One dispute that seems to come up for me, over the years that I’ve been a fashion photographer, is the treatment of the models. Or better still, what to do with a model who isn’t giving you what you need. So here’s the dilemma: you cast a girl who you think fits the look you’re going for on a particular shoot. You organize the team, putting together the best hair stylist, make up artist and stylist for the job. You rent or find the location. You go over and over the details with your team before you even get to the set. You leave no stone unturned: all the details are complete. You’re finally ready to shoot and the girl just won’t emote. You’re playing her iPod, everyone is happy to be there and in a creative mood, food has been offered and eaten. And the girl just won’t give it up! What do you do?
I have a dear friend in the industry who has been doing this as long as I have and he and I have completely opposite viewpoints on this. I won’t say he’s famous for being a “screamer” but he’s one of these photographers that will definitely get angry with the model if she isn’t emoting or giving him what he needs to get the shot. He’s been known to make the models cry or have them walk off set to call their agents. His take is that he’s put all this work in to the shoot to create exactly what he wants and if the model isn’t emoting, the shoot is a waste. I agree with that….it is a waste if the girl just stands there or if the girl is giving you those Model 101 poses. It is totally frustrating and debilitating.
My viewpoint on the subject is this:
If she ain’t got it, she ain’t gonna’ get it. At least not in the 6 hour time frame I need her to be “on”. And maybe because I’m a woman and I’m against berating other women, I just can’t find it in me to be a jerk and start yelling at the model. I feel like the reason why she really can’t emote is because she’s shy or insecure in the first place and screaming at her isn’t going to do anything positive for her already low self esteem. To make the shoot more interesting, I’ll end up moving around the girl myself and shooting at angles that add interest and don’t necessarily need her to emote that strongly. Or, if I have to, I will take her aside and make sure she feels comfortable because maybe someone along the way in production (like the make up artist or the hair stylist) did or said something that upset her so I’ll clear that up so hopefully we can move past it. But when all possible reasons why the girl isn’t emoting have been checked off and she still won’t move, I basically walk away with a shoot that wasn’t all I was expecting. And sometimes I’ll admit, the shoot is a wash. At least in my opinion.
More often than not, if it’s a job, I don’t have the final say on the model choice. And while I can tell the client what’s happening, that the girl isn’t moving or emoting, at the end of the day, the client doesn’t really want to hear it they just want results. I try to keep the set lively and happy and positive and pull out what I can from the girl. I’m fairly good at it at this point. But I don’t scream and yell and reduce the model to tears.
But I know other photographers that do. While I thought I was taking the higher ground by not being a “screamer”, you can see by the short video from our Fashion Photography Exposed DVD when I interview modeling agent James Charles from Photogenics that he doesn’t necessarily agree with me. He thinks that the girls need to be trained and taught that when they are on set with a photographer they need to give that photographer what they’re looking for. So by all means, you gotta’ do what you need to do, to get the shot.
I know that not all of you are working with professional models yet and that the new faces or girls from sites like Model Mayhem can be extra challenging because they too are starting out and may not “know” what emoting even is or how to do it.
So here are some “tricks” you can try to get the new
girls to open up and start emoting for you:
Music
One is to ask them if they want to hear a particular kind of music. Ask them if they brought their own iPod or iPhone with their iTunes on it so they can hear the kind of music they like listening to. Music is a great motivator to get people “moving” and happy. It’s a mood elevator. And I use it often to get everyone to loosen up and start enjoying themselves. After all, this job is really supposed to be fun, right?
Work with People who are Easy Going
Another thing I try to do, and I’m not always in a position to do it, but I try to hire make up, hair and stylists that are relatively easy going and fun to work with. A Diva hair stylist can intimidate a new model like you wouldn’t believe. That won’t help your cause, so try to work with non-Diva-esque people.
Humour
Another trick is humour. Everybody loves to laugh. So try to get the model to laugh. That will help loosen her up. And lastly, SHOW her what you want. Get up there on the cyc or on the seamless and show her where to put her legs or what expression you’d like her to give. If you feel awkward showing her yourself, gather your mood board or have some pictures on hand so you can show her, “This is what I’m looking for, smile (or frown or wink or snarl) like this girl”. Having a reference point will often set them on the right path.
