SMILE AND SAY "I LOOK GREAT!"

One of my clients asked me to prepare a list of tips for better photo shoots. 
(Overseeing photo shoots was a fun part of the job when I was a magazine editor 
back east.)
  
Since many of you work with photographers and subjects - or might be taking 
some pictures yourself during the holidays, I'm guessing you might find something 
interesting from this list, too.

1. To ease the subject's nerves, make time for small talk between the photographer 
and the subject before the shoot begins.
  
2. Don't make the subject feel like a prop. Keep in communication throughout the 
shoot and congratulate them when a shot goes particularly well.
  
3. Encourage the subject to bring one or two changes of clothes for variety and in 
case one outfit "doesn't work." Solid colors look best - avoid busy prints and 
pinstripes.
  
4. At the shoot, have the subject remove small lapel pins, such as flags and service
 emblems. (They come out looking like crumbs from lunch.)
  
5. If the smile is too "hard," ask the photographer to ask the subject to relax and look away for a count of three and then glance at the camera right before the click. It leads to a more natural smile and friendly look.
  
© 2004 Donna Kozik. For information about Donna’s writing services, visit 
http://www.DonnaKozik.com.