Whether you’re shooting a model, bride or child, interaction with your subject is a must if you want stunning images. Some photographers expect their victims, sorry, subjects, to do all the work for them. That’s fine if you have a very animated person to shoot, but it’ll only get you so far. Part of the job of a photographer is to also be a director. This needn’t mean pushing your client around and micromanaging each pose, but it should mean having fun, telling stories and putting your subject at ease. I love messing around with my models and brides, and it always produces a fair amount of outtakes which I think are often the best – as they have the *real* laughing smiles! During the winter when wedding season is slow, I spend a lot of time photographing models for both my and their portfolios. It keeps your shooting mind sharp, allows you to practice new techniques and is a great way to polish up your interaction with your subjects. Here are a few outtakes from recent sessions at my studio – full edited highlights of these sessions coming soon…..