Feel at ease..........

[Photography, Art & Design]

Alright Ladies..... As a photographer I would like some input on how to make you feel more at ease at shoots when shooting with a new photographer( someone who you have not worked with before) ? Any suggestions ??? Thanks .................................... Rob

[Edson Carlos]

Roll up with a padlock on your lip hahahahaa

[Mimi First]

Music, Polite Conversation, Good Direction, Decent temperature remember were not always wearing a heck of a lot... And full disclosure up front. Get the business out of the way right off the bat. Photo Id's copied, releases signed etc... Which frees both model and photographer up to concentrate on getting great shots.
Hope this helps!

[NolaChick™ {Madam}]

Just be respectful. If you have to touch the model for any reason, ask to do so. Be tasteful and don't make gross jokes. Be upfront about photo turn around time, contracts on any kind, number of pics given per shoot, etc.

[Edson Carlos]

Whatever you do don't show up with a cooler full of alcoholic drinks in the trunk. A photographer we worked with once did that and well...it worked for that girl. But we never used him again.

[Lucky Diva]

The most important thing to me: as long as you don't know me really well, no sexual jokes, nothing which could give me the impression you are trying to hit on me. Make sure you act respectfully and show me you are just interested in taking good pictures and nothing else. And talk to me, don't leave me "alone" in front of the camera, just a little bit of chit chat makes it more comfortable to me.

[Cassie Wanda]

Being respectful, making sure I'm hydrated is always nice. Haha, and not discouraging escorts. I get why they can get in the way, but having a friend there is usually very comforting. Not that I don't trust YOU, but that I don't KNOW you yet.
I'm sure you are amazing! I think the mere fact your asking- makes a big impression.

[Soda Shop Sue]

NolaChick said:

Just be respectful. If you have to touch the model for any reason, ask to do so. Be tasteful and don't make gross jokes. Be upfront about photo turn around time, contracts on any kind, number of pics given per shoot, etc.

no crude jokes!!!
be nice!

[Ava des Mortes]

I always have a friend at my photoshoots... I never really feel nervous at shoots though because I'm just... well me. I always end up laughing my ass off at something or another. Just have a good time. They're not going to bite you. But I still recommend bringing somebody.

Don't ever think that just because you're a model you can do whatever you want. Always accept direction from the photographer because he/she is the one with the camera and they'll know what looks good. :)

[Marissa Lily]

Everything that Rob said is spot on.
1. Show images
2. Give feedback/guidance
3. Music
4. No touching

I really like when a photographer shows me a few images in the viewfinder (good or bad so I can see what to keep doing or stop doing!) It really boosts your confidence when you see that you are looking good in the pictures and confidence is what modeling is all about. Compliments are good too, just be careful about how many and what kind! Things like, "That's great" "You look great" "Do that again" really help the model. I hate it when a photographer is quiet and doesn't say anything while taking pictures! It makes me think that nothing is coming out right.

Also, about touching. I don't care if someone touches me but I think a lot of people do and I have been in one situation with very inappropriate touching. So the best is to just tell the model that their bra strap is showing, their hair is in their face, etc.

Water, snacks and music!! Music is especially important. I personally don't care if it is my music or yours, but music helps me relax a lot. I also like to have talked to the photographer on the phone to get acquainted if possible. At least several email exchanges so that you feel like you know them a little bit.
I'd work with you :)

Pin-ups Hair Design Inc. said:

Excellent topic. As a stylist, I'm around women all day long at the salon and at shoots. Respect is key. I've had the opportunity to work with some of the best photographers in the industry, as well as some of the best Pin-up models. Here's a few personal observations and tips. Be a professional and treat the model like a professional and as your guest. I feel that taking someone's photograph is a very intimate exchange. This relationship needs to be treated as such. I find that most models like to see what the images look like, as they go. Show them a few in the view finder. It's fun seeing their face light up with excitement, when they see how great they look. This is important, especially in the beginning of the shoot while they're getting warmed up. It gives them a chance to see what they're doing and makes them feel a bit more comfortable and relaxed. Give direction. Help them with positioning of hands, feet, legs etc. and then follow up with an encouraging comment. "Perfect. That looks great", goes a long way. Obviously, some of this isn't as important when working with experienced models. However, the respect issue can not be emphasized enough.

Once again, great topic. It shows that you care.

~Rob/Pin-ups Hair Design~

[Whirlingturban]

Oops!

I'd just like to say: as someone who has orchestrated several shots and worked on lots of commercial film sets,and worked a LITTLE bit in front of the camera, eons ago-

I used to sing with a band: I was completely at ease on stage. Then once my BF came with me to get some videotaped shots of me performing to "patch in" to the live shots we already had. Having my BF there was totally inhibiting to me. It was awful!

Also, the worst shoot I ever had with my Balinese model for Whirlingturban was the one where her (very nice!) BF was there. (But she is a total amateur- so who knows?)

I just told a model here in the U.S. that I'd prefer to have her alone for a shoot, w/o her BF. Now I am worried I may have "scared her" about my motives. I guess if she'd explained that this was *a friend who was known for "egging her on"* (in a good way) I would have loved that because certain people really can bring out the best in you. BF's can be dicey, though.

When I worked in movies and TV commercials, an actress would never "bring a friend to the set for moral support". If guests were there, they were disappearing WAY in the background- it was just the crew on set. So, again, reading the comments from the models here, I now see it from your side- I'm sure there are lots of sleazeballs out there posing as would-be pinup photogs that you wouldn't want to be alone with.

Cassie Wanda said:

Being respectful, making sure I'm hydrated is always nice. Haha, and not discouraging escorts. I get why they can get in the way, but having a friend there is usually very comforting. Not that I don't trust YOU, but that I don't KNOW you yet.
I'm sure you are amazing! I think the mere fact your asking- makes a big impression.

[Miss Cryss]

Be professional, respectful, and whatever you do....never act like a "guy with camera". Be confident with your work, give good direction, and encourage your model to bring an escort. Music is also great in helping your model relax. Good luck! :)

[SuzyQ]

for me its music music music! take the time to find out what type of music a model likes and maybe get on limewire and get a play list going, If I am surrounded by music I love i will tend to loosen up and probably end up singing and dancing lol. dead silence would make me SUPER uncomfortable.