It’s not the photographer’s job to “whip” the model into place. If you call yourself a model and are operating at the level where you have agency representation, it’s your job as a model to act the part.
I agree with you that yelling at a model or berating her is only going to make things worse. As a photographer, when you have a model that is sub-par it’s time for you to step up as the professional and give positive direction while using your skills and creativity to make something of the shoot. In the end you might just end up with shit, but bringing a model to tears is seldom going to bring you positive results.
Interesting question. I’m in your camp – anytime you have a team that needs to work well together, it’s a matter of leadership. And organizational leadership is a well researched topic. Screaming and yelling is not a form of leadership, period. And getting someone into tears isn’t getting them any closer to delivering, much the opposite – especially if they’re supposed to emote and be authentic.
That said, setting clear expectations, and asserting control of the situation in a constructive way is critical. The girl needs to understand what is expected and that she’s failing if she doesn’t turn it on, it just has to be done in a constructive way – don’t confuse asserting control with being the ass on set.
Sometimes experienced models can turn it on on the spot, which is awesome to watch. But often I find they need a ‘warm-up’ period. So I may shoot a first look totally expecting that one to be a bit stiff. Don’t put the hero shot at the beginning. I just shot with a plus sized agency model, and it took her half the shoot to loosen up and give me a genuine look.
Sometimes I get someone else on the set, like the make-up artist to interact with the model, or put them in the line of sight. Apps can also do the trick – I had one shoot where a ‘fart app’ on the iPhone loosened the mood on set to make it click. Whatever it takes to get the job done.
There’s also a related question whether you take time out from time to time and show the model the shots on the iPad or back of the camera? One agent advised me against it, because it makes the model less secure being criticized on the spot. But often I find we can review shots to fine-tune issues in the posing and most models get it.
I go the mood board route, or at least I have a stack of photos that have aspects of what I’m looking for. Like one stack will have the poses and the other will have the facial expression and I figure I’m giving her enough of the ingredients that she can stir them together into something that works. If she can’t, it could be argued that I didn’t research her profile well enough or some other failing on my part. I have a terrible temper and it took a long time to develop techniques to keep it in check, if I ever let myself go off on a model the poor girl would probably run straight into heavy traffic to end it all.
From a very amateur standpoint, check references. I wanted to shoot a girl once who had a great look and I thought she’d work out great for a concept I had in mind, but when I asked some of her other photographers they told me she was like a deer in headlights in front of the camera and all of her poses had been done with the photographer practically adjusting and correcting her joint by joint. I don’t want to work that hard so I shelved it until I find someone else. I know that probably doesn’t work in an agency situation but maybe that’s just a perk for we little fish in the pond.
As a photographer and ex model, I can see both sides of the story. Yes, it’s the model’s job to act professional, do what they’re asked, be confident etc etc. But everybody has a bad day at work sometimes. And the fact is, if they don’t do what you want them to do, you just don’t work with them again.
When directing and music and mood boards and acting out doesn’t work, I just try talking. Sometimes we’re working and concentrating so hard on the job, it can be easy to forget. Just asking them about themselves, and catching photos between responses. Or goofing around, to make them laugh. Half the time it works, because when they are in conversation, they’re relaxed. The other half, it works because they warm up and feel less in the spotlight – like the whole crew is staring at them, waiting to perform – so the performance is drawn out naturally.
Melissa, I’m with you 100% about having a happy, laid back set where everyone is having a great time. Screaming at a model is counter-productive and quite ego-centric on the photographer’s part, I think – not only does it ruin the model’s day, but everyone else’s as well. I’ve had shoots not turn out the way I wanted because the model wasn’t doing what she was supposed to, but I saw it as my own creative challenge to try and do something to salvage the shoot. It can be a total buzz kill to have a model that’s not emoting and sometimes it’s hard to get past the disappointment of having your creative hopes dashed, but I try to push through. I figure it builds character.
