Christian Lockewood wrote:
My apologies to forum participants if this has been discussed.  I searched with no luck and would hate to be categorized as someone who perpetuates an unnecessary exchange of ideas to a question which has been asked and answered.

My experience, albeit limited, is that it takes me some time to develop a working connection with a model particularly if it is the first time I have worked with the model. 

I am interested in hearing from both models and photographers if this is something you have experienced as well as strategies you have used which have been effective in reducing the "learning each other curve".

Thanks in advance!

I break the ice when the model arrives and is in the makeup chair. My makeup artist also does a great job at bonding with the girls we work with. We laugh, joke, talk about hobbies, music, makeup looks, etc.

The first look can take a few minutes to develop, as I figure out which angles I like best and how to interact and communicate with the model (because they're all different). Some prefer more communication, others just do their thing. We usually take a quick pause to look at a few images, talk about what we both like. And once that look is in the bag, things move along nicely from there.

Christian Lockewood wrote:
   I ,,, would hate to be categorized as someone who perpetuates an unnecessary exchange of ideas to a question which has been asked and answered.

Ummm,,,, that's pretty much all we do here; 'unnecessary' being very subjective of course.

Initially I found that it took about 30 minutes for models to relax, and I started to get shots where they weren't so tense.  That seems to have shortened considerably over time, so I guess a lot of their being able to relax was related to me being relaxed.  The more relaxed and 'this is just dull and routine' I am, the easier it is for them.  Your confidence is a key factor.   Doing something silly and laughing about it takes a lot of tension away with newbies, but would probably annoy someone with experience. 
      There have been multiple threads about how much coaching, cheer leading, complimenting works and it is all subjective, so communicate.  Some models have said they get nervous if they don't get instructions on how to pose, some models get upset when they get too much guidance on how to pose.  Some models get nervous when the photographer is quiet, some get paranoid if they get too many compliments.  It's too subjective to have strict guidelines, so be flexible and ask.

ValHig wrote:
I disagree that you need a connection. If you have two people who know what they're doing and communicate well, you don't really need anything else. As a model, I never needed any connection to produce good images because it's not really relevant. As a photographer my experience is far more limited, but if you end up chatting through half the shoot you'll get fewer images and fewer opportunities for images...

I understand what you are suggesting about professionalism and I do not disagree, but lets ignore that were talking about photographers and models.  When I meet someone for the first time I dont start a conversation by sharing the details of my last colonoscopy.  That doesn't come until at least 5 minutes into the conversation   Perhaps it is just me, but I find that it takes some time (how much depends on the individuals involved) to develop enough trust in someone to begin to open up.

In terms of the model/photographer relationship, I feel my best work usually occurs during the last half of the shoot.  I am willing to accept that to some degree it may be a function of what I prefer to shoot, but I would like to believe that there are strategies which people have used successfully to reduce the learning curve.

Good Egg Productions wrote:
Generally, I can assess in about 90 seconds after meeting someone how the shoot is going to go.  But still, I'm surprised now and then, and it's generally positively surprised.

+1

When a model arrives, I usually chat with her about something unrelated to the shoot.  Could be "did you have any problems finding my studio (or the locale of the shoot)?" or something related to where she lives, etc., etc.

I have only met 2 models where the conversation was strained.  And neither shoot went well.  So just be yourself and find a non-shoot-related ice breaker to get things "rolling".

But just one worthless opinion.   

g2-new photographics wrote:
If you can relax, the model can relax.

Thank you for the reminder above and thank you to all for your perspectives.

Rik Austin wrote:
Professional or semi-professional models generally don't need that at all.  They are used to dealing with photographers and jump right in.

While I don't have as much experience as others here, this is exactly what I've noticed. Working with new models a chat first is great, working with some pros I've been lucky enough to work with, there's no need, just *bang* let's get started and they rock it.

My avatar shot was less than 10 minutes after I met her.

