Recently, a well-established model I know was complaining on Facebook about one of her recent shoots. She wasn't angry as much as firmly voicing her displeasure with photographers who micro-manage models during their shoots. I know exactly where she's coming from. As a photographer, I don't like clients who try to micro-manage my shoots. So, here is my opinion and take on this.
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Great article. Although I haven’t been shooting this genre for long, I’ve found that when it’s a collaboration, and your model is having fun, that’s when the best shots happen. Her poses are relaxed and flow easily. I take breaks and show them how great they look, and I like to give the model the freedom to improvise as we shoot. It just works for me, and so far the models all have wanted to work together again. Maybe I’m doing something right?
Gary: That the models you’ve shot want to work with you again speaks volumes about your ‘set-side manner.’ (https://sexywomenphotography.com/interviews/setside-manner-appropriate-behavior-on-photo-set/)
Like you, I work hard to make my sets ‘fun’ sets.
Jimmy,
I echo your sentiments completely. I’ve had the good fortune to work with a number of very gifted and experienced models, mostly in the art nude genre, and I am constantly amazed at what these talented ladies add to creative process. I often feel that I’m more of a “photojournalist ” capturing a creative “moment” than some sort of director. I still control the lighting, I still control the framing and I choose which “moments” to capture, all of which contribute to the success of the image. And I can still “fine tune” a pose that the model gives me if I need to. That’s more than enough control of the process.
Yep. I hear ya, Joe. Often enough, those are my sentiments exactly.
Jimmy, I love your work and your advice, but your article assumes paid, experienced models. Those of us who, by necessity, work with models who are new to the business, and have to deal with the “what do I do?” when our model stands in front of the camera, have to take a more directive role
Spot on with this article Jimmy. I’ve often found that the play off of ideas between the model, photographer and even the stylist and HMUA have been a big help in the success of a shoot. Those photographers that are control freaks are missing out on a huge opportunity.
Good point, Peter! I think more than a few photographers forget that it can be an ensemble production where everyone involved contributes to the end results. Sure, shooters end up with most of the credit — as they should — but those crew people can be huge assets… if and when they’re allowed to be and encouraged to be. That doesn’t mean giving away your role as ‘skipper’ nor allowing creative anarchy on a set but I’d be lying if I said I’ve never shot a (what I considered) a terrific glam shot where others’ contributions weren’t as important to the finished pic as my contributions were.
Hey Jim! I also work with plenty of models who are less experienced. Sometimes, with models who have almost no experience at all. Sure, those models require a lot more physical direction in terms of pose and expression. But that doesn’t mean I don’t look for ways to include them in a creatively collaborative way. I want them to also feel a sense of ‘ownership’ in the results. They often pick up on that fairly quickly. Also with inexperienced models, I try to be even more aware of my demeanor, working even harder to gain rapport. Doing so is a terrific confidence builder for them and, for the most part, the more confident in front of the camera a model is, regardless of their level of skill and experience, the better the photos will be.