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Sometimes I joke that the reason I do mostly nature and landscape photography is
that it’s easier than working with people. But I am joking, it’s not that one is
easier than the other but working with real people takes skill and patience. You
have to learn from each person, no one is the same. Many of us are very stiff
when we “pose” for photos and as a photographer you’ve got to search and find
the key to getting that person to relax.
Here are some tips to help you work with your subjects.
1. Talk to them. And don’t make all the talk about photography. Compliment them
on something, why are you taking their photo anyway? Everyone smiles and relaxes
when they receive a compliment. Use that.
2. Learn to give direction in an easy to understand way. “Move your head just a
little bit to the right, no, no that’s too much.” Is only going to frustrate
your subject. One technique that I use is that I hold my hands up in an oval
shape and tell my subject to imagine that their head is in my hands. I move my
hands and they move their head. I’ve found it works well and I don’t have to run
over to them constantly to pose them. Though you may find that with some
subjects it’s just as easy to move them yourself.
3. Distract them just before you snap the photo, this is a great time to deliver
a compliment. The smile you get will be spontaneous. In other words don’t
announce, “I’m taking the photo now so smile.” Nothing makes people put on their
fake grin faster.
4. Not every photo has to be about smiles. Serious shots, contemplative shots
are wonderful but you must give your subject something to think about. Ask them
to think about their spouse, children, pets, etc. and snap the photo without
announcement. You may be surprised at the emotions that you can capture.
5. Few of us look good in profile or face on with the camera. It’s all the
angles in between that is usually “our best side”. Experiment and find each
subjects best side, there really is one!
Remember to get to know your subject, or if you already know them make sure that
you talk with them. A relationship is how you’ll get the beautiful portrait that
you’re looking for, good luck.
Copyright 2005 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting
nationally and internationally. She started her own business Kelly Paal
Photography. She has an educational background in photography, business, and
commercial art. Please visit www.kellypaalphotography.com for more FREE how to
articles.
