Tips on shooting portraits (part 2).

Kathryn and Trijnie, 2013.

The above photo is similar to the one posted on my last blog (part 1).  I used the same lens and camera type but with no tripod.  Aperture was f/1.4 and ISO 200 but shutter speed was considerably faster at 1/100^th of a second because more light was available. 

The technique part of the process was mentioned but not addressed in my last blog.  My portraits range widely for technique as setting, equipment, subjects, and objective are equally broad.  What I want to do is to focus on commonalities between the previous (part 1) image and the current (part 2) image. 

If you notice both photos involve two people.  This is not a coincidence.  One of the most important things you can photograph are the relationships between people.  Certainly, it is always great to have that image of what someone looks like, especially related to some milestone, such as weddings, graduations, and so on.  But it is the relationships which we end up really cherishing.  The minimum number of people required for this is two, and the more the merrier.

When doing portraits of people, I focus on the nature of the relationships.  Key people, such as grandparents or parents should be central with children assembled around them.  Pay close attention to hands, as they represent attachments.  Stiff, down by your side hands suggest rigidness while folded arms may recommend finding a counselor.  Notice in the previous image the hands are embracing (me) while my wife’s are hidden which conveys nothing in particular.  I may have various degrees of hand holding or shoulder / arm touching, depending on the particulars.  In the above image the friends are sharing an affectionate embrace while expressing some degree of silliness.

Head position also is important.  A slight tilt of the head toward other members helps to suggest various degrees of affection.  Heads away from each other may imply less fondness.  Body position is also important, with slight twists of the torso aiding in the demonstrative impression.  Keep space tight for the same reason, and consider using objects such as chairs, attractive backgrounds, or something representing a favourite shared memory.

Finally take a number of shots as things like closed eyes, lacking smiles, or suddenly remembering some missing aspect will help improve the outcome.  Feel free to give lots of suggestions; encourage head tilts and hand placements with the constant encouragement of letting them know it will improve the shot.  If they insist on something particular, go for it, but then try a few of your own.  Let them be the judge of what they want to use in the end. 

I like to use my photography to, in some small way, improve the lives of others.  You can do the same; it only takes a fraction of a second.

Keep on shooting.