5 DO'S and DON'TS when PHOTOGRAPHING models!

In this video, My wife and I talk about some of the Do's and Don'ts when photographing and working with models. I try to give as many examples as I can using footage from my previous photo shoots. What makes this a unique video in my opinion is that you get to hear these pointers from the model and photographer!
The gear I use: geni.us/PzWjNC
My Instagram: geni.us/Mortiz
JBL bluetooth speaker: amzn.to/2vQmgp1
Connect with me
My website: geni.us/sKBI6hX
Join my Facebook Photo sharing group: geni.us/2jPox
Diana's instagram: @diana.ortiz__
All the gear I use: geni.us/PzWjNC
Music: Joakim karud- Dreams

[@MannyOrtiz]

Make sure to watch the bloopers at the end This is us in real life 😂😂😂

[@melkelrossette1725]

Great tips! My unsolicited advice to add to this is: - Before the session starts and all the formalities are out of the way, ALWAYS inform the model that if he/she doesn’t feel comfortable in any pose (for personal reasons or due to past injuries) to please let you know so you could go on to the next pose and that it’s not a burden at all. Reassure, that your utmost priority is that they’re comfortable and overall it’s a great experience. - if they have ideas they’d like to throw out, to please let you know. It’s a team work effort and you’re open to collaborate. It eases the nerves. - I second the tip of not touching, unless you absolutely have to and it’s the last resort, and ALWAYS ask. And let them know where you are touching. Example: if they aren’t moving their knees to the side a certain way, and you’ve tried many ways to help them… ask, “do you mind if I guide your knee to the side?” Most likely they’ll say yes, and then you follow up with “I’m going to touch the side of your knee. Is that ok?” I’ve seen models feel a lot more comfortable and it maintains trust. - as a photographer, DON’T feel afraid to pose for the model to see how you’d like them to pose. I’m a big guy, and I’m not afraid to twist, turn, move and flow as if I was a petite model lol It helps, and loosens them up a bit. They’ll sometimes laugh and I’ll lighten the nerves or any awkwardness by laughing too, and follow up with “you’ll do it way better, but something like that., haha” - if the model is wearing a low top, or a skirt/dress, and you want them to move, or sit down a certain way, and you know there’s a possibility that the inside of their skirt may show, or the inside of their shirt may show, I like to say something like this, “Ok. Don’t do it yet, but I’ll have you get down here on the floor and sit like this. Or like that. Ok, I’m going to turn around so you could get in position, and let me know when you’re done and when I could turn back around.” Being respectful of the model’s body and privacy, along with safety, is my main priority. I have it above “getting the shot.” At the end of the day, they are people first, models second. - lastly, if they do something you DON’T want them to do, instead of stopping the flow, just take the picture anyway and then say something like, “awesome, I like it! Now let’s try it like this…” and then show them what you really want. Making them feel comfortable and establishing a flow in your session is very important. I’m 4 years late to this video, but hopefully these tips help anyone who may come across this comment.

[@vicenteelenes6915]

My girlfriend is my model, I hate it when I try to encourage her by showing her the good pictures and then she'll want to scroll through all the pictures. Lol

[@KennethLyVideography]

Any other introverts wanting to be portrait photographers really struggling with this whole being social and creating an upbeat mood thing? No? Oh ok... )=

[@PlatypusAurelius]

Carrying a portable music speaker to play the model's fav music is a great idea!

[@wildefx6193]

I try to hangout with the whole team (Models, MUA,assistants etc) before the shoot so everyone gets to know each other and "stiffness" is reduced during the shoot. Also, when i can, we get in some snacks and drinks and some music, so it's more like we are having fun hanging out than working. Then after the shoot...we ball and beer! Fun all the way.

[@remydukes1828]

I never thought of the speaker. Ill definitely have to use that idea. They're all good ideas. You two are great.

