Shooting people can be an exciting and interesting task. However, to break apart from the mundane, you need to take care.

To get you started, Fotoflock spoke with some famous photographers to discover their tips on how to get the most out of your model.

Most photographers believe that breaking the ice with the models before the shoot and building a rapport with them is important. Zul Siwani, for one, will always meet up with a model before the shoot to break the ice and get to know him or her better.

What comes next is the shoot itself. Vikram Bawa emphasises the importance of understanding that the subject posing in front of your camera is human too. He says, “You have to understand human psychology. You have to respect your subjects and treat them like kings and queens for the day but without becoming a slave to their demands. Don’t force them into doing what you want – coax them. Let them do what they want and then guide them into doing what you want.” And how does one achieve the task of making the model comfortable? On that he suggests confidently, “The most important thing is to be comfortable yourself. If you feel at ease then they will be at ease.”

Atul Kasbekar, who has captured a whole host of beauties for his famed calendar also believes that it is important to treat the models well. He says, “If I expect professional courtesy from models, the least I can do is give it back to them.” He also highlights the importance of treating the models well by ensuring that their food and the travel arrangements are good. “They must get paid on time.” He adds.

While some talk about treating the model well and making the right arrangements, Jatin Kampani takes a step back by mentioning that casting the right model is half the battle. He says, “It is important to cast models that fit into your concept (not the other way round). Getting the most from your model is very easy if you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.” He also adds that if the concept is clear to the photographer, he can brief others involved in the shoot, such as the make-up artist, to optimise the available resources.

As for breaking the ice with the model, he suggests creating the right ambience using good food and music. He also recommends directing the model according to the concept and requirements of the shoot.

Dabboo Ratnani also believes in making the concept clear and creating a brief of the concept. He usually uses loud music during shoots but also takes into account the model’s choice of music and the mood of the picture. He explains that it is essential to keep communicating with the model using simple questions like, “How are you liking the pictures?” and later guide them into the “zone of what I imagined”.

He is also prepared to handle circumstances in which the model isn’t getting the right idea. In such circumstances, he asks the stylist to demonstrate the pose or even demonstrates it himself! He suggests that new models and actors should practise for about two to three hours a day for a week prior to the shoot.

Praveen Talan, on the other hand, likes to begin with believing in the potential of the model. He says,” I start with knowing and believing that they are good models. I also work on building confidence within them. One has to make them feel comfortable. One should look to explore the natural dynamics of the model. My best pictures are between pictures. They turn out more candid than a planned shot.”

Vickky Idnaani believes that the photographer should be able to communicate to the model that the concept and the vision for the shoot are in a way a vision for the model herself. He says, “Work with a professional model. I believe once the model understands that the photographer’s vision is only to enhance her work and that the vision is for the model herself they will get an idea of what is expected of them. When you have a concept and the model has understood your vision the model will act accordingly. She should be able to see her space and place in the scheme of things.”

While most photographers would swear by working with experienced and professional models, Zul Siwani has a different take on this. He says, “It is very difficult with most newcomers. In my experience it is best to get a model with a dancing background. The dancing experience helps them pose better. They have better body language and a wonderful presence in front of the lens. Technically it is possible to take a good photograph at any point of time but if one has a rapport with the model and she is comfortable in front of the lens it shows through the photograph and that makes a better image any day. I personally prefer children over grown-up models. Shooting with overly self-conscious models can be difficult, which is never the case with kids.”

Sameer Belvalkar suggests another tool in the photographer’s toolbox: humour. He says, “Communication is the key! The more you talk, the more the model will open up. One can guide them initially till they warm up in front of the lens. Talk to them between shots. Show them the progress in photos. And as a thumb rule you must learn to encourage them. Rather than telling them what’s going wrong, suggest different ways. Do not let them get bogged down. Humour also works wonders! If you can be humorous go ahead and be so by all means!

Based on these tips, a good starting point for amateur and aspiring photographers is to shoot familiar faces – this will save them the exercise of breaking the ice at least. Candid shots are best, so keep the shutter open to capture any fleeting change of expression. As Praveen Talan mentioned, he gets his best pictures between pictures! Keep shooting!

Photo Courtesy: Sameer Belwalkar 

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