Working with the model and creating an inspiration board

When you work with a model it’s very important to find a common language with them and find the keys to their moods, gradually putting them to yourself. You have to be trusted, first of all, as a professional. There are situations when you have to trust the photographer 100%: “stand on the edge of a cliff, jump in the mud, run like crazy”. If you hear in response, “Why??” or “I won’t do it,” then either it’s not your person, or you haven’t been able to prove that your opinion can be relied upon.

Author: Nikita Zhurnakov

Full review of the Canon EOS R mirrorless camera

So I always tell the model what kind of shots I want, and I tell her about her character, how he feels, and what he should do. You don’t have to ask, “Make it pretty.”. It’s better to show what’s in your head. You can do this with the help of a pre-collected mood board. If you’re still not registered on Pinterest, do it now. Stop searching for “photo shoot poses” on your search engine. Write on Pinterest: “story + editorial” and you’ll find a lot of cool cards, because editorial is a magazine series. You have to pick the clothes for the shoot? Your request: “style + outfit.”. You can also do searches for specific things in print media, like “Bazaar boat editorial”.

When you have a ready visualization in your mind, it becomes easier to work, there is no feeling of emptiness in your head. And the model will see your confidence, she will feel more comfortable working with you. It’s also worth creating the right atmosphere on the set or location. Music can help you set the right rhythm and mood for your shoot. Do not forget that everyone is looking for a photographer with taste and an understanding of aesthetics.

Sometimes I allow the model to live and act as she feels comfortable, and just catching frames. That way she stays herself, she stays natural and easy on the set, don’t overload her directing, let her “breathe”. If the model remains stiff and can’t open up, I resort to artificial posing: “sit on a chair, tuck your legs under you, make your ears back, lean back, look out the window, look harder, etc.d.”The easiest way, of course, is to switch roles: I’m not shy and show what I want to see myself. The model learns how to move and becomes more relaxed

Don’t be afraid to show your model photos from the camera while you are shooting, she can see what you are not paying attention to, fix it, make it better a certain shot. When you show her raw images you show her level of confidence in the person you’re photographing. Don’t be stingy with emotion: it energizes the whole team. Even if a model has walked down the catwalks of the world, or shoots for Leibovitz, she would be pleased to get a compliment or just a smile from a photographer. Remember, charisma is your main weapon!

Experiment, try new things and most importantly enjoy the process!