[@GeorgeSpacesOut]

Regarding DON’T # 3. During a shoot at a park, I wanted the model to sit under a tree. I had a gut feeling to check the area where I wanted her to sit. As I approached the spot, I caught a glimpse of a relatively large bug retreating into a burrow, exactly where I wanted the model to sit. I glimpsed at it long enough to know exactly what it was - a giant whip scorpion (vinegaroon). Although they’re not venomous, they squirt an acid as a defense mechanism that smells like vinegar so I would’ve ended up with a very smelly and upset model had she sat in that area without checking.

[@kiko25lx]

Never thought about carrying a speaker to the sessions i make. It makes a lot of sense now that i see the real impact of it. Music that we like, just make us feel better and more cozy. Top nocht tip! Thanks a lot Manny!

[@Vectal_]

I once asked a girl to spread her legs (further apart), didn't realise what i said until everyone started laughing haha

[@FastAkira]

My girlfriend hates me during a shooting. I'm just too stressed when I don't get the picture I want or visualize and she can tell. I need to chill a bit more so she can be confortable too and offer a better performance. Good tips! 😉

[@CatManchack]

I've been a photographer for a long time and I have been told so many things I do is wrong. Here you validated me!! Thanks!

[@Osa713]

Great tips, if I'm shooting and I haven't gotten what I like yet. I say "let's try this" with a smile, it keeps the mood positive!

[@dnorris1217]

These are great tips, but by far the best part of the video is watching the two of you interact, both during the video and especially after.

[@patdinco]

I remember a guy told me the model doesn't matter In the photo. Just bokeh , tones, and sharpness lol never heard so much ignorance .yea settings are key but communicating effectively is also important in photography to help create a positive environment to create great photos/content as well.Thanks for the vid man 👍🏻

[@kareemhayes9347]

I appreciate the transparency in this video. I know I keep backup ideas and poses on my phone.

[@manny75586]

When I've directed shory films or photographed models, I found it is great to give them a film that has the kind of mood you're going for with the set to watch before the shoot if you're able (sometimes models just don't "have the time" to do it. Actresses are a lot better about it). The more artsy and stylish the better. It'll help give them a running start into the feel of the world you're looking to capture.

[@fotodestages8545]

Amen to all of those tips! A few other things that I find helpful are to be interested in them and chat with them, listen to them when they tell you stuff about themselves or what they like about themselves or photography in general. Make sure that you have something to drink and some snacks to offer them, take some breaks between series of photos, bring some basic accessories (hairbands, mirror, transparent powder, etc.). Yeah, and afterwards, don't make them wait forever for the pictures, at least send them a preview as soon as possible.

[@filmic1]

Thanks for the do's/don'ts survey! Brings back a great memory of shooting a model when I was working for a small studio. Yeah! I played some great tunes and she really got into it. It was a great time. I was naive/young and gave her the slides to check them out without duping them... she split... with my kodachromes!! Brought back a great memory though. Thanks. You two are really cute!

[@PavelSporish]

Thank you very much for the tips. They are so obvious that you can easily miss them during the photo-shoot. Especially for the tips that Diana mentioned. It looks like she's talking from the model's point of view and it really bothers her when someone touches without permission or talks without respect. Very important to know what the model thinks. Could you please do some more videos from the model point of view? Because models not always talk. They not always say what they think even if they have a great idea. This goes for female and male models, as one. Thank you!

[@amiphi2912]

Their vibes together are so cute

[@jaredjds2011]

I want a girl who looks at me the way Diana looks at Manny 😂

[@bsm1th99]

I definitely agree with #5. I look for poses/ideas on pinterest on a daily basis since I am terrible at trying to pose my models I work with. Most models I work with typically know how to pose and I can base suggestions off what they are doing or adjust the pose as necessary. The music is an excellent idea because it help sets the mood during the shoot. One thing I ALWAYS do is ask the model for suggestions also while on location. It always helps with model feedback.

[@valerieterranova8130]

Just wanna say...you and your wife are gems, Manny. This is such great advice and you both do wonderful work!

[@JTFuller]

Ya'll are fantastic.. So blessed man..

