Practicing Model Rapport!

I’ve gotten a few emails lately regarding model rapport. Model rapport, for those who are not familiar with that term is the relationship that you build with your model so that she feels comfortable, secure and confident that you’ll make her look beautiful in her pictures. It’s the ability to communicate with her so that both you and the model are in the same “zone”. This is a skill that for some takes years of practice. For some it comes quite naturally. And still others – never quite get it mastered.

As a youngster I was a quiet and shy. If I saw a pretty girl walking down the hallway in school, I’d walk the other way – that’s how shy I was LOL. My years behind the camera have totally changed that aspect of my personality. Yes, I’m still shy – but I’m not “that” shy.

Shooting famous nude models has been one of the most challenging things in my life. How does a shy, introverted, quiet southern boy end up in Hollywood shooting the most beautiful nude models & porn stars in the world? With lots and lots of work! It’s been a 20+ year process.

So, just how important is model rapport anyway? I emailed a couple of friends in the industry and asked them to send me their thoughts on model rapport. Check it:

…..”I feel the rapport between photographer and model is crucial. Without this connection, the photo shoot is doomed. The model needs to know how to talk with the photographer and vice versa. You need to be able to communicate your ideas and be able to understand her ideas and goals. Both of you need to be on the same page at all times. Without this rapport, this cannot happen.”

Arny Freytag | Sr. Photographer @ Playboy

……”Having a good rapport with a photographer is huge for me personally. The simple things like when a photographer gets excited and tells you that they like what he/she is seeing…. and says, “Gorgeous, darling!” Makes me feel wonderful and can turn me into a tiger, princess or whatever look we are going for.”

Catalina Cruz | Model/Actress | CatalinaCruz.com

Some photographers are not shy – but just have no idea what to say to a model when they’re shooting them. They’re cool to chat with the model but as soon as they bring their camera up to their eye to start shooting – their mouths shut down. What? Chatting it up with the model “while” you’re shooting her is the most important part of model rapport. That’s when she needs you the most. That’s when she needs your feedback on how she’s doing and if she’s given you what you want. Not only are you a photographer but remember – you’re also the DIRECTOR. SO YOU HAVE TO DIRECT!!!!!!

One of the things that I’m working on now is a video on model rapport. I’m going to take you on location with me so you can see how I build rapport with girls that I shoot. Seeing that may give you a better idea of how you can start building rapport with girls that you’re shooting : )

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