When shooting for clients and not myself, I encourage those clients who can afford it to have a casting call which I try to attend and fire off a few rounds. I figure if a model can flow at a hectic casting call where she has less than 5 minutes to prove herself, she’ll probably be okay at the shoot. Also gives me a chance to interact with her and see if she has a sense of humor (very important!)
I’m also okay with showing the model the images as we’re shooting, but only at a point where I feel like small tweaks are needed to make the image “perfect”. If the model sucks, I definitely do not show her the proof, especially early on in the shoot – if she’s uncomfortable and insecure that can only make it worse.
Thanks so much for the post! Relevant and thought-provoking as always!
I am more the humour type, I like good energy throughout the whole day, and I also try the ‘Feed-The-Model-Good-Food’ technique. To warm up I usually have a small talk to her while she’s getting hair and make-up done.
Sometimes it’s not the model that’s feeling under pressure, I feel under pressure even for a test with new faces especially when they bring their mother/guardians/boyfriends/grandfather/random-on-the-street to the set standing behind me watching and sort of ‘directing’ the girls. Not cool!
I work alot with new faces and they’re usually under 18 and just starting out, and I just find that the small age gap could play a part in getting the model to relax a little? I’m 19 and the rest of my team are of a similar age as well, so we have ‘common’ ground I guess. One of the new faces I’ve worked with said that she felt less comfortable when being shot by a guy in his late 50′s without a single female on set, so I always try and have at least 1 female in the team with the new face model for when she changes etc etc etc.
Definitely no screaming.
I do a lot of work with either new models or 1st timers, and I find a mixture of humour and gentle persuasion works for me. Often I go through a set routine of poses before I get the model to freestyle, and also sometimes one of the makeup artists I work with will suggest stuff in a more firm tone – girl to girl. I’m almost a giant and spend a good bit of time taking the piss out of myself which seems to break the ice.
I am with you 100%, Melissa (and the other people here, for that matter).
If the time allows it, I try to instruct the model as good as possible beforehand.
I always provide a mood board with examples of what I have in mind (also for the client, stylist and hair stylist) and I try to get to know the model before working with her.
I know that isn’t always possible, but even 15 minutes during preparation go a long way to make the model feel comfortable and help her to go all out.
I had to do a lot of private client photo shoots in the beginning of my career (I still do that from time to time, if the money is right), to improve the condition of my bank account and I think some of that necessity to ease someone up before the shoot stayed with me.
Finding a good way in between pushing people to do their best and making them feel comfortable working with you is really important, imho.
Fashion photography, more than most other types of photography, is teamwork after all.
I tend to go for the more passive approach also. Agreed music is very important… I play music depending on the character/emotion I want the model to portray. eg. recently did an editorial with this model James who is usually quite feminine. I wanted to make him look very troubled, intense and a little mysterious… throughout the shoot played Nick Cave’s “Dig Lazarus Dig” to set the mood and help him to get into character. I also had him clench his fists, even when they were out of shot to create that tension in his arms, neck, shoulders and face.
Went on a little tangent there but basically what I do to get a model into the shoot and to get them emotive is give them a character and enhance this by the use of music, the atmosphere and the way that I talk to them. It’s important for the photographer to give model direction, explain what’s in your head, describe it to them while they’re in hair and makeup.. most models I’ve found love this opportunity to get in a characters head and make it work. The results really do show in the final product.
From a creative direction standpoint, and also a human one, I don’t think it’s ever okay to make a model cry. How would you expect her to open back up or recover after that? I also think that one of the hat’s that a photographer wears is the director’s hat. Just like when actor’s are on set and can’t emote correctly, it’s a directors job to explain their motivation.
I love the idea about having the model’s own music, and fewer divas on set. One problem that I’ve encountered while on set with a stiff model is that, when the rest of the team (hair, makeup, assistants, etc) realizes that the model isn’t pulling through, all of a sudden everyone becomes the creative director and wants to shout out their 2 cents. “Try this… try that!” When there are too many cooks in the kitchen things can get very confusing. I think having someone who can connect to the model is important. Sometimes that person isn’t always me. The makeup artist that normally work with for some reason can connect with models better than me & the photog sometimes. So I’ll tell him what I want and have him get try to get through to her.