[@jakechurchwell8210]

Manny and Diana...I love you guys so much!!! Thank you for being genuine. Thanks for the tips

[@benw2722]

Can't help but smile at your guy's chemistry man. Thanks for the advise!

[@AMLunaMax]

You guys are the best! How cool is it going to be when you two are old and gray to look back at all the incredibly beautiful images you two created! #dope

[@EddieInzauto]

Amazing! Manny is the realest KZbin photographer and Diana is a whole entire vibe. Love it!

[@pjg1309]

Great video and I have found that when shooting and not following the simple yet important rules the images will not be as good as they can be. If the model is uncomfortable in any way, scared, nervous or anything the images will show it. Emotion comes through in the images.

[@mraznjohnny]

You guys make me smile ,great chemistry.AND MANNY don’t take her for granted.Ive noticed a great youtube upbeat to your photos 👍

[@SaltyJaytee]

Your wife definitely seems like not one to mess/argue with lol. I seen the eyes roll at the first rule of dont's (refrain from touching) and thought damn when she's mad she probably goes off on my guy Manny hahaha

[@kidjayhawk]

Thanks. I do a lot of these but maybe not enough. Being vocal about good poses has always helped in the past but sometimes I am silent. This made me think I should talk and encourage more.

[@gillesmatheronpro]

6th DO'S : work with models who don't regard themselves as ultimate superstars, and do understand everyone can make mistakes. 7th DO'S : behave similarly.

[@omarhussein9029]

Can you please make a video about how you get the ideas of your photos and talk about the planning and essential things you need on the set or while taking photos. All love ❤

[@saenzphtotography3535]

Manny you should tell your wife to start a channel about makeup and skin care I think she has a good personality and down to hearth, and she really knows how to put her makeup. Go for it. If you can do it, Do it

[@linecraft2584]

This was awesome...from both perspectives. My favorite quote, "He might want me to look more grungy!"

[@nel-cam]

Dope video, but what made it all worth watching, was the chemistry between you two lol. You guys are jokes

[@MountainRat]

These are really good. I shoot a ton with models and although I figured these pointers out over time, this video is all packed in one punch and I wish I would have seen this long ago.

[@kenki808]

😄 This was one of the best vids you guys have ever done!! 👍🏽

[@tatuscorpion]

Thanks for the music tip! Going to do that at every shoot from now on. 👍🏽

[@jbmediaa]

You two are hilarious!! I still can't believe I got a chance to meet you guys in LA at the Samy's camera workshop! Thank you for all these great tips!!

[@rudywinston3636]

Hey Manny, love your stuff, as always. I think you're right-on in your comments about considering model well-being and safety, in terms of shoot locations and so on. One thing I think needs to be added (apologies if someone's already mentioned this in your comments -- didn't have time to look through over 600 of them!) is the incredible danger of railroad tracks as a location or photography element. You see this not just with fashion, but with senior portraits and other types of posed imagery of people. Yes, I realize there's a timeless and visual appeal of tracks receding off into the distance, but the danger is incredible. You often won't even hear trains until they're too close to stop; we've all heard stories of someone who tripped or whose foot got caught in tracks as they tried to move, and you really have no idea WHEN a train might suddenly appear. Furthermore, railroads have a special right-of-way, so in the vast majority of instances, if you pose a model on RR tracks, you and the model are trespassing. One sure-fire test to see if it's even remotely acceptable (safety-wise) to shoot on RR tracks -- look at the TOP surface of the steel rails on the tracks. If they're covered with rust, it likely hasn't seen traffic in a while. If it's more of a bare-metal, shiny silver, RUN, don't walk, away. No image is worth the risk, however minor it may seem. Again Manny, great points.

[@alancoutinho]

Came here for Diana. Wasn't disappointed. 😁 You guys are the best

[@Gommly]

So refreshing to see a beautiful happy marriage! Seems so rare these days. Keep it up guys, you are inspiring!

[@ronleonador9910]

I want someone to look at me like the way Diana looks at Manny...you guys are awesome!!

