Working your model... 101

[Jason Cole]

One of the most common questions I get asked (a lot) is how to get the most out of your model, especially a NEW model. Just because your model is a new model doesn't mean you still cant great shots. The secret is all in the interaction with the model. The simple fact is if the model feels comfortable and in control (well as much as a model can be in a studio setting with you calling the shots) then you will produce good images. There are a couple of other techniques I use too though to make absolutely sure that the model delivers and the shoot is a success.

Firstly get to know your model a little bit, have a few jokes with her, have some fun, and make it a lighthearted shoot. A good ice breaker for me is usually to ask the model if she is nervous (which pretty much all of them are) then I tell her not to worry as 'Im nervous too' with a concerned look… and of course im not but the models generally see the funny side of that and laugh, there is your ice breaker.

Another really important factor is being enthusiastic. It’s CRUCIAL! Like when im shooting a model I go on a bit, I LOOK excited to the model, so that motivates her to try even harder, and more importantly to let go and have some fun, party on! Enjoy the shoot. Like when im shooting, I will sometimes look at the back of the camera, say "im on fire" really energetically, look at the model then the camera again with a big smile. The models go nuts, they want to see, and the enthusiasm is contagious. (continued below photo).

http://www.jasoncolephotography.com.au/talk/model.jpg

Another technique that works really well is getting the model to take off some clothes. Now it goes without saying that it should have been made clear to the model that this is a GLAMOUR shoot, we aren’t shooting for Woolworths! (Local supermarket chain here in Australia – sells food) - the photos are GLAMOUR SHOTS and are meant to be sexy, so taking some gear off wont usually be a problem. Even if the model doesn’t show anything (like in the photos below) - just the fact that she has some of her clothes off will make her feel sexier inside. I ask the model if they feel sexy / hot, they reply yes, I say 'well then let it out, let it show in the photo’. When they pull off their first really sexy face, encourage it, let them know that you like that shot and that’s what you want... I say something like 'YES - that’s EXACTLY what I wanted.. Awesome" and its obvious im excited that I have the shot I want. The model LOVES this encouragement and works even harder.... it’s a win win situation.

Many times I have helped other photographers on shoots, I watch and see where the photographer is going wrong, I correct the shoot and it all falls into place. I once walked in half way through a shoot and it was obvious there was tension there, the shoot was falling apart, but with a few simple techniques the shoot got back on track and produced great results for both the model and the photographer. It’s all in the wording and the technique.

The last thing I wanted to mention was eye contact. ALWAYS keep eye contact with the model when you photographing her. That’s CRUCIAL. See you can have the hottest model, who loves to pose, but if she thinks she is being perved on, she wont like it (well most girls) as your job is to take her photos, not look at those perky D-Cups… that’s for another time and place. When im shooting a girl naked / semi naked, I actually walk around and treat her like she is fully clothed, I never look at her boobs or anything else, its always eye contact, and im always busy doing other stuff for the shoot, I even ignore her to a certain extent. That way she feels like being naked / half naked / sexy. What ever the case may be… that this is normal to you and its no big deal….

Try it.. Report back your findings. Any questions though please keep it on this thread as I already get a zillion emails….! And I would like to share this topic with everyone. Note that photo above is Elissa’s FIRST shoot… those amazing eyes speak volumes…. It’s all in the technique…

Have a great Xmas everyone :-) and thanks for your support for my DVD this year too. DVD 2 is officially in the making now. If there is anything that you would like to see on DVD 2 please let me know via email to info@jasoncolephotography.com.au Just FYI – we have a large PP section as per your request planned for Volume 2.

[inthedeck]

Wicked. Thanks. I've applied much of what you speak of, and I can attest to the fact that it works. Of course, I don't photograph nudes, but, I can completely understand how good it feels for me to be able to make people feel comfortable, on the other end. Thanks for sharing your tips! I'm sure there's a couple in there that I can use, next time around. :)

Cheers, and happy holidays to you and yours!
M.

