I had a problem recently when I was going through the list of poses with my model before the shoot to explain what part of the body will be exposed. The model's first language was not English so I was kind of embarrassed to explain it until I literally pointed my finger to my parts. How do you handle it with models whose English is or is not 1st language? Also how do you explain that those parts may be more or less exposed. For me it is embarrassing.
Before I work with a foreign model I always brush up on my foreign language skills. Rosetta Stone has helped me learn the proper words for "vagina" in numerous languages.
Good Egg Productions wrote: If you are embarrassed to talk about the pee-pee and hoo-Hoo, maybe this photography thing isn't for you.
You're both adults. Act like it.
ditto. I met this problem in the hospital when I performed x-ray tests on people who did not speak English,had no interpreter, had no education, had never been in a hospital, were blind, deaf, mute, etc. We had all kinds of picture signs, but it usually came down to crude gestures and so forth. Ever had to explain to a blind non-English speaking person that you were going to put a tube, and then a liter of fluid, in their rectum for a colon test? its special.
Michael Pandolfo wrote: Before I work with a foreign model I always brush up on my foreign language skills. Rosetta Stone has helped me learn the proper words for "vagina" in numerous languages.
Michael Pandolfo wrote: Before I work with a foreign model I always brush up on my foreign language skills. Rosetta Stone has helped me learn the proper words for "vagina" in numerous languages.
DG at studio47 wrote: Ever had to explain to a blind non-English speaking person that you were going to put a tube, and then a liter of fluid, in their rectum for a colon test? its special.
Write your memoirs. PLEASE.
Edited to add: DG, I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or rude. It honestly sounds like you have a life of interesting experiences.
Good Egg Productions wrote: If you are embarrassed to talk about the pee-pee and hoo-Hoo, maybe this photography thing isn't for you.
You're both adults. Act like it.
Lighten up. You totally missed/ignored the point so you could post a smart ass answer. He said the model didn't really understand English so the standard terms that you might use weren't understood. That's QUITE different from someone who is embarrassed making any reference. If you can't be civil maybe this posting thing isn't for you.
Justin wrote: I'm clinical about language. I use the correct names. Haven't had an issue so far.
You can not go wrong with proper terminology. It may seem a bit clinical but there is no ambiguity. I have met several models who told me that were highly offended when others use common names for female body parts.
Crude gestures are pretty easy to understand. Better yet is mimicking the pose you're looking for yourself. It's embarrassing, but it's the easiest way to communicate what you're looking for.
Michael Pandolfo wrote: Before I work with a foreign model I always brush up on my foreign language skills. Rosetta Stone has helped me learn the proper words for "vagina" in numerous languages.
Preparation, my boy. Preparation.
Great answer. Just make sure you're not using a form of their word that is considered offensive. I was learning Russian and knew several Russian girls. Some words were more "gritty??" than others.
I'm old and grew up with tits, ass and pussy. Pretty self explanatory, but not accepted by some models especially newbies. When I contact a model and we exchange emails, I let them tell me what they are comfortable with and that is what I use. There is no sense in making them uncomfortable by insisting on using wording i'm comfortable with. Let the model tell you.
DG at studio47 wrote: Ever had to explain to a blind non-English speaking person that you were going to put a tube, and then a liter of fluid, in their rectum for a colon test? its special.
Believe it or not that happened to me three times!
It's not as hard as you might think... ummm that didn't come out right, ANYways if you and the model conduct yourself in a professional manner and have simple common sense and civil verbal communication skills you should be fine.
Some words may slip but it's okay if you recognize it. Best thing to do is before hand is to scan over a human anatomy book for common terms.
And ALWAYS share your thoughts and posing ideas with your model before and during. Models are usually cool if you handle the shoot and her with respect.
Ericphotoart wrote: I had a problem recently when I was going through the list of poses with my model before the shoot to explain what part of the body will be exposed. The model's first language was not English so I was kind of embarrassed to explain it until I literally pointed my finger to my parts. How do you handle it with models whose English is or is not 1st language? Also how do you explain that those parts may be more or less exposed. For me it is embarrassing.
Keep in mind that a foreign model may not understand all of our slang terms.
For me, "full frontal" usually covers the issue. How explicit do you want to shoot? Ask her what her limits are.
You are hiring a nude model, right? She is not embarrassed, why in the world are you embarrassed?
Ericphotoart wrote: I had a problem recently when I was going through the list of poses with my model before the shoot to explain what part of the body will be exposed. The model's first language was not English so I was kind of embarrassed to explain it until I literally pointed my finger to my parts. How do you handle it with models whose English is or is not 1st language? Also how do you explain that those parts may be more or less exposed. For me it is embarrassing.
I use the names. Mostly, breasts, nipples, and labia. That's the "body parts" that are most relevant to what you seem to be saying. I also talk about eyes, hair, shoulders, hands, arms, etc. But most people don't have a problem talking about those body parts.
rdallasPhotography wrote: Lighten up. You totally missed/ignored the point so you could post a smart ass answer. He said the model didn't really understand English so the standard terms that you might use weren't understood. That's QUITE different from someone who is embarrassed making any reference. If you can't be civil maybe this posting thing isn't for you.
I'm a smart ass. Deal with it. I also have a habit of giving straightforward and sound advice.
The OP SPECIFICALLY stated that he's embarrassed talking about body parts in his last sentence. For the record, I've worked with Russian, French, and Hispanic models who know very little english and I've never ever had any communication problems when talking about showing or not showing private areas that were not planned to be in shots. Pantomime works in EVERY language for people with working eyes.
My response was to poke a little harmless fun and to make the OP realize that adults can talk about adult things to get work done.
DG at studio47 wrote: Ever had to explain to a blind non-English speaking person that you were going to put a tube, and then a liter of fluid, in their rectum for a colon test? its special.
Sweet. You just gave me an idea for my next shoot.
Michael Pandolfo wrote: Before I work with a foreign model I always brush up on my foreign language skills. Rosetta Stone has helped me learn the proper words for "vagina" in numerous languages.
Preparation, my boy. Preparation.
If you are using the word vagina, are you not delving into the realm of pornography? If you are referring to the pubic area then vulva or labia would be more appropriate. From the context of the OP's post, I am not of the impression that pornography is the objective of the photo shot. However, I may be wrong on the point.
If you are using the word vagina, are you not delving into the realm of pornography? If you are referring to the pubic area then vulva or labia would be more appropriate. From the context of the OP's post, I am not of the impression that pornography is the objective of the photo shot. However, I may be wrong on the point.
I'm tired of this argument. When you say vagina to the model in front of you, everyone knows what you're talking about. If she's wide open and you're doing a gyno shot, she knows. If you're across the room and her underwear have slid to the side a bit, SHE KNOWS WHAT YOU MEAN.
I agree with this. A picture is worth a thousand words. Show pics similar to what you are looking for. I am sure you can find them here on MM. This makes sure communication is clear.
I suggest even e-mailing the model links to pics in advance so she knows what is expected. You can never communicate too clearly.
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