[@polanialmoni6274]

I love how she tease him and doing the don’ts

[@tjmperez]

Loved this guys! I actually just officially started my photography business and I am working towards doing it full time! and have learned so much from you two! Thanks for all you guys do!

[@honeyg8225]

Thanks for the tips! I am looking forward to my photo shoot this weekend.

[@gentlegnt]

You guys are so darned cute together! Love this! I am VERY "green" with instructing/directing models...thankfully I have joined a group that hires pros that already know how to pose and we/I just add a tiny amount of direction..."move a little bit to your right, please or can you rock you hips to the left just slightly or don't smile this time...just a more serious "I own this bridge" type of attitude, ok? And they seem to appreciate it. I had a shoot last Sunday and there were about 12 of us photographers with 2 models just practically stepping all over eachother to get shots of them. Everyone saying, "Hey...look over here"; "Turn your eyes to the left....turn your eyes to the right...smile...no a little more serious...blah...blah..." Poor models...they were so torn on whom to listen to at any given moment. But...one did say that she appreciated the challenge. She said that "Now I realize how it must be for Super Models and movie stars when paparazzi are all calling them at the same time on the runway or grand opening and they have to try and give them what they want as often as possible. So...thanks for these tips...I've been going most of these good "do's", but, will need to bring music along as well-good idea! Thanks again.

[@dipelomundo5003]

Hey! This video helped me a lot! I'm not a photographer. I'm a Brazilian English teacher :) and I have a student who is a photographer and she is going photograph somebody doesn't speak Portuguese. So this video helped me with the vocabulary and directions given on a photoshoot :)) Thank youuu... I just built my class from this video!!

[@flirtempire]

Manny gives tipp: "Don't sexualize your model". Also Manny: "Marries Model". My MAN! 👌😂

[@mo_adventures]

Since I've lost my digital camera I'm now stuck with shooting film only. I tried to show her the back of the back of the camera. It's no success unfortunately

[@claudiasantiago51910]

I had a client bring in her speaker and boy did that get us both in the zone lol Great tips you guys! Y'all Definitely the dynamic duo!

[@kaptainkendrick4052]

Lol! Alot of this I do during my shoots, but I am glad I watched bc I didn't use music to set a chill tone. Thanks for the tips!

[@jrmandrial]

The bloopers at the end! Sooooo real. Sooo funny.

[@benjaminallen5473]

This is the BEST video I've seen you two make yet! LOVE the new channel and LOVE you guys - keep up the great work. My wife models for me too, and these tips are extremly helpful. I've never brought music to a shoot before, so I'm going to try that next time. Continue being fabulous. Thanks, Benjamight

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

My buddy, supermodel photographer for Vogue magazine, Harpers, Elle,..Benjamin Kanarek... he says he never ever directs his models, rather let them do natural things but hes working on a diff. kinda model of course that are profesh. models :)

[@icuimagez5831]

Thanks for the tips. Your bloopers are a nice touch.

[@darzelizam8404]

Maaann, you guys make beautiful pictures ! Fun and inspiring videos ! 😊

[@Drobek6]

Awesome advice, the only one i forget sometimes. Is to bring a speaker. I usually high five with the models or fist bump them, when we nail an image. Gets the model to relax and having fun during the shoot :)

[@nightcall7398]

Not a photographer but did some of this! Great to know I did some things right. Great vid!

[@coolkingdomcouple4665]

Manny and Diane, I love you guys. Manny like yourself my wife is my greatest Muse and I love photographing her. U GUYS REALLY INSPIRE ME💯

[@evo271]

Really useful tips. You make a great team, not just a great couple. Keep them coming.

[@Stormtroopersi4]

Awesome job you two. You guys are really great together.

[@jacquelyndelmendo2303]

Wow sir really nice photo u show us someday I want to be a photoggrapher but now I'm just watching ur tutorial so that I can get more ideas

[@VickyNadar46]

You both look cool together...be fun and stick together forever ❤️

[@stephenelderphoto]

Great tips - and I love these videos with you guys together. You always make me smile while I’m learning 🤯

[@5nanometers]

Your wife is so pretty. It's great that you had a model to give both perspectives. Great video.