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, thanks for pointing out all my failings publicly, Jason! Guess it's back to the drawing board on models, sigh. :-) But excellent advice, none-the-less.

[Jamie Holladay]

Jason thanks for sharing some tips with the class, we really appreciate it.

For those of you who see post deleted you know why and you know better. Keep it to the topic at hand without all the juvenile comments.

Thanks for Playing.

[inthedeck]

My Apologies. We'll behave this time...promise Jamie. :oops:

[M Powered]

Jason thanks for sharing some tips with the class, we really appreciate.

For those of you who see post deleted you know why and you know better. Keep it to the topic at hand without all the juvenile comments.

Thanks for Playing.

Sowwy. :oops:

[DwightMcCann]

Sheesh, I can't take you guys anywhere! So, Jason, do you ever approach women while you are out and about to be models for you? There are always threads on Model Mayhem about how/whether or not or/different methods of doing this, the most common being walk up, pass them your card, say "If you like to be photographed contact me" and walk away. Whadda' ya' think?

[inthedeck]

Good question. I've thought about that one as well.

I've always thought about approaching people who I think would work well, but, never get to that point. I always ask the wife, and she's like, eh...no. So, I don't bother with that specific person. But, I've been tempted to ask a few that I've seen while she's not around. Is that considered rude, if I present my business card to them?

[S-Man]

Bookmarked.
Jason, you're awesome dude. It's unbelievable that a pro of your caliber would share such techniques without charge. In my opinion, working a model is one of the most difficult and intimidating tasks in photography. Tips like this really give me some insight and hope for improvement.

If I may, make one request for DVD#2 on this forum, I would LOVE to tag along with you to a wedding. If you could just do one wedding on the DVD that would be amazing.

[DozerLYP]

bw!

[Kagemaru]

Jason thanks for sharing some tips with the class, we really appreciate it.

For those of you who see post deleted you know why and you know better. Keep it to the topic at hand without all the juvenile comments.

Thanks for Playing.

Oh yeah, sorry about that.. oh, and shouldn't this thread be moved as well? ;)

[Jamie Holladay]

Oh yeah, sorry about that.. oh, and shouldn't this thread be moved as well? ;)
yep and done

[M Powered]

Sheesh, I can't take you guys anywhere! So, Jason, do you ever approach women while you are out and about to be models for you? There are always threads on Model Mayhem about how/whether or not or/different methods of doing this, the most common being walk up, pass them your card, say "If you like to be photographed contact me" and walk away. Whadda' ya' think?

This topic has been discussed on MM many times. I think the conclusion is that its a waste of business card.

- Photographer sees hot chick, passes out business cards; most girls will play it off as a weirdo trying to "hook up" and use the "I'm a photographer" pick up line.

I would try this technique but most times if they show interest I'll charge them, which is kinda rude since your approaching them. Kinda like a model emailing you saying, "Hey I love your work, my rates are..."

[cdmonkey]

awesome post Jason, thanks for sharing.

One question, eye contact. do you manage to keep eye contact as you dont need to check that your lights are hitting the model right. or you check that on camera? I havent moved into glamour other than shots of my wife but I intend to change that next year. So currently I use the modeling lights to see if its working right i rim lights etc. So would experience tell you where to put them and then you just tweak after chimping?

Thanks again
Carl

[inthedeck]

This topic has been discussed on MM many times. I think the conclusion is that its a waste of business card.

- Photographer sees hot chick, passes out business cards; most girls will play it off as a weirdo trying to "hook up" and use the "I'm a photographer" pick up line.

I would try this technique but most times if they show interest I'll charge them, which is kinda rude since your approaching them. Kinda like a model emailing you saying, "Hey I love your work, my rates are..."

Makes sense.

[DwightMcCann]

This topic has been discussed on MM many times. I think the conclusion is that its a waste of business card.

