How to Give Photo Direction to your Subject or Model

It would be nice if every model I worked with or every family member I photographed knew how to pose; it would certainly make my job as a photographer a lot easier. However, the reality of it is, most people don’t know how to arrange themselves for a shot and most inexperienced models are not yet savvy enough to strike a pose.  While your primary function as a photographer is to be creative and technically savvy in order to capture a lasting memory, you also have secondary job functions: that of director, psychologist, and sometimes mediator. Yes, you do need to posses some interpersonal skills if you plan on working with people as your subject. You will also need to provide your subject with plenty of direction and set clear expectations for what your vision is and how you want them to pose.

When I’m on a photo shoot, whether it’s a commercial shoot, family portrait session, or a wedding, I approach the situation as though I am a movie director and my subjects are my actors; I like to give my subjects “motivation” for the shot. I will create a situation or scenario and will present it to the model or family I’m working with. Often, they will immediately react with laughter or over dramatization which provides a great opportunity for a spontaneous photo; after which the subjects get in to “character” and I begin taking the photos. Below are some tips to help you guide or direct your subjects in a photo shoot.

Tips for Directing Subjects during a Photo shoot

Have A Plan: Whether you are preparing to shoot a family portrait, a model for their portfolio, or a commercial scene, you need to have some planning. You may not have a comprehensive shot plan, but at least know how many members of the family you will be working with and know the location you will be working at with a general idea on how you want the shots set up. By having a plan, you are able to get people posed and ready for the shoot.

Make them Feel At Ease: When you’re working with people for the first time, they don’t know you and you don’t know them. Your subject can be nervous and may not respond to your directions well at first. What I like to do is take some test shots. I have the subject stand as I photograph them. This helps them get use to the camera in their face and helps me see how they react to any direction I give and the camera. Then I gradually have the subject make an expression, such as, smile, or give me a serious look; from that moment, I begin to compliment them on the simplest expression, helping them with any confidence issues as well as building up my rapport with the subject and putting them at ease with the shoot.

Be Patient: I think sometimes we forget we are dealing with people and tend to look at the final result; the image we are trying to capture. A little patience goes a long way when it comes to getting your subjects to cooperate.

Set Expectations: Avoid being vague about what it is that you want as a photographer. Tell your model or subject what you expect. I always explain to my subjects I’m photographing what I want to accomplish. I also tell them to let me know if they feel uncomfortable about the situations I place them in. For example, if I’m doing a couples photo shoot at a beach and I ask the couple to stand on the rocks or by the waters edge, I make certain they are comfortable with this since I don’t want to place anyone I work with in a situation they may fear or become uncomfortable. If they do not want to do the set-up, then I have an alternative shot I can take. But I always outline my expectations prior to the shoot.

Be Clear in your Directions: When communicating with your subject(s), be very clear in your communication. Explain what it is you want them to do or how you want them to pose.

Model For Them: I know in my head what I want the model to do or how I want the shot to look like, however, sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge to explain the particular pose I’m looking for, so I act as though I’m the model and strike a pose in order to demonstrate to my model what I’m expecting from them. Again, this can be applied to family members; stand in the position you want them to stand if you are not able to articulate clearly our expectations.

Be a Movie Director: One of the toughest things for a graphic designer or artist to do is create something out of nothing. It’s the same for a person posing. They have no clue on how to hold their hands, stand, what expression to give you, or anything for that matter. And just telling them to do something or pose is a cop out as a photographer. You need to give your subjects motivation for the shot. Every time I photograph a couple, model or actors for stock images, I give them motivation or a reason for the shot. I paint a picture and give them roles to portray. On a recent shoot I worked with two actors (I prefer actors on commercial and stock shoots since they can “act” out a shot). The shot concept was a couple on a hike with backpacks. There motivation for the shot was that they just spotted a rare bird and I wanted the to react to that situation; you can see the result of the photo, above right.

Talk to your Subject: During the shoot, give your subject feedback about how they are doing. I like to say things like, “looking good”, “excellent smile”, “Just a few more shots”. By talking to them and giving them positive feedback, you encourage them to continue with the shoot as well as build their confidence, especially with an individuals who may be a bit camera shy at first.

Reinforce their Efforts: I like to show my subjects a shot or two I just took of them during the photo shoot. It helps reinforce their confidence in me as the photographer and them a model, especially if they are self-conscious. It becomes easier to work with your subjects if they can catch a glimpse of what they are doing.

 

Overall, being patient, having a plan, and setting clear expectations are key to getting your subject(s) to cooperate and allowing you to give good photo direction. You will run into your difficult people from time to time, but for the most part, if you adhere to the above guidelines you will find that your subjects will respond to your photo directions without difficulties.

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3 Responses to “How to Give Photo Direction to your Subject or Model”

1. Marsel Kaczmarski says:

   March 7, 2011 at 12:34 pm

   It shows how well you understand the subject of working with models on your photo shoots. Bookmarked this page,thanks it’s good to find someone that actually knows what they are talking about – thank you!

   Reply
2. Rusty says:

   March 8, 2011 at 4:24 pm

   Thanks for pretty impressive post. Nice tips on shooting photography.

   Reply
3. Candy Sylver says:

   March 11, 2011 at 3:42 am

   Hi Alyn. I wanted to drop you a quick note to express my thanks. I’ve been following your blog for a month or so and have picked up a ton of good information on photography, as well as enjoyed the way you’ve structured your site.

   Reply