Chemistry between Model and Photographer - How Important is it?

Maybe not strange, but uncommon, I think... 

I've only met one model before a shoot to discuss ideas, which was at her request. For all other purposes, it would be completely impractical for me as I mostly work with visiting modes, so a pre-shoot meeting probably would not be available and/or possible. I do, though, tend to plan in a little time to talk beforehand, and while this may seem a little cold, for most working models, this is just a business transaction, hopefully an enjoyable one.

I sometimes pick models up from a public transport hub, so that also allows some pre-shoot discussion, I'm not sure it's true that you always get the best results with models that you know well or have worked with before or multiple times, but it can be a factor.

Simon Pole said

Maybe not strange, but uncommon, I think... 

I've only met one model before a shoot to discuss ideas, which was at her request. For all other purposes, it would be completely impractical for me as I mostly work with visiting modes, so a pre-shoot meeting probably would not be available and/or possible. I do, though, tend to plan in a little time to talk beforehand, and while this may seem a little cold, for most working models, this is just a business transaction, hopefully an enjoyable one.

I sometimes pick models up from a public transport hub, so that also allows some pre-shoot discussion, I'm not sure it's true that you always get the best results with models that you know well or have worked with before or multiple times, but it can be a factor.

Interesting... Really interesting. 

I was just thinking about what you said. You pick a model from a public transport hub... So she (or he) traveled to meet with you for the shoot... Without ever meeting you before. They must be really brave. Look I cannot put myself in a closed space with someone I don't know... Or in an open space where coordination and trust would be key - if unwanted spectators arrive.

But as it's clear from the very nice discussion we have had here, there is just different styles of working.

I could not prepare for a shoot, spend on location and assistants and security if I was not totally in tune with the model.

Yes, it is strange. I don’t socialise with my electrician, plumber, builder, tax accountant, bank manager or lawyer. And they aren’t my friends. That doesn’t stop us working well together, enjoying our professional relationship or sharing ideas. I’m struggling to understand why it should be any different when I hire a model.

Had a fantastic time with most models over many years, and yes it makes life so much easier and productive when you get on. I'm a hobbyist and have been blessed by having a few models I've shot with regularly for many years and have a great rapport with. There is one in particular I consider as having an extraordinary valued friendship with, we have shot an amazing number of times and resulted in over 50 FPIs, many publications and various awards, very rare indeed. 

I've worked with models who I'd now consider friends but that friendship blossomed during & post-shoot. I've never met up with a model pre-shoot to establish "chemistry". My guess is that when most models suggest a pre-shoot meet, it's likely to establish if they trust you for safety reasons rather than "chemistry"? 

What if it doesn't work out? What if you have zero to talk about, zero in common - do you cancel the shoot? Getting on with whoever you're working with is a real bonus and makes the shoot much more enjoyable, and I always try my best to keep everything fun and friendly, but I'm not sure it's a guarantee of quality of images.

Some of the best results I've had have been from models where the chat has been less than free-flowing due to language barriers - the chemistry happens in that magic space between the model and the lens, and that has nothing to do with personalities. Most famous photographers are famous arseholes, lots of super models are super divas. 

I think the part that's confusing is the term "chemistry".

So yes I think Chemistry in terms of rapport, friendliness and generally getting along is really important on a shoot. But I don't need to meet/chat/socialise with someone beforehand or afterwards to do that. It's my job as the photographer to make sure the person in front of the camera is as comfortable and as quickly as possible on the shoot and create an enjoyable environment for everyone working, because this will all show in the photos.

And sure I've worked with models over multiple years and shoots that I socialise with and consider as friends now, but when it comes to a photoshoot I would never require meeting someone beforehand to see if we get along etc... that's just odd.

That being said... I can understand it if the shoot is travelling/trekking together with multiple days of shooting etc because you probably want to make sure that you get along before having to spend that much time together. Not that I do those types of multi-day shoots, but if I did I'd probably choose someone I've already worked with a number of times before rather than someone completely new anyway.

Edited by Gareth Dix

Gareth Dix you are totally on point. At this point I am no longer shooting to create just images… I can’t be bothered to pickup the camera just to get ‘some pictures’

It’s more about creating stunning, memorable moments and it almost always involves booking a AirBnB in a nice location or traveling to areas with great outdoor scenery… Mostly overnight to capture the early morning light.

And yeah, generally I would shoot with models who I have worked with before, but if I want to shoot with a new one… I guess I have to just do a few boring ‘studio type’ shoots to start to get the ‘rapport/chemistry/trust’ needed to do the shoots that inspire me.

I agree with OP... when you get along with a photographer and feel more relaxed in his presence , the shots will reflect this.

I remember the first time I shot with some of my "long term" photographers ... even after 4 hour shoot, sometimes it's just not as satisfying because you spent alot of effort on developing a relationship .

But then 2,3 shoots in and the photographer is better and model.

Having said that,some photographers are very confident and can deliver in one setting. But this can also make a model nervous, as she can try "too hard"...

It's all fun thou😁

Huw said

Personally, I don’t find it difficult to build a relaxed working relationship within the first 20 minutes or so on the first shoot. I can only think of one shoot in 40 years or so where that was difficult. Not the model’s fault either, she was competent, we were just very different people.

Probably a more important skill than most of the photographic technicalities. 

