i365 project – posing for portraits

I was critiquing portraits in my beginning photography class today. A lot of the students weren’t too happy that I was asking them to take their portraits to the next level.

Just putting your subject in nice light and having decent composition, doesn’t make a great portrait.

The next level includes creating a connection between photographer and subject that allows the viewer to catch a glimpse of the subject’s soul. The real person in the image.

The first image on the left was one of the first images that I took of this boy.

He has the nice fake smile that a lot of people accept when taking photos of their loved ones. Too many beginning photographer place their subjects in good light and compose somewhat interesting images, but they forget to create that atmosphere where the photographer can capture a piece of the subject’s soul.

The image on the right is a lot more telling. I love the little smirk on the subject’s face. The image is a true representation of this boy, on this day at this stage of his life.

Here’s another example.

My subject started out as a shy and a bit self-conscience.

The image here isn’t bad, it just doesn’t say anything.

Again, too many photographers stop at this point.

How can you create this situation where you can catch a glimpse of the subject’s soul?

Here’s a few tips to break the ice and relax your subjects:

1. Talk to them. Ask them about their interests, about the weather, about anything to get them to forget about the very large camera in front of their face.

2. Make them laugh. Tell them a joke, usually, even if it’s bad it will create a reaction.

3. Tell people not to smile. A lot of times the can’t help but smile after this request.

4. Say nothing. Let them start to talk. I’ve found that sometimes subjects will start to talk and can’t stop. It can be great.

5. Distract them. Do anything to get the subject to forget that you are there to photograph them.

Create an atmosphere or situation for your subjects that will relax them

to capture the true essence of your subject or steal a piece of their soul.

Be inspired.