But saying that breaking a model down is the best way to bring her back up sounds like some of the most egotistical bull I’ve ever heard. I think it shows that persons lack of communication more than anything.
I’m only a “part time” photographer and I don’t do Fashion or really any commercial work. My stuff is athletes and headshot/comp card stuff for actors. But in my day job I work as an Assistant Director on film sets for movies and commercials. Because I started in that business in front of the camera, I’ve long been considered “too talent friendly.” But in my experience of working with Commercial directors who are difficult on actors like Joe Pytka and demanding directors like Spike Lee, I have found that befriending the talent and getting actors and models to trust you works more to the cause than creating animosity. In my capacity, I don’t have to be mean and in fact, I think directors and producers count on my relationship building skills to help “get the shot or concession” whatever that may entail. In my experience, yelling at the talent in 9 cases out of 10 simply seals the deal that the shoot will completely suck.
But I agree that finding a cool glam squad really helps. As a MU Artist once told me, whatever emotions they are feeling and are written across their faces and are apparent in their gestures and actions. And they spend the first hours of their work day just a few inches from your model’s face, sharing all that negative energy. So you definitely want a Glam squad that’s easy going, fun and able to consider the needs of the talent before their own problems and struggles. I think your read is right and that of your friends is not really the best, most constructive style.
As a photographer for over 30 years, I think I’ve screamed at 1 model, but not to the point of berating her. What I do is what you’ve mentioned I move around her and all the time I’m talking to her and trying to build her confidence up.
Another trick I use is humour or I like to dance and all my models know this so if she isn’t getting it own it time to dance.
I do raise my voice but that is done in excitement, as I feel if I can get a few images that are exciting then I work with that and get the model to get in the excited state.
Naturally, if nothing is working I do a time out let the crew move off set (they know what it means when I yell out “timeout”. They all move off set and then I take the model by the hand and walk with her around the studio explaining to her what the shoot is lacking and what I need from her. I also try to show her what I’m talking about (usually it’s help if I can get them to jump here and there or a gentle leap from back to front) If I can get them to do this simple step then I can usually 99% of the time get them in the groove, even if that groove last 3 minutes it’s 3 minutes of shooting that is great and then I know I have to build them up again and we do this over and over.
In the end we get there, usually takes a little longer but we get there.
Nowadays because budgets are tight and time is big money, I tend to test the model before the shoot if nothing but for an hour this way they get to know what I expect and I know what to expect.
I’m not comfortable with the idea that yelling at someone is the right approach. I still work a day job and I can tell you if my supervisor “yelled” at me or degraded me in any way I’d promptly file a complaint with HR. So I would never turn around and do that to someone else regardless of the job or situation. In my opinion it’s not professional and it’s kind of lazy on the part of the photographer. Some days, work is going to be tougher than others, no matter the job/profession. I agree with you Melissa, positive reinforcement is a better approach. Good music, fun atmosphere, friendly team. I was also an actress so I try and pass on tips and tricks I learned in my classes, like “…it’s as if…”. Modelling is a type of acting, I think all models should take acting classes.
I agree with you as well Melissa, lately I’ve shot or test shot rather a lot of new talent, some as young as 13 and its their first ever photoshoot, so I’m accustomed working or rather manipulating inexperienced models to get what I want. usually when I plan a shoot I also make a CD of music to evoke the mood or feel of the shoot and play that, plus I make very detailed mood boards, with a storyline and reference photos for the model both in terms of poses and styling. But generally, when I meet the model for the first time at the shoot, sometimes we have a chance before everyone else arrives for the shoot or during hair & makeup, I try to talk to the model, ask her things about herself, and by that way I figure out what kind of person she is, her personality and what she is into or not and using little information I gathered about her from our chat, I can use it during the shoot to bring something out in hre that I want, plus I think by breaking the ice with her and chatting with her, gets them usually more comfortable with me plus I think it makes them feel like I care and I do care about them as a person and to get to know them and that they are not just a mannequin. Usually I find by the end of a shoot, the model gives me the best stuff, she is more relaxed by then, but I think its important to establish a trust and a friendship as fleeting as the experience may be between model & photographer.
