How Can I make my first shoot ever comfortable?

Hi everyone,

I'm getting my first flash unit, the 580EX, this Wednesday. I'm very eager to try it out ASAP. I'm hoping to play around with it a bit first, and then next weekend, maybe do an actual shoot with a friend. That or just a mini-shoot (small amount of pictures).

Since this would be my first shoot, with the person possibly posing, I'm feeling pretty nervous!

What can I do to alieviate my own nervousness, before the shoot, and during the shoot?

What can I do to help the model/friend feel more comfortable during the shoot?

Thanks.

If it's not for money, just make a casual get together, don't use formal language, formal poses. You're just out with your friend snapping some pics. Get comfortable with the person first, that way your photography skills that you have will come more naturally.

IME...the first shots may feel a bit awkward but just relax and within a fairly short time things start to flow. Because of this, don't have any "big plans" for your first shots, just use them to "loosen up". In fact, when I begin to photograph a client. I usually start by telling them that the first shots are just to do some testing and get the camera set up properly so don't worry about posing or smiling. This almost always relaxes them and also gets them used to being in front of the camera. I'll take several shots like this and then just gradually start to move into the shoot by asking a small request of them (for instance..."ok, could you bring your rear shoulder a bit more towards me") Before you know it, I have them eating out of my hand....ok, maybe I'm not that good but you get the idea.

grab a teddy bear and practice with your 580 so you can get used to it. Shooting with a new model can be a nervous experience, but it's definately compounded when you can't get your gear to work with you. Take away the gear element and then do as jra says and you'll be fine.

Ensure you don't yell at them!

Do not set any expectations for the shoot. And let the friends lower their expectations about the outcome too.

matthewlrigdon wrote:
Alcohol. That'll calm you down (but make sure you REALLY know your equipment).

Why don't you make an outing of it, find some nice locations around where you live so it's not just the two of you stuck with a camera?

I 100% agree with this post. Just not if you're doing this is a professional environment. I never, ever drink...even a drop...when I'm shooting a wedding. But if it's for fun, then have at it!