Having trouble shooting people

[ultimadrift]

I've been having some trouble communicating with people while I do shoots for them. They expect me to tell them what to do every single time. I don't really project myself. Any advice on how to make them feel more comfortable?

 

[willis_927]

Do YOU feel comfortable? I would bet if your feeling more relaxed and comfortable, they will feel more relaxed and comfortable.

 

[ultimadrift]

Hm...I guess Im more used to people not noticing me taking their picture for candid shots. When people actually pose for me it feels unnatural and makes me feel unnatural. I wouldn't say my people skills are that great either...

 

[kundalini]

By and large, people will be more receptive of a photographer that emotes confidence. One of the definitions of emote is to portray or pretend emotion. This is where your people skills can be dramatically enhanced by taking charge of the situation. It doesn't matter if your actual skill level is up to par, only your subjects acceptance of your perceived knowledge and direction. Of course, it does help if you have some inkling of an idea of what you're trying to do. So one of your first tasks is to understand some posing fundamentals of what works, what doesn't work and the why's and whatfore's for each. Something I learned a long time ago is, "if you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull$hit." (has nothing to do with photography, but is a life lesson when dealing with people). Do some research and study on the posing end of the portrait shoot. The first thing to understand is that ALL poses and ALL good portrait photos, regardles if they're head and shoulder shots or full lengths, is that the foundation begins with the position of the feet and works its way up the body. If the feet are not solidly supporting the body, the result will be less than it could've been. This is a good read for starters on The Rules of Good Portraiture. Remind your subjects that your direction may not make them feel natural or slightly ackward, but the end result is what matters and you know how the end result should look.

 

[Alpha]

It's always hard the first time you have to shoot someone. After you've done it once, it gets easier.