Ice breaking

[dragonspyke]

To get people more comfortable when shooting them, what are some techniques that you would use to break the ice and get them to be more comfortable and relaxed? After meeting more new people all the time fot photography, I am just curious as to what you all do in or out of the studio to help them be more relaxed.

I had thought for the in studio setting, some music could be played, but would you talk with your clients and get a feel for what they want to hear? or something that everyone would hear? If so what suggestions?

[bigjon0107]

I know this does not answer the question of what to do at the actual shoot. But i have noticed that it helps if you actually build some kind of relationship with the client before you actually get out there. it wont fix the problem, it just makes it easier to get things rolling

[ShaneKislack]

I like to imagine them in their underwear....oh wait, that's something different.

[LadyShutterBug]

i usually have them do an "evil genius laugh" first, to get a happy natural smiling look going. they will either be real good at the evil genius laugh, or they will feel so dorky doing it that it'll make them smile.

you can always talk about where they will be putting the pics, who they will be giving them to, and stuff like that. wha tkind of car they have. when was the last time they did cool pro pics like this? sometimes they will begin to talk abotu a nightmare goofball photographer and that can be fun too.

i find that with some people... it just takes time. you just have to allow for it!

[HeatherLou]

Most people like to talk about themselves. Ask lots of leading questions, about jobs, kids, hobbies and the like. Try to relate your responses to that, if they talk about there kids, talk about yours. That way, they feel a connection with you.