Communicate Your Concept.After settling on an idea or concept, you
must communicate it to the model before you start working. This will estab-
lish your credibility with those on the set and allow the whole team to work
in a unified direction. Keep in mind that being in front of the camera can
make people nervous, so being clear with your instructions and making the
sessionprofessionalcanincreaseyourchancesofsuccessbyputtingthemodel
at ease.
One way to communicate your intent is to show sketches or sample pho-
tographs of the style, the poses, and the overall feel of the photograph you
want to create. Another trick is to have someone stand in as the subject and
allow the model to look through the camera so she can see what you are see-
ing and understand your objectives. Finally, you may even try having the
modelposewithoutthecamerainplace—thatsometimeshelpstorelieveanx-
iety about the shoot.
BASIC PRINCIPLES 211-1 and 1-2.When you see an image or
a style that appeals to you, look for
ways to incorporate it in your images.
For example, these photographs have
an “old Hollywood” glamour look that is
very popular.