a vision and you are taking steps towards achieving it. Other than that I just have to say great job. I’m extremely impressed with these portraits and look forward to seeing more in the future.
Dec 03, 2009 @ 1:03 PM
Stephanie Horn
Thanks Matt! Garnering some praise from you means a lot to me.
“I think that directing for me is a lot more fun than it used to be, because I stopped caring so much about getting what I want, and started caring more about creating a collaborative piece.” That makes a lot of sense. Clients feel so much more at ease when they’re doing something fun and are a part of the project.
Thanks for the insight into the pro’s perspective. For the longest time I imagined that photographers were always directing their models. But I’m definitely enjoying the flexibility of my shoots and those I’ve sat in on :)
Dec 03, 2009 @ 5:19 PM
Stephanie Horn
I agree! People love it when I give them something to do. It’s almost like they’re on a mission. One blog post I read suggested helping out nervous models by giving them a prop, like a guitar or a book, to just hold. Apparently, it makes them focus their energy somewhere else. Maybe I’ll ask my next model to bring his/her favorite thing to the shoot. Oh, and thank you for the compliment; that means a lot to me.
Dec 03, 2009 @ 5:23 PM