For the photographer who wants to take more authentic pictures that tell a story about a person…

How can you take a picture of someone that brings out who they truly are?

First impressions are sometimes are sometimes all you have to work with, and you can just go with your gut feeling. You can actually take a great picture of someone and not know a thing about them.  

Every situation and every person is different. Some people want to share their whole life story and others just want to do the thing and leave.

For those times when you’re just not sure what to do with someone, keep reading.

-First, talk to them. Who are they? What’s important to them? Find out some facts and clues. What is important to them? Why are you taking a picture of them? What qualities would you like to show about them? Ask them questions and try to figure out little things about what makes them tick. Are they fast paced, and do they just want to get this photo shoot thing over with? Are they slow-moving and do they need your help every step of the way? Try to match their energy with your own the best you can. Some people hate having their picture taken. You can read more about this person and how to support them in my other blog article if you click HERE.

-What facial expressions does your subject make naturally? Do they change when you hold your camera up to your face? Can you distract them a little and get them to relax and forget they are having their picture taken? Continue having some conversation and focus on spending time with this person until you see some natural expressions. Make sure you are comfortable with your camera controls so you can forget about that and focus on who is in front of you. You can also coach them. Do they keep smiling? Ask them to be serious. And vice versa. You never know what is going to make an interesting shot.

-Body language says so much. Think about what the position of your subject is saying and change it up. Sitting, standing, walking, head turned in different directions, crossed legs, hands on hips, leaning forward backward, sideways, the options are endless, and every position conveys a message to the viewer. You may not even realize it until you look at the pictures afterwards so feel free to try a bunch of things because you might be surprised at what works. If they look uncomfortable, just change it up until they shift into something that feels right. What positions do they find themselves in when they’re doing what they love to do in their life? Talk to them.

-What do you see in them? What are they wearing? A professional business suit will make someone look completely opposite than flannel pajamas. Have them dress according to what these pictures are for, or for what qualities you would like to bring out in them. It’s also fun to take a variety of photos and have them change their clothing to show different sides of their personality. Talk about these ideas before the session so that they bring the right things. Ask them what their favorite things to wear would be and have them bring it.

-Where would you put them? The location can speak volumes about a person. You can match the location to the personality or do the opposite and have the juxtaposition make a statement about what they’re about. What message would you like to convey about your subject?

-What things are in the photo and what do they mean to the subject? How would it change their energy or expression to be leaning against their car, or hugging their pet dog? Follow your instincts. Pay attention to your surroundings and add or remove items that would bring out special qualities of your subject.

-Your camera angle can tell a story. Looking up at your subject, looking down on them, from behind, from all different angles- move around and try different things until you have told the story you wanted to tell.