On the record · Paris, France
The portrait is a conversation
How to make images that feel generous to the person inside the frame.
7 min read
Agree on the idea before the first frame
Talk through references, mood and where photographs may appear. Be precise about what is off-limits. This conversation should be ordinary, not awkward.
A useful brief gives the subject enough information to opt in meaningfully — and enough room to bring their own taste to the result.
Create a session with exits
No one should need a dramatic reason to pause, change clothes or end a shoot. Build those exits into the plan from the start and respect them immediately.
Privacy matters too. Keep changing areas private, do not bring surprise guests and do not treat a previous yes as a yes for a new setup.
Publish with care
Share the edit privately before publishing whenever possible. Confirm captions, tags and context. A photograph travels further than a conversation, so give it the care that distance requires.
Great editorial work does not take from people. It makes them feel seen.
Good to know
Questions, answered simply.
Should consent be written down?
For any commercial or published work, a clear written agreement is sensible. It should cover usage, duration, platforms and any boundaries the subject has set.
Can someone withdraw consent after a shoot?
They can always ask not to continue. The fairest approach is to discuss the options clearly and respect the agreement you have made.
What is a good first question before shooting?
Ask what would make the person feel comfortable and what they do not want photographed. It changes the entire tone of the session.