'Swagger' When You Shoot!

Have you ever watched a really good photographer work? What did you notice about how he or she approached the subject? Was there any hesitation with regard to the photographer's ability? Did he or she fumble around when trying to set up a shot, or did the photographer step right into the situation and take control?
My point is that many times people react to the way you approach them when it comes to taking photographs. Maybe an example will say it better. When I was working for the government I took a course in how to teach police officers photography. One of the practical parts of the course was an assignment to take a 4x5 film camera and 'go take some pictures'. We were given 4 hours to take the photos and return. Three of us immediately loaded up our gear and drove to JFK airport (don't try this now!)....
When we returned later that day we had photos of the pilots and flight attendants inside the cockpits of several jetliners... we had many shots of people inside the terminal (especially the pretty ladies!)... and dozens of photos of people who worked in the terminal.
As we did the show and tell later that day most of the other photographers had photos taken outside the classroom. Pictures of cars, the street, etc. Needless to say our photos were discussed in much more detail.
What I'm trying to say is this...even if you don't know what you're doing... act like you do. While it is true that taking decent photographs requires a certain amount of technical expertise, it is also true that all the technical know-how in the world won't make up for a lack of zeal in approaching the subject. It is a fact that no one person knows your shortcomings except you. And if you approach a subject (especially a living, breathing subject!) with misgivings about yourself that will be transmitted to the subject faster than you can say 'cheese'.
I used to teach a class in medical school about touching patients. The idea was that in your profession as a physician it was many times going to be necessary to place your hands on the patient. What I tried to stress was that the ideas a physician has in his or her mind at the time of doing so are transmitted directly to the patient in numerous ways, and as such become very clear to the patient. I demonstrated that by shaking hands with one of the male students in a very matter of fact way... no big deal. Then I would repeat the process... simply shaking hands... but would send a totally different message! In almost every case the student would recoil and pull his hand away!
People 'read' us all the time. It may be at work, at home, on the basketball court... but we are being watched to see 'where we are coming from'. It's part of our protective mechanism as human beings to do so. The same happens when you take on the job of directing a subject in order to make a photograph. That person (no matter what age!) is 'sizing you up'... and most of the time how the photo turns out will depend on how you handled that situation. You can bet most subjects are at least a little self-conscious when they approach a photo shoot... if not just plain scared.
When I say 'swagger when you shoot' I certainly don't mean to say you should behave in a boastful or conceited way... but rather with confidence in yourself and your ability. As you do the feelings you have will be sent straight to your subject. That relationship... between you and the subject... can be an extraordinary thing. It will be different based on each situation and each person you encounter... but it will be stronger if you pay attention to your subject, connect with the subject on both a physical and emotional plane, and exhibit your ability to have faith in yourself.
After all, if you don't have faith in you... who does?