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Posted: June 21, 2012

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How do you get over shyness/embarrassment when working with models?

~AnguisPoetica Jun 21, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

I haven'd done much portrait and want to start doing some, but here's a problem: I always feel really shy in front of models. I can't even get them to pose without feeling super embarrassed, so socializing with them to make them feel comfortable/relaxed to get more natural shots is out of the question. The thing is, I can't help feeling like I'm exploiting them. I feel sorry for making them do this for me, and because I generally do conceptual photography, I'm afraid that they would think it's stupid to pose in a certain way against a certain background...I can't afford professional models so I can only get friends to do it, which is all the more awkward. If I don't ask them to pose and try to capture their natural ways, it feels even more like exploiting...In short, working with models seems like such an impossible challenge! Does anybody have some good advice on how to get over this shyness/embarrassment? Thank you so much.

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!Livedoll Jun 29, 2012

JUST BE YOURSELF

ITS EASY AS ABC! I hope i helped!!!

~AnguisPoetica Jun 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

^Kaz-D Jun 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Hello!
You've been featured here!
Enjoy

~AnguisPoetica Jun 29, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Oh wow, featured forum post?? Thanks

~TheyAreOnlyPixels Jun 28, 2012

As for working with models in general, keep one thing in mind: models want to you direct them. They understand that the only view that matters is the one through your viewfinder and therefore you need to tell them to turn their face slightly to the left and to relax their right hand. Be confident without being overbearing, be professional while still having fun.

As for the question about working with nude models, well, there are actually two parts to this: the way you feel and the way you make your model feel.

The vast majority of the time I press the shutter button, my camera is pointed at a naked person. I recently estimated that I've photographed a little over 300 different naked people in the past few years, something I mention just to establish that I have a bit of experience in this area.

Before you even consider bringing a model into your studio for nude work you have to be past any nervousness you might have around being the presence of someone in their altogether. One way for you to work up to this might be to start with taking a Form and Figure class through an art school as it will very quickly show you that what the model is or isn't wearing becomes rather irrelevant; once you start shooting you are far more concerned about lighting and camera settings and poses to think "holy smokes, that person is naked."

When the day does come that you are doing a shoot on your own in your studio, everything you do should be directed at making the model comfortable. Discuss what you're planning to do and how you are going to have them pose. Give them clear direction. Look at their eyes when you talk with them. And above all, make sure the studio space is warm!

I would also recommend taking steps to make the model feel safe. For example, if you're a guy shooting a female nude, ask one of your female friends to be there as your assistant.

The most important thing, however, is to build a reputation as someone who produces great results and is fun to work with. This takes time, but if you do it right you might get to that point where people actually ask to model for you, and that's pretty damned cool.

~AnguisPoetica Jun 28, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Thank you so much for your helpful reply!

~craigblackmoore Jun 28, 2012 Student General Artist

Be you. Act like you act around friends! If you are odd and goofy, models will usually like it because they are the same way. I try to be as professionally unprofessional as possible.

If that didn't help, try taking a shot of something hard before your shoots to loosen up. Or a bong rip, so you can get that buzzed (not baked) vibe.

~AnguisPoetica Jun 28, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

Thanks! Sounds like a great suggestion

~Bryce-Photo Jun 28, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

I use my sense of humor... Which works good in french...

~AnguisPoetica Jun 28, 2012 Hobbyist Photographer

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