Do you guys normally "touch" your clients?

to position them.. i.e. telling them to strike a certain pose and if they don't understand you touch them to move them to one place or another..

I haven't "touched" any clients yet.. most of them usually understand when you explain to them verbally.. but this thought crossed my mind randomly so just asking you guys if anyone here does this.

I try not to if I can help it because different people react differently. That said, I do occasionally move hair out of the way or maybe gently move their hands/fingers into the right position.

I've watched Doug Gordon's video's and cannot imagine ever moving a couple like he does. It seems so invasive.

I dont go out of my way to touch them, but if a gentle touch on the shoulder helps communicate a pose idea in a way thats not otherwise working I will do that. Its a technique of last resort. Also a lot depends on the degree of comfort and trust you have built up with them at that point.

I try not to, but sometimes you just have to when showing them what you want them to do. But I always ask if I can...

Always ask them if you can before you do ... esp the naked ones !

It's easier just to position yourself and have them mirror you.

Thankfully (?) I'm not so much of a 'touchy' dude--so I'm far more apt to be really good at giving descriptions of what I'm looking for. If there's an issue with a lady's hair or bra-strap I'll always ask my (usually female) assistant to take care of it. I think, however, that when it comes to arranging a group shot, I tend to be a little more grabby about moving gents around--especially older folks who might not understand just where I'd like them. In this case I might very gently take them by the elbow to position them.

If I'm alone and can't quite communicate something and feel like I have to re-position, I'll ask permission--usually something like 'is it ok if I..?'.

Nearly always at some point.

I don't do "model photography" or nudes, so that avoids a number of issues coming into play in my situations.

Before having to touch anyone, I describe poses and usually demonstrate them. I carry a rat-tailed pick comb in my pocket that I can use to control stray hairs and straps without touching.

But at some point when we get down to the smallest details that can make a marked difference in a portrait enlarged to 30x40, I may have to adjust a hand (very frequent!) or pull down a hemline. I'll explain first what I'm doing and touch gently, using only fingertips or even just the tip of my little finger.

A quick tap with a finger, or a gentle movement of a hand is far, far less frustrating to a client than giving the same instruction two or three times and them not getting it.

chris_holtmeier wrote in post #15205496
It's easier just to position yourself and have them mirror you.

That's exactly what I do, and sadly, my second shooter has a ton of shots showing me posing in a feminine position lol

Ha!

I do it all the time. I think it builds rapport and trust, but it may be easier for me since I'm a grandfather age guy. Just direct the subject like it's the way things are done. Don't think anything more about it. You can do this with guys too, moving them with a hand on their shoulder or arm. I'm also very careful about my language. Touching a subject before or after any inappropriate language will really put them off.

The mirroring technique is very good also especially when you want them to adjust head tilt.

I do it all the time. Most of our clients are in our age bracket. So our rapport is more of that of friends than hired photographers. It really comes down to your ability to make your client trust and be comfortable around you.

I touch when I need to and i always ask. I have a good rapport with my clients so its not a big deal. They know im looking out for their best and trying to get a good look for them. I think guys worry way too much about this . Its not that hard to say, can i touch the side of your face so i can position it better. Or place your hand in the middle of a back to emphasize better posture. Ive never had a problem with any of my female clients.

But,,if you start putting your hands on her a$$,, yeah,, your gonna have a problem. If your a photographer and your getting your jollies by touching your clients,, you should be shot and hung as far as im concerned. just use common sense folks and be appropriate with your female clients.

umphotography wrote in post #15207475
But,,if you start putting your hands on her a$$,, yeah,, your gonna have a problem. If your a photographer and your getting your jollies by touching your clients,, you should be shot and hung as far as im concerned. just use common sense folks and be appropriate with your female clients.

And women do know the difference between one touch and another.

The only thing I will do is handle their hands if I'm doing something like a ring shot with the rings on their fingers. It's too hard to communicate what I want because there's some precision to these shots. Before touching them, I will quickly ask first if they mind if I handle them just a bit and they always say no.