Eurocat wrote:
Soothing /low grunting noises seem to work for a variety of people.

I'm friendlier.  I have a conversation with the model.  Would you prefer me to grunt?   

Dan OMell wrote:
there are probably too many polite, friendly and smiling killers around in the movies

in general, overly friendly people feel  sometimes artificial. it's like being at embassy reception with Israel and Iran leaders happily smiling each other and shaking hands. why not? it's a protocol.

plus, if you're too friendly to models, some may think you're a creep, or have some hidden agenda.

This.

I don't need to know your life story.
Be fun and take photographs. No diatribes on your ex wife/girlfriend/etc.

Eurocat wrote:
Soothing /low grunting noises seem to work for a variety of people.

*grunts in agreement*

Vampman Studios wrote:
What is the right way of shooting with a professional model? Should you try to spark a conversation with them, or just tell them what to do and leave quietly when the shoot is over?

professional, meaning paid? perhaps pay them enough and they will tolerate our awkward attempts at geniality.

Laura UnBound wrote:
Theres a difference between being friendly and making it seem like you booked the model just to hang out with a pretty (oftentimes naked) girl in your studio (which is oftentimes your house) for a couple hours

Theres a difference between being businesslike and being a total dick.




You can be nice, upbeat, and still all business.

This.

Antediluvian Design wrote:
I prefer the buffoon approach. Who doesn't love a clown?

Coulrophobics ?

Antediluvian Design wrote:
I prefer the buffoon approach. Who doesn't love a clown?

Antediluvian Design wrote:
I prefer the buffoon approach. Who doesn't love a clown?

DougBPhoto wrote:
Coulrophobics ?

Blame Steven King.  And, by association, blame H.P. Lovecraft, who although never wrote a clown story, is largely responsible for inspiring Steven King's career.

Rays Fine Art wrote:
My experience with both models and actors is that those who talk too loudly about their "professionalism" are frequently the least professional in their conduct.  True professionals are able to maintain a comfortable but warm and friendly environment while maintaining appropriate boundaries.  The "cold fish" tend to be trying to mask their own discomfort and insecurity.  Best bet is to allow them the space they need when you have to work with them but strive to find people who are more fun to work with whenever possible.

All IMHO as always, of course.

Some people are shy and find overbearing personalities uncomfortable. Not in my case, but the TMI people are a little much for my comfort.  I can deal with it though.  Pay me and I'll listen to any fucking shit and do my job.

I usually have fun at my shoots and it's all very genuine.

GRMACK wrote:
There is also the possibility that the OP's model may have come from a "GWC" gig (i.e. "Groper with Camera") and she was basically setting the OP up for her new rules based on her prior experience with the groper.  Maybe he reminded her of him too.

I still recall one on here whose profile rules were:  "You dare show up with a Polaroid for a camera and I will bitch-slap you, stab you, and beat your dead carcass down into the nearest sewer grate with my high heels."  Who becomes afraid of whom, and would you even mess with her?

Still, if they are that angry about it, shooting with them might be ill advised until they cool off a bit - or maybe never.

To put that on a profile is not wise.  Even if you are new to the business.  It's like you are attracting the weirdos/GWC people.

You can be with an agency and work with a creep.

I only worked with two/three jerks in my entire career and one of them was a woman.  A very bitter, not so fun woman.  Before the shoot, I had to hear all the intimate details of her failed relationship with her husband, then when we were to shoot that day, all of her negativity was overflowing as if you cut a main artery.

Ugh!

I'm pretty sensitive and understanding but that woman I wanted to tell her to shut the Christ up already.

fussgangerfoto wrote:
With amateurs, being an "iceman" is likely to turn a deer-in-the-headlights model into a complete stiff. If I've got a real pro for a model and during introductions she strikes me as a real matter-of-fact kinda girl, we can get down to business without a lot of warm/fuzzy banter. My default approach is always friendly, courteous and professional.

aspergianLens wrote:
Blame Steven King.  And, by association, blame H.P. Lovecraft, who although never wrote a clown story, is largely responsible for inspiring Steven King's career.

