5 Easy and Effective Ways to Prompt Your Models

Capturing energy is what Portrait Photography is all about.

If your model is feeling anxious or uncomfortable, then that discomfort will bleed through into the final photographs.

How can we then, as photographers, avoid this sort of negative frequency getting conveyed through our portraits?

Through setting the vibe of your photoshoot right in the beginning, and effectively prompting your models throughout.

As a portrait photographer, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to prompt and direct your models.

Most of the subjects I’ve captured throughout my career as a Portrait Photographer have been so nervous when we first started out the shoot. They’d say things like, “you’re going to have to really tell me what to do, because I have no idea” or, the fan favorite all-encompassing “I’m so nervous I hate getting my picture taken…I have no idea what to do”.

While some models may be experienced and comfortable in front of the camera, others may need more guidance and encouragement to get into the right poses and expressions.

Here are 5 tips to help you prompt your model and get the best possible shots:

1. Start with a conversation: Before the shoot begins, take the time to chat with your model and get to know them a bit. Joke around. Build a rapport and show them your personality, because at the end of the day your whole mission here is to convey their authentic energy and make them feel as beautiful as they are.

2. Encourage m o v e m e n t : To capture authentic and natural-looking poses, encourage your model to move around, constantly and s l o w l y. This will help make your model feel more comfortable in front of the camera because they’re staying busy. Which will in turn help you create more interesting compositions, and capture more authentic photos.

3. Use positive language: Instead of telling your model what not to do, focus on the positive. For example, instead of saying "don't slouch," you could say "stand up tall and proud." Your model is probably feeling a little self-conscious and unsure of themselves, especially in the beginning, and especially if they’ve never had their photos professionally taken before.

4. Give clear directions: Clearly describe what pose you envision them in, and then guide them in how to replicate it. When I prompt my models, I’ll give a visual example by standing next to them and showing them exactly how to move/position themselves.

5. Create a comfortable environment: It is SO important to set the vibe with your model right off the bat. Joke around. Make them feel silly and relaxed. Speak to them as if they’re your friend. Because for the next hour or two, you are friends. Let the intention of making them feel empowered and stunning shine through the way you speak to them. Offer positive reinforcement throughout the shoot - when you capture an aweosme shot of them, let them know! I even show my clients some photos periodcially through the shoot. It’s always easier for them when they know what they’re working with. Oh, and I highly suggest having a full-length mirror handy. It’s always easier to pose in front of a mirror than in front of a camera.

The key here is to make your model feel comfortable and confident in front of your camera.

Set the tone, facilitate empowering vibes in a judgement-free zone, give clear directions, and just have fun with it!