Trust

This is a report of a reply to a comment to a post that did a couple of years ago. I think it merits it's own journal here.

When photographing people, the #1 goal of any shooter, in my opinion, is to gain your subjects trust. 

Everything that I do from the initial communication through the delivery of the images or payment of money is based on earning and honoring that trust that my Clients and Model give to me. 

The initial trust is extended through reputation. I always encourage to their due diligence and to check me out. As you can see, I've worked with a lot of Models so it's not like there isn't a good universe to sample referrals from. I'm confident that almost all of them would encourage other Models to work with me. Even the Models that I've had less than desirable outcomes will have to admit (if they are honest) that I treated them with respect and did what I said I would do. 

It's gaining that initial trust that's the key. I then nurture it through my communication. Being transparent is critical for this. I want the Model to feel confident and trust their instincts about me and what they've learned about me. So my emails are friendly but professional. I anticipate questions and concerns and have them answered in my Statement of Work document. I want the Model to be comfortable and confident going into the shoot.

When the shoot occurs, Everything is organized (assuming the time to do that) and unfolds as planned and discussed by the Model and I. In my communication prior to the shoot, I want them to understand that I will push them during the shoot but once they say "no" we move on. By empowering them with control, they are more willing to take chances. So if and when I ask, they recall my body of work that they've studied, they recall the other Models giving them good recs for me and they recall their communications with me and how they felt and it makes taking a chance with me that much easier to WANT to do. 

Also, I think it has to do with my shoot investment and production value as well. Because I'm willing to use Stylist and I provide wardrobe it makes wanting to shoot with me highly desirable because there is very good chance the Model will get images that they can actually use. Additionally, my posing and post production add a value to the images that encourage Model to trust what I'm asking them to do. 

In sum, I try to create an environment of trust by having a rep of being respectful and trustworthy and my actions underscore that reputation. By creating a space that the Model can feel comfortable creating in and erasing any potential doubts about pushing their artistic comfort, I can get more from them.