N
o aspect of the creation of a great portrait exists in a vacuum.
Without the right lighting, the pose may fall flat. Without the
right lens selection, the subject may look distorted—in which case, who
cares how great the lighting is? When it comes to posing, a critical ele-
ment to achieving success is the rapport you build with your subject and
how you communicate during the shoot. Being in front of the camera can
make just about anyone feel uncomfortable—and that can lead to stiff
poses and tense expressions. If the model likes and trusts you, however, it
will be simpler to ease her nerves and achieve the natural, flattering poses
and expressions you desire.Rapport Starts with Your First Communication.
The first step in building rapport begins when the first communication—
whether via e-mail, on the phone, or even in person—takes place between
you and your subject. (Note:I’ve met many of my glamour subjects
through personal introductions. Some came from other clients, some were
from family and friends, and some were by sheer coincidence—like
one client who sat next to me while traveling on an airplane. This
is a great reason to keep at least a few business cards with you at all
times.)
However you meet a potential subject, it’s the initial commu-
nication that establishes the foundation and determines whether a
solid infrastructure will develop between your subject and your-
self. If you blow it, the process of building rapport can alsoendwith that
first communication (or during any future communication between you
and your subject, for that matter).
Communication is the ultimate key to success in glamour photography.
As any communications textbook will tell you, for an effective interchange
to occur between two people, there must be a sender (a talker) and a re-8. Communication and Art Direction..
A critical element
isthe rapportyou build
with your subject.
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