People were afraid of clowns long before Steven King.

DougBPhoto wrote:

People were afraid of clowns long before Steven King.

Heh, true enough.  But I imagine there are a lot of people who were traumatized by "IT" as a child -- either the book itself or the movies based on it.

I don't especially find clowns all that funny.  I find them annoying, more than anything else.

Jules NYC wrote:
This guy can show up, shoot me and say nothing and I'd be cool with that.

I see you're not the only one who thought of Top Gun when the word "Iceman" was used.

aspergianLens wrote:
I see you're not the only one who thought of Top Gun when the word "Iceman" was used.

I find his jumpsuit very sexy.

Jules NYC wrote:



I find his jumpsuit very sexy.

That was all before he went off the deep end with Scientology and jumped up and down on Oprah's couch.

ontherocks wrote:
i've had models complain about the icemen. so maybe it depends on the model and also the type of modeling. but sometimes rapport with the model really helps make for some good pictures (if nothing else it makes me feel more comfortable and confident) but maybe the "pro" models can just turn it off an on as needed independent of the photographer.

Turning it off and on.
That would be when there is no connection and comfort. Its just a job and not artistic expression at that point. It becomes "When in Rome do as Romans do". Yes it is more often than not.
Expect differences in this when it comes to cash or trade. In trade there has to be something that I like about the photographer over and beyond his photography skill set. It is a partnership in the goals of each. A meeting of the minds. And his passion to create.

aspergianLens wrote:

That was all before he went off the deep end with Scientology and jumped up and down on Oprah's couch.

Tom Cruise? Lol

Caustic Disco wrote:

Tom Cruise? Lol

Exactly

ha ha

Not Val Kilmer.

Jules NYC wrote:

Exactly

ha ha

Not Val Kilmer.

lol i was like waitaminute

aspergianLens wrote:

That was all before he went off the deep end with Scientology and jumped up and down on Oprah's couch.

I did deeply appreciate Tom's excitement to be married.  Didn't work out but minus the weirdo religion crap and a guy jumping up and down for love?

Oh yeah, good stuff.

Jules NYC wrote:

Exactly

ha ha

Not Val Kilmer.

Oops.  Wrong guy... my mistake.

Yeah, Val Kilmer isn't nearly as nutty as Cruise is.  He isn't a Scientologist as far as I know.

Jules NYC wrote:
This guy can show up, shoot me and say nothing and I'd be cool with that.

So you had to go and divulge my secret identity, huh.

Vampman Studios wrote:
So, I was working with a professional model who was complaining about the overly friendly nature of some photographers. She told me that she believes all photographers need to walk in, shut up, take the photos needed, and walk out. However, I know a few photographers who act like this, and, though they take great work, the models don't like them because they're to standoffish and treat models basically like cattle. But these "Icemen" seem to be more successful than a friendly photographer who wants the model to have fun during her shoot, despite their work being on the same level.

What is the right way of shooting with a professional model? Should you try to spark a conversation with them, or just tell them what to do and leave quietly when the shoot is over?

Photographer is a job, model is a job,, work first...  Get the shots, then talk after about the shoot or the next shoot...

E H wrote:
Photographer is a job, model is a job,, work first...  Get the shots, then talk after about the shoot or the next shoot...

I often talk while I shoot ...but not excessively. 

Also, it may well be a job, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be enjoyable.  I would make a serious argument that artwork suffers if it's not enjoyable.

Kelleth wrote:
I think it's awesome when photographers are friendly and show me their personalities. I love joking around with photographers and hearing their stories.

I think it's fairly important to not be "overly" professional (read : stiff and uptight).  I just act like myself and don't worry too much about it.  I dislike excessive rigidity when it comes to dealing with models.  Fortunately I haven't really run into that problem very often.