Well said Photo show.

Best,
Jonathan

I have a rather simple method: play with the model! LOL I'll have someone cracking jokes behind me while I shoot, or if its just me and the model I'll be the one joking. Let's face it, models are models, not actors. I have to deal with women and men that have the "look" I need, but all too often zero acting skills. Because of this, I find it extremely helpful to make them comfy and then purposefully stimulate the model emotionally on set. Every reaction is now genuine. Works great for positive emotions. I've been taking this to a new level this month, and the results are looking great, can't wait upload these babies!

One thing I explain right off the bat to models now is how important their eyes are. Anyone can smile with their mouth, but a genuine smile uses the eyes and forehead. Nailing real looking genuine emotions will get you noticed by buyers - weather it's happy, tired, or whatever else emotion you are going for.

I'm with you Cardmaverick,

 Joking and putting people at ease is the best way to get them to loosen up. A couple of good jokes, I also get pretty goofy on the set with music and fun to keep it all alive. There was a great old photographer ( his name slips me ) He used to shoot very important people with his 8X10 and he noticed that with his history of greatness and the egos of his models he would deliberately set up a pile of film holders next to his camera without film and if things got to tense he would trip over the stack on his way back to the camera. He said it would break that tension just for a moment and he got some of his best work from that trick. He made himself humble and real to his very special subjects and this set the relationship over any power struggles appearing in his images. People being put at ease ease and how to get them there, even the pro models react better when they have fun.

Best,
Jonathan.

Once a model sees my fat butt trying to demonstrate a pose the tension is broken

I've seen enough of your butt to last me a lifetime of laughter   LOL Certainly put ME at ease!! ROFL