Honestly, I can’t imagine anything positive coming out of screaming at a model. As people have said- it’s unlikely that a girl will transform positively after being yelled at, especially if she wasn’t performing because she didn’t feel comfortable to start with.
I find that explaining to them what you’re after before the shoot really helps. Some girls are also much better one on one so I find that just spending 10 minutes chatting to them beforehand really makes a difference. I also think it really helps to be positive- find the good shots and show them and get excited about them. Everyone loosens up when they feel like they’re doing well
People react to how we behave, ourselves. We are mirrors. And if we want a certain reaction or emotion from our subjects, we need to behave a certain way to garner a response in kind.
It’s a natural, inherent part of how people behave. If we act nervous, chances are the people around us will, too. If we are relaxed and easy-going, more than likely so too will the people we interact with.
Then there’s always what Jill Greenberg did — stole candy from babies to make them cry. That’s the reaction she wanted. She didn’t ask the children to cry. That would have futile, since it can rarely be faked. She did something to make her models’ emote a certain way.
If I want a model to laugh, I’ll tell a joke (hopefully it’s funny!). If I want a certain look I try to do or say something that gets the response I want. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But we’re not just photographers. We’re directors.
That famous photo of Churchill, for example. The photographer got that look by grabbing the cigar from his mouth right before he took his portrait. And history was made…
I tend to use moodboards weeks prior to the shoot as part of the preshoot prep. If I’m not getting what I need I’ll jump in front of cam and do the emotions/expressions/poses myself, i had one girl repeating ‘que’ for 20 minutes, each time she did it the more absurd it got, but I got the shot!
This is very helpful site about fashion photography. Sometimes I get someone else on the set, like the make-up artist to interact with the model, or put them in the line of sight. Apps can also do the trick – I had one shoot where a ‘fart app’ on the iPhone loosened the mood on set to make it click. Whatever it takes to get the job done.
But I agree that finding a cool glam squad really helps. As a MU Artist once told me, whatever emotions they are feeling and are written across their faces and are apparent in their gestures and actions. And they spend the first hours of their work day just a few inches from your model’s face, sharing all that negative energy. So you definitely want a Glam squad that’s easy going, fun and able to consider the needs of the talent before their own problems and struggles. I think your read is right and that of your friends is not really the best, most constructive style.
Show the model some reference pictures of the ‘looks’ you want from her. Doesn’t mean she copies them, but just gets an idea of the direction you want her to head.
You need to know some basic poses and emotions yourself, just like film directors know basic acting. I believe directing the model is as important as knowing how to light her. If you can’t do that effectively, you suck as a fashion photographer.
My tips —
* First impression — how you first meet the model is extremely important! If you are focusing on your eqpt and lights—a nervous model will feel more nervous! They want to do a good job for you! Stop what you are doing–give eye contact and give them some warm attention! Ask them if they have any questions. If you make them feel important–they will give you what you want.
* Photog assistant — I am an older male–my assistant is a female near their age– she ask what music they like. She tells them they are beautiful and helps me get the shot!
* Feedback — If you want something different–tell them something they do well first, then add what you might like better. If you are short and to the point, you risk losing their engagement. They must be engaged with you to create the Opera!
It is simple–we make it hard.
I’m a laid back guy, so I’m definitely not into the yelling.
I often work with new talent, so for me, the pre-shoot meeting is key. I give them a clear idea of what I’m looking for and I often have a few pictures of what I’m looking for.
I remember one time my boss at my day job screamed at me, and I returned the favor, which led to a pretty bad screaming match (I still have my job and my boss and I came to an understanding, lol). So I know what screaming can lead to.
Besides, just as photographers talk, models talk to. And I’d rather be known as the shooter who takes his time than the asshole who rushes through shoots.
Thanks so much for the post! Always very informative
Great tips! I’ve taken notes and will use them next time I do a shoot!