- Photographer sees hot chick, passes out business cards; most girls will play it off as a weirdo trying to "hook up" and use the "I'm a photographer" pick up line.

I would try this technique but most times if they show interest I'll charge them, which is kinda rude since your approaching them. Kinda like a model emailing you saying, "Hey I love your work, my rates are..."

Well, that's not much different than asking a MM model to do a shoot ... they are a very flaky group on average even if there are some who are professional. But in any case, some discussants on MM claim to have made some good contacts. As for pay, there are often situations where one would like to try out an idea without paying or being paid. Heck, I've got some locations at UCSB that are just dying for a couple of co-ed's to pose and the place is loaded with 'em so I'm probably going to try some cold calls when I'm out for lunch. Heck, maybe I'll do a calendar! :-)

[Jason Cole]

Thanks Mod, I thought all my typing might end up in a big joke for a sec there hahaha

Yeah finding models, see that's a tough one for a newbie.. for someone that's established its easier. Like around my area its well known what / how I shoot and I get a lot of work from word of mouth, but around other areas, im in the same boat as the rest of us.... actually im in the fortunate position of having TOO MANY models... lol so I can pick and choose...

If i REALLY liked a girls look I would give her a card anyways, business cards are cheap and there is a small chance you might actually get a call.. no harm in trying...

Now another approach is if you see a girl and you see her at the same time all the time (she might work in a shop - don't be a stalker!! lol) then get to know her. There is a girl in a local take away shop that I really wanted to shoot, but she was very stand off-ish.... over the space of a couple of months i went there regularly and got to know her, starting off with asking how her day is etc... then after a couple of months we were on a first name basis, she had actually been to my website and commented on how nice the girls looked... i offered her a shoot.. she accepted... another awesome model in the collection :-)

Another way of finding models is letting your wife / girlfriend / female friend approach the girl instead.. I have had a fair amount of success doing that...

Having said that, the web page on your card must immediately grab the girls attention.. if the first shot is a half naked chick you can pretty much guarantee she wont call you... on the other hand if its a nice portrait, the potential model will look closer...

To answer your other question, I always keep eye contact, but when im looking at a models body to see how the light falls, I always have a look of concentration on my face, that shows the model im looking at the light, not her D-Cups!!!

[Jason Cole]

One other thing too, from a $$$ point of view, if you approach a model, then I don't think its right to charge her. Instead sell the photos, give her a cut (make sure you agree on it first) - get a model release going.... have a way of making something from the shoot... unless of course you just want to shoot her and try out some new stuff.... as long as there is benefit in it for both of you... hence that's why i rarely accept TFP, i don't need any more shots for my portfolio...and I run a business, im not a charity.

[M Powered]

Well, that's not much different than asking a MM model to do a shoot ... they are a very flaky group on average even if there are some who are professional. But in any case, some discussants on MM claim to have made some good contacts. As for pay, there are often situations where one would like to try out an idea without paying or being paid. Heck, I've got some locations at UCSB that are just dying for a couple of co-ed's to pose and the place is loaded with 'em so I'm probably going to try some cold calls when I'm out for lunch. Heck, maybe I'll do a calendar! :-)

Only difference between meeting models on MM vs in person is on on MM they just click on your avatar and see your work. That is unless you got one of those new holographic portfolio where they bend your business card and a hologram pops up displaying a slideshow for them to see. ;)

[RockSlut]

Only difference between meeting models on MM vs in person is on on MM they just click on your avatar and see your work. That is unless you got one of those new holographic portfolio where they bend your business card and a hologram pops up displaying a slideshow for them to see. ;)

I've transferred my portfolio into my mobile phone. Its great for when it comes up that you're a photographer and the other person says "well, are you any good?".

That way you can let them decide for themselves.

[babuszka]

Wow those are some great tips, thanks a lot.

[charlesu]

Great tips Jason. I would also add that if you talk to a model very matter of factly, it helps a LOT. This might sound obvious but I know a lot of guys struggle to get past the nudity and treat them like someone they might work with at the office.

