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BY ROY BARKER

This type of photography is striving for a look that is natural, and even has a look that it has not been posed for at all. Comfort is essential not just physical comfort though that is important, but mental comfort.

The model must be able to understand the concept behind what you are trying to do so that she can cooperate. You have to take the time to explain the techniques of flattering compositions, but equally the model has to work on being fluid and graceful in these motions.

A good relationship with your model built on confidence is essential when you come to evaluate and criticize the work. Your first session will create the tone for future work, but that is when a model will be her most nervous, a way of getting over this barrier might be to ask her to come accompanied, and that may make for a lighter more relaxed session.

Working with the same model over a number of sessions builds up a rapport, and helps the model learn what works in the images, and what doesn’t. She has to be able to see the completed image, before this is really possible. As the model becomes more familiar with how you work and experiences the crucial processes of making an image, the model becomes better at generating poses which work for you, and on the whole, the number of successful images increases.

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Roy Barker is the publisher of Income from Photography which is dedicated to coaching you on how to start your own photography business, placing a very strong emphasis on your profitability issues and guidelines.