What is my job as a photographer working with models

[mlipscomb]

I recently took some photos of an artist who wasn't comfortable in front of the camera. I'll be honest, I usually just take the pictures, I don't really know what to do to work the model. I'm wondering what your thoughts are about this. Who's job is it anyway to get the model working it right to get good shots? Can anyone suggest any resources for me to learn more about doing this in a professional way? Thanks

[MJPhotos24]

I saw a video awhile ago and wish I saved it to favorites as it was just a good reminder. Basically the photog in it was talking about it's his job to get the models into the shoot as much as he was as it speaks directly to the results. I work with pro athletes and kids all summer and can tell when I was "into" a shoot or when not. He was right as the results do speak - you can tell in the images when the person isn't comfortable or doesn't care and since you're the one creating it I would say it is your job to get them comfortable, or you hire someone else to.

[ron chappel]

An interesting subject.One i think is vital for pro's to be good at!! (and the main reason i'm not a pro ;) )
I still remember a great article on this very thing over at photo.net.The founder philip greenspun was talking about a visit to a specialist portrait photographer who shoots on some massive format camera.He went on to say that she made him feel so relaxed (?) that it's one of only two pics of himself he actually likes
I'm sure it would be easy to find the article on that site

[MattMoore]

Have you tried the Jason Cole DVDs? There pretty good.

[mlipscomb]

Have you tried the Jason Cole DVDs? There pretty good.
Well thanks for the tip, I just checked it out on youtube. I think I get it anyway, when I watch these kinds of shots being done, it seems to me like they're generally taking it slow and getting it right. Move your head this way, look that way ect. I have another shoot coming up soon, I'll be a little more proactive. Cheers

[MattMoore]

Well thanks for the tip, I just checked it out on youtube. I think I get it anyway, when I watch these kinds of shots being done, it seems to me like they're generally taking it slow and getting it right. Move your head this way, look that way ect. I have another shoot coming up soon, I'll be a little more proactive. Cheers

Yes, take it slow and get it right the first time. No model likes bad photos or a need to reshoot.

Have fun when you shoot and be confident.

[Mark_Cohran]

It's your job to get the model into the spirit of the shoot. Talk with her or him before the shoot begins, discuss what you both expect to achieve from the shoot. Explain a bit about what you'll be doing. Make them comfortable and provide them with positive feedback throughout the shoot. Treat them with respect and inject a little humor into the process and you'll have them working with you and doing their best to get the best images possible.

[cdifoto]

I recently took some photos of an artist who wasn't comfortable in front of the camera. I'll be honest, I usually just take the pictures, I don't really know what to do to work the model. I'm wondering what your thoughts are about this. Who's job is it anyway to get the model working it right to get good shots? Can anyone suggest any resources for me to learn more about doing this in a professional way? Thanks
Professional model? Call out "looks" (give me sass, give me mad, give me happy, give me seeing boyfriend for first time in weeks, etc) but generally let him/her do the interpretation. They usually have the experience and/or went to school for it.

Amateur/casual/non-model? Direct. They don't have a clue what they're doing.