[@taepung7426]

Way back then as a Novice Photographer I didn't know how to approach my words, so I kept my photoshoot in short burst, but later on I've learn and gain a lot of experience ever since I've worked with different models and different cosplayers. Also before that, I was having trouble and didn't have a Solid Understanding how to work my DSLR camera and understand the lenses I was using.

[@thediphylleiagrayi1425]

Glad I found your channel! You guys are so precious. Thank you for making these videos!!!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Great informative video on best ways to work with models. Definitely will incorporate these tips!

[@agritech2024]

Manny please give us more your duet videos - great vibes! and needed info from both of you

[@kbogiatzakis]

Luckily I saw this fantastic really informative video before I treat my models as utensils. Thank you!

[@linkedinfred]

So good! I am on my second shoot next week with a new model. Great tips!

[@rastakilla718]

This video was helpful and hilarious. I think that this is the most that I have seen Manny smile. You both are so much fun to watch. Wonderful chemistry. #KeepDoingYourThing

[@LukesBikes]

Hey, there's an article on fstoppers featuring your video! Thanks again for yet another great video, keep it up!

[@luisg694]

8:46 Diana Re checking you out😂😂😂 you guys are couple goals!

[@andfarr2]

Great video, great tips ! Your wife and you work well together !

[@jdlmediaco3541]

hahaha you guys were awesome! great tips, but your personality between each other at the end was the best part! Thank you :D

[@vaneickelen]

Man this video makes me want to marry my girlfriend. I started dating her after 2 photoshoots and we're so happy now. You look so good together! Awesome tips, always important to remember the Do'S and Dont'S!

[@victorrivera6375]

Great ending! You compliment each other well Manny. Take care. In Florida waiting for Irma. ...not for a shoot I sure you.

[@granthambeard]

I'm doing my first of these tomorrow thanks for the tips!

[@adrianarichard4973]

This was such a helpful video! It was entertaining to watch, especially since you guys are always lighting up the mood with how well you connect with one another, and the tips were incredibly useful. I loved how you showed examples and how the pictures turned out. Will be checking out more of your videos!

[@kh0a87]

keep up the good work! love the element of adding diana to your videos. good vibes

[@5nanometers]

I rarely shoot portraits (I'm a documentary photographer), but I'm subbing to learn more about portraits. Keep up the great work!

[@teodormitsev4680]

I love your energy guys! ☺️☺️

[@esphotography6217]

Very nice video, definitely you have to do more videos like this talking both, not only you Manny. Great work keep doing!

[@AnchorKitMedia]

Manny really good tips, these are all easily missed during a shoot !!!

[@PowafulVisualz]

love you guys energy n connection....lovely chemistry and great video..

[@ToneZoneStudios]

I'm doing a photoshoot with a new model in like 3 hours. These are good tips!

[@uchennambah]

Ortiz thanks very much. I learnt so so much. Now i know you dont touch your model any how, and also beware of the words used. Thanks man. lest i forget, you should be doing more video with your wife, she makes it more lively than you alone

[@Jamminyea]

The biggest tip that stuck out to me was Direct more & Pose less. That, and to not be so serious. Those 2 are my biggest hang-ups, but it’s definitely a way I can change how I shoot. Those will be huge improvements for me.

[@MartinSh429]

Great to hear from her side as well

[@AshAswaDigitalPortraits]

Have a couple of photoshoots coming up in 2020. Really useful video, thanks!

[@mwiddow]

thanks for the video.. i jus started taking photos and ive been asked to take pics but i was nervous about the poses but this video helped alot... thanks guys

[@KenFrancisFilms]

i love couples that take pictures together 😭😍

[@TheRealMikeEdwards]

I could definitely incorporate the music aspect to the photo shoot. Great advice Manny.

[@loveraindown]

You're cutest video thus far. Keep up the great work!👌🏾

[@jadenalexander4227]

Great video from two wonderful professionals. Thank you for the advice.