Tips for Beautiful Portrait Photography Part Two

Part Two Working with your Subject

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.

If you have any questions please email me at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/contactkelly.htm

Copyright 2004 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. Recently she started her own business Kelly Paal Photography (www.kellypaalphotography.com). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design.