How to Earn the Trust of Your Model

Photography and Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2022

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How to Earn the Trust of Your Model

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To build trust, write it all down and sign a model release agreement between the two parties. I first start with a meeting to discuss the parameters of the shoot. By parameters I mean, ask the model how she wants to perform as a seductress. The subject sets the tone. The great photographers work masterfully within the subjects parameters. Go into detail and discuss what she is comfortable with on your set. This is critically important when it comes to erotic photography. The model and photographer must have a clear delineation as to what to expect on a shoot.

For example, one of the obvious things to discuss is: does she want to be photographed fully nude? If not, then I nuance the conversation and outline specifically what type of eroticism she wants to exude. Topless, bottomless, showing pubic hair, fetishes, all need to be discussed and cleared by the model before the photographer proceeds to production phase.  If boundaries are set well in advance, chances are both parties will be happy with the experience.  

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In this series, I demonstrate a sequence of photographs with two young women who outlined specifically the type of poses they were comfortable with.   In this case, Marlene and Sheryl were interested in implied nudity, meaning breasts are fully exposed but not comfortable with full frontal nudity. Bottomless poses were off limits.  Building trust by open communications and specific documentation in the form of a collaboration agreement with your subject is one of the keys to a successful sitting in the sphere of erotic photography.

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