Photography Tip: How to Create Natural Looking Portraits

Have you noticed how people tend to get very nervous when you point a camera at them? These photography tips are intended to help you think about ways to create portraits that are more natural looking.  I use the phrase Photo-phobia to describe a fear of having your photo taken (even though I know it technically means fear of light). It is not unusual for my clients to stand in front of my lens and freeze. I see perspiration form on their foreheads and they complain of sweaty palms.   The worst clients are those that have a beer or glass of wine before they come to calm their nerves! They end up giggling uncontrollably the entire session and their faces are so flushed that I have a hard time getting rid of the red in photoshop. I am well aware that most people dislike having their portrait taken.  I hate having MY portrait taken!  However, as a professional photographer, it is my job to ensure that they look natural in their final portrait. Listed below are some tips I use.

 

Photography Tip 1: A little distraction goes a long way.

If you have nothing to think about but being nervous then, of course, your anxiety will only increase. Therefore, I distract my clients by talking to them- constantly.  I begin by explaining to them my photographic style and what they can expect from the session. I also explain the terms that I will use in posing them. I explain that we are going to work together to create a great portrait and their knowledge of this information is intended to garner their cooperation and support. My goal is to eliminate or reduce the anxiety they may have due to fear of the unknown.  While the lights and camera are quite natural for me, most people only see a professional portrait studio a few times in their life.  I guess all of it can seem quite alien and daunting to someone that is not a professional photographer.  By explaining everything to them in advance, their fear of the unknown is reduced or eliminated. Then, once I begin photographing them I am constantly talking to them and telling them how to move and pose. I always remember to compliment them genuinely when I see a good image in my view finder.  It never ceases to amaze me when I see their immediate reaction to a sincere compliment. Their body posture straightens and their smile become more sincere. I also poke fun at them occasionally by commenting on a funny expression they gave me or a dull look on their face. Sometimes, I will stop and go up to them to show them a very good ( or funny) photo on the back of my camera.  When they start laughing with me I know that I am on the track to getting the best, most natural expressions. A note of clarification- I always treat my clients with the utmost of respect. I never poke fun at someone until I am certain that they will not be offended by my comments.

Photography Tip 2: Pose the client in a natural, comfortable position.

If you want the subject of a portrait to appear natural then they must be posed in a manner that makes them look comfortable and relaxed. Therefore, you must take non verbal communication (i.e. body language) into consideration when posing them for a portrait. I am a student of body language. I find it so very fascinating.  When you look at a portrait you will make a judgement about that person based on what you see. In other words, their body language. Do they look confident? Do they look mean? Do they look approachable? Do they look awkward?  While I know the proper way to pose someone for a portrait so their body is presented in the proper way to the camera, if you want the final image to look natural I believe you also need to pose them in a way that is natural and comfortable for them.  That is why I repeatedly ask my clients as I pose them, “does that feel comfortable and natural.” If they feel awkward it will show in their expression. Sometimes at the end of a portrait session I will ask the client, “What would you normally do with your hands if you were standing (or sitting) like you are now? They sometimes assume a great, natural pose that I had not tried up to this point.

Photography Tip 3: Cheese goes with wine not photography.

 

I never ask a client to say “cheese” to solicit a smile.  I ask them to laugh. Even a forced laugh solicits a genuine smile. It works!

Cynthia McIntyre Photography is a portrait photographer specializing in headshots for business and actors. She has portrait studios throughout CT, NY and Tampa Florida. For more info visit her main website or CALL 203-364-1592