[inthedeck]

Great tips Jason. I would also add that if you talk to a model very matter of factly, it helps a LOT. This might sound obvious but I know a lot of guys struggle to get past the nudity and treat them like someone they might work with at the office.

Care to elaborate a little more?

[el aye]

Very good post, thanks Jason!

[M Powered]

I've transferred my portfolio into my mobile phone. Its great for when it comes up that you're a photographer and the other person says "well, are you any good?".

That way you can let them decide for themselves.

I use the phone thing for social events that I don't want to lug my portfolio around. As far as meeting random chicks on the beach and showing them your port on your phone, not sure if I'll be doing that. Try it and let me know how it goes ;)

[RockSlut]

I use the phone thing for social events that I don't want to lug my portfolio around. As far as meeting random chicks on the beach and showing them your port on your phone, not sure if I'll be doing that. Try it and let me know how it goes ;)

Meh, I'm not into walking up to random chicks on the beach (or anywhere else for that matter).

However,my social circles put me in contact with a bunch of potential clients. Having my portfolio in my phone is just a handy way of demonstrating my work quickly.

I rarely lug my portfolio around unless I'm specifically meeting with a potential client.

[Jason Cole]

Yeah same, i often show models my photos on my iphone... its a big hit... and it gets them interested.... good call man!!!

Yeah treating models like they are fully clothed is a good idea... it makes the models more relaxed and many of them seem ot forget they are even naked....

[inthedeck]

Jason, does nudity constiture 'more' glamour, than non-nude photography? I'm just curious.

[GA_Teg]

DVD 2 is officially in the making now. .

So where do we preorder. :p

Great tips as always.

[charlesu]

Care to elaborate a little more?

Sure. What I mean is that a studio is a work place. Just like an office, a retail store, a workshop, etc. I think it is hard for some new photographers to remember this when there is a hot nude model in front of them, but this is WORK. You have a goal in mind and you are working with others to reach that goal.

If you were working in an office with a team of people or just one other person, how would you talk to them about what you were doing? It's the same thing here.

You also have to be matter of fact when talking about 'naughty bits'. I have heard photographers use terms like 'tits and ass' and I can tell you, that just pisses most models off. By the same token, nobody really seems comfortable with clinical terms either. There is a happy medium. I usually call breasts, breasts. If a model constantly refers to them as boobs then I will use the term they do. Same thing for the other 'naughty bits'.

I often break the ice on talking about breasts and 'coochie' so that we quickly both become comfortable talking about them. Then it's easier to direct a model to 'cover your breasts' and so forth.

And the conversational tone would be the same as discussion making changes in a pivot table. Or, updating a proposal document. Or a project plan. Or, whatever it is you do in any other working life.

I hope that makes sense.

[inthedeck]

Definitely does. And while I don't shoot nudes, it'll be helpful to remember, should that situation ever present itself. Though, most of the models I've worked with aren't into nudity which for me is a good thing. My wife wouldn't tolerate that, so, I have to be careful and so far, I've had no issues whatsoever. ;)

[Jason Cole]

inthedeck,

im not sure mate if nudity is more glamour or not...

I know if nudity is done right, it can be very beautiful, but if its done wrong then maybe not so glamorous, of course we all have our different tastes too...

[inthedeck]

Well yes, there's always that -- decency. Artistic nudes are much different than, well, porn type nudes, so I get that totally.

I suppose there's variances in it all, though...appreciate the response.

[MattMoore]

great post, this is something I need to work on.

I don't "perv on them", but I have a difficult telling them what to do (or knowing what will look good).

[FreemanPhoto]

All of the advice he posted was spot on. I went back and re-read it, considering everything that he didn't say...I can practically see the whole shoot in my mind. The confidence, body language, and the overall way he conducted himself further demonstrated to the models that he is a professional, not an insecure perv.

