Sometimes you say something, a phrase or quote and it just kinda stays with you for life!  Kinda like the actor that plays a role that so suits them, that it just stays with them forever.

Early on in my career I caught a phrase from a movie, and started using it in the shotgun mode (up close with wide angle) to elicit a response from my subject.  Break the Ice, forget about whatever they were doing for a “moment shot” if you will. I have found that most people want to interact, but sometimes just can’t let go, and forget where their at, (not that you always want them to, depending on the story) but the phrase always told them  that it’s okay .

I think all event and people photogs have to use some sort of tool to break the barriers that bind, some just wait for it to happen, (never been that patient) some just quietly wing it, but everyone uses something.

Have a wide range of subjects, and most all get the same words. (The dogs really respond well) but it’s nothing more than words, what’s more important is the way, or tone that you say them!

After a couple of years, I heard a few comments (small town) that it was demeaning to some extent, so I stopped using the slang and moved on to “what’s up,” but it was to late.  I mean people actually expect to hear “work it” from me, ( in my home county anyways) and if they don’t, they say it their self which works in reverse, I smile and say what they are looking for.