Working with a camera shy subject

sineadw

Hey all. I've just got a commission for a portrait shoot with a very camera shy subject. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on helping someone feel more relaxed while you work with them? Will be an outdoor public-place shoot...

Ta muchly

Fajitas!

What age?

helios

Tell a joke, or if you know the person has a particular interest, discuss that interest to bring them out a bit.

Paulw

Take your time. Sit, talk, relax them. Taking the photos can only take a few mins, but having a chat before can make it all worthwhile.

Rojo

Yeah, getting them to sit down if possible works wonders!

sineadw

Thanks guys

Fajitas! wrote: »

What age?

20 something?

Paulw

Another option - get them to bring a friend along, to help them relax.

Dragan

Find out what THEY would like from the shoot and work that in to it. I know you need to provide something for your own ends but it's only fair that you do some shots for the model as well.

If they are really camera shy include and object for THEM to focus on, a prop of some kind that they can include and play up to to take their mind off the camera.

cjs_surf

glass of wine?

nilhg

Tell him/her you're taking a few practice shots before you put the film in.........
Little white lies sometimes help:D

mehfesto2

I've no personal experience, but I read in one of the mags about working with amateur models. Tell the model what you're doing when you're doing it and keep the silence to a minimum.

I'll paraphrase it:

Keep talking, even if they don't understand what you're saying/doing. If kept in silence, the model can think when you're fiddling around with the camera is because of them/their action, or what they look like and this can have an effect on their appearance, furrowed brow, looking concerned etc. Keep them relaxed, talk about anything and everything but the shot, unless you have to, or are giving out praise.


I read it and thought it was practical and made a point to remember it!
Hope it helps!
Sean

sineadw

Thanks everyone - this is gold Keep them coming!

irishcrazyhorse

Keep on showing and explaining what you are doing,so be sure to show any great shots to them!

Also, talk up how good you are at photoshop and how you can make even the ugliest person look good

ThOnda

The art of portraiture is only the communication. The portrait isn't picture of a face or figure, it is an image of unique person that is sharing some time with you to let you enter her/his private spheres.
So talk, listen, and try to approach the person with camera. Nicely and gently. It's not sex, so don't be rough!

Roen

Putting my pants back on usually relaxes them.

Dink

:eek:

Roen

Time for Bruce's annual run out I think!

TiM_rEAPeR

I did the exact opposite.. a photo shoot a while back for someone more that eager to show off. But it was similar in difficulty, because I wanted to capture the right amount of energy to portray the person. Anyway, try to establish an understanding of the person before you engage with a camera.. and it will help you to get the right shot. With photo shoots its very easy to take the wrong photo that will evoke the wrong meaning.. or someone completely different.

Play music, ask her to bring her own? Maybe interact with her environment in her life and make you the outsider, instead of her coming into an intimidating photo shoot?

This is why is usually takes more that just any old someone with good technical skills to be a good portrait photographer.

Broxi_Bear_Eire

From my experience its important to get the person to relax get them talking about there interests explain what your doing in terms they will understand be happy with them it works for me:D

Ricky91t

big watch has a valid point!:cool:

bovril

Roen wrote: »

Time for Bruce's annual run out I think!

Hadn't seen this before, classic!

mervifwdc

If they have a pet, bring it along if possible. People chill out with their pets, even forget your there. And they will trust you if you take photos of the pet also.

:-)

Merv.

TelePaul

Tell them that if they relax, you'll untie them.