Okay, let's get you dialed in with some realworld English phrases you'll actually hear and use on a photoshoot, especially when you've got an international model in the mix. Forget the robotic stuff; this is about making magic happen smoothly.
The goal here is clear communication, building rapport, and getting the best out of everyone. Think of it as a dance – you need to guide and be understood, and the model needs to respond and feel comfortable.
1. The Welcome & Introduction: Setting the Tone
This is where it all begins. A warm, clear welcome can instantly put everyone at ease.
"Hi [Model's Name], so great to finally meet you! I'm [Your Name], the photographer."
Why it works: Personal, direct, and states your role. "So great to finally meet you" implies you've been looking forward to it, which is a nice touch.
"Welcome to the studio/location! How was your journey getting here?"
Why it works: Shows you care about their comfort. Even a simple answer like "Good, thank you" is fine, but it breaks the ice.
"This is [Assistant's Name], they'll be helping us out today."
Why it works: Introduces your team and clarifies roles. Important for the model to know who's who.
2. Guiding the Pose: The Core of the Shoot
This is where most of the specific direction happens. Clarity, conciseness, and positive reinforcement are key.
General Body Direction:
"Can you step over here, please?" / "Could you move a little to your left/right?"
Why it works: Simple, clear directional cues.
"Bring your shoulders forward slightly." / "Roll your shoulders back a bit."
Why it works: Subtle adjustments that can change the whole feel. "Slightly" and "a bit" are important – you don't want drastic, uncomfortable movements.
"Chin up a little." / "Drop your chin a touch."
Why it works: Very common for portraiture. "Touch" is softer than "bit."
"Lean into the light." / "Turn your face away from the light slightly."
Why it works: Directing the model to interact with the lighting, which is crucial for the photographer.
"Slight turn to the camera." / "Angle yourself more towards me."
Why it works: Guides their body position relative to your lens.
"Lengthen your neck."
Why it works: Encourages an elegant posture.
"Relax your jaw." / "Soften your expression."
Why it works: Addresses tension that can show in the face.
Hands & Arms:
"Let your hands rest naturally." / "Just let your hands fall."
Why it works: "Natural" is often the goal. Avoid overly stiff or awkward hand placements.
"Soften your hands." / "Loosen your grip."
Why it works: Especially if they're holding something or leaning.
"Bring your hand up to your face gently."
Why it works: "Gently" is crucial here.
"Place your hand on your hip." / "Put your hand on your waist."
Why it works: Classic poses.
"Cross your arms, but keep it relaxed."
Why it works: "Relaxed" is the qualifier.
"Show me the profile of your hands."
Why it works: Often for aesthetic hand shots.
Facial Expression & Gaze:
"Look at me." / "Eyes to the lens."
Why it works: Direct and essential.
"A little smile." / "Just a hint of a smile."
Why it works: Controls the intensity of the smile.
"Give me a smolder."
Why it works: A more specific mood request.
"Think about [a happy memory/a loved one]."
Why it works: A psychological cue to elicit genuine emotion. This is gold.
"Imagine you're [in a specific situation, e.g., waiting for someone, just heard a secret]."
Why it works: Storytelling for the model.
"Direct your gaze over my shoulder." / "Look past me."
Why it works: For shots where the model isn't looking directly at the camera.
"Open your eyes a little more."
Why it works: If their eyes are slightly closed or squinting.
Movement & Flow:
"Walk towards me." / "Walk away from the camera."
Why it works: For capturing movement.
"Turn slowly." / "Turn to the left/right."
Why it works: Essential for capturing different angles.
"As you turn, lift your head slightly."
Why it works: Combining actions for a fluid shot.
"Sway slightly."
Why it works: Adds a natural, dynamic feel.
3. Technical & Lighting Cues: The "How"
These are about the technical setup and how the model interacts with it.
"Can you stand here, please? Right in the middle of the light."
Why it works: Positions them for optimal lighting.
"I'm going to use a flash. Just relax, it will be quick."
Why it works: Prepares them for a sudden light.
"Don't worry about the lights, just focus on me/the pose."
Why it works: Reassures them that your job is to manage the tech.
"I'm going to take a few shots like this, then we'll move to a different angle."
Why it works: Manages expectations and workflow.
4. Feedback & Encouragement: Building Confidence
This is just as important as the direction. Positive reinforcement is crucial for a good performance.
"Perfect!" / "Great!" / "Fantastic!"
Why it works: Simple, powerful affirmation.
"That's exactly what I'm looking for."
Why it works: Confirms they've understood and delivered.
"You're doing amazing."
Why it works: Boosts morale.
"Beautiful!"
Why it works: A classic compliment.
"Love that expression!"
Why it works: Specific praise for their face.
"That's a keeper!"
Why it works: Means you've got a great shot.
"Just one more like this."
Why it works: A gentle way to ask for a few more tries.
5. Addressing Issues & Refinements: Gentle Corrections
Sometimes you need to adjust. The key is to do it kindly and clearly.
"Could you just adjust your [shoulder/hand/etc.] a little?"
Why it works: Polite and specific.
"Maybe try [a slightly different expression/pose]?"
Why it works: Suggestion rather than a demand.
"Let's try that again, but this time, think about [desired emotion]."
Why it works: Gives them a focus for the retake.
"Can we soften your [jaw/hands]?"
Why it works: Points out an area for improvement without being harsh.
"You're doing great, just a tiny tweak on your [hand position]."
Why it works: Balances praise with constructive criticism.
6. Breaks & Wrapup: Professionalism
Ending the shoot well is as important as starting it.
"We'll take a short break now."
Why it works: Essential for comfort and regrouping.
"Do you need anything? Water? A quick touchup?"
Why it works: Shows you're mindful of their needs.
"Okay, we're wrapping up for today."
Why it works: Clear signal the shoot is ending.
"Thank you so much, you were fantastic! I'm really happy with how these turned out."
Why it works: Expresses gratitude and positive results.
"We'll be in touch with the edited images soon."
Why it works: Sets expectations for delivery.
"Have a great rest of your day!"
Why it works: A polite closing.
Extra Tips for International Models:
Be Patient and Speak Clearly: Enunciate. Avoid slang or overly complex sentences, especially at first.
Use Visuals: If a verbal cue isn't getting through, demonstrate the pose yourself. Pointing and gesturing are universally understood.
Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to their body language. Are they comfortable? Confident? Adjust your approach accordingly. Some models are more responsive to strong direction, others to softer guidance.
Build Rapport: Genuine smiles, asking about their home country (if appropriate and they seem open to it), or sharing a brief, relevant anecdote can go a long way. They're not just a body to photograph; they're a person.
Keep it Positive: Even when correcting, maintain an encouraging tone. A model who feels good about themselves will perform better.
"Can you give me one more?" vs. "Do you want to try one more?" The former implies you're driving, the latter gives them a bit more agency. Choose what fits the moment.
Ultimately, effective communication on a photoshoot is about respect, clarity, and a shared goal: creating beautiful images. These phrases are your toolkit, but your attitude and attentiveness are what make them truly effective. Good luck!