Bad Things to Say During a Photo Shoot and What to Say Instead

When you're new to photography involving people, you might spend a lot of time working on getting your technique just right, but that's only half the puzzle, as you have to be good at directing people as well. This great video discusses several things to avoid saying during photo shoots and what to say instead.

Coming to you from Jessica Sterling with Advancing Your Photography, this helpful video discusses several things you should generally avoid saying during photo shoots and what's better to say instead. Altogether, a lot of it really boils down to maintaining an air of positivity. So much of a photo shoot is about the psychology of it and creating an atmosphere that makes the subject(s) feel comfortable and happy and willing to be vulnerable in front of your camera. When you talk about something negative, even if it has nothing to do with the shoot and you're just making conversation, it can have a dampening effect and make the subject(s) feel awkward or uncomfortable, which will only make your job all the more difficult. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive dialogue. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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7 Comments

Say Cheese ..

Dire fromage!

It's French so it is fancier.

Can someone summarize this video for me so I don't have to watch it?

Some irritating photographer telling us what not to do, basically "don't say don't" . . You chose right, sorry I wasted my time. Fstoppers just continues to go downhill

Simply put - nothing to see here. Move along!

You can't be bothered to watch the video or read the story, but you want someone to do that work for you and leave you a comment that you then have to read about it? Millenial?

The above replies to my comment proves my point.