Christian Lockewood wrote:

I understand what you are suggesting about professionalism and I do not disagree, but lets ignore that were talking about photographers and models.  When I meet someone for the first time I dont start a conversation by sharing the details of my last colonoscopy.  That doesn't come until at least 5 minutes into the conversation   Perhaps it is just me, but I find that it takes some time (how much depends on the individuals involved) to develop enough trust in someone to begin to open up.

In terms of the model/photographer relationship, I feel my best work usually occurs during the last half of the shoot.  I am willing to accept that to some degree it may be a function of what I prefer to shoot, but I would like to believe that there are strategies which people have used successfully to reduce the learning curve.

Basic social skills are always a requirement, but I don't think the model/photographer relationship is any different to having any other sort of working relationship or exchange.

John Horwitz wrote:
Perspectives on Breaking the Ice: You don't - it's a business transaction. Ice breaking is for social intercourse ( words related to social intercourse, social life, noun. social interactions, communion, community, fellowship, socializing )

Not all photoshoots are like a business transaction. My trade shoots are definitely social interactions. We hang out, laugh, and make art. As a consequence, at least half of my friends are people I met because we shot together.

Rachel Elise wrote:
I'm very surprised that not a single model has responded to this thread, so far!

Honestly, working with a photographer for the first time can feel like a first date: it is partially thrilling, partially awkward, and in the end you both want things to be as light-hearted and painless as possible.

In my opinion--and I know others may disagree--silence is lethal to a shoot. Even if it means producing less images to start, I think the initial investment in creating a relationship, chatting, providing some context, laughing, exchanging feedback, and simply having fun makes the rest of the shoot (and any future shoots) that much more productive and effective. If the photographer I'm working with engages me, either in a personal / friendly or professional / shoot-related way, I find it is much easier to connect with the lens. I would much rather receive direction, or even critique, than have no idea what the photographer is thinking!

If all else fails, music can help. If I am feeling utterly distant from the photographer (which has only ever been once or twice thankfully), focusing my energy on music in the background relieves some tension and enhances my ability to emote.

I agree!  I always carry on a conversation with the model during the shoot.

ValHig wrote:

Basic social skills are always a requirement, but I don't think the model/photographer relationship is any different to having any other sort of working relationship or exchange.

Yes!  Basic social skills are very necessary.

John Horwitz wrote:
Perspectives on Breaking the Ice: You don't - it's a business transaction. Ice breaking is for social intercourse ( words related to social intercourse, social life, noun. social interactions, communion, community, fellowship, socializing )

I disagree!

Mark Harris Photography wrote:
In most sessions, and especially with models I've never worked with, I start with simple portraits, most of which I don't expect to use. At a nude session I have her start fully nude, That gets us past that initial moment and allows us to get on with our work.

I too, will often start with a series of headshots/portraits, to break the ice. That way, especially newer models don't need to worry much about poses & body positions. I keep it light and we are usually laughing & comfortable quickly. I don't count on using those first headshots, though sometimes some are good, but insert more throughout the shoot, since all models can use them. I agree about beginning with nudes.

Rik Austin wrote:
There are lots of threads related to pre-shoot meets but this is one area where I think it helps with amateur models.  Helps to break the ice rather than walking into a shoot cold.  Some don't really need it and some are so nervous it would have been a waste of time otherwise.  Either way most newbies appreciate it.

Professional or semi-professional models generally don't need that at all.  They are used to dealing with photographers and jump right in.

What that fella said. - There is a great gulf between the hobby model and occasional shooter - and the people that make their living at it. 

It's far more of a collaborative effort in my personal experience - and if a model only comes to pose and reflect light and has nothing else about the shoot that interests her - I'm usually wasting my time..  Now being a pro and shooting for your supper might be very much that way at times.  Just, never worked well for me.

With newer models or models that I just met - In my film days I always figured that the first roll was wasted

As far as breaking the ice?  Shouldn't need to - Good communications beforehand - a warm welcome and drama free setup.  You keep it fast and easygoing and make the process of starting, into no big deal.