Preparation is a Priority

准备是首要任务

When running workshops worldwide, I always give a vivid example of how to work with models. Of course, I might have communication challenges due to language barriers, but it doesn’t stop me from working with the model quietly and confidently. I can easily help her take an appropriate pose, make her show a proper emotion, etc. In this case, the models follow my requirements, and no one has ever rebelled against me touching her, adjusting body parts as I needed, fixing her clothes, hair, etc.

It’s surprising for most photographers, and they often ask me: “David, how do you manage to build trust with people? It looks like you’re working with the model as if she’s your good acquaintance who you’ve known for ages”.

The answer is simple: the model has to see, understand and feel the photographer's confidence in what he’s doing. The photographer should act confidently, without hesitation, yet very delicately, and approach his job with positivity and good mood. In this case, the model will never resist and hinder filming.

If the photographer is inexperienced or non-prepared for the photoshoot, he will be unconfident, which will entail big intervals between the shots, messy suggestions as to poses and necessary angles. The model will get it very quickly; she will come up with her own initiatives and hinder filming. Consequently, the photographer is very unlikely to have good shots.

Conclusion: the photographer has to be well-prepared for the upcoming photoshoot. He has to elaborate all poses, angles, emotions, location, etc. prior to the photoshoot. During the photoshoot, he has to act relatively quickly, precisely and clearly for the model. Besides, he has to remember to encourage the model through giving compliments and showing her some successful original photos...