My 3 steps for getting younger subjects to trust me

STEP 1: Brief

Initially I’ll give them a tight brief. Specific instructions to take any performance out of the situation. I’ll literally put them into positions.

STEP 2: Involvement

I shoot tethered. I take a shot, it comes up on my laptop screen. Once I’ve shot a few frames, I’ll have them come take a look. In that moment, the usual reaction is something like “Oh, that’s not as bad as I thought it would be.” THIS IS A COMPLIMENT and all too common. They’re not talking about the overall quality of the image, they’re talking about themselves. Translated it’s more like “I’m surprised I like how I look here, my confidence has grown.”

STEP 3: Freedom - Trust Initiated

In that moment, they see where things are going and I give them freedom to explore. And let me tell you, they’re not short of ideas and it makes for better images. We’re collaborating now. We’re on the same team and everyone’s a winner.

Take this image of Ron in the sports hall at Leeds Trinity University. Initially I set up for Ron holding a basketball under her arm. We took the shot, she had a look, then presented an arsenal of ball skills.

Brief + Involvement + Freedom = Trust and Better Images.

When they see I’ve got nothing to hide and I care what they think, they know I’m on their side.