Hello hello!! That is a super good question and one that I am pretty sure I’ve asked people before. Before I answer your question at the end there to your first part I would say don’t “try” to find you personal touch. Just look at tons of work all day every day, as I am sure you do with design, then as you shoot you will start to see things come through. Unifying characteristics that will become your touch once you notice them. I personally couldn’t say what my personal touch is to my work. I just ONLY shoot what I like. Not what I think I should shoot. Its just like design, you do it long enough and you will come out of it and once you notice that “signature” then you can find ways to help pull it out even more. At least thats my 2 cents on the subject.
As to how to get a model in the zone, well, the trick is to inspire them. In my mind if I am working with someone that isn’t super experienced I like to find what they like. The music they like. The fashion they like. Find where what they like over laps with what you want to do and then thats what you should shoot. Also you need to bring the energy to the shoot. If you’re not excited why should they be? Get into it. Get excited. Also, and I firmly believe in this one, have some way you can look at stuff right away. If youre shooting film then have a polaroid/instax or a digital camera. That way when you nail that first great shot show the model to get them pumped. Show them how good its turning out. Build that energy and it will really go from there.
Overall have fun and that will show through in everything.
Derek Woods Photography 