The problem with portrait photography is coming out with a portrait that has the subject either uneasy looking, stiff, nervous, or is just plain discomfited with their awkward smiles prominently displayed in the photo.
A photographer should crack their subject’s openness up so they would lighten up and cooperate with you. They’d be more natural too and so easy to work with. It would result to portraits that are not just lovely but lively with the subject’s true essence captured in the image.
So, how does one crack up the code to make their subject work their way up towards having the most natural self and so you begin taking their portrait shots in the easiest and most natural manner too? Here are four tips:
Tip #1
Work on the subject’s hands. Well, not that you will take different shots of their hands. Instead, give something which they can hold to. Keep their hands busy so that they have cognitive distraction and therefore can curb any camera anxiety they are suffering. That will make for a good shot because it will appear the most natural when the portrait show the entire image with the subject’s hands busy doing something.
Tip #2
Always use a chair. A chair can be the handiest tool you can have while taking their portrait shots. It is always a proven trick to make the subject sit and find them more comfortable and natural than when they stand. There is more a casual thing in the air in which you can take advantage of and do your different angles taking pictures of them.
Tip #3
Learn the art of attracting the distraction. Sounds confused, yes? But here is the idea: get the subject distracted by letting them talk about something which they are interested in, maybe about their favorite pets, family, hobbies, and just about anything that you know will make them soften and open up. Out of these distractions, make good laughs out of it.
This is called shifting techniques that easily loosen up the subject and create the mood that you want when you want to begin shooting up. Not only will you have a lighter, more casual work tandem but you can use them up to have shots with a general sense of fun and light aura, making that up for more natural and sweeter photos.
Tip #4
Do remember to always bring with you respect for everybody you work with. No matter how old your clients are, it is always a good thing to pass on respect to everybody. Whether you are doing personal portrait photography works with your own family, the children or your spouse, or with clients who hired you, respect will clear the atmosphere up and will bring good natured photo sessions.
For instance, if the subject is exuding discomfort during the shoot, it is best to bring them on a location where you can secure privacy. Also, don’t just drop and move if you have something in your mind. Be outright and tell your ideas, and have conversation with them to ensure they are open with what you are trying to impose on the shoot.
In portrait photography, all four tips above are essential if you do want to make your subject or clients more at ease in front of your camera and to bring results that have the most natural effect in them. Make sure then to bring with you these tips to a more effective and productive photographer in you.
Duncan Avenue Photography Studio specializes in revealing your story through professional yet artistic and creative portrait photography all around the Hudson Valley area including Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Westchester, Greene, Rensselaer, Columbia, Saratoga, and Albany Counties.
Your World-Class Lifestyle/Fashion/Portrait Photographer and Art Director Maxwell Alexander is Chief Design Officer at Duncan Avenue Group and holds a Master of Arts Degree from Fashion Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Fine Arts from School of Visual Arts in New York City. Max has more than a decade of experience in branding and marketing Fortune 500 Companies and Global Non-Profit Organizations. He knows a great deal of importance of art direction and amazing portrait photography that tells a story and reflects one’s personality.
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