It's almost like dancing or like a man just taking the lead in general. A man's body language and actions speak far louder to a discerning woman. His obvious competence, confidence, and his clear experience becomes contagious and puts the girls at ease. He provides a safe environment for them to express themselves and that is inspiring to me.

For me, it's all about first liking and believing in myself--self-image, self-confidence and leadership ability. Great job Jason!

[Moose408]

This topic has been discussed on MM many times. I think the conclusion is that its a waste of business card.

- Photographer sees hot chick, passes out business cards; most girls will play it off as a weirdo trying to "hook up" and use the "I'm a photographer" pick up line.


I think to make this work you have to have a URL to your portfolio on the card and tell them to go look at it and if they would like photos like that of themselves to give you a call. If they actually go look at your portfolio your success rate goes up significantly (assuming you have a good portfolio :) )

Helps alleviate some of the weirdo/hook up objections.

[gcobb]

I'm also in agreement with Jason's post. I apply everything mentioned in my shoots and most of it in shoots where the model is fully clothed. A shoot can and will be a trainwreck if the model isn't comfortable. I combine "respect" with "business" and come up with how I can work with whomever.

Even as comfortable as the models seems to be with you, saying "nice rack" or something could blow your whole shoot. Staring them up and down could do it also.

With implied and nude shoots I work my way into that mode. I don't ask the model to undress as soon as she gets there. I do a few shots and go in from there.

As far as approaching someone I think it's hit or miss and can depend completely on the location. Bars/Clubs aren't usually where you have much luck. One exception was last night where I was in a bar and a girl came up to me, told me she knew who I was and asked for a shoot. This happens on occasion and some people even approach me to say they like my work and hello. That's a rush.

But that is my 2 cents worth!

[DwightMcCann]

As far as approaching someone I think it's hit or miss and can depend completely on the location. Bars/Clubs aren't usually where you have much luck. One exception was last night where I was in a bar and a girl came up to me, told me she knew who I was and asked for a shoot. This happens on occasion and some people even approach me to say they like my work and hello. That's a rush.
Yes, I am always pleasantly stunned when I run into people who know my concert work and who I am here in the valley. Took my truck in to get the tires checked at the local tire place I trade and several of the guys check my galleries ... it floored me that they had any idea who I was! When it happens while I am shooting it is not all that amazing, although I am blown away by the number of people who apparently visit my website regularly for the concert shots, but the ones that approach me in other places are surely a rush! :-) [Disclaimer: I didn't mean to high jack the thread, sorry!]

[Old Fart]

.... actually im in the fortunate position of having TOO MANY models... lol so I can pick and choose...

Be a mate and send the rejects north..............


(add me to the pre order list for DVD 2 as well :) )

[gcobb]

Be a mate and send the rejects north..............


(add me to the pre order list for DVD 2 as well :) )

Ditto on the DVD. It'll be the most training I've ever had. :)

[j2photography]

subscribed.
i'm on page 2 and have a load of information stored!! :)

keep it coming!

[Mike Photo]

Great advice as alway. I often find my self lost in thought about a shot and dont pay attention to where my eyes may lay. Something def. for me to think about from now on.

Also I have to agree with carrying your portfolio on your phone this has worked out for me so many times. With my new phone i can plug it right in to any tv and show my images right there or even bring up my website. Its such a nice feature I dont know how I lived without it haha.
Mike Photo

[nuffi]

I used to do a lot of nudes back when I was studying to be a tog. Before my very first one, I created a visual diary with thumbnail sketches of what I wanted, and diagrams of the layout for lighting and props. I wouldn't necessarily bring that into the shoot, but committed to memory that stuff really helped me keep the energy flowing and keep me focussing on something specific.

As a n00b, I think it was the difference between failure and success. So much so that I am already working on a new version in anticipation of my first shoot - and that isn't going to happen for at least 6 months.

Just one more idea to put out there...