I like to be a goof ball. I think that humor & being easy going go much further than screaming at the model. Sometimes I’ll have the model super exaggerate a pose and then tell them, “if it feels like that, you’ve gone too far.”
Also, since I am a practicing “big deal someday” photographer and I work with Model Mayhem “make it big someday” models I can’t imagine I’d get many repeats by yelling at them. It’s hard enough keeping the “guy with camera” stigmata away. Screaming would pretty much label me an asshole and I’d be back to only taking pictures of birds and mountains.
I do have the luxury of being able to have a less than perfect shoot and not have it be a total loss.
I’m an aspiering fashion photographer, but also an old drama student, so I often give the models emotions that I would like them to emote. Maybe it’s not my job as a photographer to show that exact emotion,but if I’m not affaraid to look silly and goofy, the models often arent.
I dont see that the screaming helps at all, I mean, would anyone actually preform better by having someone scream at them?
It comes down to model casting. If you knew that the model waa inconsistent with emoting what you need, would you have hired him/her? Find out before you hire.
If the client did the casting, then I would do the job, take the money and perhaps tell them that the model casting could have been better.
Melissa, I love the shoot you did on the boat recently. Difficult location and light but the images are amazing. World class work!
I’m with you on this one Melissa, definitely the passive approach, nothing is going to make a model clam up more that a being reduced to tears!
I hear it a lot from models how chilled it is working with me and how relaxed they feel and when I’ve asked what their experiences have been with other photographers I’m shocked that some shout at them, some are just plain miserable on set and the one that really gets me is that some don’t actually speak to the models at all!! Personally I always take time to chat with the model while they’re in make up, I don’t see how you can connect with a model without at least breaking the ice a bit. I had one girl a while back now who was a just not moving right, so I got up there and done my modelling bit, as you do, took it a bit further, camped it up a bit for a laugh… she got it, loosened up and we nailed it! Had I screamed at her I’d have got nothing!
I’m of the school of thought that personality is a huge part of being a photographer and if you don’t make the effort to connect with those around you then the results will reflect that.
This is a timely post, because tomorrow I’ll be shooting with a very inexperienced model and a lot of energy, planning and pre-production has gone into this shoot. Sigh. I am not a yeller. I find that humor does work well for me, to a point, but that showing the model what I want is more effective. So I’ll demonstrate for them how I want them to walk or run or lie or sit, or whatever, and usually that’ll help. Also what I do is tell that nobody is going to laugh at them so don’t feel self conscious. And if I can’t get a real smile out of them, I tell them to think of something that makes them laugh. The other day I had a model who told me that her boyfriend’s toddler daughter, Maya, makes her laugh all the time, so I was shouting “Think of Maya! Think of Maya” as I was shooting. Hey, it worked
I’ve prepped tomorrow’s model by sending her link after link after link of websites and blogs to look at. So she’ll hopefully understand that it’s not just about being pretty. The few test shots I’ve taken (including at the final fitting), she was stiff as a board. Pray for me. LOL
Good post Melissa. I work with new models much of the time, so have to deal with this issue a lot. I take the encouraging standpoint – I ease the looks out of them by reassuring them and instructing them as I go. As a 45 year old man, it’s often funny when I show them how to pose, but it helps to relax them – if I can do it without being self conscious, so can they. I often clear the set if I need to, so there’s less onlookers and I use mood boards or magazines to direct them too.
Another thing that works is to get them to go over the top – make them scream loud or jump a few times. I find it makes them laugh and helps them to get over any nerves and self consciousness. I think it’s important to make them feel happy and comfortable and even if it takes a little longer, then it’s worth it to get the shot.
I am on the border just like the guy in the video. I dont think you should ever yell at the model but sometimes you must be stern to get what you need from them. Explain to them clearly what you are looking for. If the stern talk doesn’t work I tell them to shake, flail their arms, and wiggle their fingers until they loosen up. This method usually breaks the ice. I usually work with the same models if they can deliver and emote.
