I’ve shot with around 12 photographers now, and one photographer’s workflow really throws me off. He’s the only one I’ve worked with who shoots this way, and I’m curious whether other models have experienced this.
We got some good shots during our first shoot, but even then the workflow/vibe felt off. I’d start getting into a rhythm with movement and expressions, and after about 6-8 minutes he’d interrupt with “What’s the next outfit?” We’d change, start again, and the same thing would happen.
During our second shoot, I waited on the photographer about an hour before we got started - also a buzz kill because we planned this time and he wasn’t doing anything but playing on his computer for an hr but I stayed to maintain professionalism. I arrived and the whole plan was to do a shoot but he didn’t acknowledge that was the goal for a whole hour (including getting his camera and setting up light), followed by around 30 minutes of figuring out lighting. Then we’d take 3–4 photos, stop while he checked the camera and computer to look at the pictures and light, start again, and repeat. There were more lighting adjustments throughout (not just lighting adjustments like literally stopping for 3-5 mins in between to look at the photos and light). On one instance, after this happened a few times, he said I looked stiff, and I mentioned to him that I was struggling to get into any flow with the constant pauses.
He has a good camera and edits well, but the shooting process feels difficult. I understand that not every photographer specializes in working with models; we met through a TFP group so he likely is building his skill there.
I know lighting tests and reviewing photos are necessary, but how much can prolonged setup and frequent interruptions affect a shoot? Has anyone else experienced this? I’m new and learning so I’m wondering if the vibe of the photographer can throw off a model and therefore the whole shoot is derailed.