My experience exactly….even including one ‘hiccup’ in 30 years.  Interestingly (for me at least) the ‘hiccup’ produced outstanding images, really outstanding, even though the shoot itself was somewhat strained.

You know within five minutes of the start of a shoot whether there is any chemistry between you and the model and personally, that is the only way that I can get the images that I want.

This doesn't mean that you are having a relationship just that your mind and body thinks the same way when making a photograph.

An example recently.

The model was making a coffee in the break and had not.bothered to put on any clothes and I suddenly saw the wonderful light cast on her and picked up the camera.

She just subtly stopped and moved just a little and I got one of my favourite images.

No amount of planning can give you this. She knew exactly what was happening without a word being said.

In fact, most of my photography is in reacting to whatever is the situation we, the model and I,are in. I enjoy this and it is where I get my best images.

As to friendships.

There are several models I am friendly with but one I am friends with.

A relaxed meeting of minds, but with a strict line of fantasy/reality has to be there even when it is a friend you are shooting with.

Most of the time it depend on the personality of the photographer I guess. Models are shapeshifters and they addept.

For me personally, most of my favourite shots did not happen because of friendship and knowing each other. It happened because of deep trust and letting each other express honestly, both physically and verbally. Time together did not play a role.

The physical aspect of expression is dependant on how the model feels about her safety and her deeper emotions. For some models it depends on the Photographer, for others, on themselves. It is mostly the Photographer‘s job to let the model go where they need to go to perform. It is sometimes the food you offer, your attitude towards their shortcomings, your remarks on their body parts, your reaction to their insecurities, your welcoming approach to their personal needs etc.

Some models pose and express better under tension. Some need a more relaxed approach to let loose.

The verbal communication part is a different animal. I can see how a meeting before the shoot; in person or on a phone call; can ease things out. Even a small miscommunication can change the mood for both parties and impact the quality of the images.

I tend to have multiple shootings over time with the models I enjoy working and it makes life easier and makes me more creative.

That said, one of my most „intimate“ and fruitful shoots with multiple FPIs and my personal favourite images happened with a model without a pre-com, without any chit-chat during the shoot, within only 2 hours. She was super dedicated and did everything she can to deliver what I expected. We both allowed each other to be open and creative. We had less than 5 minutes of verbal communication during the shoot.

But I can‘t agree with one point some photographers make here. Photography with models can‘t be compared to other services like plumbing or mechanical labour to fixing things. If the Photographer just „captures“ the model, it might maybe apply. But creation as a „team“ needs a real relationship, even for the duration of the shoot or a tiny moment for one expression. I take my shoots personal and won‘t shoot with someone again if the results are flat, without emotion that connects me to the image.

Shandaz said

… I guess I have to just do a few boring ‘studio type’ shoots to start to get the ‘rapport/chemistry/trust’ needed to do the shoots that inspire me.

Why would a few boring ‘studio type’ shoots make any difference?

You say you don’t want any references?
A few of those would make a very big difference to how much models trust you and can relax.

500 model shoots, no references, fake name….     All reasons for a model to be wary.

Theta Aeterna 100% agree with all this.

I don't know if chemistry is exactly the right word. But working with other people needs rapport, understanding - not necessarily being the same as each other but complimenting each others strengths and balancing out each others weaknesses. And that works just as much cooking or decorating a house with your partner, working in a team at the office, playing sport, or making pictures. 

I'm just waiting to fly home from a trip shooting with 3 models all of whom do that really, really, well. I don't like them all to the same degree, one is more in the friends column and another is purely in the professional column - but all 3 have that ability to understand what I'm trying to do - sometimes when I can't articulate it - and given a "I want to do something using this or looking like that" they can say "how about we do such and such" and hit the target pretty reliably; but also hit slightly different targets of other photographers just as reliably. 

When the team doesn't gel, nobody on the team does their best work, and the whole is less than sum of the parts.  My day job is current in an organization where every part is at war with every other part, and as much energy goes into overcoming obstacles put in our paths by other groups, and trying to screw them as doing our own jobs.  Well run organizations have everyone working towards some shared goal(s) and people see the success of people they don't like as part of their own success.  On a smaller scale, good professionals  - photographers and models - can establish rapport with non-pros. People who can't probably don't succeed in making a career of it, even if they can do good work.  We had a past thread about models leaving references or not, and some of us who feel a bit socially clunky, need a nod from the model to say "we worked nicely together, I wouldn't mind working with that one again", otherwise we go away feeling "I thought we got on OK, but it seems I was mistaken". (Models on my 'Never left a ref' list - that's why I haven't re-booked you)

CalmNudes said

I don't know if chemistry is exactly the right word. But working with other people needs rapport, understanding - not necessarily being the same as each other but complimenting each others strengths and balancing out each others weaknesses. And that works just as much cooking or decorating a house with your partner, working in a team at the office, playing sport, or making pictures. 

[snip]

When the team doesn't gel, nobody on the team does their best work, and the whole is less than sum of the parts. 

[snip]

There are lots of nuances in this question, but I think this sums it up pretty well. I prefer to meet a model before shooting them for the first time if I can, but that's what I use group shoots for rather than meeting up for coffee beforehand - although I have done that on occasions.  Exactly where the working relationship sits on the line between purely professional and friendship depends entirely on both parties.