The great thing about working in our industry is the amount of vastly different people we capture on camera. Sometimes it’s through photography, documentary style video, or someone sharing their personal story for video. We’ve captured on video and photographed people from all aspects of life. From CEOs to community volunteers to small business owners, they all react differently to being in front of the camera and that’s where it’s our job to get them to a spot where they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. How do we do that at Takapa? Here are 5 tips to make anyone feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera whether it’s for video or photography.
1. Introduce yourself and make a new friend.
This is the first step in making someone feel comfortable and confident is introducing yourself and striking up a quick conversation before filming or photographing. Being friendly and asking simple questions like how your subject's day is going or asking questions about work or home life can be a great start to making someone feel comfortable.
2. Your energy sets the tone for the interview or photo session.
Being in a positive mood, friendly, and good energy can help people feel comfortable and confident. Chances are if you’re shy and apathetic, your subject will be too.
3. Recognize that the process can be awkward at first.
I highly recommend that anyone who is directing behind the camera should at one point get their own video or photographs taken. This helps you understand some of the emotions your subject goes through when they are in front of the camera, especially if you are filming or photographing someone for the first time.
4. Compliment your subjects during the process.
Some people you put in front of the camera may have never given an interview or been photographed before. Giving compliments can help put some of their nerves at ease. A simple, “you’re doing a great job” or “what you are doing is perfect, you must be a natural,” can make a world of difference.
5. Don’t be afraid to direct.
Remember, if you’re being the camera that means you’re in control of what’s happening in front of the camera. People who aren’t used to being in front of the camera are looking to be told what to do and how to act. They are looking for you to tell them how to stand, how to act, and how they should answer questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up and direct people how they should be on camera, it will build more confidence in your subject knowing they are doing or saying the right thing.
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