How to start a shoot...

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danfell555

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I'm just starting to get quite a bit of demand (mainly just from friends) for photoshoots. As I practise I'm getting a bit more comfortable with it but I'm still stuck when it comes to starting... What sort of thing do you do at the start of a shoot? Traditional sorts of uninteresting poses, just to get them feeling a bit more relaxed before you try something different? Or do you just throw them in at the deep end? Or do you ask them what they'd like to do first in a talk beforehand?

Uh yeah, help would be nice :D
 
I usually just talk to them for a moment or two about something (non-photography related), this will usually help them relax a bit. Then ask them if they have any ideas that they would like to throw in, then start shooting, try and make them laugh a bit to help them relax and keep telling them the shots look great (i dont think ive ever used a shot ive taken at the start of the shoot but they wont know that).
 
If they have any cloth changes, sit down and go through them with them...especially if its a woman! Try to sound interested ;)

Then I tell them I am going to do a couple of lighting tests...which are actually usually me just warming up, but they don't need to know that! Take as long as you want...keep up the pretence the lighting isn't spot on....and if it actually isn't, then change it! The good thing with this is, you can get quite a few good head and shoulder shots if you get them to turn throughout :)
 
Some low volume music helps, talk while setting up lights etc sometimes you get some good ideas when doing this anyway.

I always used to worry about making people smile during portrature, but sometimes by just smiling it makes the sitter do just that back!
 
take photo's of them while your having a comfortable chat, this way it brings out their emotions.

recession = anger:bang::razz:
charity event = happy:):D
M42 being held up by a duck = laughter:lol:
 
purpleclouds said:
That sounds almost like the day I was late for college because a giant bunny rabbit was blocking the road :lol:
Click to expand...

Haha brilliant ....

Sorry back to the point of the thread. Like those mentioned above I think its always important to talk off topic for a few minutes. Just building an understand of the models needs and what they are looking for from the shoot "if a model folio". I certainly agree with the music its always a great conversation piece....High School Musical always a winner. Great Ice breaker...Im not gay really I just like the lyrics hahaha
 
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