I remember it was said in one of the fstoppers tutorials that getting an attractive model is half job done for a good portrait of something of that sort (this was in the swim wear tutorial with joey wright i think). I totally agree with this. a good portrait photographer does not have to be a good photographers per se, but has to have the ability to obtain attractive subjects and/or get the most out of their subjects though outstanding communication skills. at his point, I learned how to get models comfortable and in 99% of the shoots, I leave the studio having the model as a new friend. settle things such as warm up photos, assurances, constant feedbacks, getting to know their music preference etc.. are just as important as the light settings. this was one of the last shots in that session and i just told the model if she is okay with the hands as bra shot, she agreed and i literally just pointed the octa down and snapped a couple of photos. also, the model is 23, i got a lot of backlash because she looks too young.
