How do you get your sitter to switch off? While you can’t actually stop your sitter from thinking, you can direct them to a better headspace to reduce any negative thought patterns. Go through a visualization technique, asking them to recount their favorite holiday or the happiest moment in their life. You’ll need to choose the right scenario for your sitter but this simple technique can give their eyes and expression just the right amount of sparkle. Ask your sitter to look away from the camera, and then back again after each frame. This is especially useful on a long shoot as it distracts your sitter long enough to give them fresh, thoughtful eyes for each shot. Make small variations on the pose to make it a little more interesting, such as asking your sitter to make their smile bigger or smaller.
Just keep talking Some people are easy and give you the shot really quickly. Other people are more wound up and need more work to relax. That’s your job. I talk continuously through my shoots. I tell stories and jokes and pile on praise and encouragement. Whatever it takes to keep my sitter relaxed and engaged. Keep your eyes open for the moment they drop the ‘pose face’. It usually happens between shots.
What to talk about during a shoot Even if we don’t like to admit it, everyone loves to talk about themself and you can use this to your advantage. Ask questions and let your sitter tell you their story. Your sitter will know if you’re being insincere so it’s important that you become genuinely interested in what they’re telling you. You might just learn something about them that proves to be useful for your shoot, for example what music they love.
Australian television host Livinia Nixon/image courtesy Nine Network Australia.
“If speaking is silver, then listening is gold.”– Turkish proverb The Moves | Direction
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