Portrait Images…
One of things I’ve found is
that unless you’re working with a model that’s trained to be in front of the
camera and can take direction in what you the photographer is looking for, you
get the frozen and can take time to have the person comfortable in a studio or
camera environment.
Being Relaxed
For any client that’s come to
you and asked you to do a portrait image of them or of a family member have an
idea of an image that represents them best. But putting someone in front of a
camera seems to cause that involuntary look of nervous or a blank look. Many
times I’ve heard people say they hate having their picture taken, but I think
this is due more to the situations they've been in when they've had the image
taken and by people that like everyone else has a camera and says ‘smile’ and
then they see an image they feel is un flattering, this plants the seed of not
wanting to have their photo taken.
There’s a great difference to
someone having a camera at an event that wants to take photos, but inclined to
take the photo of a funny situation that involves that person, while a photographer
goes round and looks for that interesting but relaxed look that puts them in a
much better light. If you say to someone to look at the camera or look to the
left, they end up with this fixated look and their desperate not to blink which
involuntary makes them blink as you press the shutter.
Getting that natural look
With young children and
animals it seems to work in the opposite direction where you make a noise or
rattle something to gain there attention. What makes this different is their
not aware as of yet what a camera is or does. Older children and adults, it’s
more about getting their attention away from the camera and lights and to focus
on something else.
One way is to communicate,
build a conversation that leans them into forgetting why they are there, make
light of something that comes up in conversation that makes them give that
natural smile or laugh. Take an image of someone and ask them to look direct at
the camera and then another using the commutation situation, you’re going to
see a big difference in the images that makes one stand out better than the
other, and that’s the relaxed look.
Using a wireless trigger
Something that I learnt while
doing my self-portrait project is to use my wireless trigger to take the shot
for me as I don't have anyone to help me behind the camera.
Using a wireless trigger in
the same way while working with a client, gives you the flexibility and the
chance to get images easier. Once you've set the lighting and camera up on the
subject, you can then move away from the camera and then have your subject
focus on you. For instance you want them to look slightly to the left, you move
yourself to that position of the angle you want them to be in. you’re getting
them to focus on you and not the camera so if you strike up that conversation
and carry it through, you’re always going to have that natural look.
Moving around and
communicating brings those images your trying to create without that
professional model direction. A wireless trigger is there to control the
shutter and doesn't need you to be behind the camera all the time. You know you've
got the focal length how you want it, and the lighting, all that’s left to do
is watch and click, then you’ve got the shot.
Getting the shot
I’m sure other photographers
have their own techniques; this is just one way to consider working on portraits
if you’re like me and you’re still learning the skills of taking good portraits.
Getting those amazing shots can take time but if you find a way that makes it
easier for you and the sitter, then you’re saving time and effort for both of
you.
Thanks for reading, AndyD
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