Learn to get rid of nervousness when shooting portraits - Part 2

Are you nervous about making portraits or photographing people? We know all about nervousness and uncertainty, both from our own experience as photographers and having taught hundreds of photographers, journalists and communicators.

Nervousness and insecurity are natural and good. It tells you that something is at stake, that it matters and it makes us do our best. But the nervousness must not take over either you or your model.

With our experience in creating personal portraits, we have learned to harness nervousness and rein it in so that we create peace of mind, security and tranquility — both for the photographer and the model.

Because as you've probably experienced, most people aren't used to being in front of a camera. It may feel unnatural and awkward and your model may be uncomfortable with how she/he is going to appear in the pictures.

So we have collected some of our best tips on how to approach your photography with more confidence and at the same time create confidence in your portrait model.

For 2 nervous people is not a good start to a successful photo shoot.

‍Tip 8: Show — don't tell!

If you stand behind the camera and give verbal instructions to your model, you risk creating uncertainty if they do not understand exactly what you mean. Be specific in your directions. Instead of saying “Turn your head a little,” say: “Turn your head to the window to the left and look back at the camera with your eyes.” Even better, it is to show the pose with your own body. Show exactly where they should stand, swap places with them, and demonstrate the movement. Also remember to check if the pose looks natural.

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Type 9: Ros from the model

The mood in the room is your responsibility, and a positive energy is contagious. Start by telling the model that they can do no wrong and that you guide them all the way. During the photo shoot, it is important to praise them — and preferably loudly! A “Wow, cool that!” can work wonders and give your model confidence. Do not overdo it, but use praise in those stages of photography where you want high energy and strong contact. The rose goes hand in hand with the phases in photography where we work with high energy in the contact and presence space.

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Tip 10: Make the model forget that they are being photographed

Instruction is the portrait photographer's main tool, both to create authentic expressions and to make the model forget about her nervousness. When you guide them through scenes, moods and performances, they will often completely forget that they are being photographed. This is where you get the most natural and presentable images.

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‍Tip 11: Spend time with the model — before you take the camera in hand

You may feel that you need to hurry “to get something in the box”, especially if you do not have much time with the person you are photographing. If you seem stressed, it spills directly onto the model, and you risk intensifying a tense mood. Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour, spend time sitting down with the model before grabbing the camera. Chat, create presence and let them get used to the intimacy of a portrait photo shoot. The time you invest in the beginning, you get tenfold again when you start photographing. The time you spend before the photo shoot comes back many times when you have to press the button.

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‍Tip # 12: Handshakes and body language

The way you meet your model sets the tone for the entire photo shoot. Start with a firm handshake and a friendly, direct eye contact.

As humans, we mirror each other's body language, so make sure to stand relaxed, move with calm, and speak clearly. If, on the other hand, you stand with crossed arms and look down, it will negatively affect the model. When you take ownership of the stage and the space, it infects both your own confidence and the model's reassurance.

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Tip 13: Give people something by hand

A simple but effective trick for nervous models is to give them something to hold in their hands. A stress ball, a watch, a piece of jewelry or a picture can give them a natural movement and distract them from the camera. It can also be a good conversation starter if you ask them to tell about their relationship to the object.

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Tip 14: Take a time out

Breaks are important in a successful photo shoot - both for you and your model. Offer them a break, offer them water, coffee or a snack, but also actively use the breaks themselves.

Take 2 or 5 minutes to yourself, during which you evaluate briefly how the session is going. Go through your notes and cheat sheet. It's a misconception that a photographer has to be “on” all the time. A few minutes of reflection can do wonders for the rest of the session.

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Tip 15: Evaluation and reflection

Equally important as preparation is reflection, which becomes part of the preparation for the next photo shoot. After each photo shoot, you should take five minutes to reflect and write down: What went well? What could be better? What will I do differently next time? What should I do more of? Write down your thoughts while they are still fresh.

Reflection on your own efforts is of fundamental importance to your development and you will be amazed at how much difference exercise can make. It quickly develops your assertiveness and reduces nervousness, because you become aware of your strengths and weaknesses. When you consciously do something to improve, you become more calm and confident, even in pressured situations.

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