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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> cooperative model
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Nikon D90
Tokina AF 11-16mm f/2.8 116 AT-X Pro DX for Nikon
 06/07/2008 01:32:39 AM · #1
so off and on i have tried to have a fun but serious photo shoot with my girlfriend as the model. often it has ended up with me getting annoyed and her getting giggly. i usually give up after a few shots because she is impatient with me setting up the lighting. another problem would be that she doesnt take it seriously, i give her an expression so show and she does it, but just befor i hit the shutter she puts on a stupid face, not on purpose, but because she is impatient.

this happens about 2/3 of the time, i get annoyed and give up (i am a patient person but it just happens so much.)

im mainly a sports photographer but i want to move into portraiture for a challenge.

do you have any simple tips as to how i can get my model to take it seriously?
Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
 06/07/2008 01:37:04 AM · #2
maybe find a new model, :) OR just try to not show her how to pose but just tell her to act, this is what i do for my 'model', and she sort of "plays the part" of the type of shot i'm after...
Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon
 06/07/2008 01:40:18 AM · #3
I have almost zero experience in portrait photography, but the obvious solution that jumps to mind is get everything all set up in advance. Talk her into doing some shots and start shooting after turning on the camera and strobes. Then have a remote shutter release in your hand when you tell her to pose for the shots. Take the shots as soon as she assumes the poses. After getting several shots do some good processing on it and show her the results. Hopefully she will have more patience after seeing how good she looks. Finally, work on the patience. Don't get annoyed! As a sports photographer, maybe you can start with some poses in football or hockey equipment just for fun if you can come up with the stuff.
Olympus PEN E-P3
Konica Minolta MF 85mm f/1.7
 06/07/2008 01:42:26 AM · #4
not that i know that much but when taking pictures of my grandchildren i have the same problem. I try to do as much prep work ahead of time, like setting up the lights and background. I use a stuffed animal or something to practice. then when they come in i don't have to do any of that.

and to keep them serious i remind them what i plan to do with the pictures later, like frame and hang them or put them in a special photo album or i tell them i want to show them to people. sometimes that makes them think how they would look and they usually try a little harder to be cooperative.
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