The most important factor in getting the most out of any model is their comfort in the shooting environment. Uncomfortable models will never give you great results. That is unless you are looking for an uncomfortable model look.

I also want them to feel safe. I know that going into a strange environment and meeting somebody for the very first time can be unsettling. Therefore, I always make it plain that I have no problem with them bringing a support person to the shoot.

In addition to making the model feel safer they can also provide an extra pair of hands. It is also not unusual that they will end up in front of the camera as well.

This was certainly the case when Cassie brought her boyfriend Connor to our shoot. I took one look at his features and said we have to shoot. Fortunately, he was happy to oblige after some initial hesitation.

While Cassie was getting changed I got Connor in front of the lens and we shot some simple images just to warm him up. Then we took a series of images with him and Casey which he was happy to pose. He was also willing to help me with another shit but that is a subject of the next post.

The main light was my Godox AD600 in a 1.5 m octabox positioned at a 45° angle camera left. This provided for in coverage and insured that we got catchlight in the eyes. A reflector camera right provided a bit of fill. 

All of the images we shot with my Nikon Z6ii camera using a 24 -70 4.0 lens. The camera was in manual mode set a 1/200s f8 at ISO100. This is my standard setting for studio work. It provides a reasonable depth of field as well eliminating all ambient light. This means that I am in full control of the light.