Sometimes, the biggest difference between a snapshot of a person and a photograph good enough to be called a portrait is the discomfort of the subject. It's not easy to take pictures of your family or friends without making them look stiff, posed, or uncomfortable. People tend to stiffen up in front of a camera, especially those who hate being photographed. While you're shooting, they're thinking about how horrible they must look. No wonder they look uncomfortable! So, how do you take uncomfortable subjects and make them look comfortable?
It's really quite easy. Just ask your subjects to look at an object directly to their left or right so that their head has to turn to the side. Tell them "Stare at that plant (or clock, or picture, or whatever) until I give you the cue. When I give you the cue, turn your head and look at me. BUT DON'T TURN YOUR HEAD UNTIL I GIVE YOU THE CUE!"
Let them stare at the plant for a moment or two and then say, "Okay, here comes the cue...MARSHMALLOW!"
Your subjects will smile naturally, their heads will turn and you immediately snap the picture. Of course, you'll need to think of a few fun cue words to use because "marshmallow" will wear thin after one or two shots.
The resulting photograph will show their heads in natural positions since they had no time to stiffen up. What's more, they'll have genuine smiles on their faces.
Of course, there are other techniques you'll want to use to take better portraits. But "Marshmallow" is a great beginning.
Barry L. Anbinder is a professional photographer and owner of January Moon Photography in a suburb of Atlanta, GA. You can visit his studio's website at http://www.januarymoonphotography.com
His Take Better Pictures Blog is his first instructional website.
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