Towner Jones Photography: November 2009

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It's been a while since I've delivered any real photography content - so I've decided to push myself a little bit and provide my take on studio portraiture. First, let me say, it's not my intent to use today's MM10 as a discussion on detailed photographic technique. Getting things under your belt from a technical point of view will only be accomplished through thorough study and practice. Instead, I've picked up some things through experience and from the wisdom of some other great photographers which make success in the studio more likely. Today I'll share these concepts as the MM10.

I shot a couple studio sittings this past weekend and that's what inspired today's list - these all came into play...

First Impressions Count - when you're meeting with a client or model for the first time, remember that how you carry yourself, your demeanor, your greeting, everything will translate into the photos that you're getting ready to take - there's no getting around it.
Your Confidence - along with first impressions, maintaining control of the set is key to getting good photos. The best way to maintain control of a set - particularly when you have assistants, hair and make-up artists, and others "helping out" - is by portraying confidence. This also usually serves to put the model at ease because when you provide direction (and more importantly, positive feedback) they are taken as fact, as opposed to opinion.
Their Confidence - the subject's confidence in front of the camera is the most important consideration in the studio. There does not exist a high-end camera, strobe light, filter, lens, etc. that can take a good picture of someone who feels like they can't take a good picture. It's funny, but I've found, that even those people who think they can't take a good picture usually have it in them when they're confidence is supported by a caring photographer. Whenever I'm asked by a client, what should I wear to the shoot, I always respond the same way - "Whatever you feel the most confident in."
Physical Contact - this I got from Joe McNally, and it always works... after asking permission, whether you need to or not, walk up to the model and put your hands on them. (Move their chin, their shoulders, whatever) It's been proven that physical touch establishes a bond between people. Every little thing that you do to establish a connection with your subject will increase the quality of the photos.
Have a plan - in my experience, unless you're dealing with professional models, you have around 5-10 minutes of shooting in the studio before your model is going to start getting tired. When you've got folks melting under hot lights, it's essential that you have a plan of action. This includes preplanned poses, how many shots of each you hope to capture, wardrobe changes necessary, prop changes necessary, etc. etc. This isn't to say that you can't be spontaneous, but if you're client is waiting on you to come up with what's happening next, then they have the opportunity to realize that they're tired...
You control the environment
Smiles - 9 times out of 10, your model's real smile is better than their fake smile. Duh? Well, that may be obvious to most folks, but if you're like me, you almost always shoot a couple dozen frames before seeing that real smile for the first time. So before you start shooting, spend enough time with the model/client so that you've caught that real smile - so you know what to look for in the photos.
Find your connection - As mentioned earlier, before I start a shoot I like to take a little while to just chat with the model and get to know them. What are there likes and dislikes, hobbies, etc. - all of this information plays into what you can use to direct them during the shoot. It also continues to help in the establishment of that ever important connection between subject and photographer. This past weekend, Rose and I found that bond with our client over America's Next Top Model. (Yes, I've admitted before I watch the show regularly - don't give me a hard time) When we started giving her direction similar to what she had heard on the show, you should have seen her light up.
Have Fun - if you've established a good rapport with your model, by all means, have some fun. I've found in many cases that I'll shoot a couple dozen frames all of mediocre quality. Then, noting that I only have say 12 shots left before needing to change cards, I'll direct the model to just be silly and goof off while I finish off the card. Many, many times - the best shots from the session come during those periods of just having a little fun.