Melissa, this is so on the spot. Let me too join those civilized sort of phhotogs who prefer to remain calm and polite at least. I reckon that screaming would be synonymous to simply complaining (much louder, though). Not creative. This way nobody benefits from the event. Just like someone said before, it ruins everybody’s day.
It’s egocentric indeed and it also shows what a poor personality the photographer is. The point is to overcome difficulties with a bit of integrity. If such a hod-up happens, and you can help others overcome it, it proves you to be a creative mind.
On the other hand, sometimes you need to maintain some discipline on the set, we cannot treat others as a royal family, or something. I believe in saying what you think – but politely.
Thanks for the post and take care!
All the best in the New Year!
Norbert
Fashion photography is definately a new thing for me. However, when I shoot fashion I think it is very important to have music, if the model has their own music that’s great. If not, I will play music that goes with the mood I am trying to accomplish. Happy, sad, angry, etc…. I think those photographers out there that yell and scream and belittle their models have an oversized ego they need to deal with.
breaking a model down to start building them up to get what you want? And stating it in an offhand way like that’s perfectly normal and acceptable? And keeping that photographer’s identity secret to protect the guilty? I can’t believe that the work such photographers produce is so uniquely good that they are still in business. “If you can make it through this test with this photographer, you can make it in this business,” is a shamefull statment about this business.
I am a sixty year old male photographer. the first thing I do at a shoot is to get into the set and start showing the model the poses I think she should do. It is so hilarious that it breaks the ice and generally makes for great input from the models and they love it when I go back in and show them more of what I want. I figure, if I can’t show them, how can they know just what I want and they get a laugh.
The rule is ‘there is no rules’. The skill of a photographer is to read the talent and work in a way that brings the best out of them. Some need there egos stroked – some need them bruised.
It might not be the photographer’s job to “whip” the model into shape, but as you said, the client just wants results, so if you want to make the clients happy it is your job to get the result any way you can.
I also like your take on the situation. Yelling and screaming wont help the situation. Maybe your model is newer, less experienced or no experience at all. At one time you as the photographer was young, lacked experience and needed push in the right direction here or there.
As the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey.
Just my 2 cents.
I HATE anyone screaming!!!! once I got a makeup artist screaming at his assistant!! I almost want to kick him out. Then his agent told me, he worked with the client before and demanding too much work from him, so he made a show-off to the client that he is not easy to deal with….whatever…i dont know why he still get the job.
I am always too polite to the model, they are not working harder anymore….so there is a balance between…..push her to the limit but you dont need to scream, just look excited and encouraging her that she is on the right track, bla bla bla…but gosh, you dont know how many shoots are down the drain from useless model. yes i didnt choose them or cast them….or new faces…
I am the person being interviewed. At the time answering this question and seeing it play hits me a little differently. Let me first start off by saying by no means do I think it is ok to treat anyone poorly…… nor would I want someone to yell at me. You should start off on a d good note and try to work out any issues. If you were to have an issue on set…. You should always call the agent/agency or if it’s that big of an issue….. end the shoot. The fastest way to lose a relationship with an agent/agency is to treat a model poorly or do something that is in direct conflict to the agency.
When I was speaking about this topic I was mainly speaking about a photographer I had used in the past to test new faces. Yes, it’s a harsh way to start off in this crazy business. There are no real classes to learn how to be a model and I always looked at it as a training exercise. I have referred it to an athletic coach dealing with their team. Dealing with a coach or trainer is not always the easiest thing to deal with but, it’s for the bigger picture. I preferred the models to learn on a controlled set with someone I trusted on a situation that could possibly happen and how to handle it. Then to end up in a situation that could turn out badly because the model didn’t have that type of experience. Also, for this particular photographer……. the models and parents were always prepped before hand. I informed them that if directions weren’t followed the photographer could get upset but, every time the model and the parents wanted the experience. After the shoot and seeing the final product 99% of the model always loved the images and experience and said he was not as bad as I made him out to be. Now as a photographer some loved him and some hated him but, that’s how it goes.
Again, there are ways to handle things on set and you will learn that over years of shooting….. Braking anyone down is not the answer.
Thank you for your time and hope I made sense.
James